Nomination for Whitney, Israel, House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form10-900 (Rev. 8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form RECEIVED JAN 2 5 1988 NATIONAL REGISTER This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries.

Name of Property historic name Israel other names/site number Whitney House same 2. Location street & number city, town state MA 963 Central Needham Avenue code 025 county Norfok code N/A not for publication N/A vicinity 21 zip code 02192 3. Classification Ownership of Property X private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property building(s) district site structure object Name of related multiple property listing: N/A Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 2 buildings sites structures 2 objects Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register N/A 4.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the NationalHistoric Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination Jrequest for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. ny onio te prpermeudes ne met atio Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of certifying official alma Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commission; State or Federal agency and bureau State Historic Preservation Officer In my opinion, the property does not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5.

National Park Service Certification 1, hereby, certify that this property is: Aentered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. Aebmußyew Intered in the Mat1on9l Register 2-25-55 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Israel Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Domestic/single dwelling Domestic/single dwelling Commerce/Trade-specialty store 7. Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Federal Greek Revival Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation- walls.

roof_ other _ Stone/field stone wood: clapboard shingle vinyl siding N/A Describe present and historic physical appearance. Ihe Israel Whitney House, Needham, located at 963 Central Avenue, is a central element of Needham's original rural town center, which maintains much of this rural character in the midst of a twentieth century residential area. The Whitney House is situated on one of the two acres bought by Whitney in 1829 from the First Parish Church (no longer extant) which was across the way. Occupying one of the three corners of the original town center and centered on a one-acre lot, the house stands facing east on a slope abdtre Central Avenue, set back from the street approximately fifty feet.

To the north adjacent to the Whitney lot is the Davis Mills House (NR 04/01/82), which was built in 1834 with the imposed condition "that he (Davis Mills) will build a house within three years on the premises as large as the one built by Israel Whitney in that neighborhood." To the south lies a defunct public grammar school. The house sits on a sloping lawn with many mature trees maintaining the lot's rural setting. The Whitney house is a fine example of a wood-frame clapboard late-Federal farmhouse with a Greek Revival doorway. The house is roofed with black asphalt shingles. While the main facade now bears vinyl siding, the rest of the building is sheathed in clapboard on all sides except the rear wall of the main block and of the northern ell. These rear walls are covered with wood shingles.

The present house was constructed in two phases: the 2 1/2-story main block and a 1 1/2-story (north) ell were constructed around 1830, and a 2 1/2-story reax (west) addition was added in 1953. The original barn is also intact in the rear and has been attached to the 1953 addition by a screened-in breezeway. [X See continuation sheet (eps Fom 10.900a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page - OMa Aoprovel No. 1024-0018 Israel Whitney House, Needhar, Massachusetts The foundation of the main block is supported by the house's original fieldstone, with a basement under only the southeast parlor. The main block 1s side-gabled, single pile in plan, and five bays wide with a central Greek Revival-style entrance. The entrance is ornamented with a simple entablature and rectangular side lights.

Fenestration on the second story maintains the same symmetrical organization as the first with a central window situated directly over the first floor entrance. Windows are set within a slightly molded frame, and 6/6 sash is used throughout the complete structure. northern gabled end of the main structure, which is covered in painted clapboard, has both a second story 6/6 window and an attic level 6/3 window. The rear (west) wall of the main house, sided in wooden shingles, bears the two chimneys placed at either end of this wall accomodating the two original fireplaces. A 1953 addition (see below) interrupts the rear wall by extending from the northern half of this wall. The first floor of the southern gabled end of the building has two windows, while two upper levels each have one central light. Shutters frame on all windows except for the attic lights.

To the north is an attached one-room, l 1/2-story ell, contemporary with the main house. Iwo 6/6 windows flank the first floor of the eastern side. The northern gabled end has one window on the first level assymetrically placed toward the northeastern end. The upper level has symmetrical shuttered paired 6/6 sash. The west wall is covered in wooden shingles and has an entrance into what is now the kitchen. During the 1950s, a 2 I/2 rear ell was constructed. Sheathed in white wood clapboard, the addition runs to the west of the original block and is a single bay wide Ihr oughout the house has 6/6 sash. Fenestration on the north wall consists of three windows on both stories and on the south, three on the first story and two on the second. The entrance is on the addition's western wall with an attached screened porch leading to the original barn in the rear.

The interior of the main block of the Whitney House retains much of its original woodwork. As well as its fireplace and original mantle surviving on the first floor, the second story bedrooms, one on each side of the central staircase, retain their original details--fireplace surrounds, chair rail, paneled doors, and the original wide pine floors. continued Nes Form 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet aMB Aoprovel No. 1024-0016 Section number _7 Page _ 2 Israel Whitney House, Needhail, Massachusetts ARCHAEOLOGY While no prehistoric archaeological sites are currently recorded on the property, is possible that sites Located on the southeast-facing slope of North Hill and in close proximity to the Charles River and its adjacent wetlands, the location would have been attractive to native people.

Any surviving sites would be significant since the patterns of prehistoric occupation in Needham are poor ly documented. There is potential for historical archaeological sites. Controlled testing can document the presence ot outbulldings no longer extant, the date and extent of landscaping around the house, and the location of occupation-related features (privies, wells, trash pits). Analysis of these data could help to clarify and document the changing functions which occurred within the house (cobbler shop and post office as well social, as residence) as well as detail the cultural, economic characteristics of this prominent Needham fami ly during the first half of the 19th century. 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Israel Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: Jnationally statewide locally LXB Applicable National Register Criteria Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Commerce Settlement Period of Significance 1830-1847 Significant Dates 1830 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person Whitney, Israel Architect/Builder State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The Israel Whitney House, Needham, possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship as we11 as significant historical associations with Needham's development during the early 19th century.

This wel1-preserved example of a late Federal farmhouse derives its importance from its architecture, prominent location and from its association with its first owner, Israel Whitney. Whitney played a long and active role in the early civic development of Needham. Thus, the Israel Whitney House meets criteria B and C of the National Register on the local level. The Whitney House is associated with important activities of Needham's early 19th century development. It was the first non-ecclesiatical house to have been built on parish land, and used as the town's post office. Furthermore, the architecture of this house provided a standard of size and quality for later residential construction in the 19th century town center when the town was still predominantly an agricultural conmunity.

The houses of the first minister, Jonathan Townsend (NR 04/01/82), built in 1720, and the Davis Mills House, built in 1834, still stand on Central Avenue while buildings that once stood on Central Avenue and Nehoiden Street, the first stood an schoolhouse, the post office, and the First Parish Church no longer survive. Israel Whitney (1774-1846) came to Needham from Watertown, Massachusetts in 1795. He was married in 1799 to Mary Fuller (1781-1859), a descendant of one of the founding families of Needham. civic events of Needham, taking on many prominent roles and positions. Between the time of their marriage and the construction of their home, the PENEE Whitney quickly became involved in the takingendny couple lived . with the Fuller family. Also during this time Israel was securing his reputation as a conmunity leader. [X] See continuation sheet 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Israel Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES Clark, George Kuhn. History of Needham. Cambridge, 1912. Jones, Frederic A., Old Houses in Needham. priv. printed, 1953. Files of Needham Historical Society. Archives, Needham Public Library. Previous documentation on file (NPS): NTA preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10.

Geographical Data Acreage of property - 1.13 acres UTM References A L1,9 3114320 Zone Easting 14,618,319,7,0 Northing See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: [X State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency Local government University Other Specify repository: Massachusetts Historical Conmission Inventory of Historic Assets #19 B D Zone Easting Northing See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description X See continuation sheet Boundary Justification x]See continuation sheet 11.

Form Prepared By namelile Elizabeth Rich, Neecham Historica1 Conmission w/Anne Tait & Betsy Friedberg,R pregrams organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date September 1987 street & number 80 Boylston Street telephone (617) 727-8470 city or town Boston state _ MA _ zip code 02116 NPS Form 10-000-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Aaproval No. 1024-0018 Section number _8 Page - - Israel Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts George Clarke, Needham historian, described Whitney as "sexton, cobbler, and official." Before purchase of this prime land of the First Parish on which he built his Federal-style house, Whitney established himself as town official, selectman, church sexton (1814-1839), and teacher (1807-1816).

Later, he used the northern 1 1/2 story ell of his home as a cobbler shop and a post office (1839-1846). Also during this time he continued on as town selectman (1835-1837), justice of the peace (beginning 1833), warden of the poor farm (1820-1833), and was also instrumental in deterring the early attempts to divide the East and West Parishes of Needham into separate towns. Whitney's role as postmaster is significant not only for being the second postmaster in Needham, but for being the originator of the town's first postal system, using his home on Central Avenue as the town post office. In addition to his town activities, Whitney found time to join the Needham Lyceum, the Lodge of Masons, and the church choir of the First Parish church. the 1711 establishment of these lands to be able to acquire two of the 144 highly prized acres for one hundred dollars.

The first person to purchase a parcel of First Parish land had been Jeremiah Kingsbury thirty five years earlier (1795), and he too had been influential in town affairs. The land on which the Whitney House was constructed was originally intended to be solely for use by the First Parish ministers for farming, haying, and cutting firewood. The interest in this land became more intense as Needham began to grow in the 18th century, and as the parish lost control of Needham's fiscal affairs the town took control of these acres. For example, payment for leases of these lands had begun to be paid to the town treasurer during the last decade of the 18th century, rather than to the parish.

Furthermore, in 1774 the Town Clerk recorded a list of people called Antipedobaptists "who regularly gathered together for worship on the Sabbath." This group contained some of the town's most respected citizens, and before long voiced their objection to being taxed for the support of the ministry of the First Parish. There were other problems over control of the lands, including a later suit which the First Parish, nevertheless, won; and with new sects arriving in Needham, the lands seem to have gradually been assumed by the town. x see continuation sheet OME AUOROMEL NO 1024-0016 NPS Form 10-000 (8-06) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page. Israel.

Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts Historically, the First Parish Church owned all the land that constitutes the leaders of the church and the leaders of the town and the same during the early development of Needham, the controlled many of the town's fiscal affairs, owning 144 acres of this highly attractive area. During the time of the gradual weakening of the parish's town-control, few people were able to gain access to this land. However, Whitney, being the sexton of the First Parish, the town selectman, and town assessor, was in a powerful decision-making position when the land became available. Soon after, more land in the town center was taken from the parish, and sold by the town for residential and public use.

four years after whitney built his home, the Davis Mills House N0 4/01/82, constructed on First Parish land, with the stipulation "that he (Davis Mills) will build a house within three years on the premises as large as the one built by Israel Whitney in that neighborhood." By being one of the first to build in the area, Whitney had set a standard on which the town center could base further residential development. Although the Whitneys had' four daughters, none of them lived in the house after their parents' death. After the house and the two-acre lot were sold in 1847, the house changed hands several times during the nineteenth and early- twentieth century. In 1947 the house was conveyed to Elizabeth D. Revere and Paul Revere, a great-great-grandson of the patriot. The Reveres constructed the 2 1/2-story rear addition in 1953.

The present owner is Viola Balzer, who owns the property and one of the two original acres. The Israel Whitney house is architecutrally significant as one of a handful of Federal ,houses surviving in Needham. It stands a well-preserved rectangular center-hall plan, Late Federal country - house with Greek Revival details and twin rear wall chimneys Interior details surviving in the main block are the original woodwork and mantle. Along with the Davis Mills House, the Whitney House remains survivor of Needham's early- 19th- century architecture and development. (PS Fom 109000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service vational Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheel OMB Aoprovel No.

1021-0018 Section number _10 Page 1 Israel Whitney House, Needham, Massachusetts VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION Lot B on enclosed plan from Norfolk Registry of Deeds; Southeasterly by entral Avenue on 3 courses, measuring 14 ft., 51.83 It., and 172.61 ft., respectively; Southwesterly by Dwight Rd. as shown on said plan, 187.54 ft.; Northwesterly by Lot A as shown on said plan, 235.54 ft.; Northeasterly by land now or formerly of Marion A. Beckonert, 227.77 ft., containing 49341 sq. ft. more or Above premises subject to right of 20 ft. wide along SW boundary egress and ingress to Central Ave. of Lot A BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION The boundaries of the Israel Whitney House includes one of the two acres originally owned by the Whitney family. now or formerly Domanic R- Gherin - Ghe1li. N 17° 36 59 E 238.42 RD. Israel Whitney House 963 Central Ave., Needham, MA 170.00 Needham.

of (Private) N 64-3312W Town DWIGHT 187.54 CENTRAL 40 80 120 SCALE OF THIS PLAN ORIGINAL ON FILE. Approval Under The Subdivision Control Law NOT Requred Nnetan Lady g laml Data Jame 7, 1160 43 984. Sq. F+ 235.54 25* 34- 19w -3 64- 22 08 E formerly Beekonert. or now Marion Hoose *743 227.77 B 49 341. 5g-Ft.+ R:1953.30 L: 172.61 R$385.15 L:14.00 -51.83 Norbl Phain, M of Dosde Received Aug 18 1960 with Deed Paul Revere a al to Winton E. Balzer +al (Pubie) AVE. Plan of NEEDHAM, Scale: lin.-4o f+. Landn MASS. Cheney Endineerind Co. Needbam, Mass! May 31,1960. Subdivision of plan dated 1July 28,1953 by Thamas R. Brundad e,Ur/ PRAI CHIDEN VEOIETALO NEEDHAM HISTORICAL COMMISSION ROOM 20, TOWN HALL NEEDHAM, MA 02192 TOWN OF NEEDHAM, MASS Building Inspection Department 921 Building Permit No. No.

Area Additios Owner Paul Revere 963 Central Road Sireet Avenue Sewer Water Setback of adjacent buildings Builder Carl Bezenses Drain All plot plans to be drawn according to specifications set forth in Section 25, Zoning By-Laws of the Toun of Needham. Propased Additics Dwight 360.37 House 430.77 CENTRAL 171.77 I hereby certity that the lot corners, dimersions and offsets to the ploposed buding are'accurately shown on this plan and will conform with the completed construction. Signed: C.T1 aette Civil Englaeer Approved 1n accordance with Art, 37 of 1940 Approval Date 4/29/53 Supt. of Public Works Barn scuened poic, pao iddetion 191 L. Frepinie puupiay girep.ace NEEDHAM HISTURICAL COMMISSION ROOM 20, TOWN HALL NEEDHAM, MA 02192 orig. obblcí's shop + post office. nru modern kitchen Ssrail vlitney isuse.

,830 88000160 WASO Form - 177 ("R" June 1984) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Whitney, Israel, House Norfolk County MASSACHUSETTS resubmission nomination by person or local government owner objection appeal Substantive Review: Reviewer's comments: sample J request JAN 25 1988 Working No. Fed. Reg. Date: 2-7-89 Date Due: _ 2 125/88 -3/10/88 Istored in tfgtion: LACCEPT 2-25-35 Ietionel Begisten - RETURN _REJECT- Federal Agency: Lappeal 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 Checkone 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 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 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: _ GPO 918-450 Commentsfor any item maybe continued on an attached sheet Israel Whitney House Reaneen at dye, 1 Nedhan MA 142 Hillcrest Ave., Needhan No. 1 of 4 View from East NEEDHAM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Town Hall Needham, MA 02192 Z6TZO VU WVHG3EN NOSLVM 3 HISNNEM 18-252 Israel Whitney House 963 Central Ave.,Needham MA Kenneth Watson, 1984 142 Hillcrest Rd., Needham No.

2 of 4 , View from South 2GIZO VI 'WVHO3EN MOSIVM "3 HISNEX NEEDHAM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Town Hall Needham, MA 02192 BnG 70dLMaS =SnON KaNZIHM TaUdS/ ^8-"'-P) P3-4-87 96 AvE NASS Isreal Whitney House 963 Central Avenue Needham, MA Photographer: Kenneth Watson Negative in photograper's files Rear of house, facing East towards Central Avenue No. 3 of 4 R4-12-8V NEEDA AdE 55 Isreal Whitney House 963 Central Avenue Needham, MA Photographer: Kenneth Watson Negative in photographer's files South Elevation No. 4 of y KENNETH E. WATSON 142 HILLCREST RD. NEEDHAM, MA 021 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Secretary of State Michael Joseph Connolly, Secretary Massachusetts Historical Commission Valerie A. Talmage Executive Director State Historic Preservation Officer January 19, 1988 Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P.O.

Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed you will find the nomination forms for the following properties: Chester, Chester Center Historic District, Skyline Trail Needham, Israel Whitney House, 963 Central Avenue Shirley, James Parker House, R.R. 1, Box 39 Center Road They 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 consideration 30-75 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. No comments have been received to date. Sincerely, /.. .Ahi" Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission BF/es Enclosure JA 25 80 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 (617) 727-8470