Nomination for Walker-Collis House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (7-81) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms Type all entries - complete applicable sections 1. Name OMB NO. 1024-0018 EXP. 10/31/84 For NPS use only received AUG 31 1982 date entered historic Westview and/or common 2. Location Walker-Collis House (preferred) street & number 1 Stadler Street N/A not for publication city, town Belchertown N/A vicinity of congreccional dietriet First state Massachusetts 3. Classification code 025 county Hampshire code 015 Category district X building(s) . structure site object Ownership X public private both Public Acquisition N/A in process being considered Status X occupied - unoccupied - work in progress Accessible X yes: restricted yes: unrestricted .

no Present Use agriculture commercial educational entertainment government industrial .military museum park private residence religious scientific transportation other: Rental Apts. 4. Owner of Property name George B. Jackson street & number 13 Stadler Street city, town Belchertown N/A vicinity of 5. Location of Legal Description state Massachusetts courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Hampshire County Registry of Deeds street & number 33 King Street city, town Northampton state Massachusetts 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Inventory of the Historic Assets title of the Commonwealth, #127 has this property been determined eligible? - yes date 1979 - federal X _state - county no . local depository for survey records Massachusetts Historical Commission city, town Boston state Massachusetts 7.

Description Walker-Collis House, 1 Stadler St., Belchertown, MA Condition X excellent - good fair deteriorated ruins unexposed Check one X unaltered - altered Check one - original site X moved date _ 1976 Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

The Walker-Collis House is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture, defined by its sprawling plan and idiosyncratic design, with predominant stick style elements. The highly unusual appearance of this buildinghas always attracted a great deal of attention, heightened by its location. Originally, the structure faced Belchertown Common; it now occupies a highly visible site of 1 1/3 acres on the corner of Stadler Street and U.S. Route 202 (State Street) leading into town. It stands 1/2 mile from its original site. The 2-story house is built upon a complex and highly irregular plan. Horizontal clap- superimposed horizontal and vertical timbers. This interwoven basketry of timbers mit 1, t ra in e gories, mo in cae ro ne (eace e ayg n oml one (a two-story porch) in the back (east). These porches, though now glass-enclosed, still evoke a sense of the original, open-to-the-air appearance.

The main entrance, a massive oak double door, is partially hidden within the righthand side front porch. The roofline departs from the steeply pitched gable and cross gable prototype of the Eastern Stick Style. Instead, there is a steep mansard roof with gambrel gables project- ing from the west (front) and south facades. The upper slope of the mansard roof is new asphalt shingles; the lower slope, which enveloped the second floor, is covered by alternating bands of decorative hexagonal and rectangular wooden shingles. Other roofline ornamentation includes a bracketed cornice, narrow dormer windows, and an unusual carved panel depicting the sun which is located on the west wing of the facade. The Queen Anne windows are characteristically tall and narrow. The muntins divide the panes into various sized rectangles, reiterating the pattern formed by the exposed wall framing.

An oriel window juts out prominently from the second floor of the west (front) gable. One of the finest features of this building is the octagonal tower on the south side. The tower, which encloses the main staircase, contains five windows of multicolored stained glass squares. It is topped by an ogee roof, with a weathervane dated 1880 atop its finial. Characteristic of this Victorian-period style, the structure presents a unique face in each direction. The distinguishing components of the facade are its two porches, which flank a projecting cross gable with oriel window. The south elevation contains another projecting cross gable and an octagonal tower, rising 1½ stories beyond the first floor. The east and north elevations are comparatively plain, joined by a one- story porch with mansard roof.

These eclectic arrangements are, however, unitied by the mansard roof, the lively stickwork, and the use of Queen Anne type windows throughout. The house was. constructed in 1800 by Henry Hoag. The architect, if there was one, is undocumented, al though a contemporary newspaper account (1887) described Hoag as Belchertown's foremost "builder and architect." 8.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Significance Walker-Collis House, 1 Stadler St., Belchertown, MA Period prehistoric 1400-1499 1500-1599 1600-1699 1700-1799 X 1800-1899 -1900- Areas of Significance - Check and justify below - archeology-prehistoric . community planning landscape architecture _ archeology-historic conservation law agriculture economics X literature architecture education art engineering .military _ music . commerce exploration/settlement - philosophy communications industry x. - politics/government invention _ religion science .sculpture . social/ humanitarian theater transportation other (specify) Specific dates 1880 Builder

Statement of significance

/Architect Henry Hoag (builder) Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The Walker-Collis House retains integrity of design, materials and workmanship. The property is significant for its associations with a local politician and socialite and as an outstanding example of the Queen Anne and Stick Styles in the area. The House thus meets criteria B and C of the National Register. The Walker-Collis House was built in 1880 as a summer residence for Massachusetts State Senator Myron Walker (1846-1911). Walker was a native of Belchertown who spent a number of years in California and maintained his principal residence in New York-City. "Westview" , as the house was called, originally stood facing the Common, situated immediately north of the Methodist Church (31 Main Street). It stood on the site of the old Joab Bartlett place, which Walker removed in order to build Westview.

An underground pipe connected the huge gas plant in the basement of Westview with the bandstand on the Common; the gas plant reportedly lit street lamps along the Common as well. This "summer house" and its many elaborate furnishings, including the custom made furniture which complemented the interior woodwork, reportedly cost $30,000, an astounding figure to the humble citizens of this country town. (During this period, a fairly substantial and comfortable house would cost about $1,000.) Indeed, Mr. Walker's ostentatious display of his newly acquired wealth apparently alienated a number of Tocal residents, as this type of behavior went against the grain of their Yankee sensibilities. Mr. Walker was quite fond of entertaining his Civil War friends.

His $4,000 party in June of 1881, for example, was attended by Governor Long and 10,000 other guests (more than twice Belchertown's population). Likewise, Walker often made an extravagant visual display of his patriotic sentiments, sometimes covering Westview in red, white and blue bunting. He made a great deal of his war experiences (he was a drummer boy), and his subsequent rise in the ranks (in the local militia, not in the U.S. Army). However, it is the Horatio Alger aspect of Waler's life which is perhaps most intriguing. As a young man he worked as a clerk in Bridgman's store (1 Main Street). Al though Walker claimed to have made his money in the insurance business while he was in California, local tradition says he married into a fortune.

At any rate, his wife took it with her when they were divorced in 1889, as is apparent from the numerous mortgages and slick maneuvers recorded at that time in the Hampshire County Registry of Deeds. Myron's nephew, Fred Dudley Walker, Jr., inherited the property in 1911. Since 1929 the property has been known as the "Collis House" , after its subsequent owners, Burt and Ethel Collis. The house was moved in 1976 to its present location after the Ludlow Savings Bank announced plans for its demolition in order to make way for their proposed "Heritage Square" commercial facilities. The Walker Collis House is one of the most remarkable late 19th century buildings in this region and is certainly the pre-eminent Queen Anne/Stick Style cottage in the area. The threat of demolition by the expanding bank led, in 1976, to the removal of the house one half mile south on Route 202.

Despite the new location, however, the Walker-Collis House is an architecturally important building which retains a high degree of integrity.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Daily Hampshire Gazette, May 3, 188/ "Springfield RepubTican" June 1881) "Cold Spring Gazette" (published in 1976 by the Belchertown Bicentennial Commission) Hampshire County Deeds, vol. 351, pp.26 & 406; vol. 356, p.41; vol 358, p.161; (cont.) 10. Geographical Data Acreage or nominated property 1.3 acres Quadrangle name Belchertown, Massachusetts Quadrangle scale - 1:24,000 UMT References A L118/ L7/113/51410 Zone Easting L416/813 01810 Northing B Zone E D F Easting LILL Northing G Verbal boundary description and justification See attached sheet. The nomination is confined to the present lot. List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries state N/A code county code state code county code 11. Form Prepared By name/title Wendy Frontiero, Preservation Planner, with Thomas J.

Morgan, consultant organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date May 19, 1982 street & number 284 Washington Street telephone (617) 727-8470 city or town Boston state Massachusetts 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 lacui Ann ldlmage title Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commission date Uuecust 24,1982 For NPS use only I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register Xelous Entered in the Keeper of the National Register National Register date 9/30/82 Attest: Chief of Registration date NPS Form 10-900-a (7-81) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form - Continuation sheet Walker-Collis House Item number 9, 10 For NPS use only received date entered Page 1 9. vol.571, p.33; and vol. 609, p.51. Hampshire County Probate: Box 370, #24. 0016 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description An iron pin marks the northwest corner of this property, which is situated near the nain entrance to the Belchertown State School.

Said iron pin marks the point where che south line of State Street (U.S. Route 202) intersects the east line of Stadler The property's boundary runs thence southerly along the east line of Stadler Street, approximately 220' where it strikes an unnamed 24' wide paved road which runs easterly off of Stadler Street. The boundary then turns and follows the north line of said unnamed road approximately 300' until it reaches a catch basin. The boundary then turns 90 degrees and runs northerly 220' where it strikes the south line of State Street. It then turns 90 degrees again and runs 300' along the south line of State Street to the place of beginning.

ATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ited States Department of the Interior tional Park Service Walker-Collis House Hampshire County MASSACHUSETTS EVALUATION / RETURN SHEET resubmission nomination by person or local government owner objection appeal Substantive Review: - sample _ request Reviewer's comments: Working No. 831/82-2380 Fed. Reg. Date: 2.1.83 Date Due: 9/30752 -10/15155 Action: cACCEPT.9/30/82 Entered in the RETURN._ National Register REJECT. Fede ai Agency: - appeai - NR decision -Nomination returned for: Recom. / Criteria Reviewer_ Discipline Date _ see continuation sheet - technical corrections cited below _substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Category Classification Ownership Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property Status Accessible Present Use 5. Location of Legal Description 6.

Representation in Existing Surveys has this property been determined eligible? - yes - no 7. Description Condition excellent good fair - deteriorated ruins unexposed Check one unaltered altered Check one original site moved date Describe the present and original (If known) physical appearance summary paragraph completeness clarity alterations/integrity dates boundary selection 8. Significance Portod Aroas of Significance Chock and juatity bolow pecifie dates Btatement el Significance (In ene peragraph) ullder Architect summary paragraph completeness clarity applicable criteria justification of areas checked relating significance to the resource context relationship of integrity to significance justification of exception other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10.

Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quedrangle neme UMT Reterences Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: netional -state - local State Historic Preservation Officer signature dete ttle 13. Other Maps Photographs Other Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Signed - Date - Phone: 202 272 -3504 Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet 1979 Myron Walker House Looking northeast Photographer: Thomas J Morgan Negative filed with Belcher- town Historical Commission 2 Jabish St. Belchertown, MA 01007 BELCHERTOWN, MASS. Walker-Collis House West and south elevations Photo by Thomas J.

Morgan, 1979 Negative filed with Belchertown Historical Commission Photo 1 of 2 Walker/Collis House Stadler Street, Belchertown Northwest facade BELCHERTOWN, MASS. Walker-Collis House North and west elevations Photo by M Guarçello, 1982 Negative filed with owner Photo 2 of 2 -u se NW ExGosve Office of Board of Selecimen Lawrence Memorial Hall 2 Jabish Street Belchertown, Massachusetts 01007 413-323-7251 August 6, 1982 RECEIVED AUu 1. 1982 MASS. HIST. COMM. Patricia L. Weslowski State Historic Preservation Officer Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission 294 washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 RE: Walker-Collins House Belchertown, Massachusetts Dear Ms.

Wesloski: For several years the Belchertown Board of Selectmen have unanimously supported the local Historical Commission's ebborts to have the above property included in the listing of the National Register of Historic Places. We are pleased to learn that this application is now being considered by the State Review Board. For most of the walker-Collis House's existence it was one of the key structures of the Belchertown Common area which was recently accepted as a Historic District by the National Register. Not only was its architecture unique locally but a special loss was felt by the community "ao bu the comunit when financial consideration necessitated its removal to a new location.

(Land value of the property greatly exceeded the house value in its deteriorated condition.) The Houses' new owner George Jackson, who undertook its relocation, painstakingly researched and renovated the building, restoring it as closely as possible to its original condition, at considerable personal sacrifice. The complete restoration is a very strong statement of the esteem and pride Belchertoun citizens hold for this building, typified by the Jackson familys' concern to preserve it. Patricia L. Weslowski Page 2 August 6, 1982 Our Board further recognizes the special benefits that would accrue to a building listed in the National Register and feels that significant encouragement would be available in the future to aid in the maintenance of the restorative work that has already been done and will help preserve this notable local landmark.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to : comment and we hope the Review Board will act favorably upon this proposal. Very truly yours, xuly C. Shirley A. Dorey Chairman Board of Selectmen SAD/no MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Office of the Secretary of State 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 617-727-8470 MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY Secretary of State August 24, 1982 Mr. Jerry Rogers Keeper, National Register of Historic Places National Park Service Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20243 Dear Mr. Rogers: Enclosed you will find the following nomination forms: Adams - Phillips Woolen Mill (local) Adams - Renfrew Mill #2 (local) Belchertown - Walker Collis House (local) Hudson - Col.

Adelbert Mossman House (local) Lenox - Lenox Academy (state) Lenox - The "Church on the Hill" (local) New Bedford - Dawson Building (local) New Marlborough - New Marlborough Village Historic District (local) North Andover - Machine Shop Village (state) Pittsfield - Wollison- Shipton Building (local) - Rockport - Sewall-Scripture House (local) All have been voted eligible by the State Review Board and have been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. Owners were notified of pending State Review Board considerations 30-75 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Comments received to date are attached to the nomination forms. Sincerely, Candace Jenkins Candace Jenkir Registration Director Massachusetts Historical Commission RECEIVED b. Enclosures CJ/mas AIIG 31 1982 NATIONAL REGISTER -10 <11