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 _Local government Register _ University _ designated a National Historic Landmark _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey _Other Name of repository: Massachusetts Historical Commission _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Cape Ann Historical Society Webster-Lane House Name of Property 10.
Geographical Data Acreage of Property _less than one acre UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.19 364050 4719230 Zone Easting Northing 2. Zone Easting Northing Essex County, MA County and State 3. Zone 4. Zone Easting Northing Easting _ See continuation sheet 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 Candace Jenkins/Wendy Frontiero, Preservation Consultants, Gloucester Historical Commission, name/title with Betsy Friedberg, National Register Director, MHC organization_Massachusetts Historical Commission date January 1996 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 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 street & number telephone city or town state zip code 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 form is estimated to average18.1 hours 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.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. (P8 Form 10000a OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Sectlon number Page _1 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts - 7. DESCRIPTION Location and Environment The Webster-Lane House is part of the once stylish and densely developed 19th century residential neighborhood that occupies the crest of Union Hill.
The busy intersection of Main, Rogers, and Prospect Streets is immediately to the east, while the commercial uses of downtown Gloucester extend to the lower elevations on the west. The Webster-Lane House and its neighbors enjoy extensive views over Gloucester's Inner Harbor from their location on the north side of Main Street. Their view partially results from mid-20th century demolition of similar dwellings on the south side of the street which gave rise to today's surface parking lots and the gas station at the intersection of Main and Rogers Streets. Like the setting and landscape, most buildings in the area have been altered by artificial siding, new window sash, and additions.
The generally well-preserved Webster-Lane House is an exception to that trend The neighborhood is typical of many residential enclaves that developed on the outskirts of urban commercial centers in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is characterized by wood-frame construction, stylistic variety, and dense siting with narrow side yards and a common shallow setback. Landscape features are minimal, but granite retaining walls sometimes appear as a reflection of the steep topography, and the strength of the local granite industry. Specific, and much altered, neighbors include a late-18th century Georgian dwelling, a traditional side-gable Greek Revival house, several gable-end Italianate residences, and a fine domestic example of the Second Empire style.
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church (NR: 5/10/90) is located a few blocks to the rear (N) on Prospect Street, while Gorton's fisheries are sited on Rogers Street to the south. Summary Evolution of the Property Original portions of the house include the four by two bay main block with its lonic verandah, and the two story gable-roof wing that extends from the west rear elevation. The granite retaining wall and steps appear to be original site features. Several decades later, in the 1870s or 1880s, a second flat-roof wing was added to the east side of the rear elevation, abutting the original. Its most prominent feature is an Italianate style oriel on the east side at the junction of the main block. The cast iron fence on that side of the property is probably contemporary with this addition. Minor changes in the early-20th century included the (continued) (P8 Form 10.000 a OMB Approvel No.
1024-0018 United States Department of the Interlor National Park Service Natlonal Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 2 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts addition of rusticated concrete block coping to the retaining wall, and as a foundation material beneath the verandah. Landscape and Site Features The Webster-Lane Houseoccupies a small lot, similar in size to that of its neighbors. The front (S) edge is defined by a mid-19th century retaining wall fashioned of massive granite blocks that rises directly from the Main Street sidewalk. The present rusticated concrete block coping was probably added in the early-20th century. Near the west end, the wall is interrupted by a flight of nine granite block steps that rise to the main entry.
The steps are framed by massive coping blocks that carry a simple early-20th century iron rail on the west side. The remains of a mid to late-19th century cast iron picket fence on a granite base defines the east property line, while a modern wooden picket fence runs along the west property line. The rear (N) of the lot, which extends to Spring Street, is entirely taken up by an unpaved parking area. Architecture The Webster-Lane House is an unusually well-detailed example of the Greek Revival style that has survived with surprisingly few alterations. The 1978 architectural survey of Gloucester stated: "There are no other examples of this quality design in Gloucester today, and only one extant house with a similar plan and porch." The basic rectangular plan of the four by two bay main block is extended by two rear ells.
The main block rises 2 and 1/2 stories from a granite block foundation to a side-gable roof with interior chimneys located slightly behind the ridge. Traditional wood clapboards continue as the exterior wall sheathing material, while wood roof shingles have been replaced with asphalt shingles. The area beneath the verandah displays a sophisticated flushboard treatment, as do the boxed pedimented gables. Trim consists of broad corner pilasters rising to a severe two-part entablature that encircles the building. A wide secondary entablature beneath the verandah, combined with the corner pilasters and flushboard siding, echoes the severity of the stylistically ambitious Greek Revival variant known as Regency. Unless otherwise noted, windows are simply framed and contain 6/6 double-hung sash.
The south and east elevations are wrapped by a well-detailed verandah which is the building's single most important feature. Its nearly flat roof is carried by eight handsome Ionic columns (continued) eS Form 10.000-a OMB Approvel Mo. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interlor National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 3 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts - that are correctly detailed with fluted shafts rising from plain bases to volute capitals with egg and dart moldings. The columns carry a severe two-part Tuscan order entablature, with unadorned architrave and frieze. The corner column has recently been replaced with a similar element, due to severe deterioration of the original; the lonic capital has been reused. The rear west-side column has been removed for repair.
The porch now rests on an early-20th century rusticated block foundation. The entry is located in an enclosed vestibule that projects from the rear of the west side wall to terminate the verandah. This element exhibits flushboarding, paneled corner pilasters, and a large leaded oculus in its west wall. The south side door which opens onto the verandah is framed by full-length sidelights and a rectangular transom, all of which display leaded glass in a handsome geometric pattern. The first story windows of the facade (S) are aligned with the spaces between the verandah columns. These four windows are elongated and contain 6/9 double hung sash; they are treated with interior paneled shutters. Second story windows are set directly beneath the entablature. The west elevation contains one window at the first story beneath the verandah, two at the second story, and one in the gable.
The east elevation displays two windows at the first and second stories and one in the gable. The first north window has been clapboarded over, but the original frame remains. The rear (N) elevation is covered by two ells. The two story, three by two bay west ell, with its gable roof, cornice returns, and central chimney, appears to be original. Most of its windows contain 6/6 sash. An enclosed shed roof vestibule is attached to the end of the west elevation. The two story, three by two bay east ell with its flat roof, narrow 1/1 windows, and two story oriel appears to be an 1870s or 1880s addition in the Italiante style. The oriel, which is located on the wing's east wall at its junction with the main block, displays windows with 2/2 sash above paneled aprons. A small hip roof vestibule occupies the east bay of the south elevation. This wing was probably added by Samuel R.
Lane who occupied the house from ca. 1869 to ca. 1880. Archaeological Description While no prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the property, it is possible that sites are present. The physical characteristics of the lot and the surrounding locale indicate locational criteria which are favorable for prehistoric sites. The house is situated on a well drained, level to moderately sloping land surface at the top of Union Hill in close proximity to Gloucester's Inner Harbor. In general, however, the potential for significant prehistoric survivals is low because of the small size of the house lot and intense historic land use on the property and in the general area. (continued) (068 Form 10000a OMB Approvel No.
10240018 United States Department of the Interlor National Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7, 8 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts Page 4,1 - There is a moderate potential for significant historic archaeological resources on the property. Stratigraphic and construction features may survive from landscape features on the property including the granite retaining wall and steps which appear to be original site features. Construction features may also survive for additions made to the original house. Structural remains from outbuildings and occupational related features (trash pits, privies, wells) may also be present. Contributing Structures 1 building 2 structures: granite retaining wall and 19th century cast iron fence. (end) 8.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Webster-Lane House is one of the most distinctive Greek Revival style houses remaining in Gloucester, and its early owners were strongly identified with the city's maritime industries. The house is prominently sited atop Union Hill, which is adjacent to and overlooking Gloucester Harbor to the south, on the main road between downtown, the Head of the Harbor, and East Gloucester. The property possesses integrity of location, design, materials, setting, and workmanship, and meets Criteria A and C for listing in the National Register on the local level. Its period of significance is ca. 1840-1945. The Webster-Lane House was built between ca. 1840-1845 for Nathaniel Rowe Webster (1803-1858), originally a blacksmith and later a highly successful ice dealer.
For unknown reasons, Webster's name was "altered by the court" (Vital Records: Births); he was born in Gloucester to Philemon and Elisabeth Dunphey (a.k.a. Dumfey). Nathaniel and his wife Nancy Webster (no record of marriage found) were the parents of nine children born between 1825 and 1842. The Websters are first known to have lived in Essex, and from there occupied a farm in Gloucester. The land on which the Webster-Lane House stands was purchased in 1836 and 1838, when Nathaniel was still described as a blacksmith. The house is pictured on a map of 1845. Its significance was recognized early, with acontemporary's reminiscence of Gloucester in the 1840s observing "the residence of Nathaniel R. Webster... with its pillars was a very imposing structure for that time" (CAHA Scrapbook #43, p. 42). Early in his career, Nathaniel R.
Webster operated a blacksmith shop at the foot of Union Hill, near the waterfront, where he may have been involved in producing the iron work needed for Gloucester's growing sailing fleet. Webster also seems to have participated in the early granite industry (see (continued) (OPB Form 10000-m Unlted States Department of the Interlor Natlonal Park Service Natlonal Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 2 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts Page - Granite Industry Context), which again required a significant amount of iron work. A history of Eastern Point and its short-lived (1836-43) but noteworthy quarry mentions that one of its first quarry workers "was apprenticed to Nathaniel Webster in 1833... to learn blacksmithing" (Garland, Eastern Point: 52).
The construction of 304 Main Street may reflect Webster's success in a new and prosperous industry, which itself was based on Gloucester's newly developing trade in fresh fish. According to an obituary of his son and namesake, Nathaniel R. Webster was "the pioneer ice man in Gloucester." To serve the city's newly-developing trade in fresh fish, he built the city's first ice house, a 30 by 50 foot wood structure, 22 feet high, "which at that time was sufficiently large to supply the wants of the town for many years" (CAHA Vertical File, obituary). The ice house was part of a growing facility off Eastern Ave, near the corner of what is now Webster Street (and Route 128), which also involved damming a stream to construct Webster Pond After Nathaniel R. Webster's death in 1858, the business was operated and expanded on a larger scale by his son Nathaniel, until his death in1900.
The younger Nathaniel, "a remarkable businessman... with the indomitable energy which proved a characteristic throughout his life" (CAHA obituary), was the exclusive supplier of ice to the city's fishing fleet until 1876, buying up minor competition as they emerged. Webster leased his operation to F.H. Abbott & Co. (which later became Cape Pond Ice Co.; see Central Gloucester District Boundary Increase) in 1900. Members of the Webster family apparently occupied the house at 304 Main Street for eight years after the elder Nathaniel's death in 1858. In 1866, his widow Nancy and children Daniel and Annie sold the homestead to Samuel R. Lane; his occupation was described as trader, which in this period usually implied the fisheries business.
The son of Gideon and Anna Lane, Samuel Robinson Lane (1806-1881) was born in Annisquam and married to Martha Watson (1815-1882), with whom he had two sons and three daughters. Few details are known of Samuel R. Lane. He may be the same Samuel described as one of Gloucester's prominent citizens, "a representative from 1829 to 1832, inclusive, and subsequently a senator from Essex County" (Babson: 112). Samuel R. and Martha's sons, Samuel (b. 1841) and George Edward (ca. 1844-1915) were fish merchants and principals in the fishery and salt fish shipping firm of Samuel Lane & Brother, which was located on the waterfront at the base of Union Hill, on old Vincent's Point. Known as one of the oldest established fish businesses in Gloucester (Interests and Industries: 66), the firm reorganized as Lane & Smith in 1905, and in 1909 emerged as Frank F.
Smith & Co., prominent producers, curers, and wholesale fish dealers with a wharf and packing house at Wharf Street (see Central Gloucester District Boundary Increase). (continued) (0P8 Form 10.000-a OMB Approvel No. 10240018 United States Department of the Interior Natlonal Park Service National Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 3 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts Page - George Lane bought his father's homestead from his brother and sisters in 1883, and occupied 304 lserenae deertt tttem cnssted o personal property value t more than $22,000, and four pieces of property. Heirs included his widow, Satiria, two minc daughters, and a son, George E. Lane, Jr., who continued to occupy the property until 1920. The property was owned and presumably occupied by Aubrey L. and Lousie A.
Hawes from 1920 to 1940, when it was sold to Archibald and Kathleen Coll. Since 1940, the Webster-Lane House has been owned by various members of the Coll/Bauer family, who operated a boarding house known as "The Colonial" here until the early 1960s. Their guests included a number of fishing boat captains, on a seasonal basis, and short-term summer visitors. The Greek Revival design of the Webster-Lane House is locally distinguished by its pilasters, pedimented ends, and especially its lonic-columned porch. Among relatively high-style examples of its period, this building compares with the temple-front Capt. Solomon Davis House on Middle Street (1840s, demolished in the 1960s), the Capt. Harvey Coffin MacKay House (17-19 Pleasant Street, 1842; see Central Gloucester Historic District, NR 1982), and the Capt. Jeremiah Cook House (112 Eastern Avenue, ca.
1840; MHC #219), a house with a very similar form, plan, and porch design, but with significant Gothic and later Victorian features. The Webster-Lane House stands within a densely built row of late 18th-late 19th century residences on Union Hill, which is outstanding for its setting overlooking the working harbor. Prior to urban renewal, Howe Street led from the base of the Webster-Lane House directly to the waterfront, which was packed with fisheries and fish-related businesses. Today, the Webster-Lane House overlooks the crowd of Gorton's modern fish processing complex, which still includes one last 19th century, wood frame building on what was Howe Street.
Archaeological Significance Historic archaeological remains described above have the potential to provide insights into Gloucester's 18th century growth as well as the social, cultural and economic characteristics of two families who grew and prospered through land based businesses which serviced Gloucester's thriving fishing industry. Stratigraphic and construction features on the property can document the evolution of landscape features on the property and the extent to which natural and man-made features were modified over time. Detailed analysis of outbuilding remains and occupational related features can also help confirmthe original layout of structures on the property and activities performed in the area.
Analysis of these features can provide valuable insights into the lives of the house's inhabitants and occupational related changes which occurred including the transition from a private residence to a boarding or rooming house. Occupational related features can also be used as an indicator of overall prosperity as a direct result of maritime trades. (end) (IPS Fom 100000 United States Department of the Interlor National Park Service Natlonal Register of Historlc Places Continuation Sheet Section number 9, 10 Webster-Lane House Gloucester (Essex County) Massachusetts Page 1,1 - 9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Babson, John J. History of the Town of Gloucester, Cape Ann. Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1972 Cape Ann Historical Association library, Scrapbook #43 (entitled "Scrap Book A; Old Houses and Landmarks and Obits."), pp. 42, 114, 119, 125.
Cape Ann Historical Association library, Vertical File, "Webster." Copeland, Melvin T. and Elliott C. Rogers. Saga of Cape Ann. Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1983. Essex County Registry of Deeds: B. 285, P. 188; B. 312, P. 152; B. 703, P. 46; B. 1100, P. 230; B. 2464, P. 272 and 273; et al. Garland, Joseph E. Eastern Point. Peterborough, NH: Noone House: 1971. City directories: 1860, 1869, 1873, 1879, 1880, 1886, 1900, 1911 Historic maps and atlases: 1851 (Walling), 1873 (DeBeers), 1884 (Hopkins), 1899 (Stadly) Vital Records to the End of the Year 1849 MHC. Inventory of Historic Assets of the Commonwealth OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 (end) 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description: The property stands on city assessors lot #12-91; the nomination is confined to that lot.
Verbal Boundary Justification: The boundaries reflect the extent of the property during the period of significance.
(end) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Webster--Lane House NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: Gloucester MPS STATE & COUNTY:MASSACHUSETTS, Essex DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: 3/25/96 4/25/96 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE OF PENDING LIST: 4/09/96 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 5/09/96 REFERENCE NUMBER: 96000475 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL:N OTHER : N PDIL: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N PERIOD: N N SLR DRAFT: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL: N N N REJECT ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : 4-26.96 DATE Intered in the National Register RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N 3-29 Webster-CaneHtouse 304 MainSt.
Essexco, slouaster, MA Candace Jenliiks 9/1993 i7 sladest, Belmmt MA slacade lacin 103 3-30 Wehster-Lane Heruse 304 Main St. ESSUXCo, Gloucister MA randace Jenluns 9/1993 17 Slade st, Belmont, MA S lacade laciny NW 20/3 3-31 Webster-Lane Herse 304 MainSt. EssexCo, Gloucestar, MA Candace Sealuus 9/1993 17 Slade st, Belont, MA Nrearelevatin ealin _SE 3M3
Block