BlockThe nomination, in full
Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.
FORM B'- BUILDING MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 80 BOYLSTON STREET BOSTON, MA 02116 1542 AREA AUG 2 1 1989 NATIONAL RECISTER WALTHAM, MA MRA Town Waltham Address 416-24 Moody Street Historic Name Stark Building FORM NO. 46 Photo (3"x3" or 3"x5", black and white) Indicate address of property on back of photo. - Staple to left side of form. JOHN STARK ENGLISH, Originator and Pioneer mahufacturer of the Spring Chuck Lathe. DEUTSCH, Erfinder und erster Fabrikant der Feder-Bohrkopidrehbank. FRANCAIS, L'Inventeur et le premier fabricant des tours a mandrins a reasort. ESPANÖL, 2l inventor y primer fabricante de los Tornos de mandril de Resorte. (cata luque #57 StarkrooL Co.) N.D. intersection(s). between inventoried property and nearest geographical features.
Indicate all buildings in relation to nearest cross streets and/or Sketch Map: Draw map showing property's location UTM REFERENCE 19/315770/4692940 USGS QUADRANGLE NEIVTON SCALE 1: 25,000 Use: Present commercial/residential Original commercial/manufacturing DESCRIPTION Date 1891 Source date plaque on building Style Panel Brick/Queen Anne Architect unknown Exterior Wall Fabric Outbuildings n/a brick Major Alterations (with dates) storefronts c1960 Condition good Moved no Date n/a Acreage 9,985 sq. ft.0.2. 4.69-18-1 Setting unusually well-preserved remnant of Moody Street's turn-of-the-century commercial character. Recorded by Ed Gordon Organization Waltham Historical Comm. Date June, 1986 revised by C. Jenkins 3/88 NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA STATEMENT (if applicable) The Stark Building possesses integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
It is significant for its historical associations with Waltham's dominant watch industry, representing the many small-scale spin-off enterprises of the Waltham Watch Company. It is also important as a good example of the Panel Brick/Queen Anne style, and as a well preserved commercial block in an area of Moody Street that has been heavily im- pacted by drastic alterations. It is one of the few structures that continues to reflect Moody Street's turn-of-the-century-character as Waltham's most fashionable shopping area. The Stark Building thus meets criteria A and Cof the National Register of Historic Places. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Describe important architectural features and evaluate in terms of other buildings within the community.
The Stark Building is a well-detailed brick commercial block located in the center of the block bounded by Cushing Street (N) and Chestnut Street (S); it is several blocks south of the proposed Moody Street Historic District. It is a handsome and well-preserved example of the Panel Brick/Queen Anne style featuring grouped windows, brownstone beltcourses and terracotta panels. Despite storefront alterations, retention of the above mentioned fea- tures is highly unusual in this section of Moody Street where most buildings have been radically altered. The upper stories are asymmetrically composed with brick piers of varying ) width separating triple window bays. Brownstone beltcourses separate the stories, and frame terracotta panels beneath the triple windows. The brick piers which break through the ) stepped cornice, are treated with recessed panels and brownstone coping.
Storefronts have been aluminum clad but seem to retain their original configuration. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - Explain the role owners played in local or state history and how the building relates to the development of the community. The Stark Building was constructed by John Stark, Jr. after he took over his father's flourishing business producing watchmakers' lathes and tools. John Stark, Sr. immigrated to Waltham from Glasgow, Scotland in 1849. He learned the machinist's trade at the Boston - Manufacturing Company before beginning the manufacture of watchmakers' lathes with the firm of Adams, Stark and Lloyd in 1862. By 1865, he was the sole proprietor of John Stark and Son. In 1870, the business was moved to Moody Street, near Chestnut Street.
The Stárk's were engaged primarily in the production watchmakers' tools and lathes, but also manufactured built-to-order machinery and tools for various watch and clock factories. Several Stark products were particularly well known, including the Stark Main Spring Winder. It was called "the only practical main spring winder on the market" , receiving recommendations from the superintendent of the U.S. Watch Company, and the foremen of important departments of the American Watch Company. The Stark Company may be viewed as a representative of the small- scale spin-off enterprises associated with Waltham's dominant watch industry. John Stark, Jr. took over the flourishing business, which now included machininsts' lathes and other equipment, upon his father's death in1887. The profitss of the Stark Tool Co. enabled John Stark Jr.
to erect the large (cont) BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES Bacon, George F., "Representative Businessmen of Waltham" ', 1893. Maps and Atlases. 1874, 1886, 1898, 1900. Sanderson, Edmund L. Waltham Industries. "The City of Waltham, Massachusetts: Its Advantages to Manufacturers and as a Place of Residence" , author unknown. 8/85 ..Form #46 Stark Building HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - 416-424 Moody Street, continued three-story building between the machine shop (now remodeled) and the street. Late 19th century atlases show three contiguous wooden structures to the rear of the property. The Stark Building originally housed the Waltham Clock Co. and other commercial tenants. John Stark Jr. also was a partner in the Waltham Clock Co. This company manufactured high grade clocks between 1892 and 1913. It was absorbed by the Waltham Watch Company in 1913.
"NALTHAH SOUVEnIR" "-1905 STARK TOOL CO., John Stark, rear Toody St. lever a -lut down and Doror a cut down. intho rrcord of tho stark Tool rotablishedin 1x62 be Jobn stark. androntinoed with growing fame and m1gu-stioned solidits br his oldeet con Johu stark. oueof it- citizon- of whou W'attham i- most proud Tim Compons muanniartoree wateh makers aud ciock makore tools. precisone and tine me- chanical duvices uf every description, its derrlopment bring due to the forr. sighit and progress of itn that has notrd the trend mianugement. of aftaire aud has alirars beon in ndraner of themn. It wasrhe first roneorn in the countrs to manufactore boncb latbes and itx lisbilitr is wustaiued in ite trade. br the putroung' honsx at prenent. for wrhom thr. Sturk (o.. made took 30 Tear+ugo. The eaterprine in 1802 was the iourth industrs to be founded io this ritr.
It war a modest begiuning and in 1~67 the compans built its own factors, cunstant additions making it the prewent rompletr extahlishiment. reur of Moods Btreet. Some 20 *kilied lande are -m- ploved and 13.000 equnre feet occunied. The producta go to rrerg corner of the eiriliz-d world. n recent large shipment huring gone to Japan. and a later order to Eugland. to a manfor whom similar Wore hnilt 30 rears ngo. Johu Stark wras born in Seotland. in 1847. and whea 18 months old waN hrouglt to thin countri, and was edneatril in the arhos this commumitr nfiorded. In 62 be lozan working with his tathrr, amd in 1ex0 wn- taken into partnership, impotuing proprictor in ST. ut tho de mi-o of his parnt. The businens had Iol gaining in Htrength. rolumoe and iatue. aud under the present mauare.
meut las continurdd a roustautlr pro- grseive and ambitions course, the mel- fare of Waithum alware lwing con-id- erod br Mr. Stark as well ashis individ- ualintrrest+. It was he who indurrd au nlominum compans to lortelur and it was his intluoner that brought tise Waltham Eletrie Clock (o., nowr the W.l.Co.tothis city. Ho waN one of the organizore of the firnt Board of Trade, and who was willing to contrib- uTe peraonalls when komo- adrantage rouid be warured for the municipality. Hris a Director of the Men's Soswintion. hax verred on the Licenne Board and is at prewent & membrr ofthe School Board. He js a member oi tbe fraternity. I. O.0. F. and Red Men. ARa buisinene mnan Mr. Stark in one whose word in as good ar his bond. Hle ik known for hie strict interritv, broad minded dixporition, and just con- aideration of all industrial affaire.
js alert and keepe He ebrenst of modern miethodeand demande, so that hix fac tors produete are eminent in invention and durabilits. His interest in Walthato ia unique and he hax witneksor ite; orowtli with loral pleasure. and had demonstrated his prblie spirit hrencoun scine mbstantinllr unr project prombued profit or credit to thie citt. thint INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Office of the Secretary, Boston Commmity: waltham, MZ Form No: 46 Property Name: 416-424 Moedy st. Indicate each item on inventory form which is being continued below. JOHN STARK, Mammfactmrer of Amenean Comba tion Lathe, for Watchmakers' and Manufacturers' Waltham, Mass. - Mr. John Sark is a natire of Scotland, but he has carried on operations here in Waltham for 30 years, and is one of the best known business men in the city. especialls in mechanica!
circles, he bring an expert mechanic, and also manufacturer of the famons Amer- ican Combination Lathe, and of watchmakers' tools winch are acknowledged to be unsurpassed, while some of them are conceded to be unequaled. The new and improved machinists' bench lathe made by him is especially designed for the use of elertricians, machin- ists, astronomical and surgical instrument makers, and for the manufacture of fue machinists' tools and machinery of every description. Itis the only lathe hav- ing that great improvement, the anti-friction adjustable ball bearing for lathe spindles, and its usefulness is really remarkable, it being capable of performing the greater part of the work renerally done on the speed and engine lathes. All lathes and attachments furnished by Mr.
Stark are warranted perfect, and they are supplied at very moderate rates, considering the excellence of the material and the fineness of tbe workmanship. Another specialty of his - the Stark Main Spring Winder- is even more worthy of praise if possible, it being the only practical main spring winder in the market, and being highly recommended by such experts as the superintendent of the United States Watch Co., and the foremen of four important departruents in the works of the American Watch Co. The premises utilized by Mr. Stark are Jocated in the rear of No. 222 Moody street, and are rery well eyuipped for the doing of a general machine business, in addition to manufacturing the articles mentioned and watchmakers' tools and supplies in general.
Stark's old style latbes will reftted and repaired at ruoderate rates, and sufficient assistance is emplosed and ample inical facilities are available to warrant the prompt filling of all orders. FRoM: "Representative Business Men of waltham. Geo Bacon 1893 -p.85 020% Stapie to Inventory form at botton INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Office of the Secretary, Boston Conmmity : waltham, Hz. Form No: 46 Property Name: Starks Building 414-42* Hoodyst Indicate each item on inventory form which is being continued below. 1896 PHTD ROFEST the bowed window bays appear to be an exageration F. L. GRAVES, Dealer in Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, Ranges, Carpets, Oil Cloths, Baby Carriages, Refrigerators, &c., Stark's New Brick Building, No.
224 Moody Street, near (hestnut, Waltham, Mass. - One of the most notable manilestations of the consequences of the iinproved methods of production facilities for clcap transportation characteristic of the age, is that afforded by the improvement in quality and reduction in price of furniture ; the results attained in this direction inaking it possible to fur- iisii a house handsomelv and fasbionablr for a very small amount of money We assume, of conrse, that judgment be exercised in placing the order, and in this connection, we may fittingly make mention of the advantages offered by JIr. F. L.
Graves, doing business at 224 Moody St., in Stark's new brick building, near Chestnut street, for he deals not only in furniture, but also in beuding, stoves, ranges, carpets, oil cloths, baby car- riages, refrigerators, etc., and quotes positively the lowest market rates on articles correct in style and reliable in quality. This establishment was opened to the public in 1890 by the present proprietor, who was for several years with Messrs. P. H. Graves & Son, and the excellent reputation attained under his management is steadily kept up, and extends from its inception. The premises utilized comprise five floors, each of the dimensions of 30x60 feet, and a correspondingly large and complete stock is carried, it including the latest productions of the leading manufacturers, and embracing goods suited to all tastes and all purses.
Three efficient assistants are employed, thus assuring prompt and careful attention to every caller, and the delivery of orders at very short notice; all goods are guaranteed to prove jnst as represented and bottom prices quoted on all the articles dealt in. FROM: Representative Businessmen of WaNham 18.93 1898 B8BBR 88 BF 88,8 8 STARKTOOL (o. 88 E.8 Staple to Inventory form at bottom - IOPS Form 10900a United States Department of the Interlor National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page- - OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 AUG 2 1 1989. Multiple Resource Area Thematic Group Name State Waltham MRA Middlesex County, MASSACHUSETTS Nomination/Type of Review Date/Signature SuL 81. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Complex NKeeper Substantiva Review Beffr&Suge 1/28/89 Attest 82.
Stanley, Leonard W., Houghtered in the pkeeper SeloreBgen 9/8/54 National Rogister Attest 83. Stark Building Entered in tha Matlonal Register IKeeper AllresByun 9/28/19 Attest 84. Stark, Robert M., House Entered in the Matlonal Beglater /Keeper s Aelmatyen 9/8184 Attest 85. Stearns, Amos, House intered in tha National Register Ukeeper Ailnersyun 9/28/44 Attest 86. Stewart, Henry, House Entered in the Sataona 1natistor t Keeper AelrrBgen 9/25/84 Attest 87. Swasey, James, House Intered 1a tha Natlonal Rerister -Keeper ( Aelorupayeu 9/2589 Attest 88. Iyler, Frank J., House Entered in the Hational Register freoper Aelaußzu 1/2469 Attest 89. United States Watch Company interel 1n tha Nationai Register freoper AelmuBgu 9/2569 Attest 90.
Waltham Gas Light Company Entered in the fatosor Aelmuesbyen s/est National Registor Attest_ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Stark Building NAME: MULTIPLE Waltham MRA NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Middlesex DATE RECEIVED: 8/21/89 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 9/21/89 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 10005/99 DATE OF 45TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REFERENCE NUMBER: 89001542 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: ARRAPRINTADCAPITSTHANS0EARSN PDIL: PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT _RETURN REJECT 9/25/69 Dre Intered in the Eatlonad Registes ABSTRACI/SUMMARY COMMENTS: 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 _sketch maps OTHER COMMENTS USGS maps photographs presentation Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Phone Signed Date ALES HIBUTORS BD LIPAPER (.
Cusron PARKING -IN REAR - BED WALLPAPER AND PAINT CO. Bicycies MHC# 44 414-424 Moody st. waltham, MA MKA 1° 13c --IU143 0-20 -202-76 9211 31 53 726 38 55 ST. 2933 50° 3 72.89 124.47 1389 89 89 397388) 62.5, 598-340 ...380 38.18 75 8 4 72.6 147.8 18.56 62.83 101.6/ 110 75.01 16 57V2 9408 403-389 5 / 133 60 2 A 90.04 15415/ 35.34|37.42 99-839 145(s) 8 72.84 +33 150.67 2411-405 178.01 * 17 15> 16 City of WalthamE (PRIVATE) 23-78 29-91 29-78 83-11 12 !
OT 79.55 -413 [Royal Robbins 71.59 ,City Schoot Waltham 05 89.8 423 V83-374 29-91 04 15 46 154(e) HES 79.8 / 78.26 83-11 825 29-790 71.5KJ -// 13 47 -58 71(s) 60 78.25 4.79 64 -53 89.8 437.427 59.5 -57 42 44 59-61 42.83|32.07 -53-73 LO 153.34 75- 156.26 4 5 66 66 in 6 7 7k in 9 [1565 82 82 City of Waltham = 82.5 66 66 -455-443 8 130 456-442 59.5 31 55.7l 76.67 62 84 12 53.5 R44 30 .25 84.25 53.5 485 76.67 130 -467-457 82.7 73(s) MOODY 470:458 82.99 156 21 41 20 19 155(j) 14i(s) 50 * 15005 * 7 10(s 94.5 13 69.5 Eden 110.11 -469 8 Beth 489 484-474 95.2 3 6/ Baptist Chujcf : 64-66 61-63. 67.2 16 MAPLE 70 122.31 2091 - 24 713 67 88(+) -78.97 50 73 -82 64.3 15 14 50 86-88 45 026 8273 100 Wheeler Square Lou 75 81-85 / 75 87 -89 37 38 100.97 98-308 03.56 375L 3/5|3/6 9 50 1349/348 50 317|318 |319 58 -410.
347,346 75 -pi 33 -75L 1807 83 34 4 -Cityo 17 6 75 / 15 07 50 14 WALTHAM, MA MRA Stark Building #46 416-424 Moody Street 1" = 100' 1975; updated to 1987 Waltham Engineering Dept. 1ot #69-18-17 12 CHERRY 6> 78 93 Immai Bopt 57.5 73 84-86 75 57.5 79 ST Chu 30 122.52 = EC 99.32 20 17 100 4 70 10- -14-6 404-398 5158 167.73 -15-17 98-751. 46 412:406 102.5 50.601 H2.5 2 18 24:415.414 64 46 50.49= 71 78.83 13 98R 4 67 98-411 86.43 50.4g 5015 035K 36-432 76.51 98-41 50.05 15 Q.18 78.25 2 14 L0012 76.49 50.5 39 94 98 32 -91-93 99R 100 56 99-101 6715 87 .86 85 56 67.15 CHESTNUT 122.7 6945 84.45 22 83,4- 66.2 1227 848 N* 205(s) 50. 87 -100.01 53.19 122: 20 50.4 20 diakal 8 2 13809 WHITN 10273 84 ST. Ze00 1/3 8680 SJ. A 3567 5500 12000 GO R 436 43C 428 413 411 403 399 412 406 404 398 313 371 MOODY 357 353 341 337 331 329 Z 350 5240 8235 TAYLORIN" 2630 10230 700 COSHINÇ.
15-21 590 N h ri 10 94 56-58 CHESTNUT 100 1970 Atlas, City of Waltham Compiled by the Waltham Engineering Division Scale: 1 inch = 140 feet 13519 5000 23-25 10 28.30 8/20 2131 116-148 15660LXac 553) Ld/ 17500 5913 13500 -6715 5500 4890 6320 32490 -775 7900 6300 .500 126 H 2 K 3553 5800 1000 40- 50 51 ETART 6500 Pasolol S 50.62 61- 63 LoWe.. 69-67 Waltham, Massachusetts MRA 416-424 Moody Street -4-L-12 Please refer to the map in the Multiple Property Cover Sheet for this property Multiple Property Cover Sheet Reference Number: 64000301