This old home was built about 1724. It was owned by Thomas Mead of Lexington, Robert Gray of Andover and co-owners Eleazer Lawrence and Nathaniel Russell. Moses Sanderson, who had come to Littleton from Watertown in 1730, purchased the farm in 1750. This marked the beginning of over 200 years of ownership and occupancy by the Sanderson family, representing six generations. It was from this homestead that Moses Sanderson left for the North Bridge, Concord, on April 19, 1775, answering the call to arms.
The original farm covered a wide area of upland and lowland including a position on Oak Hill, some of the Beaver Brook territory and the extensive meadows along the Ayer Road. The first barn on the property which stood at the west end of the house was moved to make way for the railroad.
The original house with its salt box style architecture was of interesting construction having a large central chimney, four fireplaces, and old brick oven, and gunstock beams. The section to the right of the front door was of sturdy construction as protection from the Indians. When the porch was repaired it was discovered that the siding was made of white oak planks up to the second story with heavy studding of the same wood.
When Miss Fannie Sanderson died in 1949 the house was sold out of the family and converted into an apartment house.
The Sanderson family has contributed much to their community and country. Many have served the country in time of war. Mr. George W. Sanderson served as a Representative in the Massachusetts Legislature, and Mr. George A. Sanderson was a Supreme Court Judge. Miss Gertrude Sanderson was a gifted artist and designed the Littleton Seal. The Historical Society has a number of her paintings.