Jul 2 Jul 2 Boston Globe: Dating back to 1776, the Potter Mansion survived 250 years. Its clock is still keeping time. Lindsay Crudele Dating back to 1776, the Potter Mansion survived 250 years. Its clock is still keeping time.Revolutionary War captain John Potter started building the Potter Mansion in 1776 in North Brookfield. Today, it’s open as a museum in West Springfield. Read more: Boston Globe