Nomination for Fisher School--High Street Historic District

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 RECEIVED National Register of Historic Places Registration Form MAY | 8 2000 681 NATIONAL REGISTER, HISTORY This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. Seelinstrudtions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by markingrix'sie the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter"N/A" for "not applicable."For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a).

Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name FISHER SCHOOL - HIGH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT other names/site number 2. Location street & number 748-850; 751-823 HIGH STREET not for publication city or town WESTWOOD state MASSACHUSETTS code MA county NORFOLK code_021 _ vicinity zip code_02090 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of istoric Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the propert) -meets [ does not meet the National Register Criteria.

I recommend that this property be considered significant nationally - statewide [Nocally. (L See continuation sheet for additional comments. udhr b. MaDonoual Signature of certifying official/Title Judith B.McDonough, Executive Director 5/10/2000 Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. (C See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. Nationál Park Service Certification 1. Rrone i he Natona Regiser - See continuation sheet Natoma Re oigiele forthe Odetemined hit eligins tortre National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Signature of the Keepe Patuck Andur Date of Action 6/30/00 Fisher School HD Name of Property 5.

Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) xprivate x public-local _ public-State _ public-Federal - (Check only one box) _building(s) x district _ Site structure _ object Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) n/a 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC: single dwelling EDUCATION: school RELIGION: religious facility FUNERARY: cemetery Norfolk, MA County and State Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 18 8 1 1 _building sites structures objects Total 20 8 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register n/a Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC: single dwelling EDUCATION: school RELIGION: religious facility FUNERARY: cemetery 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) EARLY REPUB. - Federal MID 19* C. - Greek Revival LATE VICTORIAN - Italianate LATE 19" and 20" CENTURY REVIVALS - Colonial R.

Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation_STONE, CONCRETE walls WOOD-weatherboard, shingled BRICK SYNTHETICS STONE - slate ASPHALT roof other Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Nationai Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. 7 Section number Page - 1 7. DESCRIPTION The Fisher School-High Street District, located in Westwood, Massachusetts, consists of twenty contributing resources that line both sides of High Street southwest of the commercial village center.

Westwood, once part of Dedham, lies approximately seventeen miles southwest of Boston just outside the Route 128 circular route (now part of I-95). The town is at the center of Norfolk County and next to Dedham, the County seat. The district is one of two linear districts along one of two major routes through Westwood. The small district, lining both sides of High Street, is residential at the edge of the commercial _district and consists of nineteenth century dwellings on small lots of which only one residential lot, 754 High Street, exceeds three-quarters of an acre. Surrounding areas are characterized by mid-twentieth century commercial centers at each end of the district along High Street and modest residential development west on Hartford and High Rock Streets.

East of the district is town owned land, conservation area and wetlands bordering on large lots that front on Thatcher Street. The commercial center on the north end of the Fisher School-High Street District consists of two strip malls on the west side and a gas station and a couple of commercial buildings on the east side separating this district from the Colburn School-High Street District. Formerly these parcels on High Street at Gay and Hartford Streets were important nineteenth century dwellings and estates consistent with the development of the full length of High Street that was known as West Dedham Village. The intrusions created by the demolition and new construction are significant enough to necessitate the formation of two High Street districts.

The Colburn School-High Street District, which also lines both sides of High Street north of Gay Street, has eighteenth and nineteenth dwellings and barns as well as a number of civic buildings. The district boundaries follow property lines. Included in the twenty properties are two schools, one church, one cemetery, and sixteen residences of which six are non-contributing due to their mid-twentieth century construction dates. Outbuildings include five barns and two garages. Three of the barns are attached to the associated nineteenth century dwelling. The one structure is the wrought iron fence surrounding the Cemetery, important for its design and construction at a foundry within the district boundaries. Key to the district is the linear village setting on each side of the High Street anchored by the West Dedham Cemetery at the southeast end.

The topography of the district is consistent with eighteenth and nineteenth century village main streets on a relatively flat terrain through the community. Formerly the setbacks of the dwellings were deeper. Road widening, shoulders and a sidewalk on the west side account for the closer proximity of the dwellings to the roadway. Buildings in the district are domestic in scale and context, and include two and one-half story gable roof dwellings with center entrances for the most part. Most are well preserved, displaying wood clapboard or shingle siding. The only masonry building in the district is the 1939 former Westwood High School, now the Thurston Middle School. Five of the historic properties have been covered with synthetic siding, and all but one of these retains the wood trim. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB ApprovalNo.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 2 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Section number. Page. All of the historic residences date from the first half of the nineteenth century. The First Baptist Church structure ('hoto # 3) dates from 1809, when the timbers of the Clapboardtrees meetinghouse (1731) were reassembled for the Baptist Society, and the High School has the late construction date of 1939. The Cemetery (Photo # 1) spans the period of significance with the earliest burial of 1752. Nearly all properties represent the transition from the Federal to the Greek Revival period with several examples of Italianate updating. Nearly all dwellings display the common center entrance double pile plan with a five-bay facade.

One dwelling, 51-53 High Street, was built as a two-family and has symmetrical side entrances with a gable front facade. Non-contributing resources include six properties, four of which are modest capes or ranch style houses built by 1950. The setback of these dwellings is deeper than the nineteenth century dwellings and all are built on a stretch of land between the Baptist Parsonage and the driveway to the church. One of these dwellings, 776 High Street was built within the period of significance, however, does not display a house type or style that was popular for the era, nor is it distinguished from the other post 1940s dwellings. Another neo-colonial house built in 1950, 775 High Street, which is non-contributing, now serves as professional offices.

The other non- contributing building is a 1966 neo-colonial office building on the corner of High and High Rock Streets and is of similar scale and style to nearby nineteenth century dwellings. There are two non-contributing free standing garages located on properties of nineteenth century dwellings. Descriptions of the contributing properties in the district follow and are presented in chronological order of construction date to convey the evolution of the district from the history of the structure of the First Baptist Church beginning in 1731 (as the Clapboardtrees or Third Parish) and extending to the construction of the former Westwood High School in 1939. Residential and institutional buildings are listed separately. Residential Buildings The Robert Steele House (ca.

1806, Map # 14-141, Photo # 5) ), located at 811 High Street displays the traditional center hall plan with twin chimneys that are set behind the ridge. In spite of the early date the five- bay, two and one-half story dwelling has Greek Revival detail in the proportions, eave overhang, and the detailing of the attached barn. Italianate updating of the 1870s includes one-story projecting bays in each gable end and a bold hipped-roof doorhood with scrolled molded brackets and drop finials. The Baptist Parsonage (1824, Map # 14-135, Photo #6), at 766 High Street, retains its massing, fenestration and center hall plan with twin chimneys set at the ridge. Although covered with synthetic siding the molded framed window surrounds and six-over-six sash remain as evidence of its Greek Revival construction The other eight dwellings were constructed between ca. 1830 and ca.

1840 and all but one display the traditional gable roof, two and one-half story facade with Greek Revival and Italianate architectural detail. The two ca. 1830 dwellings each displaying a center chimney plan are the five-bay Daniel Evileth House (748 High Street, Map #14-133) and the three-bay George W. Stone House (754 High Street Map #14-134). The Daniel (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB ApprovalNo. 1021-0018 Section number - 7 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Page Evileth House has been updated with shingle siding, a projecting bay and an open Colonial Revival porch. It retains its six-over-six windows set in slightly projecting molded frames of which the first-story windows are the long Greek Revival style.

The George W. Stone House retains Greek Revival massing and the center entrance surround is of note with tapered pilasters carrying a wide entablature with a half-round leaded fanlight and a deep molded lintel. The dwelling at 765 High Street, the Elijah Wheelock House (ca. 1840, Map #14-154, Photo #4) has a door surround similar to that of the George W. Stone House which is nearly opposite on High Street. The Elijah Wheelock House is one of the best preserved in the district and retains its twin interior chimneys set at the ridge, its six-over-six sash, and trim boards of simple or no detail. The house at 757 High Street, recorded as the Joseph Fisher/Lowell Parker House (ca.

1835, Map #14-155, Photo # 4))) for its best known early owners, is a variation of the traditional plan and has a six-bay facade, thus an off-set entrance, and two chimneys that are set just inside the exterior gable end walls. Windows have nine- over-six sash and are set in plain flat wood frames. One side ell appears to be of the period of the house, although it has been reworked, and the other on the north side, the attached garage (on the south side) and the enclosed entrance porch are twentieth century additions. Two adjacent properties, 783 High Street and 793 High Street (ca. 1836, Map #14-152) and (ca. 1840, Map #14-151) both were built by Benjamin H. Tubbs. Tubbs house at 783 High Street has only a three-bay facade and displays Italianate updating with the roundheaded lights in the door and the projecting molded doorhood.

The residence at 793 High Street does not have a common plan and may have been converted from an outbuilding. The street side is four bays with no entrance. The now attached barn has mid nineteenth century features. The final dwelling displaying the traditional plan and built before 1850 is the Daniel Parker House (ca. 1840, Map #21-045, Photo # 5) at 823 High Street. Although covered with vinyl siding, the house retains Greek Revival templar gable ends each with two small windows in the peak, its five-bay facade, twin chimneys at the ridge, and molded trim. The only variation in dwellings from the two-story, gable roof, center entrance plan is the two-family house at 751-753 High Street (ca. 1840, Map #14-156), built by Joseph Fisher who lived on an adjacent estate that is no longer extant.

This two-family is the only gable front dwelling on this section of High Street and displays the Greek Revival full templar two-bay gable front with flanking side entrance porches. Some properties retain the nineteenth century barn which recalls the evolution of these village properties. Barns are near the dwelling and in most cases attached to the rear or side ell of the house. One of the better examples is the attached barn at 811 High Street which retains its clapboard siding, large sliding door and nine- over-six sash. Also a good example is attached to 748 High Street. At 793 High Street is an attached gable front barn with large vertical board sliding barn door, a hay door above and six-over-six sash. The barn at 765 High Street is a separate one and one-half story building with large barn and small hay doors and rests on a fieldstone and mortar foundation.

(continued) NPS Form 19-300-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 Section number Page 4 OMBApprovalNo. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic Distriet Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Institutional Properties The First Baptist Church (1731/1809, Map #14-140, Photo # 3) now is located at 808 High Street. The original structure served as the Clapboard Trees Meetinghouse when built on Clapboardtree Street in 1731. The building was dismantled and timbers reassembled in 1809 opposite the Cemetery on High Street. The present. condition is reflective of the 1989 move to this site. The building retains its well preserved meetinghouse form and displays a three-bay gable front facade and is five bays deep.

The center entrance is wider than the flanking entrance doors and all three have narrow paneled pilaster surrounds with diamond cut corner blocks. In the gable peak with raking boxed cornice is an elliptical louvered fan. All windows have six-over-six sash set in plain frames with flanking wood louvered shutters. The small two stage square tower, ca. 1851, has pointed arched louvered openings and a crenelated top with pointed corner finials. Like the Church, the District # 9 School (Map #21-047, Photo #2), also known as the Fisher School, recently was moved to 830 High Street and currently is being restored by the Westwood Historical Society. Built in 1845 at the corner of Milk and Clapboardtree Streets, it is a fine example of a Greek Revival Style one-room schoolhouse. The main facade features a full templar pediment carried by pilasters and having a recessed entrance.

The two schoolhouse doors are set in the corners and face one another within the recess. In the pediment is a half-round louvered fan. The schoolhouse is four bays deep with twelve-over-twelve sash and flanking louvered shutters. Besides the Greek Revival architectural details many original nineteenth century features remain including horsehair plaster walls. Blackboards, chalk trays, coat rooms, flooring and paneling. Of a much later construction date is the former Westwood High School, (1939, Map #21-047, Photo #2), located on the northeast corner of Nahatan and High Streets at 850 High Street. Prior to its construction there were two schools; the Colburn on High Street and the Islington off Washington Street. The smaller one and two room schools, such as the District #9, had been closed at the turn of the century and high school students attended Dedham or Norwood High School.

This building of modern design recalls Colonial Revival features such as the wide pediment over a slightly projecting section on the main facade, the three-part multi-light windows in strings of four and an attenuated cupola on the earlier section of the building. The West Dedham Cemetery (Map #21-088, Photo # 1), at the corner of Nahatan, Pond and High Streets was established bythe first families settling in West Dedham and first was used in 1752. There are approximately 300 stones spanning the years from the first known recorded burial of 1752 to the present. The cemetery retains nany natural plantings of trees and shrubs. The most striking feature is the detailed wrought iron fence that vas made in 1843 by Benjamin Tubbs who lived and worked in this district establishing the Tubbs Iror Foundry at 783 to 793 High Street from 1836.

(continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page . 5 OMB Aaprovel Na 1021-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Archaeological Description While no prehistoric sites are recorded in the district, it is possible that sites are present. Four sites have been documented in the general area. Environmental characteristics of the district represent several locational criteria (slope, soil drainage, distance to wetlands) that are favorable indicators for many types of prehistoric sites. Much of the district includes well drained, level to moderately sloping terraces in close proximity (within 1000 feet) of Rock Meadow Brook, Fisher Meadow and Lymans Pond.

Land surfaces in the area generally slope up from west to east from Rock Meadow Brook to Fox Hill and the Lymans Pond locale. Rock Meadow Brook beginning at Fisher Meadow is a tributary of the Charles River. Lymans Pond is part of the Neponset River drainage. Given the above information and impacts from historic development, a moderate to high potential exists for locating prehistoric sites in the district. A high potential exists for locating historic archaeological resources in the district. Structural, feature and artifact evidence may survive associated with residential, civic and industrial buildings no longer extant as well as structures still present in the district. By 1818 at least three residences were located on High Street in the district of which only one building, the Robert Steele House (1806) at 811 high street survives.

Structural evidence from the two buildings lost as well as earlier structures destroyed before 1818 and structures built after that date that no longer survive today. Many 18t and 19" century residences may have actually been parts of farmsteads, possibly dairy farms in the area. Archaeological resources associated with civic or religious structures may also be present in the district. Outbuildings, possibly carriage sheds or barns may exist with the First Baptist Church originally constructed in 1731 on Clapboardtree Street then dismantled and re-assembled in 1809 at its present site opposite the cemetery on High Street. Similar evidence of structures associated with the cemetery might also exist after it was established in 1752. Archaeological evidence from the Tubbs Iron Foundry may also survive in the district.

Archaeological evidence of occupational related features (trash pits, privies, wells) may also survive in the district associated with the archaeological sites described above and the 19* century residences still extant in the area. Unmarked graves may exist at the West Dedham Cemetery associated with pauper burials or graves that have had stones removed. (end) Fisher School HD Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) x A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. _ B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. x C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. _ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: _A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. X B removed from its original location.

_C a birthplace or grave. x D a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _F a commemorative property. _G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Norfolk, MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Period of Significance 1752-1950 Significant Dates 1809 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) n/a Cultural Affiliation N/a Architect/Builder N/a 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: _ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested _ previously listed in the National Register _ previously determined eligible by the National Register _ designated a National Historic Landmark _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # - Other State agency Federal agency X Local government University - Other Name of repository: Dedham, Westwood Historical Societies _recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # psfam 10-9004 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 8 Page - OMB Approvel No.

1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. 8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Fisher School-High Street District is a well preserved cluster of predominately residential resources at the heart of the village. The district retains examples of nineteenth century residential architecture and nineteenth and twentieth century educational and religious properties. Intrusions are few and are clustered together retaining the residential setting in size of lots and smaller scale of modest housing. The Fisher School District retains integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association and fulfills Criteria A and C and Criteria Consideration B for the relocation of the Baptist Church and the Fisher School after the period of significance.

Incorporated in 1897, Westwood originally was part of Dedham and known as West Dedham from the early eighteenth century. The West Dedham Parish, also known as the Clapboard Trees or Third Parish, was established in 1731 by a number of Dedham residents living on the outskirts of Dedham Village. By 1765 the Third Parish had 54 families living in 43 houses. With development along the Medfield Road (now High Street) and Hartford Turnpike there was interest among some in relocating the meetinghouse. A dispute arose and the result was a new meetinghouse constructed in the same location, following the dismantling of the old. Nahatan Street had been laid out in 1807 and completed in 1809 when the dismantled meetinghouse was purchased by Aaron Baker who had it moved down Nahatan Street and reconstructed at the center - at Pond and High Streets - as the Baptist Meeting House.

Thus the establishment of High Street as the Village center with the Cemetery and Meetinghouse at one end and an eighteenth century Village Schoolhouse at the other end of High Street, near the Ellis Tavern (549 High Street) was solidified. The economy of West Dedham was based on subsistence farming and a number of saw, grist and cider mills. Also there were a number of blacksmith shops, iron foundry, brass foundry and other cottage industries such as hat making and slaughterhouses. By 1845, the village of the Third Parish had 124 residences. With the advent of the railroad in 1849 the industrial center shifted away from High Street to Washington Street and to South Dedham, now Norwood, due to the location of the railroad stops. Thus this area of Westwood (the former Third Parish) resorted to an agricultural economy with dairy farming as the largest industry.

During the mid 1800s a number of Irish immigrants found their way to Westwood in part due to missionary efforts of civic minded residents including Betsy Baker, a former teacher and founder of the Baptist Society and Benjamin Tubbs who owned property in the district and established an iron foundry. Throughout the periods of development West Dedham Village along High Street demonstrated growth in a linear fashion with residences, institutional uses, and commercial properties along the High Street. At the intersections of High Street with Gay and Hartford Streets were several important properties of Fishers and Bakers that were lost after the 1950s. They were residences with commercial uses attached and linked each end of High Street at the named crossroads.

The loss of four to six important early 19# century dwellings and estates divided High Street into two distinct districts with similar development patterns but with a distinct interruption between the Fisher School - High Street District and the Colburn School - High Street District. (continued) ppsfamm 10-0001 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 8 Page - 2 0M8 Aaprovel Na. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. The establishment of West Dedham Village along High Street was slow from the early 1800s. Although the Cemetery (photo #1) had been established in 1752, it was not until 1809 that the meetinghouse was re-erected opposite the Cemetery.

By 1818 there were twelve dwellings on High Street between the Baptist Meetinghouse and Cemetery and Fox Hill Road, of which three were in the boundaries of this Fisher School - High Street District. The first known house was the Robert Steele House (Map #14-141, ca. 1806, Photo #5) at 811 High Street. Steele (1758-1833) was best known for his role as a drummer at Bunker Hill during the American Revolution. He married in 1806 and probably built this house at that time. He wrote a detailed description of the battle at Bunker Hill. Also Steele was a drummer in 1825 when General Lafayette dedicated the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument. The other two pre-1818 dwellings on this section of High Street are no longer extant. The remaining dwellings of the district were constructed between 1830-1845. Various trades are represented by those living here during the 1800s.

One of the most prominent local families was the Fisher family whose estate is no longer extant with the exception of the barn that is incorporated into the Stage Coach Mall, just outside this district. Joseph Fisher (1805-1880) was a manufacturer of carriages and harnesses and a horse trader. He built the double house at 751-753 High Street (Map #14-156, ca. 1840) having purchased the small half-acre lot adjacent to his estate in 1836. Fisher also owned the ca. 1835 dwelling at 757 High Street (Map #14-155, Photo #4) which changed hands several times and clearly was investment property for Fisher who owned it in the 1830s and again in the 1850s. In the late 1800s, Fisher's son George Fisher (1830-1887), lived at 748 High Street (Map #14-133, ca. 1830), opposite his boyhood home (no longer extant). He was a horse dealer working with his father.

Several of the mid nineteenth century owners were farmers including Thomas Wiggin who preceded George Fisher at 748 High Street, George W. Stone at 754 High Street (Map #14-134, ca. 1830) and Elijah Wheelock and later Moses Richardson both in 765 High Street (Map #14-156, ca. 1840, Photo # 4). The 1898 Bird's Eye View of Westwood shows attached barns and silos for many of the properties along High Street. Other occupations represented in the district were iron monger, blacksmith, dairyman, and minister. Benjamin Tubbs (1805-1854) purchased land on the west side of High Street in 1836 and established his residence and an iron foundry at 783 and 793 High Street (Map #s 14-152 and 14-151).

The foundry produced cast iron stoves, fire frames and decorative wrought iron work including the fence surrounding the West Dedham Cemetery which was commissioned and paid for by the two congregations, the Unitarians and the Baptists. Also a decorative fence surrounding the early 1800s Dedham Court House located in Dedham Center was made by Tubbs. Tubbs Foundry eventually was purchased by Bay. State Foundry of Norwood which was the firm commissioned to repair the Cemetery Fence (Photo # 1) in the 1960s. Francis Soule returned from the Civil War and established residence at 793 High Street and ran the blacksmith shop of Reuben Guild which was located at 702 High Street, no longer extant. The milk business of Gay and (continued) pasfo 10200-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approvel Na.

1024-0018 Section number . 8 3 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Page Wilbur was located at 754 High Street. From 1856 until his death, Albert Gay (1820-1889) lived on this two- acre parcel which formerly had a large attached barn with silo. The Baptist Church (Photo # 3)was located at the intersection of High and Pond Streets from 1809 until 1989. In 1824 Milly Fisher built a dwelling for the minister at 766 High Street (Map #14-135, Photo #6), and willed it the Baptist Society in 1838 at the time of her death. The house remained the residence of the Baptist Church minister until the 1980s when it was sold into private ownership. The minister and resident of the property at the turn of the century, the Reverend Lewis Eaton (1854-1930), retired in 1918 and moved to 783 High Street in 1920. Eaton's ancestors remain in this house today.

In 1989 the Baptist Church was moved to its new location at 808 High Street (Map #14-140, Photo #3). The move provided opportunity to expand the school and office space, however, it did remove the excellent meetinghouse example from frequent public view. The schools in the district represent the continuum of educational history. By the early 1800s three of Dedhams's district schools were located in West Dedham - District #8 Village School on High Street, District #9 School on Clapboardtree Street, and District #10 School at Bubbling Brook. The District #8 School was replaced in 1847 by the Village School (649 High Street) and the 1806 District #9 School was replaced by the 1845 building today located at 830 High Street (Map # 14-347, Photo #2).

When Dedham abolished district numbers in 1867, the District #9 School was renamed in honor of Ebenezer Fisher (17??-1847), a prosperous West Dedham farmer, Revolutionary veteran, and legislator who bequeathed $600 to the school. Thus the 1845 Fisher School, first known as the District #9 School, was one of three West Dedham schools in use when Westwood was incorporated in 1897. The other two were the 1874 Colburn School, now the School Administration Building, at 660 High Street and the 1884 Wentworth School, now the Islington Library, at 270 Washington Street. The size of the Fisher School is characteristic of a country schoolhouse of the mid 1800s, and is smaller than the village schoolhouse built at 649 High Street in 1847. The Fisher School was closed in 1905 and used for storage until it was donated to the Westwood Historical Society in 1994.

Recently it was moved to school property within this district to protect the only remaining one-room schoolhouse representing rural education in Westwood. The 1939 Westwood High School (Map #14-047), now the Thurston Middle School, demonstrates the growth and development of the community and the need for a modern educational building just before World War II, thus contributes to the history of this village center. Prior to its construction Westwood paid for high school students to attend school in Dedham or Norwood. Thus the construction of this school represents the re-centralization of education in Westwood The West Dedham Cemetery (Photo # 1), now known as the Westwood Cemetery, is one of the oldest active cemeteries in the State. When established in 1752 the first burial was that of John Buckmaster, for whom Buckmaster Pond is named.

The Cemetery is the burying ground of many members of families prominent throughout Town history and associated with this district - Bakers, Colburns, Ellises, Frenches, Gays, Fishers, as well as veterans of every war beginning with the Revolutionary War. One section without markers is known as the "Potter's Field". The Cemetery ties together all periods of development in Westwood and is interesting for its record, its design on the slope and its ornamentation of stones, crypts, and the wrought iron fence made by Benjamin Tubbs, ironmonger and resident of this district in the mid 1800s. (continued) Peesfom 10-900-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OM8 Aaprovel Na 1021-0018 8 Section number 4 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass.

Page Modernization of the Town was well underway as West Dedham sought its independence and became Westwood in April 1897. Steam heat and electric lights were being installed in houses in the early 1890s. High Street had been lined with white picket fences some of which were removed in 1894 as the paper called them a "thing of the past" and recommended removal so that the lawns could easily be seen. A trolley line was laid along High Street by the Norfolk Western Street Railway which led to the widening of High Street and the removal of picket fences. Today the Fisher School District retains a sense of the village past with nineteenth century houses lining High Street, the main route through the village, several retaining their nineteenth century barns, and with the educational and religious institutions to emphasize the importance of those activities in coalescing a village center.

Archaeological Significance Since patterns of prehistoric settlement in Westwood are poorly documented, any surviving sites could be significant. Prehistoric sites in this area can be important by providing information on upland/interior sites in general, especially those sites in the interior Charles and Neponset River drainages within which the district belongs. Prehistoric sites in this are may contain information that helps understand the extent to which river drainage boundaries influenced the social, cultural and economic systems of Native people who lived in the area. Wetlands bordering the western portion of the district drain northerly to the Charles River then easterly to the Boston Harbor locale.

Immediately east of the district, drainage is through the Neponset River watershed with several important and large multi-component sites located along the Neponset River floodplain approximately 4 miles to the east. Prehistoric sites in the district area may contain information that indicates the extent to which Native American social, cultural and economic systems were influenced by natural resources present in these different areas as well as the different Native cultural groups that occupied each area. Prehistoric sites in the district area can also help establish the nature of Native settlement in more upland/interior areas beyond the floodplains and middle to lower reaches of the major drainages stated above.

Prehistoric sites in this area can be significant by more fully defining the local and regional subsistence and settlement models by contributing examples of site variability and resource use within the district area. Historic archaeological resources described above have the potential to contribute social, cultural and economic information on a predominantly residential area of a linear village that developed in the 18' and 19* centuries in the Greater Boston area. Documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing can help reconstruct functional and temporal components of the district that that no longer exist or are under-represented today. Structural evidence from outbuildings associated with the First Baptist Church can contribute information on the only 19t century civic building known to exist in the district.

Similar remains associated with the nearby West Dedham Cemetery might also contribute examples of the only 18* century structures in the district. Construction features associated with the 1809 reconstruction of the 1731 Church structure may (continued) p03 fam 10-000-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Aaprovel Na. 1021-0018 8 5 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Section number Page. also contain information that indicates the extent to which the reconstruction followed architectural details associated with the original structure. Archaeological resources associated with the Tubbs Iron Foundry can contribute information relating to the technological aspects of iron foundry operations and the products manufactured at the foundry.

Archaeological evidence of residential structures can also contribute important information relating to the district's significance, especially potential 18" and early 19" century structures. Many of these early buildings were parts of farmsteads associated with the early settlement of the district and town, several of which were destroyed and replaced by later 19" century structures. Structural remains from outbuildings, including barns, sheds and other agriculturally related structures can also help reconstruct early farmsteads and important activities associated with residences and businesses. Archaeological remains from outbuildings can contribute important information relating to cottage industries and other subsistence related activities performed to supplement residential life.

Detailed analysis of the contents from occupational related features can also contribute important information on the social, cultural and economic aspects of the lives of the district inhabitants. These studies can provide information relating to the activities of inhabitants of specific structures as well as provide a comparative base for extrapolations of the lives and activities of the inhabitants within the district and town. Unmarked graves and known burials associated with the West Dedham Cemetery can also provide a wealth of information on the district and town's inhabitants in the 18' and 19t centuries.

Physical and contextual evidence from individual graves can contribute information relating to mortuary or burial customs while osteological studies of human remains can contribute information relating to the physical characteristics of individuals and populations and general health and pathologies. (end) M5Fom 10-000-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 9 1 Section number Page . OM8 Approvel Na 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES Atlases/Maps: 1818 1831 1851 - Map of the County of Norfolk, Walling, H.F. 1876 - Atlas of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Sherman, W.A. 1888 - Robinson's Atlas of Norfolk County, Massachusetts Baker, Ernest and Marjory Fenerty. "Preserving Westwood's Past: Photo Albums", 1970s. Fenerty, Marjory R.

West Dedham and Westwood 300 Years. 1972. Ibid "Essays", 1961, 1968. Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, Dedham, Massachusetts. Poole. Albert F. "Westwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, 1898", Panoramic View. Smith, Frank. A History of Dedham, Massachusetts, 1936. Vital Records, Dedham Historical Society Vital Records, Westwood Town Clerk's Office. Westwood Town Reports: 1897-1940. (end) pesform 10800a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ 9 Page _2 OM8 Approvel Na. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA UTM Coordinates 5. 19 316650 4676580 6. 19 316680 4676580 7. 19 316660 4676430 8. 19 316780 4676400 9. 19 316800 4676270 10.19 316740 4676290 11.19 316600 4676010 12.19 316420 4676100 13.19 316440 4676400 14.

19 316400 4676410 15.19 316400 4676590 16.19 316380 4676590 17.19 316400 4676660 18.19 316420 4676650 - 19.19 316450 4676730 20.19 316490 4676740 (continued) Fisher School HD Name of Property Norfolk,Mass. County, State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property aaprox. 40 acres UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.19 316900 4676780 Zone Easting Northing 2. 19 316760 Zone 4676600 Easting Northing 3. 19 316380 Zone Easting 4.19 Zone 316140 Easting x See continuation sheet 4676260 Northing 4676020 Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By name/title Gretchen Schuler for the Westwood HC with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date May 2000 street & number 220 Morrissey Boulevard _ telephone_617-727-8470 city or town Boston state MA Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: _ zip code_02125 Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name multiple street & number telephone city or town _state zip code Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate roperties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain enefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seg.) Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of (hanagement and Bludget, Paperwork redietions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 30527, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the ofice of pops fomm 10:00- United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 10 Section number - Page_! OMB Approvel Na. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA UTM Coordinates 5. 19 316200 4676100 6. 19 316760 4676620 Verbal Boundary Description Properties within the Fisher School-High Street District are included on Assessor's Map #s 14 and 21 which show the included numbered lots and define the perimeter of the district. On Map #14 the district includes lots #133 through #142 and #151 through #156. On Map #21 the district includes lots #s45, 47 and 88.

The roadways are included in the district as well and where the properties on both sides of the road are not included the boundary follows the center line of the road. This applies to that part of High Street, Nahatan and Pond in front of the schools and cemetery. Verbal Boundary Justification The boundaries of the Fisher School-High Street District follow lot lines of properties that line High - Street and make up the village district that evolved from the mid 1700s with the establishment of the Cemetery to the mid 1900s with the growth and construction of the school. Those properties that comprise the district are reflective of their nineteenth century boundaries and of the history of the families who settled in this section of West Dedham, now Westwood.

(end) prs farm 10-800 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number photo Page - OM8 Approvel Na. 1024-0018 Fisher School - High Street Historic District Westwood (Norfolk Co.), Mass. Photographs 1. West Dedham Cemetery, Nahatan, Pond and High Street 2. Fisher School and (old) Westwood High School, 830, 850 High Street 3. First Baptist Church, 808 High Street 4. Wheelock/Fisher-Parker/Fisher Houses, 765, 757, 751-753 High Street 5. Parker/Steele/Tubbs Houses, 823,811,793/783 High Street 6. Parsonage/Stone/Evelith Houses, 766, 754, 748 High Street ADDRESS 748 High St. 751-753 High 754 High St. 757 High St. 765 High St . " . 766 High St. 775 High St. 776 High St. 780 High St. 783 High St. 790 High St. 793 High St.

MHC# 42 37 41 16 15 74 38 539 540 39 541 40 MAP# 14-133 14-156 14-134 14-155 14-154 14-135 14-153 14-136 14-137 14-152 14-138 14-151 FISHER SCHOOL - HIGH STREET DISTRICT WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS HISTORIC NAME Daniel Evileth attached barn Joseph Fisher George W. Stone J. Fisher / L. Parker Elijah Wheelock barn Baptist Parsonage 2-car garage n/a n/a n/a Benjamin H. Tubbs barn/garage n/a Benjamin H. Tubbs attached barn DATE ca. 1830 ca. 1850 ca. 1840 ca. 1830 ca. 1835 ca. 1840 ca. 1850 1824 ca. 1940s 1950 1935 1950 ca. 1836 ca. 1900 1946 STYLE Greek Revival Greek Revival Greek Revival Federal Federal/GR Federal Greek Revival Greek Revival none neo-colonial eclectic ranch GR/Italianate Cape ca. 1840 ca. 1840 altered C SAIVIS B B B C C C C C NC NC NC NC NC B B B B B B B B B ADDRESS 798 High St. 805 High St. 808 High St. 81! High St 823 St. 830 High St. 850 High St.

High/Nahatan FISHER SCHOOL - HIGH STREET DISTRICT WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS MHC# 542 543 13 76 57 103 801 912 MAP# 14-139 HISTORIC NAME n/a DATE 1946 14-142 n/a 14-140 First Baptist Church 14-141 21-045 Robert Steele attached barn Daniel Parker one-car garage 21-347 1966 1731/ 1809 ca. 1806 ca. 1850 ca. 1840 ca.

1950s 1845 District #9/Fisher School 21-047 Westwood High School 1939 21-088 21-088 West Dedham Cemetery Tubb's Iron Fence 1752- ongoing 1843 TOTAL RESOURCES: 20 Contributing; 8 Noncontributing 18 Contributing Buildings 8 Non-contributing Buildings 1 Contributing Site 1 Contributing Structure STYLE Cape neo-colonial Georgian Meetinghouse GR/Italianate Greek Revival Greek Revival neo-colonial Greek Revival Neo-Colonial Federal/GR STATUS NC NC C C C NC C C C C TYPE B B B B B B B Si St UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACE VALUATION/RETURN SHEE' REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME: Fisher School--High Street Historic District MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Norfolk DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 5/18/00 6/15/00 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 5/30/00 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 7/02/00 REFERENCE NUMBER: 00000687 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N OTHER: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N PERIOD: SLR DRAFT: y COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN REJECT ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : Historicall u and archtecturally significant distit LESS THAN 50 YEARS: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL: DATE RECOM.

/CRITERIA Auept AiL REVIEWER Patrick Andus DISCIPLINE Wistnin TELEPHONE DATE 4/ 30/00 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N exot Dedhan Cemneten rahatnn.

Pand + tegh Stheek Westwood, Moefalk Caurty, MA Photoguupker: grether gschel Rarse: Westwasd testorical Comnissus Dvenber 1997 loolergalest, ntrecust Ploto Fisher School and Westwood Hyh School 830+850 L ich stree" Fishe School-Agh Street Distrec Westwaod, nokfolk Caunty, MA Photogsplen: Grethen Gschul Negative: Wuesteood Histrical Curmssin Avemben 1997 Lockey sachlast Phats #2 First Baptist Chuch 808 HighStreet Fisher Schaol-High Street District Weshecod, NorfolkCaunty, MA Tetogupe: Srttda Atul Comesen november 1997 Lookng east Phats Wheelock / Fisker-Parken /Fisher Houses 765.757.751.753 High Sheet Fisher Schcol - Hugh Street Distrect leechwod, Norfolk Caurty, MA Photogrepker: Grethen GSchule negative: Westuxod Hstarical Commissu svenber 1997 lockng nathue Phato Parken |Stacle |Tubbs Huuses 823 811 793/783 High Strew Fisher Schcul- Hagh street Disthe Teatigcaphen etett gincaulemmissn iokang nath.

noth, noth west Phott november 1997 Parsonaye / Stune |suileth te 7ll 754 748 Fiske School-High StreeD Phetographer: GrethenGSchu rejatres: Weotreeod testrr Ladcerst6 noth nathered Phats noember 1997 TOWN OF WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS T D.O FIshsr. Schooltin Thestmol cotieo LOT N0 LoT ão ===1 I0 LOT un 05 cemerey =====_ .".. Westuood Hish Schoul Westuxad, MA Fisher Schcol-High Street District = photugraph DAAIAS OATIP REVISEO OY AVIS AIRMAP INC., BRAINTREE, MASS, SEPT, 1983 1905 ..... CARTOGRAPHIC ASSOCÍATÉS, INC. LITTLETON, N.H.03561 Westwaod, MA Fisher Scheol- High Street District Revised To January 1, 1995 20 28 14 21 29 22 30 _3- U-z TOWN OF WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS cabahd HOT 10. «ddo 33760 .Ab= s0Sax: dx. 77.4 cop co! .. Westwcad.

MA Fisher Schcol-High Streek District = photugruph 0.20 First Baphst Chuch sEr uee Seerapal : 2T. AVIS.MAT.1990 AVIS, CCE50 LOT 66 1i' a. 15440 - uass corel 3 130 Revised To January 1, 1995 10 14 20 21 22 3-12-47 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission 10 May 2000 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service Mail Stop 2280, Suite 400 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Fisher School - High Street Historic District, Westwood (Norfolk Co.), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer.

The owners of the properties included in the district were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30 to 45 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Betay Fredkey Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure cc: Jerry Cronin, Chair, Westwood Historical Commission Gretchen Schuler, Preservation Consultant Anthony Antonellis, Chair, Westwood Board of Selectmen Jack Wiggins, Chair, Westwood Planning Board 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 - (617) 727-8470 Fax: (617) 727-5128 - TDD: 1-800-392-6090 www.state.ma.us/sec/mbc TrT LBATAT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission August 17,2000 Mr.

Patrick Andrus National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Mail Stop 2280, Suite 400 1849 C Street Washington, DC 20240 AUG 2 5 2000 EGISTER, HISTORY DUCATION PARK SERVICE Re: Fisher School Historic District, Westwood (Norfolk), MA Dear Patrick: As requested, enclosed please find a USGS map for the district with UTMs marked. have reduced the number of UIM points to a more manageable number and have als nclosed new pages to the nomination which reflect these changes. These can be addec to the nomination. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you for noticing and correating the nomination. Whil Bus Philip Bergen Preservation Planner Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosures 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 - (617) 727-8470 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc