The World's Oldest Donut Shop

"The owner of the house near the Boston-Milton line said he bought it last spring for about $525,000, intending to tear it down and build shops and apartments on the site. But after learning of the house's history -- and after the Boston Landmarks Commission placed a 90-day demolition delay order on the house Tuesday night -- he has agreed to try to preserve the historic portions of the building."

"'We're trying to maintain the integrity of the historic village,' said Richard O'Mara, vice president of the Lower Mills Civic Association, standing on a Dorchester street corner ringed by buildings dating to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, all adapted for modern use. 'We all think that buildings can be converted to more typical use and be economically viable while maintaining their historical integrity. We don't want to lose this house.'"

"The house was built about 1795 by John Bussey, who moved from Milton to Dorchester after serving as a soldier, said Earl Taylor, president of the Dorchester Historical Society."

"Owner Gregg Donovan said he had spoken with the company about his proposal. The house would replace a Dunkin' Donuts store a few hundred feet away, he said."