Nomination for Soldiers' Memorial Library

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

681 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service RECEIVED 413 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form MAY 5 1995 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). by omaing fhaar ot Hlion eaues i frany oeFPare nt apy o epepry onf ocime a ftlr iere eilalse: r ane to o architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instruetions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name_Soldiers' Memorial Library other names/site number_Memorial Library Building 2.

Location street & number Park Row N/A not for publication city or town_Mansfield -N/A vicinity state Massachusetts code_MA county_Bristol code_005 _ zip code 02048 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this Anomination - 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 A-meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant - nationally O statewide locally. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.) juditr B: MiDonoug 4/26|95 Signature of certifying official/Title Judith B.

McDonough, Executive Director Mássachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Ofticer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property - meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (- See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I, hereby certify that this property is: M entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Date of Action National Register- 6/2/95 Soldier's Memorial Library Name of Property 5.

Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) Category of Property (Check only one box) - private X building(s) X public-local district _ public-State site _ public-Federal 1 233HU0 aa structure object Bristol County, MA County and State Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 1 2 3 buildings sites structures objects Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) EDUCATION: library SOCIAL: meeting hall Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) GOVERNMENT: municipal offices SOCIAL: meeting hall 7.

Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) LATE VICTORIAN: Shingle Style & Gothic Revival Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation_Rubblestone walls Rubblestone, Wood shingle roof Asphalt other Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number1 Page 1 RECEVED L -NB Aprong Ng, 103001 MAY 5 1995 INTERAGENCY RESOURCES DIVISION NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts 7.

DESCRIPTION Constructed in 1901, the Soldiers' Memorial Library is a well-preserved example of 19th century High Victorian architecture, as designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm of Peabody & Stearns. The building, which features both Gothic Revival and Shingle Style architectural elements, rises 2 1/2 stories from a rubblestone first story to a wood shingle second story under a side gable roof. The Soldiers Memorial Library is situated on a prominent site facing the South Common in the town of Mansfield, Massachusetts. The Soldiers' Memorial Library occupies an 8,900 square-foot level lot on the corner of Park Row and Union Street. The Library is bordered by Park Row to the north, Union Street to the west, the Park Row School to the east, and a private residence on Union Street to the south. The library is set close to the street (approx.

6 feet setback) and is only about 12 feet from the east and west property lines. Along the south property line is a stockade fence and approximately a half dozen deciduous trees. Other plantings include a large shade tree in the northwest corner of the lot and some shrubbery clustered in the northeast corner of the lot. The Library is located in an area that consists of both open space (in the form of the South Common across Park Row and the Congregational cemetery across Union Street) and residences. In general, the land south of Park Row, except for the school and the library, is occupied by middle-class homes built during the 19th century with styles ranging from Federal to Queen Anne. To the east of the neighborhood and the common is South Main Street, one of the town's main thoroughfares.

North of the common is Mansfield's business district, with commercial buildings, residences, and several churches. The general area of the Library appears eligible for listing in the National Register as an historic district; however, currently only the Library is being considered. The building is rectangular in plan, with a projecting gabled entrance on the north facade, and a five-sided projecting ell on the south elevation. The building is symmetrical along its north/south axis. The main part of the building and the entryway are 2 1/2 stories in height, and the rear ell is 1 1/2 stories. Typical of the Shingle Style, the exterior wall fabric is wood shingles on the upper story of the building, while the first floor consists of a haphazard pattern of rubblestone.

The building also exhibits elements of the Gothic Revival style with carved wooden brackets and vergeboards in the entrance gable, dormers, and on the rear ell. The windows of the building, (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 1 Page 2 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts while appearing to be leaded glass, actually have wood diamond paned sash creating the image of leaded glass. The foundation is also rubblestone. The building features an orderly pattern of rubblestone door and window surrounds within the rubblestone of its lower story. The main roof, and its dormers, are flared. At the west end of the roof is a rectangular chimney. The roof is currently covered with asphalt shingles.

In keeping with the flare of the roof line and dormers, the first and last row of shingles on the second story are also flared. Heavy buttresses, capped with granite complete the Gothic detail in the front facade. North Elevation The main entrance facade of the building is symmetrical; its distinctive feature is its projecting gabled entrance (photos #1, 6, & 11). The entrance door and windows are set within Gothic arches, and there is a tripartite simulated leaded glass window with trefoils at the top. The gable, supported by carved brackets, is further detailed with a heavy vergeboard consisting of four cusps on either side of a center top foil. The Gothic-arched entrance is trimmed in granite; it consists of a pair of solid oak doors beneath an arched transom of leaded glass.

To either side of the doorway, the rubblestone of the north wall extends to the east and west in stepped buttresses, each step capped with granite. There are two small double-hung sash windows on the east and west walls of the entry providing light to the vestibule inside. To each side of the front entry on the first floor, there are three diamond-paned, double-hung sash windows set within an arched surround. Above these, on the second story, are bay windows set directly beneath the eaves, composed of three diamond-paned, double-hung sash windows. Above the flared roofline are gabled dormers supported by carved brackets. The dormers contain Gothic-arched diamond-paned windows and arched vergeboards, similar to those found in the projecting entrance gable.

South Elevation The rear of the building features a prominent five-sided projecting ell with an unusual five- sided hip roof (photos #3, 4, 9,12 & 13). Its three southernmost walls are topped by gables projecting from the hip roof and supported by carved brackets. The gables frame Gothic- arched, diamond-paned windows set high on the walls. The gables contain vergeboards with (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 1 Page 3 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts two cusps to either side of a center top foil. The two walls connecting the ell with the main part of the building contain leaded, double-hung sash windows set beneath the eave.

To the west of the projecting ell, a small, shingled entry with a shed roof was built to replace a bulkhead entrance to the basement. On the first level, to either side of the ell, there is a diamond-paned, double-hung sash window set within an arched surround. Above these are twin, double-hung sash windows at the west end of the elevation and a second-story door at the top of a set of metal stairs at the east end. While the current door is a modern replacement, records show that a door and set of stairs were present in this location since shortly after the building's construction. The stairs from the second-story entrance follow down contours of the ell's walls to the ground. On the gabled roof of the south elevation are two dormers. These dormers have flared, gabled roofs and a flared course of shingles above their diamond-paned, double-hung sash windows.

Unlike the dormers of the north elevation, these dormers feature closed gables, with no decorative vergeboards. East and West Elevations The east and west elevations of the building are identical in detail and in plan. On the rubblestone first story of both elevations are two symmetrical double-hung sash windows, featuring diamond-paned windows (photos #2 & 5). Like all the other first-floor windows found on the main part of the building, these windows are also set beneath a slight arch created by the rubblestone. Located directly below the first-floor windows are two basement- level windows also set in rubblestone surrounds. On the second story, both elevations contain two sets of paired windows, featuring diamond-paned sash, symmetrically placed above the first-story windows.

As with the entire building, the second story of these two elevations feature flared wood shingles at the first course and again at the top course under the gable. In the closed gables, the shingles continue from the second story to the peak of the gable. The only feature found on the west elevation, but not on the east elevation, is the rectangular brick chimney rising from the top of the west gable. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number / Page 4 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts Interior Features The first floor of the building consists of an entryway with a small vestibule and, beyond this, stairs to the elevated first floor that continue to the second floor (photo #7).

A curtain wall separates the entryway from the rest of the first floor. The first floor is primarily a large, open space, except for two small offices in the front corners of the building (see ground floor plan). Bookshelves remain, lining the walls of the five-sided rear ell. In the foyer is a plaque with the names of the local men who served in the Civil War. Also listed, on separate plaques, are the names of those who served in the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Spanish-American War. All of these plaques are located in the main foyer or on the stairs. The most interesting decorative interior element on the first floor is the curtain wall. The top third is glass, leaded in a prism-shaped pattern. The middle third feature large panes of glass, and the bottom third is panelled. Two panelled doors break this screen into thirds, vertically.

In addition to the curtain wall, the wall between the vestibule and the rest of the entryway is also striking. Above five-panel double doors with panes of glass replacing the middle panels, there is a large, leaded, Gothic-arched transom. This transom imitates the one above the front doors. It is most clearly seen from the stairs leading to the second floor. The effect of the curtain wall and this transom is light which flows between the three spaces, either the gas lighting of the original design or the present day electrical lighting. Spaces that could have been separated from one another are made to feel connected; this is especially useful because the former library reading room is such a large space that it is completely out-of-scale with the entryway. The entryway has thus been more closely integrated into the overall first-floor design.

On the second floor over one half of the upstairs at the east end is a rectangular "audience room," with a low stage and proscenium arch at its west end (see upper level plan). Its distinguishing feature is a cathedral ceiling with heavy, squared beams that run from the ridge, down the walls to the floor. Heavy tie beams span the room just above ceiling height at a point where the beams curve in, making the transition from the ceiling to the exterior wall (photo #8). Despite the decision to expose these massive structural elements, the effect is not entirely rustic: the beams curve and are smoothly finished and highly polished. This (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Section number / Page 5 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts design is in keeping with Craftsman ideals of revealing and giving prominence to formerly hidden structural features. The remaining space on the second floor is taken up with a small hallway and a kitchen to the front and a banquet room to the rear. Both of these rooms have been equipped with modern appliances. Alterations Due to the growing need for additional space, the library moved out of the building in the spring of 1989. In September of 1989, with minimal impact to the building, the Mansfield School Department moved their offices into the building. Alterations are few and minor in nature and do not detract from the building's integrity.

Other than the replacement of the bulkhead and second story rear door, the only other alteration to the building is the exterior handicap ramp added in the late 1980s. Other Resources On the property are two low pitched, U-shaped rubblestone and cement walls capped with granite, which extend outward symmetrically from the front corners of the building. These run parallel to Park Row for 16 feet before turning north for 25 feet and then turning back toward each other for 12 feet. Enclosed in the walls is a cannon in the northwest corner, and two stone statues in the northeast corner of the lot. Also on the property, located just off of the southeast corner of the building, is a acetylene gas house, which was used to light the building when it was first constructed. It is approximately 10 feet square and is also of rubblestone construction, with a flared hip roof with asphalt shingles.

Topping the gas house is a small ventilated metal pipe. In 1905 the town appropriated $500 for the job of electrifying both the library and the town hall. The work was done by Fred A. Hartshorn, Jr. for $498.50. At the time of the conversion from gas to electric, the gas generator and equipment were removed from the building. Since then, the building has been used for storage. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 7 Page_6 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the property, however, it is possible that sites are present.

Locational characteristics of the lot including a level terrace with good drainage in close proximity to the Rumford River, are favorable for prehistoric site locations. In general, however, the potential for significant archacological resources, either prehistoric or historic is low as a result of the small lot size and because the library, which has a full basement, covers most of the lot. (end) Soldier's Memorial Library Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) XA Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. _B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. _ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: _A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. _B removed from its original location.

_C a birthplace or grave. _D a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _F a commemorative property. _ G less than 50 years of age or achieved significancé within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Bristol County, MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL HISTORY Period of Significance 1901-1945 Significant Dates N/A Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder Peabody & Stearns 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: _ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 X State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested _Other State agency _ previously listed in the National Register Federal agency _ previously determined eligible by the National X Local government Register _ University _ designated a National Historic Landmark Other - _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # Massachusetts Historical Commission _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Mansfield Public Library Record # Soldier's Memorial Library Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Propertyless than 1 acre (8,900 sq.

ft.) Bristol County, MA County and State UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.19 Zone 2. Zone 316430 Easting Easting 4654540 Northing Northing 3. Zone 4. Zone Easting Easting _ See continuation sheet Northing Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By Katheryn Viens, Chairperson, and Connie Johnson, Mansfield Historical Commission name/title with Doug Kelleher, Preservation Planner, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date January 1995 street & number_220 Morrissey Boulevard telephone_(617) 727-8470 city or town_Boston state MA .zip code_ 02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name_Town of Mansfield street & number 50 West Street _telephone city or townMansfield state_MA _zip code_02048 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). Estimated Burden Statement:Public reporting burden for this formis estimated to average 18.1hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief,Administrative Services Division,National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 PageL Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts 8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Soldiers' Memorial Library building is significant as a memorial to the veterans of the Civil War, conceived as a meeting place and library by the citizens of the Town of Mansfield.

The 1901 building is also significant as an example of High Victorian architecture, as designed by the prominent 19th century Boston architectural firm, Peabody and Stearns. The Soldiers Memorial Library retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, feeling, association, and workmanship, and is of local significance, fulfilling criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places. Mansfield is an industrial railroad town located in Bristol County, in southeastern Massachusetts. Originally part of the town of Norton, Mansfield was incorporated as a district in 1770, and established as a town on August 23, 1775. In the early 18th century, Mansfield's economy was based on agricultural practices and small industrial manufacturing, in the form of ironworking. By the late 18th century, utilization of water resources continued as a power source.

However, by the turn of the century forges were no longer in operation in the town. The early 19th century saw the continued development of a small industrial base with several tack factories and cotton mills in existence by 1830. Farming also continued to be important to the town's economy through this period. It wasn't until the entry of the railroad in the 1830s, and Mansfield's establishment as a refueling and freight transfer point for the Boston & Providence railroad, that a clustering of residential settlement developed at Mansfield Center. The town plan of Mansfield Center was created as a speculative venture in the 1880s. It appears that the town fathers were actively engaged during the mid and late 19th century in drawing new industry to the town which resulted in the creation of a small but diversified industrial base.

The Mansfield branch of the Boston & Providence railroad was chartered in 1846, but did not open until 1870. In 1859 the town began making efforts to attract some of the jewelry business from the nearby town of Attleborough. By 1875, three manufacturers produced over $105,000 worth of the jewelry, making it the largest industry in town. In the 1890s the business reached its peak, only to decline after the turn of the century. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page 2 - Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts As Mansfield grew as a small industrial community, so did its population. Mansfield's population increased from 2,432 in 1870 to 5,772 in 1915.

Part of the growing community included a large number of immigrants who came to Mansfield to work in the mills. Foreign- born totals of 382 in 1885 increased to 1,301 by 1915. Early ethnic composition included Irish, English, and Canadians immigrants, with Italians arriving in the early 20th century. Other efforts to attract new industry to Mansfield were made in the 1880s, resulting in the relocation of the Manton Windlass & Steam Steerer Company from Providence (1882) and the Rumsey Brothers Shoe Factory from Lynn (1888). This effort continued through the 1890s with the establishment of the Mansfield Board of Trade in 1892. The Board of Trade's largest success was the establishment of Walter Lowney's Chocolate and Cocoa works in 1903. As early as 1896, the idea of constructing a stone building as a memorial to the soldiers who died in the Civil War had been conceived by Henry H.

Fairbanks, Quartermaster of the John Rogers Post of the Grand Army of the Republics (G.A.R.). In 1898, a relatively new comer to town, Mrs. Elizabeth Noble donated a parcel of land for the building with the stipulation that the first floor was to be used as a library and the second floor as an "audience room", banquet room, and kitchen for the use of the G.A.R. Elizabeth Noble (1814-1909), born in Waldoboro, ME, was the wealthy widow of the late Joseph Noble, who had been a partner in the prominent coal firm of Noble, Hammett and Caldwell. Following her husband's death in 1863, Mrs. Noble spent her time traveling between Boston, New York, and Europe. While not living in Mansfield, Mrs. Noble did have connections locally; her brother Henry Kinsell was a local piano maker. Prior to her brother's death in 1891, Mrs.

Noble purchased the parcel of land at the corner of Park Row and Union Street from Henry for $1.00. It is believed Mrs. Noble owned the land as early as 1889. While other commercial activities occurred nearby, the Mansfield Hotel was located on the current site of the Park Row School, and a livery stable was also nearby. It is believed that no other buildings stood on this site prior to the Library's construction in 1901. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page 3 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts It is assumed that when the discussion began in town about building the Soldiers' Memorial, Mrs. Noble recognized the suitability of the site she owned on Park Row and donated it for the building.

Due to her late husband's high business stature and her great travel experience, it is believed Mrs. Noble was well-acquainted with the work of the nationally recognized firm of Peabody and Stearns. It is also believed Mrs. Noble was able to use her wealth and influence to convince the firm to accept what must have seemed, in their eyes, as a small project. Since it was Mrs. Noble who paid for Peabody and Stearns' services, it appears that she largely, if not wholly, determined the final design of the building. Further research would be necessary in order to document Mrs. Noble's familiarity with the firm, either through her observation or as resident of a house of their design.

Townspeople also made significant contributions to the construction of the building, which not only honored veterans but also reflected the then-popular Horatio Alger story of self- improvement through its intended use as a library. That such a fine building was planned is evidence that residents in the town were proud of the prosperity of their industrial community at the end of the 19th century. Town meeting voters appropriated funds for the project on several occasions. Frank L. Cady, a wealthy local businessman, was a notable contributor, as were many other individuals and groups such as the Soldiers' Memorial Association and the Women's Relief Corps.

The decision to use simple rubblestone was not only dictated by financial necessity but it was also viewed as a means to further encourage community participation since all townspeople were invited to contribute stones to the building's construction. A 1898 article in The Mansfield News invited individuals to bring stones of "unique shapes" to the site to be used in the construction. Construction began with the laying of the cornerstone on October 21, 1899. It is interesting that this style has been juxtaposed with the use of rubblestone on the first story and a heavy panelled door and buttresses, which give the building a fortress-like appearance. Perhaps this was meant to "protect" the "treasures" contained within.

However, the design also recalls military adventure, which makes the building an appropriate monument to veterans as well as an appropriate meeting place for the local chapter -- the John Rogers Post -- of the G.A.R. The use of two different exterior materials, rubblestone and wood shingle, symbolizes the dual use of the building, since the first floor was intended for use as a library, and the second floor to house an "audience room," banquet room, and kitchen for the G.A.R. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Section number 8 Page_4 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts The function of the building as a library at the time of its construction played an important role for the townspeople of Mansfield during the first half of the 20th century. In the early 1900s Mansfield was home to many recent immigrants who utilized the library to better learn the American language and culture. The library also served many working-class persons whose education was limited by their employment at a young age. The influence of the library on the community-at-large cannot be underestimated. The Soldiers' Memorial Library building is a well-preserved example of High Victorian architecture, with elements of both the Shingle Style and the Gothic Revival style merged into a single public building by accomplished architects.

In the Gothic Revival tradition, building materials are juxtaposed with one another: the building exterior combines wood shingles and stone, and cut and uncut stone that is both coursed and uncoursed. It features heavy details, like wide Gothic arches and the heavy buttresses flanking the front entrance. Its external wood trim appears to serve a structural purpose, as wooden brackets support projecting gabled roofs. Several Gothic Revival details blend easily with the Shingle Style. In the manner of the Shingle Style, the bottom courses of shingles (as well as the courses of shingles above the windows on the gabled ends) are flared, to give the upper story some definition and prominence against the stone below. Above the second story, the gable roofline and dormers are also flared.

The Gothic penchant for complex rooflines was echoed in the library's Shingle Style intersecting gabled roofs and in the polygonal form of the roof on the library's rear ell. The library building has had few alterations since its construction. Those alterations that have occurred are minimal in nature and do not detract from the building's overall integrity. The shed-roofed entry to the basement was built up from the walls of the original stone bulkhead, and is covered in shingles to match the building's upper story. The single panel door on the second story at the rear of the building features a simple casing and simple metal stairs which follow two walls of the five-sided rear ell to the ground. While the door appears to be a modern replacement, records indicate an entrance was present in this location soon after the building's construction.

The Soldiers' Memorial Library building is unique in Mansfield in its design and in its purpose as a veterans' memorial. It is the only civic building in town to have been designed by such a prominent architectural firm as Peabody and Stearns, and to have been designed in (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page_5 Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts such a High Victorian style, combining Shingle Style and Gothic Revival details. Its style is echoed in a nearby institutional structure, the United Methodist Church on North Main Street.

Although there are other Shingle Style buildings in Mansfield, the Soldiers' Memorial Library is unequalled in the extent and the manner in which it employs characteristics of both the Shingle and Gothic Revival styles. Peabody and Stearns of Boston, the building's architects, were noted for both domestic and public architecture in the late 19th century. They designed such well-known structures as Boston's Customs House tower and Cornelius Vanderbilt's mansion, "The Breakers" (the first residence by that name) in Newport, RI. Peabody and Stearns were among the architects who gave definition to the Shingle Style, as they departed from the predominant style of the last quarter of the 19th century, the English-inspired Queen Anne. In this respect they helped America to find a modern architectural style all its own.

Peabody and Stearns employed Fales & Company of South Framingham, MA., as contractors. Harry Egan, The Fales supervisor, was a resident of the neighboring town of Foxboro, as was the stonemason, P.J. Latchford. It seems that, whenever possible, townspeople were employed on the project. John L. Turner of Mansfield did the plumbing and piping, B.F. Gifford built the gashouse, and Bliss Manufacturing Company of Mansfield constructed the generator and equipped the acetylene gashouse to light the building. According to one source, the cost of the building was $10,000; however, the September 15, 1899, issue of The Mansfield News says the contractor bid $12,170.70 for the job, and a 1981 Library Day proclamation states that the town appropriated $10,900. Mrs. Noble gave $3,500, and over $800 was received from other contributors.

On June 17, 1901, the Soldiers' Memorial Library was dedicated as "a monument in the form of a public library." Since then the building has served not only as a library and a Civil War memorial, but as a significant architecture memorializing the spirit and character of the people of the town of Mansfield at the turn of the century. Due to the need for additional space, the library moved out of the building in the spring of 1989 to a newly constructed building on Hope Street. While the building no longer serves as a library, it retains a significant role as the offices of the Mansfield School Department, and continues to occupy a prominent site facing the south common. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 9, 10 Page 1, !

Soldiers' Memorial Library Mansfield (Bristol County) Massachusetts 9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Annual Report of the Town Officers of Mansfield for the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1905. (Town of Mansfield, 1906), p.69. Downing, Antoinette F. and Vincent Scully, Jr. The Architectural Heritage of Newport, Rhode Island (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1967), pp. 147-48, 159-60. Holden, Wheaton A. "The Peabody Touch: Peabody and Stearns of Boston, 1870-1917," Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, May 1973. Mansfield News, May 29, 1896; Jan. 1989-July 13, 1900; April 2,9, May 21, 1909. "Mansfield Public Library Report to the Historical Commission," Oct. 23, 1979. Massachusetts Historical Commission. "MHC Reconnaissance Survey Report: Mansfield", September 1981. [s.n.] "Memorial Library Building" (Mansfield: Mansfield Press), 4 pp.

Whiffen, Marcus American Architecture Since 1780 (Cambridge: M.I.T. Press, 1988), pp. 89, 197-98. (end) 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description The boundaries run east from the corner of Park Row and Union Street for 90 feet, then turn south for 92 feet, before turning west for 104.55 feet, and finally turn north for 92 feet to the point of origin. See attached Town of Mansfield assessors map #27, lot #62. Verbal Boundary Justification The boundaries as nominated are the current and historic boundaries of the Soldiers' Memorial Library, since its construction in 1901. (end) FFKE OTFKF RECEPTIAN OFFICE CFFICE sep, T. SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY PARK ROW MANSFIELD (BRISTOL COUNTY) MASSACHUSETTS VBsT.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN -GTP opIcE MERTING SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY PARK ROW MANSFIELD (BRISTOL COUNTY) MASSACHUSETTS UPPER LEVEL PLAN 23 Townot Mansfrotd Cesis map 27 scale :,"= 180° 4 WEST N MAIN NORTH (195 102.35 9,050° 93.26 194 94.33 95.5 6,890°0 75.0 193 75 88.0 7,5/5 g/ 82.0 79.0 151.8 30 225.64 20.0 74.B1 348 65,589 77,22 190 82.40 189 a.od 262 26,198 ST. 1.0 ACRES 64 72.2 11,/74 *. 127.87 30.00 349 10,840 227.01 80.0 61.2 73.0 '2,093" 98 53 84.70 +1 155.8 memader Lébrany property (#662) N 2151 PARK 90.0 8,900 W 5,400 10455 43 ROW 165.6 26,834°/ MANSFIELD (BRISTOL. COUNTY) MASSACHUSETS 13,800° I05 5,74go, 250 5343 5 5,025 129 165.0 59.7 61.4 103 113.5 113.5 22.6 15 89.6 78.79 6955 124.1 50 18,970°, 6,908 N 43 122.1 50 WEBB 832 0/40.721 140.0 49 (26) 193.0 22,473 ª. 160.0 163.

160.0 159.31 7,220 48.71 48.71 186.50 302.3 32,950 a/ D 85.0 136.52 11,6000/ 137.0 0 9,940 a) 645 01 191.0 - 16,1000 204 48.86 166.5 13, 720a/ 91.3 58 8,124"- 173.55 100.89 14, ,777 (54) 10,523ªr 89.9 55 185 131.69 316.94 38,200"- 82.5 50.3 19,240 17,206 171.70 112.2 15,290ª' 73.0 16.5- 62.25 8180ª 133 105t 69.6 91.3 PLACE 141.08 250 103.0 152.50 122 92.0 141.0 2,65 321.3 269.48 9,59 121.0 210.93 11,500", 155.08 48003 104.0 281.31 90.7 32, 500° 36.8 38.11 8, 10 So 10,8200 52 18 000a 7.43 290.4 292.30 39,400°/ 104.2. 15.2 29.0 128.04 MAIN 109 .00.55 69.79 81.0 2635 280.5 35 120 350.7 A 210405 42. 48.35 3510 30,510 .. 85G 42.4 116 327.0 139.99 85.09 16.328 S. F. 6,270S.F 217.18 97.31 15,484 9,289S.F 193.50 114, 1920 WIL SON 113.51 109.7 16,500.. 118 123.3 77.3 46.0 144.0 24 74.4 19. 100* 67.4 164.53 8,0000i 204 97 14,240° 148.5 136.1 75.0 15.

25% 1500 RTOr WAY 301 200.0 200025 95 6,4 8,393 83.8 8, 393 9, S09 65.0 1500 50.0 77.0 LINDEN R22 141 10,2925 21 13 139 10,587 - 0 770 9S 526 695 770 236.25 2381 241,3 104.3 172.5 41,700 95 54 65 120.00 1064 70 8,40 217 240.75 ", 39 8995 122,0 177 c 75 8, 8, 250 50° 75. 8,250° 70 .O EAST 110.0 11,660% 0G o8 125.80 158. 10,948 10.0 72.20 -446 110.0 .5C./ 75. 1!, 300 70.0 10 0.49 ACRES 116.7 EDDY O1L8 139 (53)6. 150"B 120 12,446° ( 154.5 L'EG 161.7 16,3360 1A3 170.4 19,005°0 005 00g 132.44 ,000 151 02290 500 (150 6.2270 154,36 1:06 9,526 8035 ST 30.0 141.0 8864° 111.8 97.94 = S22 189 18349 25,509° 6/S2I (331 188.43 19,258 S.F 338 +001 197.9 19,677 339 220 206.2 30,373 S.F.

340 38,0000 0'OLZ 145.6 # 0l01 219.9 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Soldiers' Memorial Library NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Bristol DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 5/05/95 6/02/95 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 5/17/95 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 6/19/95 REFERENCE NUMBER: 95000681 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER : N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN REJECT 6/2/95 DATE Entered in the National Register ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS: RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N Soldiors' Hemorial Lebrany Park Row Manofield, Ma.

Phote by Dawed Loving 11/10/92 Negatove woth Mansfreld Hist. Comm. photo 1of X13 Northwrest Carser Saldiers' Memorial Libravy Park Gaw Mansfiold, ofa. Phats by David Loving 1/10/92) Negative with, Hansfreld Hist. Conm. Photo 2 of X 13 West Facade Soldièrs" Hemorial Librany Park Bow Mansfield, Ha. Photo by David Loving 11/10/92 Negatire with Mansfrold Hist: Comm. Photo 3 of <13 Sourh Facade with Gashouse Sarders Nemanial lebrany Part Bow Hanstreld, Ya. Photo by David Louing 1/10/92 Neg. with Mansfiela Huz. Comm. Photo 4 of X13 South Facade Santer Aeranial Lelran Part Bow Hanstreld, Ha. Phote by Dawid Loving "/10/92' Neg. with Yansfield Hist, Comm Photo 5ot X13 Southeast Corner SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILDING MANSFIELD, MASS. ROBERT J. PAQUIN, PHOTOGRAPHER, 1981.

NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOOL ST., MANSFIELD PHOTO # LO OF 13 NORTHWEST VIEW FROM CEMETERY SOLDIERS!-MEMORJAL LIBRARY BUILDING MANS FIELD, MASS. ROBERT J. PAQUIN, PHOTO GRAPHER, 1981. NEGATIVE AT. 885 SCHOOL ST., MANSFIEL PHOTO#7 0 13 "GRAND STAIRCASE" SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILDING MANSFIELD, MASS. ROBERT J. PAQUIN, PHOTO GRAPAER, 1981 NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOOL STI, MANSFIELL PHOTO # 8OF 13 INTERIOR, "AUDIENCE ROOM" 2nd FLOBR SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILDING MANS FIELD, MASS. ROBERT J. PAQUIN, PHOTOGRAPHER, 1981. NEGATIVE AT 8ES SCHOOL ST., MANSFIELD PHOTO # 9 OF 13 SOUTH ELEVATION -SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILL MANSFIELD, MASS. ROBERT T. PAQUIN, PHOTO GRAPHER. NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOOL ST., MA PHOTO #11 OF 13 NORTH FACADE 380 'SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BULLDWG MANSFIELD, MASS, ROBERT J.

PAQUN, PHOTOGRAPHER, 1981, NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOULST MANSFIELD PHOTO #1D OF 13 WEST ELEVATION 10 SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL LIBRARY BU MANSFIELD, MASS. ROBERT J, PAQUN, PHOTOBRAPHE NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOOL ST., M. DHOTD #13 OF 13 SOUTHEAST ELEVATION 13 SOLDIERS'MEMEMORIAL LIBRAK MANSFIELD, MASS. ROBERT J. PAQUIN, PHOTOGRAPHE NEGATIVE AT 885 SCHOOL ST., PHOTO#12 OF 13 SOUTHWEST ELEVATION JIKe LNNAD The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission April 25, 1995 RECEIVED 413 MAY 5 1995 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P. O. Box 37127 Washington, D. C. 20013-7127 INTERAGENCY RESOURCES DIVISION NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Dear Ms.

Shull, Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Soldiers' Memorial Library, Park Row, Mansfield (Bristol County), Massachusetts 02048 The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of the property were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30-75 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Betoy Fredling Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission CC: Katheryn P. Viens, Chairperson, Mansfield Historical Commission Joseph M. Pasquale, Chairperson, Board of Selectmen, Town of Mansfield Leslie Pasch, Librarian, Mansfield Public Library Enclosure 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 - (617) 727-8470 Fax: (617) 727-5128 TDD: 1-800-392-6090