Nomination for Salisbury House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 (Rev.

10-74) PH0150657 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY MAY 2 1 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM RECEIVED DATE ENTERED JUN 2 0 1S75 3 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS NAME HISTORIC Salisbury House AND/OR COMMON same LOCATION STREET & NUMBER 61 Harvard Street CITY, TOWN Worcester NOT FOR PUBLICATION CONGBESSONAL DISTRICT STATE Massachusetts CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY DISTRICT X BUILDING(S) .STRUCTURE _SITE _OBJECT OWNERSHIP -PUBLIC XPRIVATE _BOTH PUBLIC ACQUISITION -IN PROCESS _BEING CONSIDERED - - VICINITY OF CODE 02 STATUS XOCCUPIED -UNOCCUPIED -WORK IN PROGRESS ACCESSIBLE X_YES: RESTRICTED - YES: UNRESTRICTED _NO COUNWorcester 02°PE PRESENT USE AGRICULTURE -MUSEUM _COMMERCIAL _PARK _EDUCATIONAL -PRIVATE RESIDENCE -ENTERTAINMENT _RELIGIOUS _GOVERNMENT -SCIENTIFIC _INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION -MILITARY XOTHER: Red Cross OWNER OF PROPERTY NAME Worcester Chapter, American Red Cross STREET & NUMBER 61 Harvard Street CITY.TOWN STATE Massachusetts 01608 Worcester VICINITY OF LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE REGISTRY OF DEEDS;ETC.

Worcester County Courthouse STREET & NUMBER 2 Main Street CITY. TOWN Worcester STATE Massachusetts REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE Inventory of the Historic Assets of the Commonwealth DATE 1974 _FEDERAL XSTATE COUNTYLOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY. TOWN Massachusetts Historical Commission Boston, STATE Massachusetts DESCRIPTION CONDITION X EXCELLENT _GOOD FAIR DETERIORATED _RUINS _UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE -UNALTERED X_ALTERED CHECK ONE &ORIGINAL SITE MOVED DATE. 1931 DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

The Salisbury House is situated on high ground in downtown Worcester, on a block bounded by Highland Street on the south, Harvard Street on the east, Institute Road on the north and Lancaster Street on the west. There are two buildings to the west of the House (the Salisbury Mansion and Store), and a large parking lot extends across the southern half of the block. The House was moved a few feet northwest from its original site in 1931 to prevent demolition when Harvard Street was widened. - 1a 335 Eo pevant demotu ton The House was built for Stephen Salisbury II in 1836-38 by Elias Carter, a master builder, and has been called the best of Carter's worcester buildings. The 2½ story wood frame, hip roof building is Greek Revival in style with details used freely rather than academically in effecting a design of classic elegance and simplicity.

An impression of pseudo-peripteral form comes from the use of piers supporting a full entablature, though one without frieze or architrave divisions. Little exterior ornament was used, being confined to asmooth ashlar treatment of the wood sheathing, wreathed oculus windows in the frieze, and the use of label molding over the second floor windows. The west facade and east elevation are crossed by one story fluted Doric columned porches; a three bay conservatory of the same height and with Doric pilasters is attached to the south elevation. The north elevation, except for smooth imitation ashlar quoins is flush boarded. The ell, apparently original, is an unarticulated addition which has been altered through the years. The interior of the house is particularly grand, with large airy rooms.

Much of the door paneling and window trim resemble those illustrated in Practice of Architecture, published by Asher Benjamin in 1833. The graceful spiral staircase extending up through a circular opening 'in the Central Häll ceiling to a large hall on the second floor is especially noteworthy. the Worcester Chapter of the American Red-Cross. CLteD al pr =3020 LS16 21n30m/a n.t.a. 220: 8

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD -PREHISTORIC -1400-1499 - 1500-1599 -1600-1699 _1700-1799 X1800-1899 -1900- -ARCHEOLUGY-PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC AGRICULTURE XARCHITECTURE ART _COMMERCE _COMMUNICATIONS AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW _COMMUNITY PLANNING _LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE -CONSERVATION _LAW ECONOMICS _LITERATURE _EDUCATION -MILITARY _ENGINEERING -MUSIC _EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT I-PHILOSOPHY _INDUSTRY POLITICS/GOVERNMENT _INVENTION -RELIGION SCIENCE _SCULPTURE XSOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN -THEATER _TRANSPORTATION _OTHER (SPECIFY) SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER

Statement of significance

/ARCHITECT 1836-38 Elias Carter STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The significance of the Salisbury House derives both from its architectural significance and its associations with Stephen Salisbury II, the original owner of the house. The house, built to emphasize Stephen II's rising position in the community as a wealthy man of New England, became a landmark in the city, and was frequently reproduced in panoramic views of the town, and in local histories. Architecturally, the Salisbury House is distinguished as a fine example of the Greek Revival style. It adheres to the principles of classical design and unity, and the decorative detail is subordinated to the effect of the whole. It is considered to be one of the finest of the many grand houses erected during this time of prosperity in Worcester, and was a fitting residence for the Salisbury family.

Stephen III continued to live in the house after his father's death in 1884. He carried on his father's tradition in the community and was active in the founding of the Worcester Art Museum: in 1896..He gave: generously to many other cultural institutions in Worcester, and when he died in 1905 he left the Salisbury House to the Trustees of the Worcester Art. Museum. -In 1907 the building became part of the Art Museum School. The Museum School remained in the building until 1939, and in 1941 the Worcester Chapter of the American Red Cross bought the building. The house was refitted as the headquarters of the Chapter with complete sympathy for the architectural merit of the building and is a good example of sensitive re-use of an architectually significant structure.

The rest of the file

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

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Sawyer, C.H., "The Salisbury Houses", Worcester Art Museum Annual, 1946, vol. V Salisbury Family Papers, Manuscript collection including contracts for Salisbury buildings.

10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY UTM REFERENCES less than one acre AL19/ L2/6,8/9,1,0 ZONE EASTING 14,6,8,315,7,0l NORTHING VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION UTM OK HL ZONE EASTiNG MORTHING NORTHING LILULILu 790EJ2 4L9CT.I 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 Christine Boulding, Assistant Survey Director ORGANIZATION DATE Massachusetts Historical Commission May 1975 STREET & NUMBER TELEPHONE 40 Beacon Street 617-727-8470 CITY OR TOWN 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 Oejabut R. Amodon State Historic Preservation Officer DATE 5/14/75 TITLE FOR NPS USE ONLY I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Ixwaanlo DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ARCHEOLOG ATTEST KEEPER OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER ymintut DATE DATE 6/10/75 JUN 1 0 1975 GPO 888-445 Property Salisbury State Mass. TECHNICAL Photos Maps Hause Working Number 5.21. 75. 964 15000837 Worcestr CONTROL 5.22.25 HISTORIAN The blds. to ta lelt in the photo i ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN ACCEPT in fact, the "apparently original " el, much altered. 5/23/5 ARCHEOLOGIST Accept Seboveh 5-28-75 OTHER HAER Despite move.

Inventory - Review REVIEW UNIT CHIEF AccerT Cole 6.9.75 OGANCH CHIEF KEEPER 101875 JUN 1 0 1975 INT:21 06-74 National Register Write-up Federal Register Entry 8-5-75 Send-back Re-submit Entered United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WASO No. 7 NAME OF PROPERTY SALISBURY HISTORIC DISTRICTSTATE MASS The attached National Register Inventory-Nomination form is being returned to your office for clarification of the information indicated below. PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM WHEN THE NOMINATION IS RESUBMITTED. 7 Description: RECEWED APR 2 3 1975 MASS. HIST.

COMM 8 Statement of Significance: 9 10 Bibliography: Geographical Data -- Acreage: UTM Reference(s) : Verbal Boundary Description: 12 Certification: Photographic Coverage: Map Coverage: * Other: As per conversation with Betly Amadon 4/18/75- Dleasz nominate individually as historical as a district nas noi yet been determined by time. questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Kate Cole on the National Register staff, telephone 523-5483 Thank you for your attention to the above items. Nenlwdfen Date: $.18-25 Chief, Branch of Registration INT:2105-74 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WASO No. 8 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 MAY 21 1975 RECEIVED JUN 1 ( DATE ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME HISTORIC Salisbury House AND/OR COMMON same LOCATION Worcester CITY, TOWN -VICINITY OF PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT Susan McDaniel Ceccacci NEGATIVE FILED AT Worcester Heritage Society IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET Salisbury House, west facade, south elevation #1081 COUNTY worcester STAT DATE OF PHOTO 1975 PHOTO ! PROFIRTY OF THE NATTONAL # 1g/ 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 MAY 2 1 1975 RECEIVED DATE ENTERED JUN + 0 1975 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH MAP NAME HISTORIC Salisbury House AND/OR COMMON same LOCATION CITY TOWN Worcester -VICINITY OF 3 MAP REFERENCE SOURCE U.S.G.S., Worcester North, Mass. quadrangle SCALE 1:24,000 DATE 1960 4 REQUIREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. PROPERTY BOUNDARIES 2. NORTH ARROW 3. UTM REFERENCES COUNTY worcester STATE MA INT: 2986-75 ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE NASSACHUSETIS Date Entered MIN 1 0 1975 Name Location Old Iiggins Tamn Nindmi13 sal1sbury House Wrevster Barnstable Coanty Wozpester Worgester County Also Notified Hon. Edward M. Kennedy Fon. Edward W. Brooke Hon. Gezry 2. Studds Hon, Josonh D.

Farly Regional Dixeator, North Atlantic Region State Historio Preservation Officer MrB. Ellzabath R. Amadon Executiva Directos Massachusetto Bistorical Conmission 60 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02103 PR MMott/row 6/12/75 NR Data Sheet DATE: 3|18 37 Reviewer INITIALS: NR gero. DOE June 10, 1975 NAME AS IT APPEARS IN FEDERAL REGISTER: Salisbury House OTHER NANES: LOCATION: STREET & NUMBER 61 Harvard Street- CITY.

TOWN Worcester CONGRESSIUNAL DISTRICT 3rd VICINITY OF STATE Massachusetts COUNTY code Worcester 027 OWNER OF PROPERTY: (Circle) PRIVATE STATE LOCAL GOV'T MUNICIPAL COUNTY OTHER FEDERAL (AGENCY NAME) : ADMINISTRATOR(underiine) NPS REGION: (CIRCLE) (N.ATLANTIO) MID ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST MIDWEST SOUTHWEST ROCKY MOUNTAIN PACIFIC NORTHWEST FEATURES: INTERIOR Substantially intact-1 - unknown - 4 - not applicable - 7 CONDITION - LEXCELLENT _GOOO -FAIR EXTERIOR ENVIRONS Substantially intact-2 / Substantially intact-3 - unknown.-5 - unknown -6 - not applicable - 8 _Not applicable-9 -Interior, exterior, environs not intact-o _DETERIORATED _UNALTERED _RUINS LACTERED -UNEXPOSED -Reconstructed -ORIGINAL SITE _MOVED _Unkncwn _Unexcavated _Excavated ACCESS - Yes-restricted Yes-unrestricted No access Unknown historic district? WITHIN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT?

IF YES, NAME: YES NO WITHIN NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK? YES, NAME: YES (NO ADAPTIVE USE: NO Saved?

YES - FUNCTION(S): (use vocabulary words) then- prrvate Meridenie now- The Red Criss SIGNIFICANCE: ARCHEULUGY-PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC AGRICULTURE LARCHITECTURE - 4 ART -COMMERCE -COMMUNICATIONS Claims "first" YES _CONSERVATION -ECONOMICS -EDUCATION -ENGINEERING -_EXPLORATION -JNDUSTRY -INVENTION NO -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE -RELIGION _LAW/Gov't/politics _SCIENCE -LITERATURE -MILITARY -MUSIC -PHILOSOPHY -POLITICS/GOVERNMENT "oldest"' YES NO - -entertainment - health -recreation LSOCIAUHUMANITARIAN ~ _settlement 2 _TRANSPORTATION -socio/cultural _urban & commun _OTHER (SPECIFY) planning "only" YES NO ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: GREEK REVIVAL ELEMENTS architeer/m builder: ELAS CARTER engineer: landscape/garden designer: artist/artisan: interior decorator: builder/contractor: ETHNIC GROUP: NAMES: (1abel role & appropriate date) personal (1) S TEPHEN SALISBURY II- ORIGINAL OWNER - CuLTuRaL o cire LEaDER.

events DATES: institutional - CA CAN BoEs au e il es emuzis 1836,138 DATE (S) OF "MAJOR" ALTERATIONS: HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT DATE (S): SOURCE: (OF NOMINATION) OTHER PRIVATE STATE LOCAL GOV"T MUNICIPAL COUNTY FEDERAL AGENCY: ACREAGE: (to nearest tenth of an acre) leno than/ COMMENTS: (include architectural infornation here) FRAME, FLUSH HORIZONTAL SIDING CUT TO RESEMBLE RUSNCATION; 2/2 STORIES, RECTANGVLAR WITH B1DL ELL, HIPPED ROOF, MTERIOR SIDE CHIMNEYS; FRONT AND REUR CENTER ENTRANCES,ENCH SET H withand1- STORWIDTH HEXASTYLE PORTICO,, WINDOW BAYS BEXSIRLDREB ISCHO RACRSSED, 2ND - STORY WINDOWS WINt LABEL MOLDS, WREATH ENCIRCLED ATHE ROUNDELS SIGNIFICANCE:(maximum two wreaths, ISTORY SIDE CONOERVATORT; ELE- GANT INTERIOR DETAILNG; SLL ALTERATIONS. GREEK REVIVAL ELEMENTS. RESIDENCE OF STEPHEN SALISBURY II, AREA CIVIC AND CUL- TURAL LEADER.