The New Salem Common Historic District is located in the center of New Salem, Massa- chusetts at an elevation of appraximately 1,000 feet. The district is comprised of 35 acres and includes the Town Common and its north and south environs for approximately 3/4 of a mile. The district runs along the east and west sides of South Main Street from the junction of West Main Street, North Main Street, Wendell Road, and Millington Road southerly to approximately 100 feet beyond Lovers Lane. The twin spires of the town's two churches are visible from the north and south approaches (#2 and #13). The surrounding area is wooded. The elevation of the village affords a fine view of the Quabbin Reservoir and surrounding valleys and hills. New Salem Common Historic District encompasses 43 buildings and sites. Most of the buildings contained date from the 19th century.
The shaded street, stone walls, and open spaces present a serene and rural atmosphere. In 1828 the area was described as follows: "The center of the town is elevated, and enjoys an entensive prospect over neighboring valleys...there is a handsome square common, on which is situated a good meetinghouse, and an academy...". Education, religion, town business, and town activity have been centered in the area since the incorporation of New salem in 1775. Town Common or Meeting House Common (#1) now comprises approximately two acres. It is an area of land which was set aside for canmon use by the first proprietors, who were granted property for a plantation in 1734. The Town of New Salem acquired the common in 1753. From all available evidence, the original common was much larger than the present two acres. It included much of the present day village.
The east side was used as the training field for the militia. The south end was for many years used as a baseball field for students of the New Salem Academy. Town Common was also employed for the New Salem Academy annual reunions, and in recent years has been the focus for "Old Home Day" events. PHOTO #3 First Congregational Church (Unitarian) (#2) is located on the west side of South Main Street, facing the common, on the site of the original meetinghouse. The church was completed on December 1, 1794. The one story, white clapboard, ridge roof structure is approximately 48' x 60' in size. The foundation is faced with finished granite blocks. Fenestration is Gothic arched with shutters. Surmounting the building is a steeple which includes a flat base with projecting cornice, a simple square belfry with a louvered opening on each of its four sides, and topped by a hexagonal spire.
The three bays of the facade are defined by fluted pilasters. The center bay contains a Gothic window. The north and south end bays each contain a simple wooden door framed by its architrave alone, and headed by a 20 light Gothic window. The gable pediment is plain clapboards with a date "1794" in the peak. The side elevations are four bays deep with Gothic arched windows. They are identical except that shutters have been removed from three of the north elevation windows. The rear elevation is completely sheathed in clapboard. The building was originally an Oblong, unornamented building with the gable ends facing north and south. The entrance was probably on the south gable end with the pulpit on the north end. In 1837 the structure was turned 90° around to face east. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED APR 15 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET #8,#9,#10,#26,#32,B: #11,#12,#14,#16,#17,#18, #19,#20,#21,#22,#23: #2: #4: #5: #6: #13: #23: #24: #25: #27,D: #28: ITEM NUMBER 4 PAGE 1 New Salem Academy Trustees P.O. Box 26 /New Salem, Mass. 01355 Town of New Salem /New Salem, Mass. 01355 First Congregational Church VNew Salem, Mass. 01355 Miss Doris Abramson /P.O. Box 32 New Salem, Mass. 01355 MrS. Augustus Aless1 /92 Goulding Street Holliston, Mass. 01776 Miss Gertrude Perry VStar Route V New Salem, Mass. 01355 Central Congregational Church New Salem, Mass. 01355 Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Leonard ~ Star Route New Salem Mrs. George Mann Dalton Road R.F.D. #] Exeter, New Hampshire 03833 Mrs.
Carol Hi11man Glendale Road Harrison, New York 10528 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henderson P.O. Box 116 New Salem, Mass. Mr. William S. BarkintenIII P.O. Box 41 New Salem Form No. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 12 1977 DATE ENTERED 1 § 1978 CONTI NUATION SHEET #29: #30: #31: #33: #34: #35: #36: A: C: B: G: ITEM NUMBER Mr. Thomas Hutchinson P.O. Box 37 New Salem, Mass. 01355 Miss Doris E. Bailey P.O. Box 7 New Salem Rev. William V. Albert 278 Second Street Jersey City, N.J. 07302 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Palmeiri P.O. Box 45 New Salem Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Cogswe1l 77 Tatham Hill Road West Springfield, Mass. 01089 Mr. and Mrs. George Colby P.O. Box 104 New Salem Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Spencer P.O. Box 62 New Salem V Mr. and Mrs.
Elbridge Dunbar v 28 Triangle Street Amherst, Mass. 01002 Mr. and Mrs. C. Russell Shaw Star Route New Salem Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn Leonard Star Route New Salem Mr. and Mrs. Normon Rawson P.O. Box 44 New Salem V 4 PAGE 2 Form No. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED APR I5 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 1 There is a scar of an original porch at the rear (west end, original south end). During this time extensive repairs and alterations were made following the Greek Revival style with the construction of a portico and slender columns on the eastern facade. Interior changes conforming with the exterior changes were also made at this time.
It is presumed that the original pews with button doors and hinged seats were replaced by the present box pews at the time of these alterations. In 1862 the columned portico was removed. The steeple was repaired and painted. At this time the turned acorn finial, and a metal weather vane were installed. Since 1862 only minor changes have been made including electrical wiring, the addition of a wood burning stove, the removal of the pulpit, and the addition of a low platform across the west end of the auditorium. This auditorium has no interior support columns. Horse Shed (#3) is located behind the First Congragational Church, and is owned by the Town of New Salem. The shed was built in 1908, and is in poor condition today. It is a low wooden structure on a dry stone foundation, and covered by a shed roof extending north to south.
The five arched openings face east toward the rear of the church. There are several granite hitching posts located near the south side. Porter J. Eaton House (#4) is located on the west side of Old Main Street facing the common. It was built in 1854 by Porter J. Eaton. It is a two story, ridge roof, clap- board house with a one story ell and shed added in 1893. The house was purchased by the New Salem Academy in 1871, and is now used as a dormitory for students and faculty. Stowel1 Bungalow (#5) is located on the west side of Old Main Street facing the common. The house was built in 1922 on the site of an early house destroyed by fire the preceding year. It is a 40' long frame bungalow style dwelling with detached shed and barn. The building has housed the New Salem Post Office since April 1958.
Jonathan Gregory House (#6) is located on the southwestern corner of Old Main Street and South Main Street, and faces north toward the common. The two story house was built between 1815 and 1824. It is a ridge roof structure with clapboard exterior, and a two story ell with attached barn on the south elevation. The house originally had a hip roof with east and west end chimneys. At some time prior to 1900 the roof was altered to its present form, an attic was added, the second story was added to the ell, and a porch was built across the north facade. William H. White House (#7) is located on the east side of South Main Street. The house was built some time before 1843, and was originally a simple 1½ story ridge roof structure. At some later date, two gable dormers and a one story porch were added to the western facade. A small entry porch was added to the south elevation at this time.
The house is sheathed in clapboards, the porches in shingles. There are two chimneys. Form No. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVEDAPR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED APR 15 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 7 2 Academy Hall (New Dormitory) (#8) is located on the east side of Academy Drive, and is owned by New Salem Academy. The structure was built in 1871 by Charles A. Merriam and Porter J. Eaton of New Salem. It is a two story clapboard building with a Mansard roof and dormers. There is a small one story ell on the south elevation. The building originally served as a dormitory for students and summer visitors. The first floor at one time accommodatedthe Arts Department as well as a school cafeteria.
The second floor has been altered in order to house an instructor and his family. The building has also housed school offices and classrooms, but at the present time is vacant. It has been well maintained, and alterations have been made only to conform with require- ments for school buildings. New Salem Academy (#9) is located on the east side of Academy Drive. The two story hip roof structure was constructed in 1908. The exterior walls are concrete block. Fenestration is one/one framed by simple flat sandstone architraves. The slate roof is topped by an observation deck. The eight bay facade faces west. Five stone steps lead to the arched entrance in a sixty foot tall off center tower which is crowned by an octagonal belfry, and surmounted by a dome. There are clocks on the south, west, and north sides. of the tower, all headed by an overhanging cornice.
The belfry contains four tall arched windows, and quoined corners. The bell was transferred from the O1d Academy Building in 1908, and was cast by William Blake and Company in 1872. The north and south elevations of the building are six bays deep. The first floor houses the front hall, boys and girls dressing rooms, and two 25' square recitation rooms. The second floor contains an assembly hall, a recitation room and office space. The observation platform on the roof is reached by a staircase from the attic. O1d Academy (#10) is located on the east side of Academy Drive. It was built in 1838 to replace an earlier structure which served as an Academy and Town House, and was tho a go vide o destroyed by fire on October 4, 1837. Old Academy is a 2½ story, clapboard structure. Fenest ration is 2/2 on the first and second stories, 12/12 in the gables, all framed by their architraves alone.
The third floor is groined. The building rests on a quarried granite foundation with a shallow cellar supported by granite posts. The wall and partition construction is of 1" thick boards laid face to face with }" plaster lapping. There are no joists or lathes except in the ceiling and floors. The ridge roof has an east end chimney, and is surmounted at the facade by a four sided bell tower and belfry. Both stages of this steeple are crowned by a balustrade with spires on each corner. The three bay symmetrical facade faces west. The center is a six panel door flanked by five light windows and headed by an eight light window, all framed by a molded entablature. The triangular pedimented gable contains twelve windows. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED APR To CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 7 3 The identical north and south elevations are four bays deep. The rear elevation has three windows on the first story, four on the second, and two in the gable. only alteration to the building was that the 12/12 windows on the first floor were replaced by 2/2 windows in 1879. Center Grammar School (#1l) is located on the east side on South Main Street. It is one story, two room clapboard elementary school built between 1810-1817. It is The original one room sch oolhouse was remode led to its present state in 1941-1942. Center Cemetery (#12) consists of approximately three acres on the east side of South Main Street.
It is separated from adjoining land by stone walls on three sides, and by a wroght iron fence along the west side facing the street. Standing just outside the fence are a row of granite hitching posts. The cemetery is the oldest burying ground in New Salem. The earliest stone is dated 1745. There are more than 65 carved stones which reflect a variety of colonial period and early Federal folk art designs. The stone monuments have recently been repaired under a project for the town's Bicentennial program. Third Congregational Church (#13) is situated on approximately } acre of former common or town land. The church society was organized in 1845, and held their meetings in the Town House until 1854 when the Congregational Church was erected. It was built by George Howe of Orange at a cost of $1,200. It is a white clapboard ridge roof structure of approximately 30' x 40' in size.
the building. There are chamferred Daic pilalters at the four corners, and two chimneys on the eastern end. Fenestration is 12/12, wi th flat architraves and shaped lintels on the main floor, and 6/6 in the basement. The east facade entrancesion the eastern and western ends. Four stone steps lead to the four panel doors. There is a window at the center, below the plain gable. At the east end of the north elevation is a shed roof open entry porch to the basement. The church is surmounted by a two stage square bell tower with four louvered openings in the belfry, and is crowned by a spire. The bell was recast from one in the Enfield, Massachusetts Congregational Church (this town -no longer exists;it is now the Quabbin Reservoir area). In 1895 the Church was moved twenty feet to the West, and was slightly raised. At that time a vestry was added.
The North Dana Universalist Society (also in the Quabbin Reservoir area) gave the church pews, a pipe organ, and a pulpit in 1937. The gallery was remodeled and a fire escape was added during that same year. House Sheds (#14) are located behind the Town Hall. It is asimple gabled structure, three bays wide. The foundation is of dry stone. One section may have been constructed in 1894. The date of the remaining sections is unknown. The sheds are scheduled to be razed. Form No. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED APR 15 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 7 4 old Town Hall (#15) is owned by the Town of New Salem. It was built in 1838 from surplus U. S. revenue accumulated in the U.S.
Treasury during the Jacksonian admini- stration which was distributed among the states. The one story, ridge roof, white clapboard building is approximately 28' x 30' in size. It sits on a quarried granite foun dation. There is a chimney on the west end. A wide flat entablature runs beneath the overhanging eaves. The corner boards are plain. Fenestration is 12/12. The windows and the four panel entrance door on the two bay wide eastern facade are original. The triangular pedimented gable on the facade is plain. The building was slightly altered, by the addition of a kitchen ell on the west elevation. A brick vault was added at some time. The structure was used as a town hall until the present Town Hall was built in 1939. In 1970, the building was converted for the use of the public library, which was moved there from the Old Academy building (#10).
No braty, intch was hoved thoero feron e changes were made to the basic structure. W. W. I. Honor Roll Stone Monument (#16) was erected by the Town of New Salem in 1920. Site of the First Meeting House Stone Marker (#17) was erected in 1903 by the town. in 1793 the building was moved to the northeast corner of the common, and was repaired Stone Market (#18) was erected by the town in 1903 on the east side of South Main Street. It marks the "Site of One of the Old Forts erected by the Early Settlers in Defense Against Indian Hostilities About 1740". William Stacy Memorial Stone Marker (#20) is on the east side of South Main Street. It is a bronze plaque honoring It. Col. William Stacy (1733-1804). It was presented to the town in 1956 by a descendent of Stacy's, Mr. Fiske Rollins. The plaque is mounted on a granite doorstep salvaged from the Old Dormitory when it was razed. W.W.
II Memorial Stone Marker (#19) was erected by the town in 1953 on the east side of South Main Street. It replaced a wooden memorial. Site of the Powder House (#21) is on the west side of South Main Street, southwest of the Jonathan Gregory House (#6). The building was located on a ledge in the former Perry pasture, and was presumed to have been built in 1777-78. The Powder Honse was constructed of brick made in the local Townsend brickyard. It was razed by William Parkhurst after 1871, and the brick was reused in the construction of a chimney on another site. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 12 1977 DATE ENTERED APR 15 1978 CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 5 Town Pound (#22) is located on the east side of South Main Street. The building was constructed sometime after 1737 following the first settlement of the town plantation. It was formerly a square (approximately 30' x 30') walled enclosure, with a stout gate in the front. The structure was used to house stray animals until they were claimed by their rightful owners. It was repaired in 1870, but by the 1890's, it fell into dis-use. The building has fallen into great disrepair, but the remains of the stone enclosure are visible. Knappe Cottage (#23) is on the east side of South Main Street.
It was built in 1893 as a small two story summer cottage with a one story porch continuous on the north and east elevations. There have been no exterior alterations, but the interior has been modernized for year round occupancy. William Knight House (#24) is on the east side of South Main Street. This 2% story, ridge roof structure was built c. 1808. The elevations of the main house are brick but the gables on the side elevations are clapboarded. A two story clapboarded ell with attached barn and shed, projects from the rear elevation. The brickwork is done in Flemish bond on the western facade, and on the north and south elevations. The rear, west, elevation is done in common bond. All of the brick was produced locally at the Townsend Brickyard. Fenestration is 2/2. The brick elevations have grouped Jack Arch lintels. The western facade has a two story open porch with balustrades.
The house was originally a two story, central hall structure with a hip roof. It was altered in 1893 to its present ridge roof form. A one story ell on the east elevation, and a porch on thentacade were added sometime prior to 1905. In 1926, the house was modernized and made a two family dwelling, and a second story was added to both the ell and the porch. At this time, the four interior fireplaces located north and south of the central hall on both floor were removed. The Charles Roboteau House (#25) is located at the southeast corner of South Main Street and Lovers Lane. The House was built someti me during the late 18th or early 19th century. It is a two story, central hall plan, ridge roof structure with a clapborad exterior. Fenestration is 12/12, framed by simple flat architraves. There are two chimneys. The five bay facade faces west.
A six panel center entrance is framed by fluted pilasters, and a molded entablature which is crowned by a triangular pediment. The south chimney rests on a exposed brick arch, the north chimney on a stone foundation. The chimmey bricks are held together with clay mortar. The fireplaces are plain, with no mantels, and the summer beams are elclosed. Wall panelling is chamferred, and the pine floor boards are from 16" to 24" in width. Much of the interior hardware is original. Form No. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 12 1977 DATE ENTERED CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 7 6 The roof line on the east elevation was altered at some unknown date by the addition of a one story ell with an extended roof overhead.
This alteration gives the structure a saltbox appearance. A porch was added to the facade, but has been recently removed. There is a barn and tool shed on the property. Levi Flagg House (#26) was constructed in 1909 by Levi Flagg, and was originally called the Stowell Engine Block. It was built as a factory for the manufacture of the Tand F Cycle Car. This one story masonry structure is constructed of hollow concrete. There is a full basement. The lathes were located on the main floor, and the milling machines were in the basement. The building has also been used as an automobile factory, antmes exchange for the Crescent Telephone Company, a plumbing shop, a residence, and a classroom building. In 1940, it was acquired by the New Salem Academy. In 1946, a 30" x 70' brick wing was added to the east elevation. The building is currently used as an eLementary school classroom.
Allen Law Office (#27) is presumed to have been built between 1829 and 1834 for Frederick H. Allen. The small building originally stood north of the driveway of the Samuel C. Allen House (#29). It was moved to its present site in approximately 1892-93 by the McGibeny Family who then owned the adjoining properties (#28 & 29). It was at this time converted from a law office to a laundry house. In 1939, the building was purchased by George A. Brown, a local historian, and remodeled into a private dwelling. Congregational Parsonage (#28) was built by Josiah Howe of Orange in 1901-02. It is a two story, clapboard structure with a one story ell. In 1904, a 26' x 24' barn was added to the ell. Samue1 C. Allen House, "The Lilacs" (#29) was built in 1816. It is a two story, clap- boarded, hip roof structure. Fenestration is 12/12, with much of the original glass remaining.
The corner boards are plain. The side entablature and the underside of the overhanging eaves are decorated by detailed modillions. There is a chimney on the north and south end. There is a one story ell and shed with attached barn on the east ele- vation. A center entrance is framed by louvered shutters and headed by an entablature which repeats the design of the entablature of the house. The interior is a center hall plan, with fireplaces built into the north ard south exterior walls. Originally there was a third chimney for a large kitchen fireplace on the east elevation. The north and south parlors are beautifully decorated with rope molding, arched openings, and detailed mantels over the fireplaces. The second floor bedrooms also retain fine molding. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONALPARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM IFOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED APR 1 2 1977 DATE ENTERED CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE New Salem Common Historic District 7 7 There have been no major structural changes. A long porch across the western facade was removed in 1938, and a small porch was added to the south elevation in 1938. Frederick H. Allen House (#30) is a small one story clapboard structure with an attached ell and barn on the east elevation. Built between 1811 and 1816 for Samuel Allen. He sold it to his son, Frederick H. Allen, in February 1816. The house was altered at some time by the addition of a small porch, and the addition of two dormers on the south elevation roof. Asaph Lyons House (#31) dates from approximately 1794.
The original small, one story house had either an attached or detached barn, and outbuildings, all on approximately % acre. By the turn of the century the house had been converted to a two story structure with an ell extending from the east elevation, and a one story porch across the western facade. At a later date, a second story was added to the porch, and it was entirely enclo sed. Bay windows were added to the north elevation, a second story put on the ell, a large room extended from the rear, and a garage added to the south elevation. Noah Packard House (#32) and barn were built in 1876-77 by Noah Packard of Orange, Massachusetts. From 1881-1935 the structure housed the StowellBros. Store. It has since been converted to apartments,and is owned by New Salem Acadamy. Robert D. Cook House (#33) and barn were built c. 1870 by Robert D. Cook. Rev.
David Eastman House (#34) was also built by R. D. Cook, before 1858. Rev. Davia Eastman resided in the house during his thirteen year pastorate at the Orthodox Congregational Church. The building has been owned by the Cogswell family since 1891. Willard Harris House (#36) and barn were built c. 1860. Clarissa Cogswell House (#35) is a small Cape built in 1840. New Salem Town Hall (#37) is on the east side of South Main Street. The "Colonial" design structure was built in 1939 by the W.P.A. The main structure houses a school cafeteria, a kitchen and heating plant, and a large auditorium with stage. The west wing houses offices and a vault. In 1967, a demountable structure was added to the east elevation for elementary school classrooms. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.
10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED DATE ENTERED APR 1 2 1977 APR 15 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER PAGE N New Salem Common Historic District 7 8 Wilnah Marshall Cottage (A) is located on the west side of 0ld Main Street. It is a small, one story, three room house built in 1944 on the site of the Rev. Perry Marshall home, which was destroyed by fire in 1929. Automotive Shop Building (B) is on the east side of Academy Drive. It is a modern one story concrete shop building constructed in 1958 as a vocational education space. Since 1968, the building has been used as an off-campus facility of the Mahar Regional High School, Orange, Mass. The structure has always been owned by New Salem Academy.
Russe11 Shaw House (C) (1968) is on the east side of South Main Street. It is a con- temporary split level house with a brick and wood exterior. Robert Henderson House (D) is on the east side of South Main Street. It is a con- temporary 1½ story Cape with clapboard exterior, built in 1975-76. Elwyn Leonard House (E), on the west side of South Main Street, is a ranch style structure built in 1973. Nomman Rawson House (F) is located on Lovers Lane, and was erected in 1969-70.
Block