Nomination for Franklin Block

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) 0042 OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places JAN 171989 Registration Form NATIONAL This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or diFiGISTER 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. 1. Name of Property FRANKLIN BLOCK historic name other names/site number 2.

Location street & number city, town state 1102-1110 MAIN STREET BROCKTON MASSACHUSETTS code 025 N/ A not for publication N/A Vicinity county PLYMOUTH code 023 zip code 02401 3. Classification Ownership of Property X private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property X building(s) district site structure object Name of related multiple property listing: N/A Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing buildings sites structures objects Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 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 request 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 In my opinion, the property meets -does not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of certifying official EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MASS. HISTORICAL COMMISSION / SHPO State or Federal agency and bureau Date In my opinion, the property meets 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 i, hereby, certify that this property is: 1entered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. AelueByen 5 2/2./62 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use FRANKLIN BLOCK, BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) COMMERCE/TRADE: SPECIALTY STORE COMMERCE/TRADE: SPECIALTY STORE COMMERCE/TRADE: BUSINESS COMMERCE/TRADE: BUSINESS COMMERCE/TRADE: PROFESSIONAL COMMERCE/TRADE: PROFESSIONAL COMMERCE/TRADE: RESTAURANT COMMERCE/TRADE: RESTAURANT SOCIAL: MEETING HALL (see continuation sheet) SOCIAL: MEETING HALL 7.

Description Architectural Classification Materials (enter categories from instructions) (enter categories from instructions) ROMANESQUE foundation - walls- STONE BRICK roof_ other - TAR & gravel STONE: SANDSTONE Describe present and historic physical appearance. The Franklin Block stands at the northeast corner of Main Street and Perkins Avenue in the Campello section of Brockton. The area consists primarily of one- and two-story 20th century commercial buildings interspersed with parking lots. Erected in 1888, the building is a well-preserved example of a Romanesque-style business block. The Franklin Block is an L-shaped building rising four stories from a granite foundation to a flat tar and gravel roof. It stands at the southwest corner of its rectangular lot, abutting the sidewalk (west and south), a one-story commercial building (north) and a paved parking area (east).

There are two principal elevations facing onto Main Street (west) and Perkins Avenue (south); these are faced with pressed red brick, while the rear elevations are constructed of common brick. At the first story, principal elevations are composed of storefronts with recessed entries flanked by fluted pilasters. The pilasters support a signboard, which extends continuously along both elevations. Upper-story windows are asymmetrically arranged in groupings of one, two, and three bays framed by brick pilasters, and are set in corbelled reveals. The west elevation is ten bays wide, while the south elevation is eleven bays wide. The secondstory possesses rectangular windows (1/1) with transoms rising from a sandstone stringcourse to sandstone lintel courses. Raised brick panels exist between the second and third stories.

Third-story windows (4/4) possess arched transoms set in arches with decorative brickwork and sandstone keystones. At the south elevation, the central three-bay grouping consists of rectangular windows matching the second story, separated by decorative brick panels from small fourth-story windows. The central fourth-story window is capped by a blind arch. Decorative brick panels extend above the arched windows. A corbelled brick cornice exists below a projecting wooden cornice with dentils and brackets. An angled corner bay exists at the building's southwest corner; it is ornamented by a sandstone panel bearing the name of the building, "Franklin." The north elevation of the Main Street wing shares a party wall with an adjacent one-story building.

Three pairs of rectangular windows (1/1) with XSee continuation sheet NPS Form 10-900-e (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 6 Page - 1 Historic Functions GOVERNMENT: Post Office OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Franklin Block, Brockton, Massachusetts OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900e (8-88) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Franklin Block, Brockton, Massachusetts Section number Page 1 transoms and sandstone sills and lintels exist at the second story. identical pair of windows exists at the east end of the third and fourth stories. Round-arched windows exist at the third story near the center and at the west end.

The east elevations of the Main Street wing (four bays) and the north elevations of the Perkins Avenue wing (five bays) are similarly detailed. Segmental-arched openings contain several service entries as well as windows (1/1 and 2/2). First-story windows are blocked. A corbelled cornice exists at the head of the fourth story, and a fire escape exists at the corner joining the two wings. The east elevation of the Perkins Avenue wing contains no openings. The interior consists of retail and commercial space in the storefronts, with offices at the second story and meeting halls at the third and fourth stories. The upper stories have been renovated recently, but the second story retains tongue and groove wainscoting and original molded cases with transoms at entrances to offices.

The building is in largely original conditions, with slight modifications to several storefronts, and the removal of ornamental details from the rooftop. NPS Form 10-900-e (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 7 Page - 2 OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 Franklin Block Brockton, Massachusetts Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the property or in the local area (within one mile). In general, the potential for prehistoric or historic sites seems low as a result of the small parcel size (.5 acre) and because the four-story building, which has a full concrete basement, covers nearly the entire lot. 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

FRANKLIN BLOCK, BROCKTON,MASSACHUSETTS Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: nationally statewide Lx locally Applicable National Register Criteria Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) COMMERCE ARCHITECTURE C Period of Significance 1888-1920 Significant Dates 1888 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person N/A Architect/Builder -UNKNOWN State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The Franklin Block retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, feeling, workmanship, and association, and meets Criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places on the local level.

This Romanesque-style commercial block is a well-preserved, handsomely detailed example of the style, one of only two surviving substantial commercial buildings of the late 19th century in the Campello section of Brockton. Built in 1888, the Franklin Block is associated with a period of commercial and industrial expansion in Brockton and particularly in Campello. Brockton is the only inland city in Plymouth County. It was first incorporated as the North Precinct of Bridgewater in 1738. The shoe industry, which was to become the focus of Brockton's economy, began to develop in the early 19th century. The mid 19th century saw the transformation of Brockton's shoe and boot production from a cottage industry to a major manufacturing center. In 1837, the total annual value of boots and shoes made in Brockton was $184,200; by 1865, the figure had grown to $1,466,900.

The Campello section developed as a result of industrial expansion along the railroad, which was parallel to Main Street one block to the east along Montello Street. -The result was an elongated development with industry concentrated along the railroad, commercial buildings along Main Street. Much of the area was destroyed by a fire in 1853. Damages were estimated at over $50,000, and many workers lost their jobs. Economic recovery in Campello was aided by the tremendous general growth in Brockton during the late 19th century. The city's population grew from 8,007 in 1870 to 62,288 in 1915. Historian Elroy Sherman Thompson, writing in 1906, referredto the period 1875-1885as "the greatest growth of any city in the state." Many large shoe companies were established and expanded in the 1870s and 1880s, with a large concentration of their factories in the Campello area.

The local economy continued to flourish due to the demands for boot and shoe products during World War I; a general decline began about 1920. [X See continuation sheet 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical Referen FRA LIN BLOCK, BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS Brockton City Directories, 1890, 1920-1921, 1924-1925. Brockton Commercial Bulletin, November, 1984. Hurd, D. Hamilton. History of Plymouth County. J.W. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, 1884 Kingman, Bradford. History of Brockton, Plymouth County, MA 1656-1894. D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, N.Y., 1895. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Reconnaissance Survey Report: Brockton. Unpublished, 1981. Assessors' Records, City of Brockton. Data Bank, Brockton Historical Commission. Files of Brockton Enterprise. Interview with Attorney Alphon N. Carlson, past owner, 1987.

Previous documentation on file (NPS): Jpreliminary 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 Less than -5 acres USGS- BROCKTON QUADRANGLE SCALE 1:25000 UTM References A L9 BB3210 Zone Easting CL 4 6 5 8 Northing 0 0 B Zone D See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: [X State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency Local government University Other Specify repository: Easting See continuation sheet Northing Verbal Boundary Description The nominated property includes the building and land at 1102-1110 Main Street as shown on Assessor's Map 116, plot 438. See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The boundary of the nominated property includes the entire city lot presently and historically associated with the building. See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By name/titleKIM WITHES, BRENGLE With/ BETSY FRIEDBERG, National-Register Director, MHG organization_ Mass.

Historical Commission date May 18, 1988 street & number 80 Boylston St. telephone 617-727-8470 city or town Boston state - MASS. _ zip code 02116 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-800-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Franklin Block Brockton, Massachusetts Section number - 8 Page - Commercial development in Brockton focused on the center of the city at Main and Belmont Streets, where a number of significant late 19th century commercial blocks survive. The Campello section provided a secondary commercial area serving the extensive industrial and residential development flanking it. Only two substantial commercial buildings survive from this period of growth in Campello: the Kingman Block (1147 Main Street, 1871) and the Franklin Block. The Franklin Block was first owned by Frank E.

Packard, and subsequently by Simeon Franklin Packard, whose real estate and insurance business was in the building. Members of the Packard family owned the building until at least 1898. Nellie Packard, who was married to Frank E. Packard, was a successful lecturer, soloist, and teacher of vocal music. She spent much of her time teo ces oa voed beginning in 1891 directing and coordinating recitals, lectures, choirs, and dances that were held on the third floor of the Franklin Block in what was known as "Mystic Hall. " These recitals and concerts were well attended, making the Block a local cultural and social center. The Franklin Block was owned from 1924 through 1948 by Roger Keith, a mayor of Brockton for two terms beginning in 1921. Keith was a member of a prominent Brockton family, and operated an insurance business in the building.

The Block has been used continuously for stores, offices and a meeting hall. An advertisement exists for the Franklin Cafe here in 1890, and an 1898 atlas shows the Campello Co-operative Bank located here. Use of the first story has included Campello News, a dry goods shop, clothing store, grocery store, drugstore, tailor shop, barber shop, Post Office, Campello Coal Company, and a real estate office. The second story was occupied primarily by professional offices including attorneys, a dentist, physicians, an optometrist, and the Roger Keith Insurance Agency. The Pilgrims Foundation, founded by Edgar B. Davis, a wealthy Brockton philanthropist, had an office here. The third and fourth stories were used by various fraternal organizations, societies, and ethnic groups, with meetings, lectures, and social gathering held several times weekly.

The Franklin Block is still used by a similar mixture of tenants. The Franklin Block is notable as a well-preserved example of a Romanesque-style commercial block. Standing on a corner lot, it has two characteristically detailed principal elevations featuring intact storefronts with pilasters and signboards (first story), and pressed red brick with sandstone sill and lintel courses at the upper stories. Other notable architectural details include arched windows, decorative brick panels, and a corbelled brick cornice below a dentilated and bracketed wooden cornice. While other comparable commercial blocks survive at the center of Brockton's commercial district, the Franklin Block is a rare survivor representing the peak of prosperity in Campello, Brockton's secondary commercial district. Franklin Block 1102-1110 Main St Brockton, MA - Magnetic North - PERKINS: AVE.

Scale: 1inch = 60 feet + Date: 1986 Assessor's Map 116, Plot 438 MAIN ST. 240 35.82 86.05 65.13; 80.46 438 437-1 800 1920 24d 14.96d 437 436-1 100.06 4687 1I50 436 6520 100.08 ST. 209.05 22622 436% 120 $ 133.00 20.00 65.14 79.00 53.32 11.025 Way Right 202/2 1/255 108.25 115.55 A N 5 Right oF 18.0 3340 99.45 100.90 L.C. 100.46 34.33 34,4 Way 62.50 66.0 436-2 31.55- , 4095 k) 60.60d 61.5 99.00 99*0 4438 2-1 45d 135,33d L.c.53.36 5405 53,35 L.C. 8940 135,57d 99.0 50d 4949 98.970 /-1 50d L.C.102.21 102.33 78d 1-/ 4921 103.80 135.4 --27.6- Ritttsyar k15 104+ 12586 59.88d 17 660 :205,100% 18 164,75 E.

CHESTNUT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Franklin Block NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Plymouth DATE RECEIVED: 1/17/89 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 2/17/89 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REFERENCE NUMBER: 89000042 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF PENDING LIST: 2/01/89 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 3/03/89 APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N OTHER: PDIL: N PERIOD: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN REJECT ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL: N Entered in the 3/21/89 DATE j A B eLotie RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE_ DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N CLASSIFICATION count resource type STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION FUNCTION historic current DESCRIPTION architectural classification materials _descriptive text 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 BIBLIOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHICAL DATA acreage UTMs verbal boundary description boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION USGS maps photographs sketch maps OTHER COMMENTS Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Phone Signed Date _presentation SHOP CÁP SÒN PROPERTY NAME: FRANKLIN BLOCK STREET ADDRESS: 1106 MAIN ST.

COMMUNITY: BROCKION, MA. addiess: Franklm Block 1102 - 1110 Main St PHOTOGRAPHER AND DATE: ALTON DAVIDSON, October, 1985 LOCATION OF NEGATIVE: SOUTH EASTON, MA Brackton, PHOTO NUMBER: 1 of 2 Photagrapher: AHon Davidson DESCRIPTION OF VIEW: FRONT AND SIDE VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST negative ' So. Easton, MA Franklin Block Date : 10/1985 1102-1110 Main St. Brock ton, MA view : so : west - Elevationo faciny Photographer:Alton Dawidson North East October, 1985 Negative: S.

Easton, MA phob : 1 of 7 Viêw of S and Welevations facing NE Phato numberl of 7 Missing Core Documentation Property Name Franklin Block County, State Plymouth, Massachusetts Reference Number 89000042 The following Core Documentation is missing from this entry: Nomination Form X Photographs (#s: 2-7) _ USGS Map * 7 COMMISSIONT * Comnonivalil ( Kel) JAN 1 7 1989 NATIUINAL REGISTER January 9, 1989 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 following nomination form: The Prescott Town House, Petersham, MA The Franklin Block, Brockton, MA The Thomas Donaghy School, New Bedford, MA (HPCA#10780 MA) 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 consideration 30-75 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Comments received to date are attached to the nomination form. Sincerely, Betay Frillerg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure: BF/di Massachusetts Historical Commission, Valerie A. Talmage, Executive Director, State Historic Preservation Officer 80 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 (617) 727-8470 Office of the Secretary of State, Michael J. Connolly, Secretary