Built in 1830 by the father of Charles Gould, it was the second brick house built in Biddeford. The Goulds living at this residence were listed as "farmer" in the earliest city directories. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Gould family were prominent in local politics and business. Royal Gould was the Superintendent of the Biddeford schools for many years; Jesse Gould was a lawyer and businessman; and Nellie P. Gould was the manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company on Main Street.

An inscription on the back of the photograph reads "Residence of Royal Gould - 136 Alfred St., Biddeford - Heated by Gurney Hot Water Boiler."