The house on Newington Green was built in 1722.  Originally it was the home of Dr. Joshua Belden.  Laura Holmes and Luther Calkin were children who were "bound" to the Belden family, which means that their parents had signed agreements with Dr. Belden saying that their children would work for him.  In exchange for their work, Luther and Laura received a place to live, food, and a little money for pay.  Bound boys and girls were not slaves but they could not leave the house or farm without permission until the agreement was over.