Nomination for Houghton Memorial Building

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

242 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form 1991 NATIONAL RECISTER 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 he requested information. If an Item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, styles, materlale andareas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategorles llsted in the Instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1.

Name of Property historic name Houghton Memortal Butraiie (preferred) other names/site number Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton Library 2. Location street & number 4 Rogers Street city, town Littleton state Massachusetts code MA N/A not for publication N/A vioinity county Middlesex code 017 zip code 01460 3. Classification Ownership of Property - private X 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 2 _ Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register - 0 4.

State/Federal Agency Certification As thedesignated authority under the NationalHistoric Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this nomination _request for determination of ellgibility meets the documentation standards for registering propertles in the In my ppinion, the property meeta I doee not meet the National Register rtteria. Bee continuatlog aheet. National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requlrements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. MiDondigh 1289) Signature fof certiying oftlcial Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commidadbn; ' State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets Idoes 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, eertity that this property is: entered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. Birkf Savase 3/18/91 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) Or Signature of the Keeper Date of Action Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Education/Library Landscape/ Street Furniture/Object Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Vacant Work in Progress Landscape/ Street Furniture/Object 7.

Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Late 19th Century Revivals/Colonial Revival Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation- Granite, rubblestone walls _ Brick, terra-cotta roof other Slate, Copper Bronze, wood, wrought iron, Cast iron Describe present and historic physical appearance. The Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts which contains the Reuben Hoar Library, is a modestly scaled, yellow brick and white terra-cotta trimmed Colonial Revival institutional building. It was built in 1894-1895 from designs provided by the Boston architectural firm of Perkins and Betton (1891-1899). The library stands on a grassy, tree-shaded lot. Triangular in shape, this lot is bounded by Rogers Street on the west, King Street on the north and Foster Street on the east.

This building, despite its modest scale, is a major focal point within Littleton Center by virtue of its s1ting, materials, design and usage. Situated within a locally significant crossroads, 1ts light-hued masonry materials and formal, academic design set this jewel-like institutional building apart from earlier, wood-constructed residential, municipal and ecclesiastical structures in the area, which also may be eligible for the National Register as an historic district. The Houghton Memorial Building is situated at the center of its triangular lot and faces west towards Rogers Street. Historically, the library's immediate area has served as the town's center since at least the early 1740s. At that time a congregational meeting house was built on the site of the present Unitarian Church (1841). Littleton Center retains a high percentage of its pre-20th century rural appearance.

It is characterized by rugged terrain, woodland, fields and park land. The library's main facade is set back approximately fifteen feet from Rogers Street. To the north is the gable-roofed, red brick Saint Ann's Roman Catholic Church (1916) and an open field. This church is presently used as a Masonic Hall. To the east, Foster Street is bordered by two and one half story houses which face small, grassy front yards. Architecturally these dwell1ngs represent solid, well-crafted examples of the Federal, Italianate and Queen Anne styles. Facing Rogers Street, to the west of the library, is a large, plain house with a Queen Anne porch addition which is said to date to the late 18th century. Next door, to the south, is a Carpenter Gothic house noteworthy for its large scale curvilinear bargeboard fringe.

Immediately to the south of the library's triangular lot, on the east side of Foster Street, is an early 1950s brick building which contains the town offices and fire department. Across the street is the Greek Revival Unitarian church which has been a major landmark on Littleton Center's "skyline" since 1841. At the northwest corner of the library's lot is a charming mid-19th century cast-iron X See continuation sheet Nas omm 10-000~ United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet OM6 rasrare MC 10000018 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Section number -1 Page _l watering trough which is ornamented by a high relief sculptural figure of a This trough is dedicated to the memory of Littleton's Reed family. In addition, concrete sidewalks link Rogers and Foster Streets with the library's entrance.

The plan of the building is essentially L-shaped. The entrance pavilion is two and a half stories high while its east and south wings rise to a height of one and a half. The front (west) elevation encompasses the entrance pavilion and south wing for a total length of fifty feet. The depth of the building from vestibule to the stacks' is fifty-seven feet. The south wing is twenty-four feet deep. This building's gable and hipped roofs are covered with slate shingles and edged with copper. The two and a half story entrance pavilion is crowned by a 1ow-pitched, fully pedimented gable roof. The cornice of the pedimented gable is at the same level as the ridges of the hipped roof wings. The Houghton Memorial Building is constructed of yellow Sayer and Fisher's brick with white terra-cotta trim executed in the Colonial Revival style.

The building rises from a low granite basement which is pierced by narrow, rectangular windows. Countering the verticality of the entrance pavilion are strong horizontal accents in the form of a terra-cotta course, including: basement water table, first floor lintel course (east wing only), sill course and dentillated cornice. In addition, a belt course provides horizontal definition between the first and second floors of the entrance pavilion. The west (front) elevation, with its off-center entrance pavilion, is spring from the Roman composite capitals of engaged terra-cotta columns. These capitals are noteworthy for their well carved, foliated acanthus leaves, volutes and rosette-studded egg and dart course. The center arch shelters the entrance while the smaller arches surmount bronze tablets containing the names of the town's Civil War dead.

Still intact are the original multi-panel outer doors which are constructed of wood. Suspended from the center of the belt course, above the arches, is a wrought iron Colonial Revival lantern. The second floor features a terra-cotta-trimmed Palladian window with keystone arch and Ionic pilasters. The Palladian window's rectangular wall area is set off by an attenuated terra-cotta belt course, Corinthian pilasters, and an entablature which bears the inscription "Littleton Library" The projecting entrance pavilion culminates in a pedimented attic whose cornice is embellished with modillions and dentils. The attic features a terra-cotta-enframed lunette window. A small, hip roofed jog is located at (rane sasori tre deton y Revi at angr Boeh shiess and the deep, well molded lintel arches are composed of white terra-cotta.

Small, rectangular single pane windows set deep within well-molded terra-cotta (continued) NPS Pom 10-800e United States Department of the Intorior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet ONo Aasrone MC 100--0018 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Section number _ Page enframements appear above each arched window. The surface treatments of the south wing's main facade are echoed in those of its two bay rear wall. The south wing's narrow Foster Street wall is devoid of windows. Rising from the center of this facade's cornice is a substantial yellow brick chimney. south wing, with the exception of a continuous lintel course, features surface treatments which are identical to those of the east wing. The east wing contains the waiting room, librarians room and the stacks.

Like the south wing, the east wing's walls are pierced by arched, multi-panel first floor windows with small, rectangular windows at the upper half story. l1 trimmings are composed of white terra-cotta: The library's only secondary entrance is contained within a low wooden enclosure adjacent to the east enclosure's slanted wooden doors at ground level to a doorway at basement level. The east wing possesses five bays along Foster Street, two bays at its narrow, northeast wall and nine bays along its King Street (north) elevation. The north wall is divided into two segments of five and four bays. The four bay segment's wall projects about one foot from the five bay segment. The interior of the Houghton Memorial Building is remarkably intact. In general, it is characterized by a cozy, domestic scale which belies its institutional purposes.

The library's domestic architectural qualities are particularly evident in the modestly scaled reading room with its superbly rendered multi-panel Colonial Revival woodwork, handsomely enframed fireplace, oil paintings and ample natural light. The library's original interior treatments are well chronicled in Littleton, Lowell and Boston newspapers issued at the time of the Houghton Memorial Building's dedication. The five by fifteen foot vestibule rises ten feet from the tile floor to the plaster ceiling. The vestibule was originally painted in "Colonial Above the vestibule is a small, ornamental gallery which is feluminated by a Palladian window. The gallery's floor is of hard pine with a border of the same material. gallery's wide center arch, with its well turned balustrade overlooks the waiting room.

The waiting room or main hall is twenty-three feet by twelve feet and rises to a height of eighteen feet. Like the vestibule, it was originally Dainted "Colonial yellow" The waiting room's design celebrates the geometry of the semi-circular arch. This room is surrounded on three sides by arched openings. The arched shapes of the north wall's windows are echoed in the arches of the gallery and above the librarian's room. Across the hall from the vestibule entrance is a wide opening or receptacle where books are returned to the librarian. Above this receptacle are three arches, the central one being considerably larger than the others. The central arch contains handsome neo-Adamesque sash which incorporates floral and sunburst motifs. Flanking this central arch are smaller arches which are located above (continued) isom 1aaue Omo Aaarora MG.

109-0018 Unlted States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ Page 3 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts entrances to the librarian's room and stacks, on the right, and to a stairway which descends to the basement, on the left. The receptacle is flanked by fluted Doric pilasters which support a panelled entablature with dentil and egg and dart course. These treatments are repeated on the other walls of this Beneath the receptacle's opening are eight recessed panels. waiting room's cornice consists of dentil and egg and dart course as well as acanthus leaf ornamented modillions. To the right of the waiting room is the south wing which contains the reading room. Measuring eighteen feet by twenty-three feet, the reading room rises to a height of ten and a half feet.

This room is encircled by a seven and a half high panel dado which was originally painted white. above the high dado were originally olive green in color. At the southeast end of the reading room is a large ornamental fireplace over which hangs a portrait of William Stevens Houghton, the father of the donors. The arched fireplace opening is edged with stretcher bricks. Surrounding the brickwork is a well-carved mantle with Doric pilasters and a shelf supported by four paired acanthus leaf scroll brackets. Interspersed between the paired brackets are horizontal panels. Flanking the large panel containing the Houghton portrait are fluted Corinthian pilasters which terminate at an elaborate cornice which is composed of six ornamental courses. Opposite the fireplace wall is a portrait of Reuben Hoar, the library's namesake as well as a bronze tablet with an inscription in memory of Mr.

Houghton. To the rear of the waiting room is the librarian's room which is characterized by plain finishes. It was originally painted a light cream color. To the rear of the librarian's room is a twenty-three by twenty-four foot tack room. This room is equipped with iron stacks with a capacity of 25,000 volumes. These stacks extend upwards into the attic level and carry the weight of the flooring at this level. Access to the attic level is provided by stairs located to the right of the entrance to the stacks. sides of the metal stacks are ornamented with cornucopias and laurel wreathes in high relief. Al so noteworthy are the iron heating grates in the stack room's floor which display curvilinear designs. elaborate system of beams and trussel which appears to be more than adequate for the purposes of supporting a slate shingle-covered roof.

A short flight of stairs leads from the attic's stack room to a small room which is presently used for storage. Located above the librarian's room, this storeroom housed the Littleton Historical Society for nearly ninety years. A ladder from the storeroom provides access to the roof. In the basement of the Houghton Memorial Building is a children's room which was created in 1956. In addition, the basement contains a lavatory, furnace room and storage facilities. Its walls are composed of rugged field stone.

(continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Section number _ Page _4 The Houghton Memorial Building is in remarkably good condition considering its intensive, continuous use by Littleton residents over a ninety year The building's roof, however, is in need of repair. The Houghton lemorial Building which contains the Reuben Hoar Library 1s signiticant no nly as a good example of Colonial Revival institutional design but as i reminder of the important role played by the philanthropist in meeting the educational and cultural needs of late 19th century Massachusetts communities. (continued) Nas rom 106000 ONe Asorore Mc.

1084-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Page -3 Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are recorded on the property or in the general area (within one mile). In general, the potential for significant archaeological remains, either prehistoric or historic, seems low as a result of small lot size, the impacts of church construction, landscaping and historic period road construction. (end) Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Ceariying oficial has considered the signi atio nt thie pr etalo rilaion to thoc ptoperties: Applicable National Register Criteria Xc Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) ]c Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Community Planning and Development Education LE LF LG Period of Significance 1895-1940 Significant Dates 1895 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person Architect/Builder Perkins, Charles Bruen; Betton, Corneliüs Grinnell State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts is highly significant as a well-crafted example of yellow brick, terra-cotta-trimmed institutional building in the Colonial Revival style.

This modestly scaled masonry building exhibits an academic stylistic formalism which is unique within Littleton, a country town whose building stock is overwhelmingly vernacular, residential and constructed of wood. It is also important as an example of the work of the Boston architectural firm of Perkins and Betton. It is also significant as an important public institution within Littleton that, through the generosity of it s citizens, Reuben Hoar and the Houghton family, was created to serve in the education of the community. as the town library for about 100 years. Therefore, the Houghton Memorial Building possesses integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship and meets Criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places on the local level. As early as 1654, Littleton was established as the Indian Praying Town of Nashoba.

: It was incorporated as the town of Littleton in 1714. The first English settlers were evidently drawn to Littleton's forests, meadows, ponds and rich farming land. As early as 1742 the area known as Littleton Center acquired an architectural identity recognizable as a rural village. year an orthodox Congregational meeting house was added to the homes clustered around Foster, Rogers and King Streets. This meeting house occupied the site of the present Greek Revival Unitarian Church (1841), just to the southwest of the library's lot. By the mid-1840s, the introduction of the Fitchburg Railroad to Littleton enabled the town's farmers to export their fruit, vegetables and apple cider more expeditiously to Boston markets. In addition to farm products, the town's mid-19th century economy also benefitted from the manufacturing of saddles, _harnesses and trunks.

By the mid-1880s, Littleton, with a population of 1,067, was still a sparsely settled farming community, but a few inroads had been made by new industries. Examples of these fledgling industries included a fruit canning and pickling business, elastic webb and suspenders manufactory, as well as a company which produced a lactic Lx See continuation sheet Houghton Memorial Library, Littleton, Massachusetts Malor Bibllographical References - See continuation sheet Previous documentation on file (NPS): -prellminary 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 Bulldings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #.

Primary location of additional data: X State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency Local government University Other Specify repository: Massachusetts Historical Commission 10.

The rest of the file

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

Geographical Data Acreage of property - acre UTM References A L9 296000 Zone Easting 4.712390 Northing B Zone Easting Northing D See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description Beginning at a point formed by the intersection of Rogers and King Streets proceed east 210' along the property line bordering King Street. At the et and Enster sereet intersection of King Street and Foster Street proceed 274' south west along Foster Street to the intersection formed by Foster Street and Rogers Street. Proceed north Stret. Proced noren 143' along Rogers Street to the point of origin. -See continuation sheet Boundary Justification Historically, the Houghton Memorial Buildings triangular lot had been part of Littleton's common lands.

Since at least the mid-18th century this lot has been circumscribed by three roads; Rogers Street on the north west, King Street on the north and Foster Street on the southeast. This triangular lot's configuratiion has not been altered since the Houghton Memorial Building's completion in 1895. See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By nameltitle Edward Gordon, consultant with Betsy Friedberg, National Register Director organization_Massachusetts Historical Commission _date8/1/89 street & number 80 Boylston Street _ telephone _(617) 727-8470 city or town Boston _ state _ MA - zip code 02116 *U.S.GPO:1988-0-223-918 NAS Fom 1606, United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet ncrra No 10060011 Section number - 8 Page L Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts acid drink called Lactart.

During the early 20th century, Littleton's agricultural pursuits were conducted in a more specialized manner. Farmers became dairymen or fruit growers or market gardeners or poultry mreatest changes in Liteneton highway construction was responsible for the s history- The opening of Route 2 made the town a suburb of Boston. The completion of the north-south super highway known as Route 495 by the mid-1960s brought more gradual change to the town in the form of a few office park complexes. The Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial Building was constructed in 1894-1895 as a gift to the town of Littleton by Elizabeth and Clement S. Houghton, the children of prominent Boston wholesale boot and shoe merchant William Stevens Houghton. The origins of the Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial Building, however, lie in a more distant past.

Its beginnings are inextricably bound with romantic, almost legendary circumstances which occurred in Littleton during the 1830s. The building and its book collection represent an unusual departure from the more common New England practice of erecting libraries to memorialize local Civil War casualties. Al though Littleton's library does display commemorative Civil War tablets, this building and its books honor human virtues such as kindness, perseverance, honesty and generosity displayed by two Littleton men: Reuben Houghton and Reuben Hoar. The former was a country trader and store keeper while the latter was a well-to-do farmer. Houghton suffered a business failure due to an untortunate partnership 1n a Boston enterprise.

He lost his life savings as well as "funds held in trust for widows and friends" That he escaped a term in debtors prison may be credited to the timely intervention of Reuben Hoar. Although under no obligation to Reuben Houghton beyond "Christian fellowship" , Reuben Hoar provided him with financial assistance and a plan enabling him to honor his debts. Two years later, Houghton regained his footing, paid his Littleton creditors and redeemed his honor and fortune. Reuben Hoar refused to accept Reuben Houghton's repayment. Reuben Houghton's son William S. Houghton was an adolescent at the time of his father's financial difficulties. He never forgot. Reuben Hoar's kindness and generosity. William S. Houghton came to Boston in 1837 and by the early 1850s was a partner in Fogg and Houghton, later Houghton and Coolidge, wholesale boot and shoe merchants on Pearl Street.

By the mid-1880s, William S. Houghton ranked among Boston's wealthiest citizens. He was a deacon of the Central Congregational Church and was a member of the Wellesley College Board In 1884, he offered to fund a free library in Littleton as an anonymous gift in memory of his family's "guardian angel" , Reuben Hoar. This collection, one of the first free libraries in the state, was established in Littleton during the 1820s. This library consisted of novels and history books and was housed in a succession of private homes. Periodically these early collections were sold at auction.

In 1847, an (continued) 10000~ One aearona Mo 10000018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ 8 Page _2 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts agricultural library was established by a private association in the store at Littleton Center. Evidently this was the same store once kept by keuben Houghton. Later, this collection was housed in Littleton Center's old brick school house. The anonymous gift of ten thousand dollars offered by William S. Houghton in 1884 helped to establish a permanent home for a library in Littleton. In addition to his desire to anonymity and the institution being named in memory of Reuben Hoar, Houghton's gift had other restrictions. Houghton stipulated that none expended on a building.

He earmarked half of his gift for expenditure on books while the remaining half was to be kept as a fund of which the interest would be used for the purchase of books. The town's share of the library's CancE cost would be ten thousand dollars which would cover the cost of construction. In addition, the town had to promise to appropriate twenty-five hundred dollars each year for the building's operating expenses. On June 8, 1885 the town's citizens voted to accept the still anonymous donor's gift. Several weeks later the town appropriated ten thousand dollars for the construction of a building which would house both a town hall and a This multi-purpose structure was built on the site of the present early 1950s town hall on Foster Street. by the Boston architectural firm of Hartwell and Richardson.

Dedicated on July 28, 1887, this towered building was a major Littleton landmark until it was destroyed by fire in 1943. When it was finished, William S. Houghton was not quite satisfied to have the library in a structure used for other than library purposes. He desired to have Reuben Hoar's name associated with a building used exclusively as a library. He expressed this wish to his family but died before he could finance the construction of a separate library building. In 1894, William S. rlenty-Five Ehousend dot tar Houghton's children, Elizabeth G. and Clement S. Houghton of Boston, gave twenty-five thousand dollars towards the construction of The Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial Building. The land chosen for the Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial Building's site is a triangular lot bounded by King, Foster and Rogers Streets at Littleton Center. Rev.

Daniel Rogers purchased a tract of land which encompassed the library's lot in 1784. In 1801, Samuel Parkman sold this lot to Joseph Harwood "for no other use than a highway or park." By the mid-19th century the library's lot was part of the town's common lands. For many years it was enclosed by a split-rail and granite block fence. Ground was broken for the library's building in September 1894. Management of the library was placed in the hands of a board of trustees to consist of the following members: the minister and one layman from each of the three churches then estabiished 1n the town; Unitarian, Congregational, and Baptist; as well as one Selectman.

The Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial (continued) ONG APOrONE NG 1000-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Page - 3 Bullding was dedicated on December 4, 1895. Among the dignitaries present at the dedication were Sherman Hoar, United States District Attorney; W.H. Baldwin, President of the Young Mens Christian Association; Henry S. Nourse, a state library commissioner; and Rev. E.G. Porter of Dorchester. The first librarian was Sarah F. White. The Reuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorial Building represents one of the few known works by the Boston architectural firm of Perkins and Betton. Charles Bruen Perkins and Cornelius Grinnell Betton were in partnership from 1891 until 1899 in an office located at.

13 School Street in Boston. Information pertaining to the lives and work of Perkins and Betton is sketchy. This firm is credited with the design of the Grove Hall Engine House in Roxbury as well as unspecified buildings in Newport, Rhode Island. Perkins practiced alone from 1900 until his retirement in 1914. Evidently his major work from his post-Betton years was the ca. 1908 Trinity Church Home for the Aged (Rachel Allen Memorial) in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Charles B. Perkins was born in Florence, Italy in 1860. He graduated from Harvard in 1883 and then studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. During the 1890s he lived on Mt. Vernon Street and later on Chestnut Street on Beacon Hill, Boston. By the early 1900s he was living near Jamaica Pond in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston.

Evidently he was a nember of the Thomas Handasyd Perkins family of Pinebank, an estate bordering the northern shores of Jamaica Pond. The Perkins family's fortune was made ir Bo25on'so furt er thfomtationhas sradacdonrtee post-1900 cdred of Perkins partner Cornelius G. Betton. The library's mason and builder was William T. Rutan of Tremont Street, Boston. During the 1890s he was a member of the Master Builder's Association of Boston. Uver time the keuben Hoar Library, Houghton Memorlal Bullding has been an important focus for the educational, civic and social life of Littleton. 1956 a basement room was adapted for reuse as a children's room.

Since the late 19th century the library's collection has grown from 2,200 to Beginning in July, 1989 the Reuben Hoar Library will be removed from the Houghton Memorial Building and will be reinstalled in the early 1950s wing of the renovated Shattuck Street School. The library will be tripled in size. The Reuben Hoar Library's new home will be officially dedicated on The current Houghton Memorial Building will be adapted for reuse as a Conmunity center. Henceforth the Reuben Hoar Library and the Houghton Memorial Building will be managed by a separate board of trustees. The Houghton Memorial Building's trustees will be drawn from the Littleton Historical Commission. Currently the town is considering the reduction of the library lots northeastern corner (King and Foster Streets) by approximately twenty-four feet.

The purpose of the proposed alteration is to eliminate the existing, hazardous driving conditions perpetuated by the library's present lot configuration. (end) Nat com 1a800 OMB ARDrove NC. 1080018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 9 Houghton Memorial Building, Littleton, Massachusetts Page 1 Bibliographical References Massachusetts Historical Commission, "Littleton Reconnaissance Survey Report." Middlesex County Deeds (see MHC Survey Form, Houghton, March 1980, Memorial Building). Walker, George H. and Co. Atlas of Middlesex Co. [Littleton insert], 1889. Withey, Henry F. and Elsie R. Biographical Dictionary of American Architects, Deceased, 1970. American Art Annual, vol. 27 (1930), obituary for Charles Bruen Perkins. Boston Directories, 1880-1926 Fairfield, Oliver J.

'The Town of Littleton, Mass." 1880. Harris, Cyril M. Historic Architecture Source Book, Hurd, D. Hamilton, History of Middlesex County, VoT. II, 1890. Littleton Historical Commission Files. Littleton Historical society Files. Littleton, Town of. "250th Anniversary, Official Program" ,1964. Littleton, town of. "Proceedings at the Dedication of the Houghton Memorial [Building] Littleton, Mass. 12/4/95 Littleton, Town of. "Annual Report of Town," Ending 3/1/1895. 6041 37 ROUTES 2. A 33 506 STREET *o° HOOGHTON MEMRAL :BLDG. 110 36 ROGERS STREET U-18 WILDERNESS ROAD scale: ('100' U-21 Npes Fom 109000 nited States Department of the Interio lational Park Servic National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number.

Page_ SUPPLEMENTARY LISTING RECORD NRIS Reference Number: 91000242 Houghton Memorial Buildinc Property Name N/A Multiple Name Date Listed: 03/18/91 Middlesex County OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 MA State gifiteo Sa Keeper ========================== Amended Items in Nomination: baced or toeton 8. Statement of Significance: Area(s) Community Planning and Development is not an applicable area of significance. This information was discussed with Betsy Friedburg, National Register Director, MASHPO, by telephone.

DISTRIBUTION: National Register property file Nominating Authority (without attachment) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME: Houghton Memorial Building MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Middlesex DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 2/01/91 3/14/91 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 2/26/91 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 3/18/91 REFERENCE NUMBER: 91000242 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN _RESBCI 3/15/9/OATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: RECOM.

/CRITERIA icCept QTC DISCPENE @chealStistory DATE 3/18/91 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SIR 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 BIBLIOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHICAL DATA acreage _UTMs -verbal boundary description boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION sketch maps _USGS maps photographs presentation OTHER COMMENTS Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Phone : Signed Date Houghton Iibrary Building Rogers Street Littleton , MA 01460 Photographer: Robert M.

LaVallee 20 May 1989 23 Hartwell Ave. Littleton, MA 01460 Photograph # 1 of 6 View: South face looking from Foster Street 1. Name of Property: HouGHroN Memloridl Building, Litleton 2. City and state:'L Hlleton.ma. Photographer :Robert M. Lavallee 4. Date ol photoqiaph: 20 may, 1989 5. Location of Photo negahve: Littleton Mistrical Cor 1. View: South facade, 1ooking north Dom Pasterst. Rogers (Fösker st. intersechion) 7. Photo #|816 Houghton Library Building Rogers Street Iittleton, MA 01460 Photographer: Robert M. IaVallee 20 May ( 1989 23 Hartwell Ave. Littleton, MA 01460 Photograph # 2 of 6 View: Main entrance Rogers Street imanle of Buildingittoughon dem0rR.AL. 81d9 (Litteton Libraru) 2. Citnand stae: Li tlleton, Massachusets 3. Photographer:Robert M. Lavailec 4. Dake of phots: 20 May, 1989 5. Locabion of photo negabire. Littlebn Historical Commission 6. vieu (main (west elevation) .

Rogerr st 7 photo #20p6 COLL Houghton Library Building Rogers Streeti Littleton, MA 01460 Photographer: Robert M. IaVallee 20 May 1989 23 Hartwell Ave. Littleton, MA 01460 Photograph # 3 of 6 View:East side Foster Street Nan rial Bldg. CLit lbrd Rogers st : 2. Cily and stale: Litileton, ma. 3. Nane ot Phoragrapher: RobertM Lavallee 4. Date òl Photograpn: 20 May 1989 5. Locarion of phota negabive: Litlleton Historical comm. o. view. Fast elévahon, lockeng nosth west (Foster istin foreground, Kingstiun backaround) 7. photo #30f6 Houghton Iibrary Building Rogers Street Littleton, MA 01460 Fhotographer: Robert M. LaVallee 20 May 1989 23 Hartwell Ave. Iittleton, MA 01460 Photograph #4 of 6 View: North side(rear) Intersection of Foster and King Street 1Cam Ponerni: Hou 2 alhc in memurial Bido (Litleton Librare) -2bn mossachosets 3 Dau el phi her. Robert m.laVadlee 20 00a0 1989 5.

Locchondl ehoto negahre: Litletin Histrical Como 6. view of horthrast clouation: lookeng souh ur near Fostr, Kinast intersechion 7. Photot Hor6 Houghton Iibrary Building Rogers Street Littleton, MA 01460 Photographer: Robert M. LaVallee 20 May 1989 23 Hartwell Ave. Iittleton, MA 01460 Photograph #5 of 6 Wiew: west side King Street . Mane of Properh: HoughonMlewordl Buildng, Litlere Roaer S 2 Chä d Sate. Liteon.na 3. mame of plotogcepher: Rolcut !l Laiallea 4. Daleo phota: 20 May 1959 5. Licahune photo hegahrdlt cnn Historicels 6. view, narl elevation anè main (west) elevat lookeng Sorth across king ste 1phoz #5c6 Houghton library Building Rogers Street Littleton, MA 01460 Photographer: Robert M. IaVallee 20 May 198- 23 Hartwell Ave. Littleton, MA 01460 Photograph #6 of 6 View: Full front Rogers Street 1.Name of Properdy: Hooghton Memorial Building (Liltle 2.

Cdy dua s ate: Litlleton, Massachusetls 3. Photographer: Robert M. La vallee 4. Date of Photographi 20 Mau,1989 5. Location of photo negative: Litlleton Historii 6 vrew: main (west)elevation, kogers st look 7. Hlof 6 HOOGHTON MEMORIAL BUILDING ROGERS STREET, LITTLETON, MASS, 01460 ROBERT LAVALLEE, PHOTOGRAPHER 12/99 23 HARTWELL AVE, LIITLETON, MASS. 01460 #I OF 4 PHOTOGRAPHS-INTERIOR READING ROOM-HOUGHTON PORTRAIT Houghiton Memorial Library, Littleton, ma Interior fhotograph 1 of 4 Reading Room HOUGHTON MEMORIAL BUILDING ROGERS STREET, LITTLETON, MASS. 01460 ROBERT LAVALLEE, PHOTOGRAGHER 12/89 23 HARTWELL AUE, LITTLETON, MASS. 01460 #2OF 4 PHOTOGRAPHS OF INTERIOR READING ROOM FIREPLACE WOODWORK Houghton Memorial Library, Littleton, ma Inter ior Photograph 20f 4 Reading Room HOOGHTON MEMORIAL BOILDING OGERS STREET LITTETON, MASS.

014UC ROBERT LAVALLEÉ, PAOTOORAPHER 12/89 23 HARTWELL AUG., LITTLETON, MASS, 01460 # 3 4 PHtOTOGRARHS INTERIOR READING ROOM TOWARDS ENTRY+PLAQUE Houghton Mem orial Library Liftleton, mA Interior Photograph #3yof 4 Reading Room HOUGHTON MEMORIAL BULLDiNG ROGERS STREET, LITTLETON, MASS.01460 ROBERT LAUALLEE, PHOTOGRAGHER 12/89 23 HARTWELL AVE., LIITLETON, MASS. 01460 #4 OF 4 PHOTOGRAPHS INTERIOR STACK ROOM - IRON STACKS FIRST FLOOR Houghton Memorial Enu Librart LitLeton, mA Interior Photograph 4 Reading Boom - Stack Room of 4 R-.00E FE3 01 1991 NATIONAL REGISTER COMMISSIO * January 25, 1991 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 please find the following nomination: Houghton Memorial Building, 4 Rogers Street, Littleton (Middlesex County), Massachusetts 01460.

There has been no owner objection for the property listed above. The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has 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, Betry Fruedlerg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure: Massachusetts Historical Commission, Judith B. McDonough, 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