Nomination for Worcester House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (3-82) OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 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 For NPS use only received NOV 2 ! 1983 date entered historic Worcester House and/or common Same 2. Location street & number 658 Andover Street N/A not for publication city, town Lowell N/A vicinity of state Massachusetts 3.

Classification code 025 county Middlesex code 017 Category district X building(s) - structure site object Ownership public X 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 X private residence religious scientific transportation other: 4. Owner of Property name William R. & Norma L. King street & number 658 Andover Street city, town Lowell N/A-vicinity of 5. Location of Legal Description state Massachusetts courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Northern Middlesex County Registry of Deeds street & number Gorham Street city, town Lowell state 6.

Representation in Existing Surveys Inventory of Historic Assets of title the Commonwealth #516RN has this property been determined eligible? Massachusetts - yes date 1981 _ federal X state county - _ local depositary for survey records Massachusetts Historical Commission Boston city, town state Massachusetts 7. Description Worcester House, Lowe11,MA Condition X excellent good fair VOV _ deteriorated ruins unexposed Check one _ unaltered X altered Check one _ original site _ moved date N/A Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

The Worcester House, constructed originally in 1802 in the Federal style with later Greek Revival modifications dating from c 1840, is sited on the north side of Andover Street, facing south. It is located approximately 1½ miles east of Lowell's downtown and 14 miles west of North Tewskbury. The house and its detached barn are set back considerably from Andover Street. The nominated parcel comprises 1.6 acres and includes lawn, woods, and an unpaved drive. The surrounding area was subdivided in the late 19th century with residential construction occurring along Andover Street during the early 20th century and on the side streets mid-century. Prior to that time, it was farmland with a scattering of early-mid 19th century houses. Andover Street was the 18th century route linking East Chelmsford (now Lowell) and North Tewksbury.

The ground plan of the main house is rectangular (A) with a two-story ell at the northeast corner which appears to be original (B). ' Between 1924 and 1936 two additions were constructed, one a two-story extension of the ell (C) and the other a screen porch (D) (see attached or the ell (0) site plan). The additions (C&D), are not considered to be contributing elements. The main house is 2½ stories in height and has a fúll basement beneath it and the ell. The roof is a medium-pitched gable covered with asphalt shingles. The roof of the ell is like- wise gabled, framed perpendicularly to the main house. Three chimneys rise from the main house: two from in front of the ridge and one from the rear; a fourth chimney projects from the ell extension. The walls are clad in butt end clapboards. The foundation of the main house and ell is granite while that of the extension is fieldstone.

The south (front) elevation is four bays wide, . Windows are symmetrically placed on each story with a slightly wider space between the center openings. They have flat board trim and simply molded caps; the second story windows are framed into the cornice. Sash is double-hung six-over-six; shutters frame all windows. The west elevation contains. one window on the first story, two on the second and a single window in the attic; all sash is one-over-one. Window trim consists of convexly molded surrounds with plain corner blocks--distinctly Greek Revival. The entrance, which projects beyond the elevation and faces south, is reached via a narrow one-story porch supported by Tuscan columns. The architrave is Greek Revival and identical to that surrounding the windows.

Based on differences in foundation material and clapboard width, it is unlikely that the porch is original, but was added c 1840 when other Greek Revival alterations were made. The east elevation consists of the gable end of the main house, the two-story ell, the two- story ell extension, and a small one-story enclosed entry. The gable end contains at the first story a window, an off-center entry and another window; three windows are placed directly above these openings at the second story, and an attic window is centered in the gable. With the exception of the gable window which contains six-over-nine sash, all sash is six-over-six. Window trim is flat board with molded caps. The entry has flat board - 2a oara on trim as well and a spindle-bracketed door hood (c 1850).

The two-bay ell appears to be original based on the forward placement of the main framing post at the northeast corner Until the 1840s the road's course followed East Merrimack Street from the Concord River to a point just west of the Worcester House where it curved to follow a course due east.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Significance Worcester House, Lowe11, MA Period prehistoric 1400-1499 1500-1599 1600-1699 1700-1799 1800-1899 1900 Areas of SignificanceCheck and justify below archeology-prehistoric community planning X archeology-historic conservation agriculture economics X architecture education art engineering commerce exploration/settlement communications industry invention landscape architecture_ law literature military music - philosophy - politics/government - religion science sculpture social/ humanitarian theater transportation other(specify) Specific dates 1802 Builder

Statement of significance

/Architect Unknown Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The Worcester House and its barn possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. little-altered vernacular farmhouse with an early barn that has retained vestiges of its saze tearules eo thitn the Cry o T.oke l. The property is significant architecturally as a rural setting, both rare features within the City of Lowell. Historically, the house is associated with Lowell's early agricultural tradition and stands on land associated with an early Tewksbury family for over two hundred years. Thus, the property meets Criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places. The land on which the property stands was part of Tewksbury until 1906 when a large tract was annexed to Lowell. It had been part of a. 3,000 acre grant awarded to the widow of Governor Winthrop in 1641.

Bounded by the Concord and Merrimack Rivers on the west and north, the grant had included much of present-day North Tewksbury as well as the annexed lands. In 1691 600 acres were purchased from Mrs. Winthrop by Samuel Hunt who, through his efforts to incorporate the town, is generally recognized as the "Father of Iewksbury." In 1748 Moses Worcester (d. 1756) bought sixty-five acres from Hunt; his descendents re- mained here until 1954. Moses and his family occupied an early garrison house that had been érected by Hunt. Known as the "Block House' - It stood on the south side of Andover Street until the early-mid 19th century. According to local historical records of the 1890s, the Worcester House was erected in 1802 by Moses' grandson Eldad (1763-1853).

Built on the opposite side of Andover Street from the Block House, the house stood on an extensive tract of land which extended north to the Merrimack River and west to East Merrimack Street. Architectural evidence indicates that the barn was erected in the early 19th century as well. For the next 152 years the house was passed on to successive generations of Worcesters. Eldad's son, Henry Elwin (1808-87), was likewise a farmer. The Greek Revival alterations on the house probably date from the time of his marriage in 1839. Following his death, the property, then valued at $48,000, was divided between his wife and three children. The house, barn, and three acres were left to his youngest son Horatio who died while the will was still in probate. Though the property remained in Horatio's estate, the house was occupied by his mother and sister well into the early 20th century.

It was later leased to tenants. The remainder of Henry Elwin's land was subdivided in 1889 The remainder oer tenry and sold as building lots. In 1954 the house was purchased by Charles Flood and, in 1980, by the current owners. The rear 1.5 acres were sold off in the 1950s. The Worcester House stands today as the oldest house on Andover Stræt and one of the earliest in Lowell. The large, early 19th century barn is unique in the city for its age, size, and architectural integrity. The land surrounding the Worcester House and its barn should be considered to contain subsurface remains of artifacts and structures as well as evidence of past land use. Research conducted using archaeological techniques has the potential to provide significant information for our understanding of past lifeways.

As one of the few undisturbed 19th century rural landscapes remaining in Lowell, this property offers a rare opportunity for niltidisciplinary study.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Coburn, Frederick W., History of Lowell and Its People, Lewis Historical Publishing, Co., New York, 1920, Vol. I, p. 126. Tewksbury, Lowell & Middlesex County maps & atlases: 1830, 1852,1875,1889, 1906, 1924,1936. Tewksbury Vital Records 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property 1.6 acres Quadrangle name - Lowell UT M References Quadrangle scale 1:25,000 AL119/L3/113/01510 Zone Easting L417/213|7,1,0/ Northing HULL Zone Libad LhL Easting Northing -LU LLILL Llud ELI GLu LiLuJ LiiLu bilud Verbal boundary description and justification The nominated property includes the house, barn, and 1.645 acres as shown on attached Lowell Engineering Department Map (Sheet 248; 1982) and outlined in red.This acreage comprises one half of, and the only intact portion of, the three acres deeded to Horatio Worcester in 1839.

It retains its historical physical Lfsaan States and counties tor propertiss ochnapping state oreounty boundaries state N/A code county code state code county code 11. Form Prepared By Virginia A. Fitch, Preservation Planner, Massachusetts Historical Commission with name/title Elizabeth Durfee Hengen, Preservation Consultant organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date September, 1983 street & number 294 Washington Street telephone 617) 727-8470 city or town Boston Massachusetts state 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: national _ state X 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 Voluu Nwestomka State Historic Preservation Officer title Massachusetts Historical Commission date 11|15/83 For NPS use only I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register loer Bnterad FKeeper of the National Register Nationa date 12/22/83 Attest: Chief of Registration date NPSForm 10-900-a (7-81) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form Continuation sheet Worcester House Item number 7 & 9 350 For NPS use only received date entered Page 1 of the main house and matching architectural trim. The rear extension, built between 19:24-1936, contains a modern multi-pane bay window in the first story and a window with six-over-six sash in the second. A small projecting entry with a spindle-bracketed door hood extends to the north.

The north elevation is mostly obscured by additions and ells; only two windows on the second story with flat board trim are visible. The interior features of the house corroborate the local construction date of 1802 and an assumed Greek Revival remodeling c 1840. Original features include boxed corner posts, narrow cornice molding, ,second floor fireplaces, doors and spring window sash. The framing visible in the attic is pegged, mortised and tenoned. Greek Revival details appear on door and window trim (reeded with corner blocks) and the first floor fireplaces which have molded corner blocks and peaked overmantles. Much of the sash has Greek Revival muntin profiles. Northeast of the house lies a large frame barn with a medium-pitched gable roof. It is rectangular in ground plan and measures 73' X 30' X 24'.

The south and east elevations are clad in clapboards; the west and north elevations are sheathed with unpainted vertical boards. At hte west end is a partially excavated cellar lined with granite blocks. The interior framing of the barn is fully exposed and appears contemporary with the house. Principal posts and beams are mortised, tenoned and pegged and reinforced with braces. The croof purlins and roughhewn. Though much of the space is open, there are some lofts, early horse stalls and storage areas. 9. Bibliographical References Middlesex County Registry of Deeds: deeds and. plan files Lowel1 Historical Society files (L.S3.C4 1892-7, P.56-7) Bibliographical note: Historical source material for outer Andover Street is scarce. Until 1906 it was part of Tewksbury for which no comprehensive town history exists. Public records have been lost or destroyed.

Though Lowell research materials are rich, their coverage of outlying regions and later annexations is sketchy. WASO Form - 177 ("R" June 1984) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Worcester House Middlesex County MASSACHUSETTS resubmission nomination by person or local government owner objection appeal Substantive Review: Reviewer's comments: -sample request Working No. NOV 2 | 1983 Fed. Reg. Date:_ 2-5 85 Date Due: /2/22/83 Action: Entered In the 2/04/3-173/83 _RETURN National Regi _REJECT_ Federal Agency: -appeal LNR decision Recom./Criteria Reviewer Discipline Date _ see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: _technical corrections cited below substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Category Ownership Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 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 Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance summary paragraph completeness clarity alterations/integrity dates boundary selection Status Accessible Present Use Check one - original site moved date 8. Significance Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) summary paragraph completeness clarity applicable criteria iustification of areas checked relating significance to the resource context relationship of integrity to significance justification of exception other auoh 9. Major Bibliographical References 10.

Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References 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: national state local State Historic Preservation Officer signature date title 13. Other Maps Photographs Other Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to _ Signed Date Phone: Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet DEJeSOTO W WORCESTER HOUSE 658 Andover St., Lowell, MA Photograph by Elizabeth Durfee Hengen Negative filed at 45 Cabot St., Winchester, MA 01890 1983 #1 of 3: View of house looking north WORCESTER HOUSE 658 Andover St., Lowell, MA Photograph by Zammitti studio Negative filed at 95 Rodgers st-.

Lowel1, MA 01852 1983 #2 of 3: View of barn looking east WORCESTER HOUSE 658 Andover St., Lowell, MA Photograph by Zammitti studio Negative filed at 95 Rodgers st.. Lowell, MA 01852 1983 #3 of 3: Interior of barn 00 50 9739 36.94 67.34 (5595) 69.54 D 43 0324 142.38 L 98.83 55 11534 125.89 49 16248 247.33 L 168 86.58 82.32 62 16 30 STAFFORD 150 45.30 17.7 86.39 8 3 3922 863 94.90 67 100 1639/ RD -n 29 32 -122 RD 322.32 658 71672 1.64 Ac. 204.85 6 8 18216 648 15394 (6505) 200 80.49 261,79 ANDOVER 246.93 WORCESTER HOUSE Lowell, MA Lowell Engineering Department Map Sheet 248 1982 1" = 50' N