MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES "Hancock Classical Institute." Berkshire Evening Eagle. September 17, 1924. Pierson, William H., Jr. American Buildings and Their Architects, Vol. I: The Colonial and Neo-Classical Styles. New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1970. "Town Considers Historic Values," Transcript. North Adams, November 18, 1971. 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY two UTM REFERENCES AL1,8/ L6/3,817,0,0 ZONE EASTING 14,711,118,0,0 NORTHING Lilu NORTHING DULLILLULIILIN VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE CODE COUNTY CODE STATE CODE COUNTY CODE 11 FORM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE Judy D. Dobbs, National Register Editor ORGANIZATION Massachusetts Historical Commission STREET & NUMBER DATE September 18, 1975 TELEPHONE 294 Washington street CITY OR TOWN 617-727-8470 STATE Boston.
Massachusetts 02108 12 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS: NATIONAL - STATE - LOCAL. As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665). I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE TITLE Oligbut Qud Amecon DATE Sept.
18,1975 Executive Director, Mass/fistorical Commission FOR NPS USE ONLY 1 HEREBY CEB Y THAT THIS PROPERTYLS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER KEEPER OF THE JATIONAL REGISTER DATE 26/45 DATE 192 GPO 888-445 Longitude -42° 32'30" Lat, tide - 73° 19 The sillage of Handock diee not have an official map since it is premarily locatid on one mais nad WHLIAMSFOWA BERLIN NORINI MANCOER INEW ASHFORO STEPHENTOWN 43 PITHE BRODIE MAPPEN ROÃO HANKOCK PATIER VILLAGE N COND GOODBICH HOLLOW 22 YORK LANESBORO Eon noip PITTSFIEZO STATE FOREST NEW NEW LEGANON SHAKER HEIGHTS 20SHARE JILUGE PITTSFIELD RIYMONO Ber rkshirs Property Hancack Town Hall State Working Number 9.24.75./726 mass. TECHNICAL Photos _ Maps maned yon cene u haleatin ne oun sureroing CONTROL 925.75 HISTORIAN Accept E.Smitk 9-25-75 Moved fiom town contr to ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN a more remote site. Hich.
integrity appeans intact, but nittfity Ncanm nguestionabl. No longer in a position to bse the center Accepr /guen fuxuel9124/15 ARCHEOLOGIST OTHER HAER Inventory _ Review Obuiously Mass feels this is a worthy example. REVIEW UNIT CHIEF occep COll 9-25-75 BRANCH CHIEF Sad to move Accept Cshull sor Neruned See P. 56, E.1 Policies and Procedures There is no evidence from the nomination that the site where it 18 now Jocated was investigated or studzed to determine 1f thera lenmuery KEEPER might be other historical resources affected by the move. No archeological investigation was conducted, apparently. Wn Murtach 9/47 National Register Write-up Send-back Entered SEP 3 6 1975 Federal Register Entry 11-4-25 Re-submit INT:2106- 74 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WASO No. 7 HANCOU Form No. 10-301a (Pev.
10-7+) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED SEP 2 DATE ENTERED SEP 2 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORM TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME HISTORIC Hancock Town Hall AND/OR COMMON Hancock Town Hall LOCATION CITY, TOWN Hancock _VICINITY OF PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT Evangeline Prince NEGATIVE FILED AT Route 43, Williamstown, Massachusetts IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET Looking at main facade and side elevation of Town Hall. COUNTY Berkshire DATE OF PHOTO August 1 PHO Form No. 10-301 (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY MAP FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED SEP 2: 1975 IDATE ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH MAP SEP 2 6 1975 1 NAME : HISTORIC 2 3 4 Hancock Town Hall AND/OR COMMON LOCATION CITY, TOWN Hancock Town Hall "Hancock MAP REFERENCE SOURCE USGS, Hancock Quadrangle SCALE 1:24,000 REQUIREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. PROPERTY BOUNDARIES 2. NORTH ARROW 3. UTM REFERENCES _VICINITY OF COUNTY Berkshire STATE MA DATE 1960 INT: 34 64 - 75 TE HIEINATO OFTD Paul Guzzi Fecrelary of the Commonrralsh 18 September 1975 The Commonwealth of Massackusetts Office of the Secretary Massachusett, Historical Commission 40 Beacon Slree Boston, Massachuselts 02108 727-8470 51 L6 RECÊiVED SEP 2 4 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER Mr.
Charles Herrington, Chief Registration National Register of Historic Places US Department of the Interior 18th and C Streets, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Charles: Enclosed is the National Register nomination form for the Hancock Town Hall, Route 43, Hancock, Massachusetts. The property was accepted in the National Register on February 6, 1973. On August 29, 1975 the Town Hall was moved from its original location on Main Street to a new site on Route 43. The enclosed form is our resubmission of the property in its new location. Pending approval of its reinstatement in the National Register, the Massachusetts Historical Commission will be funding the Hancock Town Hall with matching grant-in-aid assistance.
The resubmission of the Hancock Town Hall has been voted eligible by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (State Review Board) and the form has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer, Elizabeth Reed Amadon. Sincerely yours, Pat Patricia I. Weslowski Survey Director Massachusetts Historical Commission PLW/jd enclosure Form 10-300 (Rev.
6-72) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM (Type all entries complete applicable sections) NAME COMMON: Hancock Town Hall AND/ OR HISTORIC: LOCATION STREET AND NUMBER: Main Street CITY OR TOWN: Hancock STATE Massachusetts CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY (Check One) District Site Building Structure Object Public Private Both PRESENT USE (Check One or More as Appropriate) Agricultural Government Commercial Educational Entertainment - - - Industrial Military Museum OWNER OF PROPERTY OWNER'S NAME: Town of Hancock STREET AND NUMBER: CITY OR TOWN: Hancock LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC: STREET AND NUMBER: CITY OR TOWN: REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE OF SURVEY: DATE OF SURVEY: DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS: - Federal STREET AND NUMBER: CITY OR TOWN: STATE: Massachusetts COUNTY: Berkshire FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY DATE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: CODE COUNTY: OWNERSHIP Public Acquisition: - In Process Being Considered Park Private Residence Religious Scientific CODE STATUS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Occupied - Unoccupied - Preservation work in progresr L Yes: Restricted Unrestricted No Transportation Other (Specity) none - Comments STATE: Massachusetts CODE STATE CODE - State - County - Local ISTATE: CODE COUNTY: ENTRY NUMBER DATE FOR NPS USE ONLY 17 DESCRIPTION (Check One) Deteriorated Excellent X Good Unexposed CONDITION (Check One) (Check One) Altered * Unaltered DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (if known) PHYSIÇAL APPEARANCE * Moved Original Site The Hancock Town Hall exemplifies the simplest and most profific adaptation of the temple form of the Greek Revival style.
Its short gable end contains' the main entince which is centered on the facade. A simple and heavy entab- lature with boxed cornice encircles the clapboard sided building directly above the second story windows and forms a pediment in the gable end. Segmental lintels top the first story windows, three in each of the long elevations and one at each side of the entrance. Narrow cornerboards mark each corner of the building. Over the door a heavy flat entablature rests on the door frame. Plans exist for the Hall to be moved from the center of the small community where it is located on less than an acre of open land, bordered to the rear by a tree-lined brook. The new location will be 29/10 of a mile away at the edge of Hancock and next to the town cemetery. Here the land is flat and open and borderedwith trees to the rear and sides.
While the local residents do not wish to move the building, the present site prevents the building from being used as a town hall or residence because of its inadequate leaching field. Commercial use of the building is unfeasible because of the small size of the town (c.900 people) and its rural location. If the building is not moved,neglect,decay and destructionwill surely follow. SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD (Check One or More as Appropriate) Pre-Columbian!
15th Century 16th Century 17th Century 18th Century 19th Century - 20th Century SPECIFIC DATE(S) (If Applicable and Known) AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE (Check One or More as Appropriate) Abor iginal Education Prehistoric Engineering Historic Industry Agriculture Invention Architecture Landscape Art Architecture Commerce Literature Communications Military Conservation Music XX Political Religion/Phi- losophy Science Sculpture Social/Human- itarian Theater Transportation Urban Planning Other (Specify) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Hancock Town Hall is significant: 1) as a typical example of the simple rural Greek Revival style and 2) as one of a very few town halls in Berkshire County which, at the time of its construction, had been built specifically for the purpose of housing town offices.
It served the community in this capacity until recent building codes prevented its use and necessitated its being moved. The new site of the hall will satisfy the need for an adequate leaching field and assure the continued original use of the structure, an action much desired by the town residents. As to its architectural merits, the simple and bold form and uncluttered lines of the Hancock Town Hall illustrate the classical revival style, adapted to suit the needs and resources of a small rural community. Although smaller in scale, the basic shape and design of the Town Hall reflect the traditional style of the New England meetinghouse. Until the functions of church and state were officially separated in Massachusetts in 1830, and sometimes thereafter, meetinghouses served as town meeting places as well as houses of woeship.
Thus, in its architecture the Hancock Town Hall symbolizes the tradition of local government in Massachusetts. In its form and in certain architectural features, the Town Hall also resembles the schoolhouses constructed during the same period. For a number of years, space was peovided in the town hall for a private school, known as the Hancock Classical Institute, which drew students from Hancock and the surrounding towns. This was considered a college preparatory school and a separate public school was maintained in the town. The first teacher at the Hancock Classical Institite was Hirwm La Motte Iewis, a student at Williams College. Succeeding student teachers were selected with the advice of Williams' president Mark Hopkins. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES 0.
.1: GEOGRAPHICAL DATA LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINATES DEFINING A RECTANGLE LOCATING THE PROPERTY CORNER LATITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds LONGITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINATES DEFINING THE CENTER POINT OF A PHOPERTY OF LESS THAN TEN ACRES LATITUDE LONGITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds Degrees Minutes Seconds NW NE (" SE SW APPROXIMATE ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY: ILIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE: CODE COUNTY 3222000 CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE FORMPREPARED BY NAME AND TITLE: ORGANIZATION Møndy Arbo, National Register Editor DATE e230 Massachusetts Historical Commission STREET AND NUMBER: 40 Beacon Street CITY OR TOWN: STATE CODE JE V Boston 617-727-8470 STATE LIAISON OFFICER CERTIFICATION Massachusetts 02108 NATIONAL REGISTER VERIFICATION As the designated State Liaison Officer for the Na- tional Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the c-iteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.
The recommended level of significance of this nomination is: National State Local X I hereby certify that this property is included in the Nationa 1 Register. Director, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation Date Name ATTEST: Title Keeper of The National Register Date Date M - TRUCTIONS GP0 931-89 4 Form 10-300 (July 1969) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HB F637780 Zn/8N 4711/80 STATE: Massachusetts COUNTY: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM (Type all entries - complete applicable sections) Berkshire FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER FEB 8 1903 DATE 1. NAME COMMON: Hancock Town Hall AND/ OR HISTORIC: 2. LOCATION STREET AND NUMBER: Main Street CITY OR TOWN: Hancock STATE Massachusetts CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY (Check One) District Site Congressional District 1; Hon.
Silvio Conte CODE 025 COUNTY: Berkshire RECÊVED AUG 30 1972 AATIONAI REGISTER coQ OWNERSHIP STATUS Building Structure Object Public Private Both Public Acquisition: In Process Being Considered Occupied * Unoccupied - Preservation work in progress ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC Yes: Restricted Unrestricted - No PRESENT USE (Check One or More as Appropriate) * Agricultural Commercial Educational Entertainment Government Industrial Military Museum Park Private Residence Religious Scientific Transportation - Other (Specity) - Comments OWNER OF PROPERTY OWNER'S NAME: Town of Hancock STREET AND NUMBER: CiTY OR TOWN: STATE: CODE Hancock 5.
LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION Massachusetts 025 COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC: Berkshire County Registry of Deeds, North District STREET AND NUMBER: CITY OR TOWN: Adams STATE Massachusetts CODE 025 REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE OF SURVEY: Inventory of Historic Assets, Commonwealth of Massachusetts DATE OF SURVEY: 1971 DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS: Massachusetts Historical Commission, STREET AND NUMBER: 3 Joy Street CITY OR TOWN: Boston - Federal * State - County - Local FEB STATE: Massachusetts CODE 025 Mass- Berkshire STATE: COUNTY: ENTRY NUMBER FOR NPS USE ONLY DESCRIPTION (Check One) Deteriorated Excellent CONDITION - Good (Check One) Ruins - Unexposed (Check One) - Altered [x Unaltered Moved [x Original Site DESCRIBE THE.PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (if known) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE The Hancock Town Hall exemplifies the simplest and most prolific adaption of the temple form of the Greek Revival style.
Its short gable end faces the street to the north and contains the main entrance which is centered on the facade. A simple and heavy entablature with boxed cornice encircles the clapboard sided building directly above the second story windows and forms a pediment in the gable end. Segmental lintels top the first story windows, three on each of the long facades and one at each side of the entrance. Narrow cornerboards mark each corner of the building. Over the door a heavy flat entablature rests on the door frame. The Hall is located in the middle of the town center of Hancock on less than an acre of open land, bordered to the south by the tree lined Kinder- hook Creek. It faces north directly. onto the main street and is surrounded by village houses and public buildings typical of the 19th century. The building is basically sound.
Requirements for continued use include the installation of heating, wiring and plumbing (including a septic tank ), as well as repairs to window sashes and painting . eirur" 18 RECEIVED AUG 30 1972 NATIONAL REGISTER - 110/ -/-: t0ei or: T3a0co et.0l INSTRUCTIONS SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD (Check One or More as Appropriate) Pre-Columbian! - 15th Century 16th Century 17th Century 18th Century 19th Century 20th Century SPECIFIC DATE(S) (If Applicable and Known) c. 1852 AREAS OF SIGNIFICANÇE (Check One or More as Appropriate) Abor iginal Education Prehistoric Engineering Historic Industry 100. Agriculture Invention Architecture Landscape Art Architecture Commerce Literature Communications Military Conservation Music Political Religion/Phi. losophy Science: Sculpture Social/Human- itarian Theater Transportation *# Urban Planning IF.
* ] Other (Specify) local goyernment STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE .The Hancock Town Hall is one of only three town halls in Berkshire County built specifically for that purpose. In the early 1850's, the town of Hancock voted to demolish a local church and use the materials from it to erect a town hall. *There was some opposition to this plan and a lawsuit was initiated which allowed completion of the town hall project. For a number of years, space was provided in the town hall for a private school, known as the Hancock Classical Institute, which drew students from Hancock and the surrounding towns. \This was considered a college preparatory school and a separate public school was maintained for the town. The first teacher at the Hancock Classical Institute was Hiram La Motte Lewis, a student at Williams College.
Succeeding student teachers were selected with the advice of Williams' president Mark Hopkins. The simple and bold form and uncluttered lines of the Hancock Town Hall illustrate the classical revival style, adapted to suit the needs and resources of a small, rural community. Although smaller in scale, the basic shape and design of the Town Hall reflect the traditional style of New England meetinghouse. Until the functions of church and state were officially separated in Massachusetts in 1830, and sometimes thereafter, meetinghouses served as town meeting places as well as houses of worship. Thus, in its architecture the Hancock Town Hall symbolizes the tradition of local government in Massachusetts. In its form and in certain archi- tectural features, the Town Hall also resembles the schoolhouses con- structed during this same period.
(6) 17 RECEINED AUG 30 1972 NATIONAL REGISTER 10 MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Transcript. "Town Considers Historic Values." North Adams, November 18, 1971. Berkshire Evening Eagle. "Hancock Classical Institute." September 17, 1924. Pierson, William H. Jr. American Buildings and Their Architects. Vol. I: The Colonial and Neo-Classical Styles. Garden City, N.Y.:Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1970.
GEOGRAPHICAL DATA LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINATES DEFINING A RECTANGLE LOCATING THE PROPERTY R CORNER LATITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds LONGITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINATES DEFINING THE CENTER POINT OF A PROPERTY OF LESS THAN TEN ACRES LATITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds 42° 32' 33}" LONGITUDE Degrees Minutes Seconds 73°19 ' 20" NW NE SE SW APPROXIMATE ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY: less than one acre LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE: CODE COUNTY CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE STATE: CODE COUNTY: CODE FORMPREPARED BY NAME AND TITLE: Richard W. Hale, Jr.
Acting Chairman ORGANIZATION DATE 5/24/72 Massachusetts Historical Commission STREET AND NUMBER: 3 Joy Street CITY OR TOWN: Boston STATE LIAISON OFFICER CERTIFICAIION STATE Massachusetts NATIONAL REGISTER VERIFICATION CODE 025 As the designated State Liaison Officer for the Na- tional Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. The recommended level of significance of this nomination is: ational State Local Name SltXDoroa John F. X. Davoren Seeretary of the Commonwealth, Title Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission I hereby certify that this property is included in the Nationa 1 Register.
Pobertu Utle Chief, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation 2/6/73 Date Date 8/3/72 ATTEST Wsm/lenetyk Keepera of The National Register Date 1.29:23 GP 0 901.087 PROPERTY Working number TECH REVIEW Htancoch town Nall soane Mass 8.30.22.1372 Berkshire Photos Maps 2 orqitue ot batiladee. Çhn te bel Checked tex seflrencerpohite. corected map was sent1-16-23. HISTORIAN 1/-9 72 (shall. O.K ARCHEOLOGIST ARCHITECT meano 1/5/73 BRANCH CHIEF 1/29/72 EDITORIAL REVIEW KEEPER Voo, 124 National Register write-up Federal Register entry 3/6 Acknowledge Send-back Re-submit Register no. 8/31/72 FEB 6 1979 NPS Number Title: 3/6/73 -FANSOSle Ta Loc. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM (Type all entries - attach to or enclose with photograph) STATE Massachusett.
COUNTY Berkshire FOR NPS ENTRY NUMB FEB 6 NAME COMMON: Hancock Town Hall AND/OR HISTORIC: L9SA STREET AND NUMBER: Main Street CITY OR TOWN: Hancock 10 STATE: Massachusetts CODE 025 COUNTY: Berkshirer PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT: Randy Trabold, Transcript staff DATE OF PHOTO: 1/72 NEGATIVE FILED AT: Transcript office, North Adams, Massachusetts IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC.
View facing west, side and front facades of Town Hall 6 RECEiVI AUG 301 NATION KECIST HANCOCK TOWN HALL AUG 28 Form 10-301 (July 1969) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY MAP FORM (Type all entries - attach to or enclose with map) STATE Massachusetts COUNTY Berkshire FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER FEB 6 1973 DATE - - NAME COMMON: Hancock Town Hall AND/OR HISTORIC: LOCATION STREET AND NUM BER: Main Street CITY OR TOWN: Hancock STATE: Massachusetts MAP REFERENCE SOURCE: U.S.G.S. Hancock, Mass.--N.Y. SCALE: 1:24,000 DATE: 1960 REQUIREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. Property broundaries where required. 2. North arrow. 3. Latitude and longitude reference.
CODE 025 RECENVE AUG 30 1972 NATIONAL REGISTER COUNTY: Borkanike CODE 003 Rounds Mountain RENSSELAER BERKSHIRE 969/ Gardner Cem The Pinnacleo Scarock Ceffr Sheeps H Brook Hancock. 33% 20" Whitman Burial Vault Hancock, Massachusetts Town Hall U.S.G.S. Hancock, Mass 4-NY Date: 1960 Scale: 1:24,000 RECEIVED AUG 30 1972 NATIONAL REGISTER OT! R/E Berry MOnWeE Berry n Brook RENSSELAER BERKSHIRE Hancock 969/ 1200 11058 2 Whitman Buriat Vault (30" Gardner Cem Creek Annadpo HANCOCK, MASSACHUSETTS HANCOCK TOWN HALL U.S.G.S. Hancock, Mass.- N.Y.
N4230 - W7315/7.5 1960 AMS 6369 III SE-SERIES V814 42° 32' 33%" 73° 19' 20" bodrich Hotiow Goodrich Holtow 73 20' 00" */ x226 PITT RECEIVED VAN 1 6 1973T 3erIATIONAL OREGISTER E Honwee Mtn 1219 Berri Pona PITSFTELD Berry C.2202 -Mtn "38 (PITTSFIELD WEST) 639 6.368 /V NF SCALE 1:24000 2000 3000 4000 6000 CONTOUR INTERVALS 10 AND 20 FEET (SEE DIAGRAM) DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL FIEI D FORES rchz 73 17' 30" GNE BETTO CHACIO WE HRRATD ORETEDD John F. X. Daroren Pecretary of the Commonwealth The Commonwealih of Massachusetts Office of the Secretary Massachusetts Histonical Commission 3 Jog Street Boston, Mass. 02108 August 25, 1972 National Register of Historic Places Registration and Nominations Branch Room 3207-A 1100 I Street, N. W. Washington, D.C. 20005 Attention: Miss Mary Means BIITL18 (9) RECÊIVED AUG 30 1972 NATIONAL REGISTER Dear Sirs: Enclosed are National Register nominations for: 1.
Worcester County, Worcester, Mechanics Hall 2. Berkshire County, Hancock, Town Hall These have been declared eligible for submission by the Massachu- setts Historical Commission, the State Review Board, and signed by Secretary of the Commonwealth, John F. X. Davoren, Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission, and State Liaison Officer. Sincerely yours, Cnherhi Nall Richard W. Hale, Jr. Acting Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission RWH: pm Enclosures January 10, 1973 Star Rt., Hancock Rd. Williamstown, Mass. 01267 Mr. Jerry Rodgers Director, National Register National Park Service, Department of Interior Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Rodgers: I received a letter from Congressman, Silvio 0. 26/73 Conte, stating the status of the Hancock Town Hall historic designation application.
He said that in a preliminary review undertaken during a conversation with you that our application might be deficient in regards to a map. I'm sending you a copy of this U.S.G.S. map with the Town Hall pinpointed and this hand drawn one. The village of Hancock does not have an official map since it is primarily located on one main road. If any other information is necessary I will be t be of assistance., Sincerely yours, Paulin B. Guntlew Pauline B. Guntlow Chairman of Town Hall Committee ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE (ACS.C: SL22S Date Entered FER 61973 Nams. Location Blackstone Canal Hancock Town Hall Old liarvard Yard Nortihricge, Uxbridge Vorcastor County Hancock Borkshire County Combridge Micdlasex County Also Notified Hon. Edward M. Kennedy Hon. Edwara W. Frooke Fon. Robert Drinan lon. Eilvio o. Conte Fon. Thonas P. O'nelll, Jr.
Director, Northeast Region PHR State Liaison Officer Fon. Jonn F. X. Davoren !Cecretzry of the Commonwealth Chafiman, Mascachusetts Historical Cominaion 40 Deacon Street Boston: Massachusetts 02133 NRowland:mm 2/8/73 John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonvealth November 14, 1974 The Commonwvealth of Massachusetts Ofice of the Pecretary Massachuselts Histonical Commission 40 Beacon Slreet Boston, Massachuselts 02108 727-8470 Ms. Kate Cole National Register National Park Service 18th and C Streets Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Ms. Cole: The Massachusetts Historical Commission is preparing to extend grant- in-aid assistance for the movino and restoration of the Hancock Town Hall. Before the Commission committs itself to this project we wish to make sure it will get back onto the National Register so we can receive the 50% matching grant from the National Park Service's Grants Division.
on November 12, 1974, the Massachusetts Review Board met and formally voted to approve the resubmission of the Hancock Town Hall to the Register after it is moved. Could you please have the enclosed material reviewed by the appropriate body in Washington and indicate to us whether or not a resubmission for the building after the move will place it back onto the Register? The enclosed National Register form gives all the information required to asses the situation. Along with that are taped photographs. Photo- graph #1 shows the structure as it sits on its present site; photograph #2 shows the cemetery to the right of which the Town Hall will be located; and photograph #3 shows the new site next to the cemetery. The exact location is next to the tractor.
I appologize for the quality of the pictures but the Commission will not authorize the purchase of a decent camera for me to use during field inspections. we should appreciate a response as soon as possible since the Town is getting impatient and we still have all the lengthy grants bureaucracy to struggle through. I believe Charles Herrington spoke to you about this matter before he left for Mexico. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at (617) 727-8470. Sincerely yours, Matwo tt. sheee Stephen H. Sne1l Grants Manager Massachusetts Historical Commission, Grants Division SHS : cb BASIC FILE RETAINED IN PR Zacker H34-PR Causty, mAs. OV 25 1974 1/2//20 1sirt Mx. Stephen H. Snell Grants Manager Massachusetts Bistorieal Cormission 40 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Dear Mr.
Snett: Thank you for your recent letter to Katherine Cole concerning the aoving a resteratln o te Hapcock Toya-Rall in Eancoek, Massachusetts. The written and photographie documentation indicates that the building would probably meet Natíonal Register criterta after tts move, but we must reserve final decision on the building's eligihility until the actual nove has been nade and a new nomina- tion has been received. We understand your concern in keeping the Hancock Town Ball 1isted in the National Register throughout the moving process so that it may remain eligible for matebing grants-in-aid frow the National Park Service. If theproject is already listed on the apportionment warrant for 1975, ft is essential that you write the Division of Grants requesting retroactive funding for the project.
The Granta Division w111 not allocate noney unt1l after the nove has been completed and until after the property has been relisted in the National Register. Once this has eceutred a letter initiating a request for payment should be sent to the Grants Divisien. If you have any fueations coneernine noving latlonal Register structures sE e raae ae tm and retroactive funding, we suggest you contaet either the Grants Division, Preservation Projeets, er the Review Unit of the National Register. 108 CC: Hon. John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission 40 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 ) w/c inc. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) George F. Emery 81111an J.
Murtagh Keeper of the National Register FNP :W Jandl:bsh 11/21/74 bcc: Regional Director, North-Atlantic Region ) Director's Reading File DI PG ) PR ) Oug+ 1 retyped: Cam:11/20/34 ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE Date Entered MASSACHUSETTS SEP 2 6 1975 Name Location Haneock Town Hall Hancock Vicinity Berkshire County Also Notified State Historic Preservation Officer Mrs. Elizabeth R. Amadon Massachusetts Historical Commission 40 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 PR MMott 9/29/75 INT: 2950-75 NOTIFICATION OF GRANT-IN-AID ACTION 1. STATE APPLICATION IDENTIFIER 2. (Reserved for use by State central information reception agency) 73070340 3. GRANTOR: a. Federal agency Department of the Interior b. Organizational unit National Park Service c. Administering office -(1) Name Division of Grants (2) Address - Street or P.O. Box 18th and C Streets NW. 4.
FEDERAL AGENCY GRANT IDENTIFIER: a. Code 25-74-00085-00 City State Washington D. C. Zip Code 20240 b. Title Hancock Town Hall Development, Phase I c. Purpose The Hancock Town Hall, erected ca. 1852, exemplifies the simplest and most prolific adaptation of the Greek Revival temple form to the needs of a small rural community. The structure will be moved to a town-owned site 9/10 of a mile away to insure its preservation. 5. GRANTEE: a. Name Massachusetts Mrs. Elizabeth R. Amadon, Exec. Dir., Mass. Historical Commission b. Address - Street or P.O. Box City Zip Code 40 Beacon Street Boston 02108 6. GRANTEE TYPE (Check only the single most applicable box) a. State b. Inter- c. County d. City STOTe e. School district f. Special unit g. Community action h. Sponsored organization i. Other 7. APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE 8. ACTION DATE Year Month Day Year Month 75 06 05 75 06 Day 24 9.
EFFECTIVE STARTING DATE Year Month 75 06 Day 24 11. TYPE OF ACTION (Check as many boxes as apply to this action) a. New b. Continuation c. Supplemental d. Change in existing grant grant grant grant (identify agency in item 16) (1) Increase in (2) Decrease in (3) Concellation duration duration 10. ENDING DATE Year Month 78 06 Day 23 (4) Increase($) (5) Decrease($) 12. AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION a. Federal - (1) basic (2) Supplemental $7,000 13. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (if none, clarify in item 16) 14. AUTHORIZATION a. Federal.Budget Accounts b. Public Laws b. State 3 7,000* a. Program Number 15.904 c. Local d. Other b. Supplemental Program Number 10-58-1040-0-1-405 PL Title Sec. 89 665 c. U.S. Code 16 U.S.C. 470 15. FACILITY LOCATION: (For facility grant actions only) a. City Main Street, Hancock PL Title Sec. PL Title Sec. b. County Berkshire 16.
REMARKS *Town of Hancock Do No: Use: This Spasy Prepared by Ralph E. Thomas 523(139)-5054 STANDARD FORM 240 June 1970 Bureau of the Budget Circular A-98 240-101 MNR Data Sheet DATE: 317/77 Reviewer INITZALS, geoft NR DOE Sept. 26, 1975 1(9-26-15) V NAMEAS IT APPEARS IN FEDERAL REGISTER: ancock Iown Hall OTHER NANES: LOCATION: STREET & NUMBER MA Rte. 43 CY TOWN STATE Hancock Massachusetts VICINITY OF LOWNER OF PROPERTY: (circle) CONGRESSIUNAL DISTRICT lst /CoUNTY Berkshirfode 003 Municipal: PRIVATE STATE (LOCAL GOV'T) MUNICIPAL COUNTY FEDERAL (AGENCY NAME) : ADMINISTRATOR(underline) NPS REGION: (CIRCLE)( N.ATLANTIC MID ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST MIDWEST SOUTHWEST ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEST PACIFIC NORTHWEST FEATURES: AINTERIOR - Substantially intact-1 - unknown - 4 - not applicable - 7 CONDITION - .EXCELLENT LG000 -FAIR EXTERIOR ENVIRONS <Substantially intact-2 .- Substantially intact-3 _ unknown.-5 -.
unknown -6 _ not applicable - 8 Not applicable-9 _Interioi, exterior, Cnvirons not intact-o _DETERIORATED MLUNALTERED -RUINS LALTERED _UNEXPOSED -Reconstructed _ORIGINAL SITE SMOVED -Unknown _Unexcavated _Excavated ACCESS - Yes-restricted historic distriet? Yes-unrestricted No access Unknown YES ) WITHIN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT? IF YES, NAME: YES NO WITHIN NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK? IF YES, NAME: YES NO ADAPTIVE USE: YES Saved ? YES FUNCTION(S): (use vocabulary words) then- qoveinment now-goreament SIGNIFICANCE: ARCHEULUGY-PREHISTORIC -ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC _AGRICULTURE 4 - LARCHITECTURE -ART _COMMERCE -COMMUNICATIONS -CONSERVATION -ECONOMICS 1O-LEDUCATION -ENGINEERING -EXPLORATION INDUSTRY -INVENTION Claims "first" YES NO -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _RELIGION _LAW/Gov't/politics _SCIENCE -LITERATURE _MILITARY -SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN _MUSIC _PHILOSOPHY.
21-LPOtTICS/GOVERNMENT -TRANSPORTATION _OTHER (SPECIFY) "'oldest'' YES NO --entertainment _health - recreation -settlement _socio/cultural _urban & commun planning "'only" YES NO ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: GREEK REUIVAL architect/m.builder: landscape/garden designer: interior decorator: ETHNIC GROUP: NAMES: (label role & appropriate date) personal events engineer: artist/artisan: builder/contractor: institutional ~DATES: DATE OF CONSTRUCTION (Specific date or 1/4 of century): 1852 DATE (S) OF "MAJOR" ALTERATIONS : 1975 MOUED HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT DATE (S) SOURCE: (OF NOMINATION) PRIVATE STATE LOCAL GOV"T MUNICIPAL COUNTY OTHER FEDERAL 'AGENCY: ACREAGE: (to nearest tenth of an acre) 2 COMMENTS: (include archítectural infornation here) FRAME, CLAPBOARDINE; 2 STORIES, RECTANGNAR, GADLED ROOF, INTERIOR CHIMNET ,FRONT CENTER PANELEO ENTRANCE WITH ARCHITRAVE, FULLEND PEDIMENT, - SIMPLE FRIEZE AND DOXED CORNICE; MOUED.
ERECK PEUIVAL. the ONE OF ONKT 3 BUILDINGS UI BERKSHIREN COUNTY BULLT TO FUNCTION as TOwN Hales. SIGNIFICANCE:(maximum two sentences)
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