Nomination for Waters, Asa, Mansion

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PH0504068 DATA SHEET FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED SEP 1 9 1977 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM DATE ENTERED FEB 14 1978 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS NAME HISTORIC Asa Waters Mansion AND/OR COMMON Same 2 LOCATION STREET & NUMBER 123 Elm Street CITY.

TOWN Mi llbury STATE Massachusetts - VICINITY OF CODE 025 -NOT FOR PUBLICATION CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7th COUNTY Worcestet CODE 027 3 CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY DISTRICT XBUILDING(S) STRUCTURE -SITE -OBJECT 4 OWNER OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE XUBLIC -OCCUPIED _AGRICULTURE -MUSEUM - {RIVATE XUNOCCUPIED -COMMERCIAL PARK _BOTH _WORK IN PROGRESS :_EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE -ENTERTAINMENT _RELIGIOUS IN PROCESS XYES: RESTRICTED -GOVERNMENT BEING CONSIDEREO S0=E21! -YES UNRESTRICTED ERD TIL LSCIENTIFIC DINDÜSTRIAL ,002 _TRANSPORTATION 1S0J2No |i . /1fit 122 _MILTARY: -OTHER: community moite md istde 2te opey burlaing NAME Town of Millbury JER 3 0 DOX0LS 010 STREET & NUMBER Town Hall, 127 Elm Street DC32*1 CITY, TOWN Millbury VICINITY OF 5 LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION STATE Massachusetts 01527 COURTHOUSE. REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC.

Worcester County Registry of Deeds STREET & NUMBER 2 Main Street CITY, TOWN STATE Worcester Massachusetts 01608 REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS DODTENDO 3: COCTV .0C TITLE Inventory of the Historic Assets of the Commonwealth DATE 1976 FEDERAL XSTATE - COUNTY _LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY. TOWN Massachusetts Historical Commission Boston STATE Massachusetts 02108 7-DESCRIPTION CONDITION -EXCELLENT _GOOD XFAIR -DETERIORATED LRUINS _UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE CHECK ONE _UNALTERED XORIGINAL SITE XALtEred interior only MOVED DATE DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

The Asa Waters Mansion is located on the corner of Elm and School Streets in Millbury. The 1'½ acres of property are well landscaped with tall shade trees and shrubbery though the original formal gardens have not been maintained. The immediately surrounding town center area is mixed commercial and residential structures. BAERE The building was allegedly designed by a Mr.Bryant of Boston and constructed by Captain Louis Bigelow of Worcester from 1826-29. The house was built and finished with the finest of materials: hard pine from the South, pumpkin pine from Maine, mahogany from Central America, marble from Italy, and brick from Baltimore. A11 the wood carving was done by hand. When the structure was completed, it was It is a Federal style building with Georgian Revival details.

The square symme- trical three story mansion has a two story L-shaped, ridge roof ell attached to the rear (south) elevation. The building is sheathed in hard pine clapboards and has a stone and granite foundation. The hip roof with one chimney has a balustrade delicately ornamented by alternating circular design screens and groups of turned balusters. Fenestration on the first two stories is 6/6. True to Federal tradition, the windows become gradually smaller from the first story up. The third story has six light windows. The windows are framed by louvered shutters. Paired two story Corinthian pilasters at the corners of the building support a ful1 Corinthian entablature on the east and west elevations. On the north facade, the entablature is broken and only the cornice continues across the center bays. The cornice isolates the third story from the other two.

The 5 bay wide facade faces north toward Elm Street. It is divided into three sections by the Corinthian pilasters previously described. The center section is composed of a porch flanked by a window on either side. The one story porch with full Corinthian entablature is topped by a flat roof with balustrade. The balus- trade has a fret band railing supported by turned balusters. Three granite steps lead to the five panel wooden door. The door is framed by leaded glass side lights with a panel below and headed by a leaded glass transom. The eastern and western end bays of the facade are defined by fluted Corinthian pilasters supporting a wide molded frieze. These two end bays each contain a first story window with wide molded cornice and bracketed hood. Directly above on the second story is a garland relief motif.

S/X The five bay deep east elevation is dominated by a two story, eight column Corinthian portico with full entablature and shed roof. Three central granite steps lead to the entrance. The wooden door is flanked by sidelights with a molded panel below and is headed by a semi-circular fanlight. Fluted Corinthian pilasters give rise to the arch, which is ornamented by reeding. The doorway is flanked by two windows on either side. These windows have molded cornices and bracketed hoods like those on the first story facade. The second and third story windows are the same as their counterparts on the facade. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.

10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM IFORNPS USE ONLY RECEIVED SEP 191977 DATE ENTERED FEB 14 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET Asa Waters MansigftM NUMBER 7 1 PAGE The exterior remains unaltered. The Mansion and property are currently under- going Community Development restoration. The exterior plans include replacing the roof shingles, painting, repairing windows and wooden shutters, replacing gutters and downspouts, leveling the granite beneath the columns, and repairing columns. Interior work will include plastering and painting ceilings, installa- tion of toilet facilities on the first floor, relocating a corridor, revamping the kitchen, conversion of a bedroom to office space, installation of ramps, handrails and additional wiring. The original entrance hall chandelier will be reinstalled.

A small parking lot is to be constructed at the rear of the building with a driveway off of School Street, east of the property, and another coming from the Municipal office building located south of the property. There are a separate garage and stone cistern on the property. The Mansion is owned by the town and will house a number of Millbury Committee and Commission offices, meetingrooms, and a library. The third floor will be the Town of Millbury Museum.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD PREHISTORIC -1400-1499 -1500-1599 -1600-1699 -1700-1799 -1900- ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC XAGRICULTURE -ARCHITECTURE ART *COMMERCE COMMUNICATIONS AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW -COMMUNITY PLANNING -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _CONSERVATION LLAW -ECONOMICS -LITERATURE _EDUCATION XMILITARY ENGINEERING -MUSIC -EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT _PHILOSOPHY LINDUSTRY XPOLITICS/GOVERNMENT XINVENTION -RELIGION _SCIENCE .SCULPTURE _SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN THEATER -TRANSPORTATION _OTHER (SPECIFY) SPECIFIC DATES 1826-1829 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE BUILDER

Statement of significance

/ARCHITECT Capt. Louis Bigelow, builder Mr. Bryant, Boston Architect The Asa Waters Mansion is architecturally significant as the finest Federal style house in Millbury. The lavishly designed building was constructed with the best quality materials available, which were brought to Millbury by wagon in 1826-29. The Mansion is historically significant for its association with Asa Waters II, a prominent arms manufacturer and leading citizen. Waters served in the General Court and was a local philanthropist. Asa Waters II was born in Sutton in 1769. Gun making had been a Waters family trade for several generations, and Asa developed the skill with ingenuity. He introduced various improvements which contributed to the growth of the business. He held several patents, one of which was issued for the turning of gun barrels in a lathe. The first U.S.

Government contract for the production of guns in Millbury was dated September 8, 1808. It called for the delivery of 1,000 stands of arms, i.e. a musket and bayonet complete. Such contracts were made with Asa Waters for a period of five years. The contracts continued for 37 years following, assuring steady work to a body of skilled mechanics, and adding to the town's prosperity. Asa Waters' guns are collectors' items today. Asa Waters was the founder and first president of the Millbury Bank. He became a representative to the State Government in 1823. He was one of the largest land owners in the county and gave the town land near his house for an Academy. Many prominent guests were entertained at the Mansion including Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, President Taft, and Alexander Graham Bell. Agassiz and other famous speakers of the New England Lyceum Lecture series also visited the house.

The Mansion was purchased by the town in 1976 and is currently undergoing restoration/renovation work for use as a town office building.

The rest of the file

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

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES History of the Town of Millbury, Mass., The Davis Press, Worcester, 1915. 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY approx. 11, acres UTM REFERENCES AL1,91 L217,118,6,0 ZONE EASTING L4,617,413,7,0 NORTHING VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION BLI ZONE EASTING NORTHING LiLui 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 Blaine y Mo Day, Mi.Josupy Orsao, NatSonad ister Editor ORGANIZATION Massachusetts Historical Commission August 22, 1977 STREET & NUMBER TELEPHONE 294 Washington Street 617-727-8470 CITY OR TOWN STATE Boston Mass.

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). 1 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 Eljalect Red Amadon Executive Director, Mass. Historical Commission FOR NPS USE ONLY 9/6/77 I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Robut B Retti ATTEST: KEERECY 21+78 HOND® KEEPER OF THE TATTOTAL REGTSTUR 27-78 ONAT HEGISTER GPO 892.453 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 SEP 1 9 1977 DATE ENTERED FEB 14 1978 CONTINUATION SHEET Asa Waters Mansion Millbury, Massachusetts (Sketch Map Not to Scale 1977 ITEM NUMBER PAGE MUNICIPAL OFFICES PosT OFFICE SCHOOL STREET ASA WATERS MANSION HOUSE ELM STREET HOUsE FIRE STATION LIBeAey NODTH propert Watens, Asa, Maneim 78000479 State MA Working Number 9. 19. 72.146/ Worcestes TECHNICAL Photos _ CONTROKL Maps 4, 2Shetches oK 9.21.22 Omausly segpifirent.

( Dor's us se ladditio in plato #a ?HISTORIAN Thas's nat a srall parkg lat companed with peopely, steefuy acupt 12-30.71 NO PHOTOS OF ADDITION, HOWEVER, THE 2 MAIN RACADES AAVE UNOBSTRUCTED NEWS, (FXCELENT DETAILS) ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN ACCEPT /ABrt N1/3/77 ARCHEOLOGIST OTHER HAER AbDITION = Eu Wont Inventory- Review REVIEW UNIT CHIEF Accest Leborish 2/7/78 BRANCH CHIEF 2-978 KEEPER Rettig for Murtagh 2/14/78 Entered FEB 14 1978 INT:2106-74 National Register Write-up Federal Register Entry 4.4.28 Send-back Re-submit United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WASO No. 7 Asa Waters Mansion Millbury, Massachusetts FEB 14 1978 1976 Casson and Foster 438 Southbridge St., Auburn, Massa Looking south at north facade. Worchesten Co. SEP 19 1977 PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER CASSON -FOSTER PHOTOGS. 438 SOUTHBRIDGE ST. AUBURN, MASS.

832-4880 Northerly side of Wates kaue.- wlich side; faceo. Chm St Nate # oue lludoor 123 Elm st. millbury mass. Asa Waters Mansion Millbury, Massachusetts 1976 Casson and Foster 438 Southbridge St., Auburn, Mass. #246 Looking southwest at north facade and east elevation. Worchesten Co. SEP 1 9 1977 FEB 14 1978 evanon PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER GASSON-FOSTER PrOTÜGS. 438 SOUTHBRIDGE ST. AUBURN, MASS. 832-4880 Watus mansion shooin facing School St Buns copprit lhe Gotaffre (1976) eaiterby side of the he JUN Asa Waters Mansion Millbury, Massachusetts -19.76 Gasson and Foster 438 Southbridge Street, Auburn, Mass. #3 Detal1 of portico on east elevation Woeonesten CgEP 1 9 1977 FEB 14 1978 PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER JUN M dl Ailbaters Massacon Mass achuset to 1976 Casson and Foster 438 Southbridge St. ,Auburn, Mass. North facade porch detail Wonchester co.

SEP 1 9 1977 FEB 14 1978 PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER JUN Asa Waters Mansion Mitfbury, Massachusetts Casson and Foster : 438 Southbridge" St., Auburn, Mass. Roof balustrade detail WorchEStER Co. SEP 1 9 1977 FEB 14 1978 PRROPENTY OFF THE: NATIONAL REEGISTER Asa Waters Mansion Millbury, Massachusetts 1976 Casson and Foster 438 Southbridge St., Auburn, Mass. Corinthian column detail Worchesten Co. SEP 1 9 1977 FEB 14 1978 MROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE MASSACHUSETTS Date Entered FEB 14 1978 Name Location Waters, Asa, Mansion Devotion, Edward, House Millbury Worcester County Brookline Norfolk County Also Notified Hon. Edward W. Brooke Hon. Edward M. Kennedy Hon. Joseph D. Early Hon. Robert F. Drinan Regional Director, North Atlantie Region 880 Mott/js 2/24/78 State Historic Preservation Officer Mrs. Elizabeth R.

Amadon Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Comnission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 PH0504068 NATIONAL REGISTER DATA SHEET ONAME as it appears on federal register: 2OTHER NAMES: 3 date of entry: county code: Waters, Asa, Mansion FEB 14 1978 27 5 LOCATION street & number 123 E1m St. V OWNER PRIVATE CISTATE XMUNICIPAL OCOUNTY MULTIPLE CFEDERAL(agency name) 9EXISTING SURVEYS CHABS HAER [JNHL(10)FUNDED? CYES MATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIG DISTRICTY CONDITION - deteriorated Dexcellent Oruins Ogood Dunexposed Dfair Ounexcavated (SACCESS OYES-RestrictedDYES-Unrestricted {I) AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE : -ARCHEOLOGY - prehistoric-2 -COMMERCE-6 CARCHEOLOGY-historic-1l - COMMUNICATIONS-7 - AGRICULTURE -3 - CONSERVATION - 8 -ARCHITECTURE-4 - ECONOMICS-9 - ART-5 - EDUCATION-10 city / town Millbury ONO CONGRESS.

DISTRICT 7th 3 MATIBNAL B LAND ITES, MAME Daltered Doriginal site Ounaltered Omoved Dreconstructed Ounknown Dexcavated - No Access -ENGINEERING-11 CENTERTAINMENT-26 CEXPLORATION -12 - HEALTH-27 - INDUSTRY- 13 - INVENTION -14 vicinity of state MA 6 NPS REGION: NA 12SOURCE of NOMINATION ACHEASE 17)features: - Unknown - LANDSCAPE ARCH.-15 - LAW - 16 - LITERATURE-17 - MILITARY - 18 C MUSIC - 19 - PHILOSOPHY -20 - LOSUBSTANTIALLY INTACT-1 OONOT INTACT-O LCUNKNOWN-4 2O NOT APPLICABLE-7 ADAPTIVE USE DYES ONO SAVED? DYES - POLITICS / GOVT." 21 CRECREATION -28 CRELIGION- 22 C SETTLEMENT-29 - SCIENCE- 23 -URBAN PLANNING-31 - SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN-24 OTHER (SPECIFY) - SOCIAL / CULTURAL - 30 - TRANSPORTATION-25 county Worcester 8ADMINISTRATOR: ESTATE -FEDERAL if state who prepared form?

-LOCAL -PRIVATE ORGANIZATION *OSUBSTANTIALLY INTACT-2 COSUBSTANTIALLY INTACT - 3 90 NOT INTACT-O C UNKNOWN-5 QONOT INTACT - O SOUNKNOWN-6 BO NOT APPLICABLE-8 MONOT APPLICABLE - 9 IS PROPERTY A HISTORIC DISTRICT? Oyes Ono CLAIMS: explain 'first'O 'oldest' O 'only' D functions WHEN HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT: CURRENTLY: architectural style(s): dates of initial construction: major alterations : historic events: ETHNIC GROUP ASSOCIATION architeet: master builder: engineer: &landscape architect / garden designer: interior decorator: artist: artisan: builder/contractor: NAMES give role & date PERSONAL: EVENTS: INSTITUTIONAL: BNATIONAL REGISTER WRITE-UP reviewers initials_ date IIF ADDITIONAL SPACE NEEDED, NUMBER & PUT ON REVERSE