Paper House

Visit a house built entirely out of paper.

Mr. Elis F. Stenman was a mechanical engineer and built his summer home entirely out of newspaper. It started as a hobby in 1922 but grew over time into a roadside spectacle just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. The frame for the house is made of wood but pressed paper was added to build the walls. Glue and varnish were used to make the paper portions waterproof.

The walls are not the only paper-based materials (which primarily served as insulation); you will see paper furniture inside as well. A simple desk and chair are some of the additions, but more unique is the real piano, covered in paper to blend in with the rest of the home. Plumbing and electricity were originally installed, but there was no bathroom. The property is currently maintained and operated by Elis’ grandniece Edna Beaudoin. Admission is only a dollar for children and a dollar fifty cents for adults.