Nomination for Old Town Hall

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

1574 OMB No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service DEG 21 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in 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_ OLD TOWN HALL other names/site number. 2. Location street & number 10 Kendall Road - n/a not for publication city or town. Tyngsborough n/a vicinity state Massachusetts code_ MA_ county Middlesex code_017 zip code 01879 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this homination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property 2meets does not meet the National Register Criteria.

I recommend that this property be considered significant Bety reeplle os nanional Registe Direcror noetay tredlerg natiinal kegiter. 12/16/04 Date Massachusetts Historical Commission State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property - meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. ([ See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I, hereby certify that this property is: Dentered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Signature of the Keeper asem N. Beall Date of Action 2/2/05 Tyngsborough Old Town Hall Name of Property 5.

Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) - private xpublic-local - public-State - public-Federal Middlesex, MA County and State (Check only one box) xbuilding(s) _ district _site _ structure -object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing 1 Noncontributing Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) 1 1 building sites structures objects Total 1 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register n/a 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Religion: religious facility Government: town hall, police station Social: meeting hall _Education: school, library _Recreation and Culture: theatre Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Vacant Z.

Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Federal Colonial Revival Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation stone: granite, slate walls_ wood: weatherboard roof other _ asphalt Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) KRS fom 10-900-4 85-8Q United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _7 Page_ 7. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OMB Approval No. FO2 Old Town Hall Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Introduction Tyngsborough's Old Town Hall is a wood-framed Federal style building built ca. 1834 that is an integral component of the town center. The former church was adapted for use as the Town Hall in 1864, a purpose it served until 1998. A major interior renovation occurred in 1892.

Significant features of the building include the cupola on the roof ridge as well as the colossal Doric pilasters at the corners of the facade and flanking the center entry. The original use as a Baptist church is reflected in the rectangular front-gabled form that is typical of meeting houses from the period. The building faces north on a small parcel of land adjacent to Flint's Pond, the ca. 1800 Reverend Lawrence House (MHC #5), the ca. 1727 Farwell House (MHC #13), and the town's principal intersection of Middlesex, Winslow, and Kendall Roads. The building is in good structural condition although it is vacant and its utility is compromised due to the lack of interior finish and modern mechanical systems.

While the village that surrounds the Old Town Hall may also be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a district, this nomination deals only with the individual Old Town Hall building. The Tyngsborough Center area is focused on this intersection and consists of approximately 33 historic resources, most of which are residential buildings from the 18'h and 19* centuries. Additional public buildings exist in Tyngsborough Center as well as former sites of industrial activity, a historic bridge over the Merrimack River and historical commemorative markers. Houses in the area have construction dates from the Colonial through the Modern Period. The most recent historic house constructed in the area is the 1932 Bungalow built as the Evangelical Congregational Parsonage (MHC# 7). Four public buildings exist in Tyngsborough Center beside the former Town Hall.

A Victorian Eclectic-style church was built at 21 Kendall Road in 1868 for the Evangelical Congregationalists. The church is distinguished by its corner tower with conical roof. The Bungalow-form Sarah Tyng Winslow School was designed in 1890 by architect F. H. Bacon and updated in the 1940s. The school is immediately south of the Littlefield Library, the only brick building in Tyngsborough Center. The side-gabled Colonial Revival style library design includes arched window openings, granite trim and Doric columns supporting a pedimented entry porch with dentils and tympanum. Both the school and the library face the triangular parcel of land that was until 1930 the site of Tyngsborough's industrial core, consisting of a box shop, brush factory, and lumber mill.

The front-gabled, Federal style First Parish Church at 214 Middlesex Road has fluted Ionic columns in antis and a tower rising above the facade. This is the building most comparable to the former Town Hall in terms of design, scale, ornament, and construction. Both the First Parish Church and Old Town Hall buildings might have been built by the Kendall Brothers, local residents who were responsible for design and construction of several buildings in the area. Realignment of Middlesex Road (State Route 3A) in 1930 brought about the demolition of the industrial buildings at the corner of Kendall and Middlesex roads. Part of the project included the channeling of the outflow of Flint's Pond, now conducted under Middlesex Road to the Merrimack River. Concomitant with the (continued) KnS Form 10-900-e p3-BG OMB Appruvel No.

800 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Old Town Hall Page 2 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA realignment was construction of the Tyngsborough Bridge. The steel trussed-rib through arch with single span of 547' is visible from all parts of Tyngsborough Center and beyond due to its height. Exterior The former Baptist Church and Tyngsborough Town Hall is a rectangular, three- by four-bay, front-gabled, 2½ - story form distinguished by the Federal style ornament and the octahedral cupola rising from the roof peak over the façade (photo #1). The plan of the main block of the building is 41' wide and 65' deep.

The parcel slopes gradually toward Flint's Pond at the southeast, necessitating the split granite retaining wall approximately four feet in height near the front (north) of the east side elevation. Higher ground on the west side conceals most of the foundation while grade at the east side and rear descends to the level of the basement floor. The Colonial Revival-style main entry porch on the façade is at street level and accesses the main hall above the basement. The porch was added after the original construction, ca. 1892, and measures approximately 10' in width and 13' in depth. Shed-roofed additions of one and two stories were made ca. 1892 to the rear of the plan and measure approximately seven and nine feet in depth (photo #4). These are nearly the full width of the building. A secondary entry is located near the front of the east elevation at the basement level.

This is a door with plain surround covered by a hipped open porch (photo #3). The octahedral cupola, located at the front of the roof ridge, is built on a square base approximately ten feet on a side. Side walls of the base rise four feet from the slope of the roof to support the eight colonettes and arches of the cupola. A balustrade surrounds bases of the colonettes. Slim brick chimneys pierce the north slope of the roof near the front and the rear of the plan. The roof of the building is sheathed in slate shingles except the cupola, which has asphalt shingles. Exterior walls are clad in wood clapboard. The foundation is mainly split granite but some brick exists in the west side. Window openings are symmetrical on all but the rear elevation. Fenestration in the façade consists of a multiple-pane lunette in the closed gable with two double-hung sash below the gable.

These are closely spaced in the center of the upper half of the wall field. The central double-leaf entrance at grade has modern metal commercial doors located under the flat-roofed porch. Side walls have three large, symmetrically placed 20/20 double-hung sash that light the Main Hall within (photo #2). Smaller 9/9 double-hung sash are located in the rear (south) of the side walls and light the wing areas of the Stage. The large window openings are the dominant features of the side elevations. The east elevation has in its exposed basement wall an array of lesser openings including, from south to north, a 6/6 double-hung sash, doorway, three additional 6/6 double-hung sash, a second doorway beneath the hipped porch, and an additional 6/6 double-hung sash. The west wall has two similar double-hung sash in the south end and four small fixed sash in the foundation.

A small oculus is in the north end of the west wall. The rear elevation has an asymmetrical arrangement of seven double-hung and fixed sash and three doors. With the exception of the oculus and those in the rear elevation, windows appear to be original or historic. (continued) K°S fomm 10-900-& 85-8G OMa Approvel No.102 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number -7 Old Town Hall Page .3 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Decorative elements refer to early 19*h century Federal design and late 19t century Colonial Revival-style ornament. Original elements consist of the closed gable in the façade with molded cornice, lunette window, and tympanum clad in wood clapboards. The sign reading "Town Hall/Tyngsborough, Mass." is located here.

A broad frieze is below and articulates the roof-wall junction of the front and two sides of the building. Pilasters with Doric caps and bases mark all four corners in addition to flanking the center entry in the facade. Eaves have molded trim and gable returns in the rear elevation. Windows have molded trim and hoods above the larger openings in the side elevations. The cupola, added ca. 1892, has an octahedral roof supported by eight segmental arches of wood with keystone ornament. Wood colonettes with molded caps rise from the deck of the square base to support the arches. The balustrade around the perimeter of the base has square balusters and spandrel panels trimmed with swags. Cornerboards of the base are plain and unornamented The entry porch, also added after the original construction ca.

1892, consists of a flat roof supported by three Colonial Revival-style Doric columns grouped at each front corner and single columns at the wall of the building. A low roofbalustrade has at the front corners groups of three square balusters capped with urns. Eaves of the porch have a molded cornice with dentils. The floor of the porch is elevated one foot above grade and has at the sides a balustrade with turned balusters. The width of the porch corresponds to the width of separation of the central Doric pilasters, concealing them in part. Porch access is via a modern wood ramp built over granite steps. The flat-roofed Colonial Revival style porch is unique in the Tyngsborough Center area. Exterior ornament and fabric, including the stone retaining wall, remain intact.

The granite millstone in the front yardof Town Hall was removed from amill that formerly occupied a site across Kendall Road before State Route 3A was realigned in 1930. It measures approximately six feet in diameter. It is one foot thick with an eight-inch hole in the center. Interior The interior of the Old Town Hall is divided into two levels. The upper or main level contains at the north end the entry vestibule with balcony above, the main hall in the center and stage at the south end. The vestibule is approximately ten feet deep and has a ten-foot ceiling. Walls are sheathed in beadboard wainscot with some walls covered in modern paneling. Ceilings appear to be plaster over machine-cut lath. Floors are random- width pine boards. A small 10'x11' room has been divided off the northwest corner and is lit by an oval oculus in the west wall.

Walls in the corner room have beadboard wainscot with chair rail, and floors appear to be covered in relatively narrow 6' tongue and groove boards. Doors have four raised panels and glass knobs. Beadboard, plaster walls, narrow floorboards, paneled doors, and the oculus appear to have been installed during the 1892 renovation. (continued) MTS Form 10-900-4 85-8Q United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMG Hagrorel No. 102 Section number - 7 Old Town Hall Page 4 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Winding stairs in the northeast corner of the vestibule with ornamental newel post, balusters and nosing give access to the balcony above (photos #6-7). This is an open space that looks into the main hall. Ceilings and walls are plaster over lath.

Floors are relatively wide, random width pine boards with cut nails and may be part of the original construction. Two window openings in the north wall have original sash and beaded trim with corner bosses, part of the 1892 renovation. Stairs were also manufactured and installed in 1892. While framing members are concealed, it seems probable that the Balcony was built as part of the original construction and may have served as the choir loft (photo #9). The main hall is approximately square at 40' per side with ceilings near 20' in height. Gaps in the ceiling double hung sash that are trimmed in machine-made beaded trim with corner bosses. Lower sections of the wall boards with a beaded edge, which may have been part of the original construction. Floors are 3 ½" tongue and groove boards. Plaster, window trim, wainscot, and floors appear to be part of the 1892 renovation.

The hall was used successively as space for religious worship from ca. 1834 until 1857, performance and meeting hall after 1864, and town hall offices until 1998 (modern office partitions have since been removed). Failed plaster and damaged portions of the interior finish exist. Access to the stage from the main hall is via a short flight of steps at the west wall of the building. The proscenium is a segmental arch approximately 25' in width and ten feet in height with machine-cut trim in the form of stop-fluted pilasters at the sides, and wood springer blocks giving rise to the arch, which is trimmed in a bead and reel motif (photo #6). The front vertical wall of the stage rises four feet from the main hall floor and is sheathed in beadboard. Floors are narrow tongue and groove boards. Theatre wings are nine feet wide and are lit by 9/9 double-hung sash on both sides.

The stage is 15' deep with a downstage area that is bowed into s Tguesangd 5 15° the main hall. Rolled curtains exist in their raised position above the arch. Weights and pulleys for operating the curtains are accessed through a panel on the west side of the proscenium arch. Examination of the stage's substructure, which is built of dimensional lumber; indicates it, as well as the trim of the stage, to be part of the 1892 renovation. Stairs to the shed addition and the exit, also added in 1892, are at the east side of the rear wall. The stage was in use as a performance space until at least 1957. The stage structure, wings, finish, and curtain are intact. The lower hall or basement of the building is accessed by winding stairs with newel post, pendant, and balusters installed during the 1892 renovations.

The lower hall is now vacant but formerly housed the police department and other functions. The northern end of the building contains the boiler room, which has tin-clad doors, walls, and ceilings. The core of the basement is open with modern lumber serving as support posts under main beams running the length of the room from north to south. Ceilings are partially deteriorated plaster over machine-cut lath (photo #5). Walls have some beadboard, some lath and plaster, and parts that are exposed wood framing and exposed granite and brick foundation materials. Some heavier members of the exposed wood framing appear to be from the period of original construction. Floors are concrete.

A brick vault with modern steel safe (continued) KTS form 10-900-4 p3-8Q United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Old Town Hall Page 5Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA door occupies an eight-foot square section of the room along the middle of the east wall. No evidence is visible of a jail component. The rear of the lower hall contains the former Selectmen's Room. This is a 16' x 16' space located in the bottom of the two rear additions. The ceiling and walls are sheathed entirely in beadboard. The room is lit by two modern double-hung sash. Plaster, tin sheathing, beadboard, and the vault are part of the 1892 renovation. The concrete floor and new framing sills were added to this part of the building in 2001.

The basement was in use as secondary meeting room and dining hall after 1892 and the town police station from 1942 until 1996. The lower hall has been emptied of its dining room and police-related contents, although the vault, boiler room, and Selectmen's Room remain intact. The space above the main hall, stage, and balcony contains additional evidence of the ca. 1834 construction date. This is sealed off to visitors. Previously existing photographs of this part of the building reveal a minor rafter-major purlin roofing system with wind bracing which is typical construction for the time. Also, modified queen post trusses support the roof. Timber frame construction is assembled with treenails as well as some 19"h century construction in dimensional lumber.

The interior has been emptied of most furnishings and space dividers, including partitions constructed in the mid 20" century for town offices in the main hall and walls dividing the space of the police department in the lower level, although most interior fabric from the 1892 remodeling effort remains. Parking for Town Hall and Police was in a small paved lot, approximately 30' x 50' still located at the rear of the building. The Town Hall now occupies a new building on Bryants Lane. Police facilities occupy another new building on Westford Road. OMB. Approvel No. a) Archaeological Description While no ancient Native American sites are located on the town hall property or in the general area (within one mile), sites may be present.

Environmental characteristics of the town hall locale indicate locational criteria (slope, soil drainage, proximity to wetlands) that support the presence of ancient Native American sites. The town hall is located on a level to moderately sloping terrace within 1,000 feet of Flint Pond and the Nashua River. Natural soils were likely well drained prior to construction of the town hall/church. Given the above information, the potential for the recovery of significant ancient Native American resources on the town hall property is low. Construction of the town hall/church building with a basement, parking facilities, and landscaping on the small lot (0.2 acres) would have destroyed any Native resources that were present. There is a moderate to high potential for the recovery of historic archaeological resources on the town hall property.

Structural evidence and stratigraphic features may exist from construction of the 1834 Baptist Church and later conversion to Tyngsborough's Town Hall after its acquisition in 1864. Similar evidence of outbuildings including stables and carriage sheds and occupational-related features (trash pits, privies, wells) may also exist. The close proximity of the Winslow School (1789), Farwell House (ca. 1727), and Lawrence (continued) K°S Fomm 10-900-+ (3-8G) OMB Rgvorel No. 102 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number _ 7 Page_6 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA House (ca.

1800) to the Tyngsborough Town Halt indicates the potential for locating archaeological evidence of outbuildings and occupational-related features related to those structures; however, the small size of the nominated property (0.2 acres ) may preclude that potential. (end) Tyngsborough Old Town Hall 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.) xA 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. XC 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: x A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. _ B removed from its original location.

_ C a birthplace or grave. - D a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _ F a commemorative property. -G less than 50years 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.) _Middlesex, MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Architecture Community Planning and Development Politics/Government Religion Social History Period of Significance 1834-1954 Significant Dates _Ca. 1834 constructed Hall 1892 renovations Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder 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 x State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register - Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National x Local government Register - designated a National Historic Landmark - University - Other - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: #. - recorded by Historic American Engineering Littlefield Library, Tyngsborough Record #.

1864 becomes Town KRS Form 10-900-e (3-8Q) United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page 1 Old Town Hall Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA 8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Summary The Tyngsborough Old Town Hall at 10 Kendall Road is individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places at the local level. The building's longstanding religious and civic uses establish its significance under Criterion A. The building was occupied by the First Baptist Society from the time of construction ca. 1834 until around 1857, after which it was sold to the town for use as a Town Hall. Municipal offices and the police department occupied the building until the late 20th century when it was left vacant.

The classical trim, pilasters, and rhythmic fenestration are evidence of Federal-style design influences; the prominent cupola at the front gable peak and the porch are later Colonial Revival-style elements that contribute to the design, making the property eligible under Criterion C. As a structure erected by a religious organization and significant as a reflection of the evolution of the Baptist denomination during the mid-19th century, the property also meets Criteria Consideration A. Historical themes to which the property relates include Architecture, Religion, Community Planning and Development, Social History, and Politics/Government. The Period of Significance is 1834-1954 with the significant dates of 1864 and 1892 bearing on the functional change and remodeling of the interior. The building retains integrity of design, materials, setting, location, and workmanship.

Introduction Native American occupation of the area comprising Tyngsborough Center consisted of through-travel on a path similar to the current Middlesex and Farwell Roads. A path followed the route of Kendall Road inland toward the Nashua River. Initial European settlement in what became Tyngsborough occurred between 1661 and 1665 on a 300 acre riverside parcel by the fur trader John Cromwell. Members of the Tyng family occupied land along the Merrimack River opposite Wicasuck Island (also called Wiccassee or Tyng's Island) shortly afterward and became the first permanent settlers and leading citizens during the 18*h century. Land in the possession of Colonel Jonathan Tyng, who remained on the banks of the Merrimack despite the danger of conflict with Native Americans, consisted in 1668 of at least two parcels covering 1,800 and 3,500 acres and included the area of Tyngsborough Center.

Residents from this time were considered to be occupants of the town of Dunstable, founded in 1673. By 1762, the village was the site of the western landing for the town-operated ferry across the Merrimack River, a mill, a tavern, church, and residences. These components combine with the existing travel routes to form the nucleus of what would become the town's commercial, civic, residential, and transportation core. The uses established in the 18th century continued near the same locations well into the 20th century. 1834-1864 The Old Town Hall building was originally constructed ca. 1834 as a church to house the First Baptist Society of Tyngsborough, established in 1829. During that time, the Baptist religion had been experiencing a period of (continued) OMB Apmarel Na.

K KAS Fommt 10-900-e (3-66) United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page _ Old Town Hall -Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA intense growth on the regional level. The nearby city of Lowell saw the erection of three Baptist Churches between 1826 and 1833. It was perhaps due to this spate of church construction that the Baptist Congregation in Tyngsborough lasted just over 20 years. The possibility is that the excessive number of such institutions in the area depleted the attendance at individual locations, thereby forcing the sale of the church to the town in 1857. The building is labeled as the Baptist Church on the 1856 Walling map of Middlesex County.

It was during the period 1834-1864 that the building achieved significance in the area of religion for its role in the practice of the Baptist faith. It also achieved importance in the area of Community Planning and Development as a significant architectural presence in the town center Village. It is suspected by local historians that the local family of builders named Kendall was responsible for design and construction of the former Baptist Church. Moses and Jeremiah Kendall are described as carpenters in the 1849 Vital Records of Tyngshorough, Massachusetts and in the 1855 state census schedule.

It is suspected that Moses and Jeremiah, along with their brother John, built houses in Tyngsborough at 16, 45, 54 and 69 Kendall Road as well as at 204 and 208 Middlesex Road in addition to the First Parish Church at 214 Middlesex Road (MHC #s 5, 15, 14, 19, 23, 26, 24) Indeed, they occupied three of these residences. All have elements of the Federal style of architecture. The exact construction date for the former church is difficult to determine given the lack of church records and lack of appearance of any builders from Tyngsborough in the lists of membership of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association, the principal professional association for over 80 varieties of tradesmen during the late 18h and 19th centuries. The area surrounding the Old Town Hall developed a more industrial appearance during the mid 19" century.

Construction of the Lowell and Nashua Railroad along the west bank of the Merrimack River in 1838 facilitated industrial growth in the village of Tyngsborough Center. State census information concerning industry in 1845 indicates the presence of a brush factory in the village. There were a saw mill and box mill by 1860, all located immediately adjacent to the river and within sight of the former Baptist Church 1864-1892 With the town's acquisition of the former Baptist Church in 1864, the building was put to several new uses in addition to that of Town Hall. During the 19" century, supplemental activities included use as a schoolhouse and later as a library. Town officers met and carried out their responsibilities in the building although the configuration of the interior at that time is uncertain.

While the interior plan of the Old Town Hall is unknown for the period before 1892, it is presumed that the current main hall was the site of committee and town meetings. Town reports from 1902 indicate that prior to the construction of the Littlefield Library building, the book collection was housed in the lower hall (or basement) to the left of the stairs. Floor markings left by wall partitions in the upper hall reveal a similar pro tempore scheme for space planning. OMG Approxel No. 102 (continued) MNS Form 10-900-e p3-8G OMS depravel No. Wot United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ Old Town Hall Page - Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Starting in 1864, the building maintained significance in the area of Goyernment and Politics as the seat of town government.

It also perpetuated its role in Social History as the meeting place of numerous local groups such as the town band, W.C.T.U., and others. The Winslow School was founded in 1789 by bequest of Sarah Tyng Winslow to the town. Her will granted money for construction of the school that bears her name and for maintenance of the First Parish Church (214 Middlesex Road. The will also stipulated thatthe school and church remain in close physical proximity and that teachers be approved by Harvard College. The school occupied a site approximately 100' behind the church for over 70 years until it was moved to the Old Town Hall. Classes were held in the building from 1864 until the existing Winslow School was constructed 200 yards to the north in 1892. The Tyngsborough public library was housed in the Old Town Hall from 1878 until 1892 and again from 1902- 1905.

In 1794, Tyngsborough residents formed a social library, members of which met first at the Farwell House at 9 Kendall Road, and later at another private home. The social library dissolved in 1832. The initial public library was formed in 1831, and in 1878 was donated to the town for use as a free public library. The building was put to some additional uses during the period. The Evangelical Congregational Society, founded by 23 local residents in March of 1868, met here from that time until October of the same year when their Victorian Eclectic-style church was completed at 21 Kendall Road. The Tyngsborough Brass Band used the town hall as a rehearsal hall, according to annual town reports which indicate that the group could practice here free of charge in 1891.

The building was also available for rent to groups for private functions as evidenced by financial receipts for Town Hall rental in annual town reports. A major structural change occurred to the building at the time of the transition from religious to civic use. The belfry, which local historians said resembled that of the First Parish Church at 214 Middlesex Road, was removed 1892-1952 With the construction in 1892 of new Winslow School building, a vote was taken and criteria approved for renovating the former school and Town Hall. Criteria for renovation consisted of providing space for town offices, creation of a safe receptacle for town records (vault), and commemoration of Civil War military service by local residents in the form of a plaque. The updated main hall remained the town's principal public meeting space.

Smaller gatherings were held in the basement, also called the lower Town Hall or dining room, and in the enclosed selectmen's room in the south end of the lower level. The cupola and front entry porch were added around this time although they are not mentioned specifically in town reports. Interior examination reveals several changes in addition to those specified in the town reports. (continued) KnS fomm 10-900-e 88-8GQ OMB Approvel No, 102 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number _ 8 - Page - . Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA During the late 19" and throughout the 20 century, the building maintained significance inr the area of Government and Politics as the seat of town government.

It also perpetuated its role in Social History as the police station and site of theatrical and community gatherings. Based on existing interior materials in the Main Hall, 1892 renovations in this area involved removal of the original ceiling and wall finishes, including lath and plaster, as well as any trim that existed around window and door openings. Machine-cut lath was hung and plastered. Window and door openings were re-finished with machine-made beaded trim with corner blocks. Wide boards from the time of original construction that were used to finish the floors and lower sections of the wall field do remain, but have been covered by narrow tongue and groove strip flooring and beadboard wainscoting. The south end of the Main Hall became the location for the existing stage in 1892.

While town reports do not mention this added use of the building, it is confirmed by structural analysis and in a written description of the renovations that was printed in the Village Improvement Association Annual in 1909. Documentation exists in town reports for performance of unspecified theatrical and musical works into the 1950s. Occasional expenditures are recorded in town reports for new or improved stage properties and facilities. Expenditures appear in 1901 for a drop curtain provided by O. L. Story; in 1903 for the purchase of stage scenery; in 1914 for a new piano; and in 1922 for painting stage scenery and purchasing a shield for the footlights. The curtain remains in the rolled position above the stage and is operated by cables and pulleys. Stage scenery and footlights are no longer in evidence.

A dining room and kitchen equipment were installed in the basement or Lower Hall in 1892. A coal-fired heating plant was installed in the north end ofthe basement as part of the 1892 renovations. Appropriations were voted for new kitchen furnishings in 1902; a new stove in 1917; unspecified equipment in 1925; and for new equipment and repairs in 1947. No evidence of kitchen equipment remains, although the boiler room is currently sheathed on the interior with tin from the period. The vault was built of brick in 1892 midway along the east wall of the basement and remains in place. The Selectmen's Room was partitioned off from the main space of the basement and sheathed in beadboard from floor to ceiling in 1892. This remains intact at the south end of the foorplan.

Uses in addition to official public meetings included music rehearsals by the Tyngsborough Brass Band in 1891- 1892, and meetings of the Women's Christian Temperance Union; Grand Army of the Republic; Village Improvement Association; American Legion; and the Boy and Girl Scouts, all of which were allowed free of charge. The local chapter ofthe Grange wascharged an annual fee of $35 for twice-monthly meetings in 1901. Most years saw the receipt of $100-$150 in rental fees for unspecified uses. Physical improvements subsequent to the 1892 renovation included grading the triangle in front of the building and installation of curbs and a flagpole not less than 40° in 1897; installation of water closets in 1898; re- sheathing the roof with slate in 1905 by J. Burns of Lowell, Massachusetts; construction by Maitlan S. Knight, B. B Lawrence, and carpenter and Town Hall janitor L. T.

Braddon of stone steps with granite from the (continued) MnS fom 10-900-e 83-8Q OMB Aggrovel No. 102 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number . Page_3 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Westford quarry of H. E. Fletcher in 1906; re-painting in 1907, 1922, and 1947; construction of the exit stairs at the rear of the stage in 1909; a new heating plant in 1919; repairs by Ellis De La Haye to the stone retaining wall at the northeast corner in 1921; roof repairs in 1924; a new water system in 1928; new sanitary system in 1932; and repairs to the cupola in 1941, possibly after damage by the 1938 hurricane. Telephone service arrived in 1907 and electric lights, powered by mill owner A. A. Flint's newly permitted hydro-electric plant across Kendall Road, replaced gas lights in 1910.

Gas-fired heat replaced coal around 1944. The public library, which was planned to occupy space in the building but was moved instead to the Winslow School in 1892, returned to Town Hall in 1901. This was located in the basement to the left of the entrance until dedication of the Littlefield Library building in 1905. The Littlefield Library, named for Lucy Littlefield, is located north of the Town Hall adjacent to the Winslow School. Ellen L. Perham was the librarian during this period. The Memorial Tablet or plaque was dedicated on Memorial Day 1896, during exercises conducted by Channing Whitaker, F. M. Merrill, and J. F. Bancroft. This is according to one of many entries in town reports concerning the tablet. Its appearance is not known and it has not been located in either the Old Town Hall building or in the New Town Hall on Bryants Lane.

Horse sheds existed behind the Town Hall until at least 1911 and may have been built during the time when the building served as the Baptist Church. The expanding role of the Police Department necessitated new departmental space resulting in construction of a partition wall in the basement of Town Hall in 1941. The department consisted of the Chief Charles A. Lorman and four officers at that time. This number increased to six in 1947. Police remained in the lower level of the building until the 1990s. The basement currently houses storage space in the former Selectmen's Room on the south end, the heating plant in the boiler room on the north end; and the brick vault on the east side. The core of the space is vacant. Development in the area of Tyngsborough Center during the period included the 1930 realignment of Middlesex Road (State Route 3A).

Prior to construction of the new road, travelers coming north turned west on a brief segment of Kendall Road to a point in front of the Old Town Hall and then sharply north to continue toward Nashua, New Hampshire. State highway authorities planned to straighten the highway, which required demolition of the box mill building that occupied the jog in the road. Plans also called for filling the stream bed of the outflow of Flint's Pond, channeling it into a narrow canal and subterranean culvert. The resulting depression now contains a dam, bridge, and granite walls to guide the flow of water to the Merrimack River, 200 yards east. The east end of Kendall Road passes over a concrete bridge stamped with the date 1930.

In addition to the realignment of the former turnpike, the iron bridge across the Merrimack constructed in 1874 was, at the recommendation of the engineer and bridge designer J. R. Worcester, replaced in 1930 with the 547' steel trussed-rib through arch of the existing Tyngsborough Bridge. The high steel arch dramatically changed the view of the river from the central village and from the Town Hall. (continued) NºS FomT 10-900-4 (5-66) OMS Approvel Na Bt United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number _ Page -6 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA The granite millstone in the front yard of the Town Hall was placed.there ca. 1994. It is betieved by tocal- historians to have been used in one of the mills formerly located across Kendall Road prior to its realignment in 1930.

Conclusion Walls and partitions were constructed in the Main Hall and in the basement during the mid 20# century to create offfice space for Town Hall and police department employees. These have been removed in preliminary efforts at rehabilitating the building. Some potentially original materials and most interior features and trim from the 1892 alterations remain intact. Expectations for the building's future are that it will be fully rehabilitated and used for community gatherings and functions, much as it was since 1834. Rehabilitation is to be accomplished using funds allocated through the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, provisions of which were adopted by the town in 2002. The Old Town Hall remains an important resource in the town center village.

Its Federal-style design that is presumed to have been built by local craftsmen has a great influence on the historical appearance of the area, itself a locally significant collection of historic buildings and sites. Several historic interior features remain intact, such as the Main Hall, stage, stairs, balcony, vault, and Selectmen's Room. Events and activities that took place within the building include meetings of town government as well as social groups, thereby creating a sense of community among the residents of Tyngsborough for more than a century and a half. While changes in terms of structure and use have occurred, they were reflective of the changing needs of the community but did not compromise the architectural integrity of the Old Town Hall.

Archaeological Significance Civsto ric ary olo tynical resouirans dese socidlaboyuraa, andip doomienh aracteriati as prche to hes allioud and century inhabitants. Additional documentary research combined with archaeological testing may locate structural and artifact evidence that help reconstruct architectural details of the 1834 Baptist Church and renovations that occurred after the town purchased the church. Archaeological evidence of outbuildings associated with the period of Baptist land use may help reconstruct facilities available to the church perdoad of apiow nanurcehae cd the congregation. Detailed analysis of the contents of occupational-related features may contribute social, cultural, and economic details related to Baptist parishioners and a segment of early 19* century Tyngsborough society.

Archaeological evidence of outbuildings and the contents of occupational-related features may also contribute important information related to activities that occurred on the property during the period of town ownership, renovations to the structure during that period, and a wider spectrum of Tyngsborough society. Any (continued) N°S fomm 10-900-e 83-8G) OMG Apprarel No. 102 United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number _ 8/9 Page 1 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA outbuildings and occupational-related features associated with the Winslow School, Farwell House,or Lawrence House located on Town Hall propeity might contain important evidence related to 18th and 19th century education and residential life in the town. (end) BIBLIOGRAPHY "Annual".

The yearly publication of the Tyngsborough Village Improvement Association. 1896-1959. Available on microfilm at the local library. Beers, F. W. Atlas of Middlesex County, Massachusetts. New York: 1875. Available at the State Library Special Collections. A Commemorative Profile of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, 1976. Tyngsborough Bicentennial Committee, 1976. Available at the local library. Conklin, Edward P. Middlesex County and Its People. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1927. Available at the local library. Drake, Samuel Adams. History of Middlesex County. Boston: 1880. Available at the local library. Fox, Charles J. History of the Old Town of Dunstable. Charles T. Gill, Pub., 1846. Available at the local library. Hales, John G. Dunstable and Tyngsborough. Map. 1831. Available at the Massachusetts State Archives. Hurd, Hamilton D.

History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Philadelphia: J. W. Lewis and Co., 1890. Available at the local library. Iustrated History of Lowell and Vicinity. Lowell: Courier Citizen Publishing Co., 1897. Lainhart, Anne, compiler. Massachusetts State Census, Town of Tyngsborough, 1855, 1865. Available at the local library. (continued) M7S Form 10-900-e P3-8Q OM1B Apprarel Mo. B4l: United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Old Town Hall Section number. Page - Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA Lowell. Map. United States Geological Survey, 1886, 1945, 1953, 1969. Available at the State Library Special Collections. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Reconnaissance Survey Report for the Town of Tyngsborough, 1980. Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War. Published by the Commonwealth.

Boston: Wright & Potter Printing Co. State Printers. 1896. Massachusetts State Archives. Department of Public Safety. Division of Plans. Fire Safety Records. Meek, Henry. The Lowell Suburban Directory. Salem, MA: 1896-1968. (Contains entries for Tyngsborough.) Available at the Massachusetts State Library Special Collections and Lowell City library. Morton, Herbert. Images of America: Tyngsborough. Dover, NH: Arcadia Publishing Co., 1996. Nason, Rev. Elias. A History of the Town of Dunstable, Massachusetts. Boston: Alfred Mudge & Sons, Printers, 1877. Available at the local library. Tyngsborough Evangelical Congregational Church. Rededication Program, 1988. Tyngsborough Historical Commission Files. Located in offices of the town planner. Tyngsborough, Town of. Annual Town Reports. 1857-1960. Available at the local library. Tyngsborough, Town of. Tax valuations. 1861-1960.

Available at the local library. Tyngsborough, Town of. Electronic database of names listed in the VIA Annuals, 1896-1959. Available on computer at the local library. United Sates Bureau of the Census. Federal Census of the United Sates, 1790-1910. Available at the National Archives and Records Administration, Belmont, Massachusetts facility. Vital Records of Tyngshorough, Massachusetts to the End of the Year, 1849. Salem: Essex Institute, 1915. Available at the local library. Walker, George H. Atlas of Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Boston: 1889. Available at the Massachusetts State Library, Special Collections. Walling, H. F. Middlesex County. Map. 1856. Available in files of the local historical commission. (end) TyngsboroughOldTownHall Name of Property Middlesex,MA County, State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property less than one acre UTM References See continuation sheet.

(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1. 19 Zone 301320 Easting 4727440 Northing 3. Zone Easting Northing 2. Zone Easting Northing 4. Zone Easting Northing - See continuation sheet 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_Sanford Johnson, consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization_ Massachusetts Historical Commission _ date December 2004 street & number. 220 Morrissey Boulevard _ telephone617-727-8470 city or town. Boston _stateMA _zip code_02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: 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 Town of Tyngsborough, MA street & number 25 Bryants Lane _telephone 978-649-2300 city or town Tyngsborough _ state MA _ zip code 01879 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.470 et seq.).

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 this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. KnS Fomi 10-900-4 (3-8G) United States Department of the Interior Nationai Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number_10 Old Town Hall Page _1 Tyngsborough (Middlesex), MA OMa Approvel No.

102 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description: The Old Town Hall occupies the parcel of land on Kendall Road opposite the corner of Winslow Street labeled by the zoning board on map 20A as lot 56. The boundaries of this lot coincide to the nominated area. Boundary Justification: The boundaries of the nominated property were determined by following the outline of the historic building lot of the former church/town hall. All land in the parcel has been included in the nomination. (end) PHOTOGRAPHS Taken by Sanford Johnson, October, 2002 Negatives in the possession of the Tyngsborough Town Planner's office. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 8 9.

North façade, facing south Northfaçade facing southeast East façade, facing west Rear of building, camera facing north Interior, basement west wall Interior, stage, south wall Interior, stairs, northeast corner Ornamental millstone, north wall Interior, choir loft, north wall 1834 TOWN TYNGSBOROUGT HADE- Tyngsboroigl town Wall moblesex couta, Mo Photo: 5. Jolvoo-ioregptive an file u/ tow Carera Eucing sauth rorth Ercade #/ TOWOR HALL m SBORODSH MASS Tynksbarorgh town Wall middlesex Covut 4. Mass phroto: S. Johueso~10/02 Mregatire dn file w) tower Plen covers facing southcost sorth frcade. Tyngsbrough Town Hhll mddlesca Counta, Mass Photo: S.tohuson lparegative onfile w/ town Carera FaciNg weest Esst side of isuilding #3 Tynssaoough Town Hall middlesex County, Mass Photo: S.

Johson regative onfile l) towa plew CArers FaciNg north ner of Buildins #4 - Isbroush town Wall Middesex Couty, Mass Photo: 5.Johnoo~ 5/02 vegs on file l/ Tyngsburough Interior, susemeut west wa PhoTo #5 Tyngstwragh Toun Hal! Middlesex County Mars. Photo: 5.Johnsuo 5/0 Negs on File w/ Tyngs Interion, stape, soth wa PhoTo#6 Tynasborough town Hall Middlesex CA. MosS photo:5.Johnson Megs on file w TyNgs. Interion, stairs, vortheast Photo #7 Yynsboough Town Aa. Mddlesek Cs. MA Photo: 5. JohusoN 5 Nogs un file W/ Tysgs M Esterior, north Uall, orn MillstoMe Tungsough Towa Hal1 Middesex Lounty, Mas Plosto: S.i JohusoN 5 vegs au file m/ Trgs.

Nist Interior choir (Loft) * 01.610 13,255 21,750 33.500 (1 6370 (* 6600 B0s0 7050 9060 64 9900 LATEST REVSION 3/98 BY HOWE SURVEYING ASSOCIATES, INC E619 TOWN OF TYNGSBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OFTHE BOARD OF ASSESSORS SEE SHEET 20 36,726 2.29 AC E 620 21A 10,739 2.670 * 22,000 10.000 ® 24.580 31.066 ® 20,910 43,215 18.125 21,750 TURT 8280 22.112 RON 21,750 18 20.620 KENDALL O 6160 6685 7695 7412 9183 10- 10,000 SEE MAP 13 LD 4.83 AC 18.125 18.125 21,750 91.70C 15:50 9500 ,620 4 V 9120 = BBOc BREEZY FLINT POND SEE SHEET 20 W DR ASSESSNE AT PURPOSEC ORO CAT 10,250 118 0.5 AC E rII Sone B Thst dhunh Tyras borough Middlesex co.

Massachusetts 1.2 AC N 610 HAAO 10 PETE MANLAO THE LAST THREE DIGITS OF THE CRID NUMBERS ARE OMITTEO IDAMT AILE LIBEAYATO CUTE The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission 2230 DEC 2 | 2004 ES December 17, 2004 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8floor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Old Town Hall, 10 Kendall Road, Tyngsborough (Middlesex), 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 property were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30 to 45 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely, Betay Fredlerg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Marie Lambert, Tyngsborough Historical Commission Peter J. Nicosia, Board of Selectmen Sanford Johnson, Consultant Mark Pease, Planning Board 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc