Nomination for Rock Castle School

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form 437 OMB No. 1024-0018 APR 2 4 1989 NATIONAL REGISTER (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property historic name other names/site number Rock Castle School 2. Location street & number city, town state Massachusetts Prospect Street Hebster code 025 county Worcester N/A not for publication N/A vicinity code 027 zip code 3. Classification Ownership of Property X private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property Xbuilding(s) district site structure object Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 1 0 _buildings sites structures objects 1 0 Total Name of related multiple property listing: Number of contributing resources previously N/A listed in the National Register N/A 4.

State/Federal Agency Certification As thedesignated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this Xnomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the NationalRegister ofHistoric Places and meets theprocedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property meetsdoes not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of certifying official Executive Direçtor, Massachusettg Historical Cormission 4/1889 State Historic Preservation ition officer laemage Date State or Federal agency and bureau 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: Centered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. Bertt Seurge 6-7-89 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) So sgnalure or tha kaoper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Rock Castle, School, Webster: Massachusetts Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Education/schoo! Domestic/multiple dwelling 7. Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Late Victorian/Italianate Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation granite walls granite concrete roof other asphalt wood Describe present and historic physical appearance.

The Rock Castle School in Webster, Massachusetts, stands on the west side of Prospect Street, south of its junction with East Main Street (Route 12). The area surrounding the school building consists primarily of freestanding residences; immediately behind (west), at the base of a steep embankment, is an area of mixed commercial and residential buildings. The school building is a two-story masonry structure faced on all elevations with random granite ashlar and brick trimmings consisting of quoins at window frames and building corners as well as a brick and wood cornice. The building is rectangular in plan and is enclosed by an asphalt-covered hip roof with ornamental gables at the heads of shallow pavilions on the east (facade) and west elevations.

Windows originally contained wood-frame sash that varied in configuration between 4/4 in narrow openings and 6/6 in large openings; second-story windows have arched heads. As part of the recent rehabilitation, new aluminum frame windows were installed in configurations matching the originals. Although original plans of the building have not been found and the interior has been substantially altered, it appears that the first and second floors of the building originally had two major classroom/lecture rooms each with coatrooms and offices at the northeast and southeast corners of the building. Two adjacent staircases (only one of which remains), contained within the central pavilion, provide access to the rooms.

In the mid-20th century, the first-story plan was severely altered by the removal of partitions between classrooms and by the reconstruction of new partitions that divide the interior into three classrooms. At the second story, coatrooms and offices have been connected by the removal of partitions. Prior to the rehabilitation, both the first and second stories suffered extensive water poured concrete floor. The facade (east elevation) is symmetrical, consisting of a central pedimented pavilion flanked by shallow end pavilions. At the first story of the central pavilion, paired entries are set beneath a single hood supported on ornamental brackets. Each doorway contains a single panelled door with a glass panel (dating from the recent rehabilitation). At the second story, the central pavilion has two arched windows, while the pediment contains Spn cotrlursion sEeeth OMB Approvel No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 10-000-e (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Rock Castle School Webster, Massachusetts Section number _ Page - end pavilion contains an entry sheltered by a hood set on ornamental brackets. Each entry contains a set of panelled double doors with glass panes (also dating from the recent rehabilitation). At the second story, above each entry, is an arched window opening. central pavilion are narrow wall surfaces containing one narrow window per Alterations to the facade (prior to the recent rehabilitation) include replacement of original wood stoops with concrete stoops. As part of the rehabilitation, the concrete stoops were covered by wooden porches.

The south elevation contains four evenly spaced bays with one window per bay at the first and second stories; an exception exists in the easternmost bay of the second story where an original blind window exists. At the basement, this elevation contains an added window near its west end (converted from a doorway as part of the recent rehabilitation). The rear (west) elevation has the same basic arrangement of central and end pavilions as the facade; however, it stands on a basement that is fully above ground. The central pavilion contains a window and an entry at the basement, two windows per story at the first and second stories, and an oculus in the pediment. The basement entry contains a six-panel metal door (installed during the recentrehabilitation). Each end pavilion contain one window per story. Wall sections between the central and end pavilions contains one window per story.

Wall sections between the central and end pavilions contain one single window at the basement (the northernmost one added during the recent rehabilitation) and one double window per story at the first and second The north elevation is covered at the first story by a concrete-block addition (1948). Only the second story of the original is exposed; it is the mirror image of the south elevation. The north addition is a one-story structure built of concrete blocks covered vith stucco and enclosed by a flat tar and gravel roof. Elevations were riginally unornamented but, when apartments were built within the addition as part of the recent rehabilitation, fenestration was added. The facade (east elevation) of the addition contains two entries beneath a common hood flanked by four windows.

The rear (west) elevation of the addition has two symmetrical entries at either end of the elevation; each entry is flanked by two windows. Window and door openings of the addition are framed with bricks. The south elevation of the addition is blank. Note: In 1985, the building was rehabilitated as part of the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Certification program. continued OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-000- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Rock Castle School Webster, Massachusetts Section number - 7 Page - As part of the rehabilitation, the interior, including the basement, was converted to apartments. An L-shaped corridor was added at each floor providing access to apartments.

Existing partitions were removed and new walls constructed to create four apartments per floor. Four apartments were constructed within the north wing. Exterior changes included new doors in entries, new sash in window openings, wood porches over added concrete stoops, and a stucco surface over the north wing. Approvel No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-000-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Cattnal on Set Historic Places Section number 1 Page 3 Rock Castle School Webster, Massachusetts Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the property or in the general The lack of sites likely results from have been documented in this region, particularly along the shores of Lake Chaubunagungamaug to the east and Quinebaug River to the southwest.

addition, locational characteristics of the parcel, including its close proximity to the French River, indicate favorable conditions for native settlement and subsistence activities. In general, however, the small size of tadition, indicates a ow potential fort prctistorit sitesBaet historic resources are not known for the property. resources may exist 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Rock Castle School, Websier, Massachusetts Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: nationally statewide xlocally Applicable National Register Criteria Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Education Community Planning and Development C D -G Period of Significance 1871-1938 Significant Dates 1871 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person N/A Arhirie l fuller (architect) Larned & Chaugh (builder) State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The Rock Castle School possesses integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, and historical association with the civic development of Webster.

Designed by the prominent architectural firm of Earle & Fuller, the school remains a well-preserved example of Italianate-style architecture. The Rock Castle School is of local significance and meets Criteria A and C for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Webster's public education system first offered high school classes in the 1850s. Classes were conducted on the second floor of the Town Hall near the present-day corner of Slater and East Main Streets in East Webster. early years the school was able to accommodate approximately 80 pupils. High school classes continued to be offered at these quarters until 1870 when the building was destroyed by fire. Following the fire, students attended classes in temporary classrooms set up in Webster Hall on School Street.

After only a few months, a school building committee was organized to arrange for the Land was purchased in the "North Village" section of town from S. Slate & Sons, dominant manufacturer in the area and owner of much of the land in the North Village, and construction f the school began in 1870. The town appropriated $20,000 for constructior f the building and secured Worcester architects Earle & Fuller for its design. Builders Larned & Chaugh of Worcester were hired to undertake construction. By the end of 1870, most of the work had been completed with $14,000 having been spent by the town. The Rock Castle School, known as the Webster High School when built, was completed in 1871, for a total cost of It was not until after 1888 that the name "Rock Castle" was used.

it is said that one of the students suggested the name "Rock Chronicle" for the first school newspaper and from then on townspeople and students called the school "Rock Castle." Stephen Earle (1839-1913) and James Fuller (1836-1901), principals of the firm Earle & Fuller(functioning (1867-1876), were prominent architects not only in Worcester but throughout central Massachusetts during the second half of the XSee continuation sheet 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Rock Castle School, Webster, Massachusetts Webster Times. 1859-1959 Bartlett HighSchool yearbook:. Centennial Issue"The Chronicle" , 1972 webster Town Report, 1870-18/1 Webster Times. April 9, 1870 Charles Leaven Notes, Volume 2 Webster Town Directories, various years Maps and Atlas research Previous documentation on file (NPS): x preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested HPCA #11019MA 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 one acre UTM References A L1,9 Zone 126,118,2,0 Easting CL1 146|5.9520 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 Zone DL Easting See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description See attached map for accurate representation of property boundaries. -See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The boundaries include the land occupied by the building as delineated on the assessor's map. -See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By name/title Christine Beard-Historic Pres.

Consultant w/Betsy Friedburg, N.R.Director, MHC organization/assachusetts Historical Cormission late Novembet street & number80 Boylston Street elephone_(617) 727-847 city or town stateMassachusetts zip code 02116 OMB Approvel No. 1021-0018 NPS Form10-900-# (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page - Rock Castle Schooi Webster, Massachusetts 19th century. They are best known for their educational and civic buildings in central Massachusetts. Among the firm's best-known works are Boynton Hall at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1867-1868).

Other major buildings designea by stephen tarle include numerous town halls (Canton, Oxford, anc Ayer, Massachusetts), churches (Pilgrim Congregational and Union Congregational Churches in Worcester), the original buildings for Clark University in Worcester, and the School Street Engine House in Webster. Although granite ashlar was uncommon for school buildings in the smaller it was a material commonly used by Earle & Fuller. Schooi is typical among the Earle & Fuller bufidings for its use of granite blocks and its elegant Italianate-style design. A fine example of the Italianate style, the Rock Castle School retains major elements of its original design, including a characteristic rectangular plan with a hipped roof, symmetrical elevations with pedimented central pavilions, exceptionally fine stonework, arched windows, panelled doors, and ornamental entry hoods.

At the time the school opened, two teachers were employed, C. T. Haynes and E. M. Everett. Documentation has not been found to indicate exactly what curiculum was followed at the school but it was built prior to the educational reforms of the 1890s and early 1900s that expanded the curriculum of most secondary schools to include vocational training, such as typing, cooking and trade education. The original floor plan of the Rock Castle School, which consisted of two large classrooms on the first and school floors, is indicative of traditional teaching practices, which relied on one teacher conducting a large group of students in the strictly intellectual subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic; fewer specialized classrooms were needed to accommodate this type of curriculum.

It is likely that the more traditional curriculum was used at the Rock Castle School well into the the 1890s, as the town continued to employ only two teachers during that time. The school continued to function s sl ntil 1905 wen the larger, more modern Bartlett High School (still in use) was opened. The Rock Castle School continued to be used for educational purposes after the high school classes were removed. In the early twentieth century, it served as a grammar school, remaining as such until the 1930s. this time as the vocational annex Regional Vocational High School in Charlton, Massachusetts, forced the closing of Rock Castle once again. Until the recent rehabilitation, the building was used as a storage facility by the school department. -FRENCH MATCH TOWN-. 137.42 116.65 3 LIME 9 2.9 AC. CAL. 12.26 9.! 22 SOUTH 83.1 2,069° 85.57 2° 9. 3 139.4 052 9.2 99.20 24.10 9381 9.

4 53.10 08.32 -çO 188 9.5 2.46 AC.CAL. -OF DUDLE WEB STERDE 119.98 83.32 3 66 382 (S) MAIN 18 10.1 4.- 164.25 207.70 10 5 6474 6 80,0 6.1 122,30 8080 STREET 10 58.76 aez% 154.5% 155 5 1018 o, RE: 119,20 SHORT 102.16 4 1463 133 1 133 GRANITE 13 142.43 8 12 STREET 10.3 HLARK 3 112.3 093.75° 194 15 149 13h 14 12 3099 PROSPECI 99.92 3 6 1 8,612 ) 35 138 5 34.25 34 33 54.797 177.5 32 66 1 3 -° 13, 120(3) -' 0° 112(3 18 1 6 45.79 8 5 100 6 103 7 4a(g) 8 9 1039 10 100.0 CUTL De 132(0) 65 00 34.20} 100.04 2122 8° be6s 6).574 80.03 11 1Silo) 16 15 112.2 TE STREET 136 9 1022 23 .49 189.2 10 121 30 33.08 81.+92 TREE 30 6° (49(8) 12 118 214812 311 13 STREF 28 STREE 21 70.05 25 2919,11.0 24 EXEMPT 1016 197.04 2302 -11.1 IA 23 2° 721 28 the .tee 26 1214 25 109.00 33 120,4 THOMPSON SCHOO 139022 18 M2

Webster Assessors Map: #14 Scale: 1" = 100' Loit / 00.00/0101 9 40.23. 10225 22 RIVER Ne8 Form 10-000-a - United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page - OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 for SUPPLEMENTARY LISTING RECORD NRIS Reference Number : 89000437 Rock Castle Schoo1 Property Name Date Listed: 06/07/89 Worcester County MA State N/A Multiple Name This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with the attached nomination documentation subject to the following exceptions, exclusions, or amendments, notwithstanding the National Park Service certification included in the nomination documentation.

etnt gnatute of the Keeper 6-7-89 Date of Action Amended Items in Nomination: Applicable Criteria: Criterion B was inadvertantly checked at the top of section #8, criterion C was intended as indicated by the text. This information was confirmed with Ann Tait, Acting National Register Director, MASHPO, by telephone.

DISTRIBUTION: National Register property file Nominating Authority (without nomination attachment) - UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACE CVALUATION/RETURN SHEEI REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Rock Castle School NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Worcester DATE RECEIVED: 4/24/89 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 5/25/89 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 5/09/89 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 6/08/89 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REFERENCE NUMBER: 89000437 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N OTHER: N PDIL: PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: Y NATIONAL: N COMMENT WAIVER: N LACCEPT RETURN REJECT 6/7/90A7E ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: RECOM./CRITERIA Accept AYC REVIEWER DISCIPERN Dauaectunal Stistory 6/7/89 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments XN)see attached SIRCDN fartI cuntified: 1-11-85 part It catified: 4-21-86 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 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 verbal boundary description UTMS boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION sketch maps _USGS maps _photographs OTHER COMMENTS Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Phone Signed Date _presentation Kock Castle School Prospect Street vebster, MA Phobographer: Chretine SBear 25 Cottaae Street NatickiMA OnkO September ,1987 View: Locking west at facade leostelevaten) Photo: 1f2 Rock Castk School prospeat Street ebster, MI Photographer.

CnnstinesBeard 2s Cottage Street Vatick, MA 01760 September, 1987 vew: Lodking sauthenst at rear(west )elevation Photo 202 * COMMISSIONT* * Comnoniluati (r K4r) April 18, 1989 Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service APR 2 4 1989 NATIONAL REGISTER P.O. Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed you will find the following nomination form: Leominster, Cluett Peabody & Company, 123 First Street Leominster, Whitney & Company, 142 Water Street Norfolk, Norfolk Grange Hall, 28 Rockwood Road Webster, Rock Castle School, Prospect Street, HPCA #1101 9MA Webster, Thompson School, Prospect Street, HPCA #11018MA 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 Feredley National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure: BF / 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