gates, the original owner, was a pioneer in the settlement of barre who established the first tannery in the town and later became one of its most prominent early citizens. the property has remained virtually unchanged since his ownership. after new owners restored it, it was listed on the national register of historic places in 2009. it is the second property listed in barre after the skinner-tinkham house in the hamlet of barre center, and the second stacked-plank house listed in orleans county after the servoss house.