Nomination for Lawrence Academy

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) RIRECERRD 22280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 123 JINN 23.1998 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. 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 LAWRENCE ACADEMY (preferred) other names/site number FALMOUTH ACADEMY, LEGION HALL 2. Location street & number 20 ACADEMY LANE city or town FALMOUTH state_MASSACHUSETTS n/a not for Publication code_MA county_BARNSTABLE N/A vicinity code_001 _ zip code 02540 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certity that this nomination - 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 Ameets - does not meet the National Register Criteria.

I recommend that this property be considered significant P naationally ] statewide locally. (C See contination sheet for additional comments.) uditz B. Yh.Dononghe Signature of certifying official/Tie JudithB. McDonough, Executive Director 128k05 Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer 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. Napfonal Park Service Certification ,hereby certify that this property is 9 entered in the National Registe - 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): Pte Beett spfie Lawrence Academy Name of Property 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) private I public-local _ public-State - public-Federal (Check only one box) X building(s) _district _site structure _object Barnstable, Massachusetts County and State Vumber of Resources within Property Do not include previously listed resources in the count. Contributing Noncontributing 1 _buildings _sites 1 structures objects 1 1 _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 muttiple property listing.) N/A 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) EDUCATION: school SOCIAL: meeting hall Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) SOCIAL: civic meeting hall 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) GREEK REVIVAL Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation stone, concrete walls weatherboard roof other asphalt granite Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) (See continuation sheet) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page1 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts 7.

DESCRIPTION The Lawrence Academy, constructed in 1834 is a handsome, two-and-one-half-story, wood-frame, Greek Revival-style, temple-front building, painted white. The building's facade openings were rearranged and other interior changes made in 1891 when the Town of Falmouth purchased the private Lawrence Academy and converted it into a public high school (Town Annual Report 1892; historic views FHS); and sympathically designed, rear addition that doubled the size of the building was built in 1948. The building is otherwise little altered and is excellently maintained. It occupies a 2.5 acre lot at the north end of Academy Lane, a narrow thoroughfare off Main Street in Falmouth Center and is visible from Main Street. The L-shaped lot is roughly bounded by Academy Lane, Hamlin Avenue, and Katherine Lee Bates Road.

Parking lots and scattered trees around the building create an open setting reminiscent of the character of the environs as shown in historic views. There are no associated outbuildings, but a modern, noncontributing pump station is located west of Lawrence Academy on the same lot. Academy Lane, which extends from the center of the facade to Main Street, is part of the building's original lot and The Lawrence Academy measures three by eight (originally four) bays and rests on a stone (front) and concrete (rear) foundation. The clapboarded walls are capped with a pedimented, end-gable roof sheathed in asphalt shingles. The monumental, two-story, three-bay portico with wooden, fluted Ionic columns standing on simple wood bases set on a stone porch dominates the south-facing facade. The Ionic capitals are flat, sawed boards attached to the fronts of the columns.

The columns support the projecting gable pediment which features a wide entablature, an unadorned, flush-boarded gable field, and modillions at the cornice and eaves. A painted sign reading "Lawrence Academy" is located in the entablature frieze.Topping the building is a two-part, wood bell tower, consisting of a clapboarded, square base with a modillion cornice, surmounted by an octagonal belfry. Each of the eight panels contain a half-round arch opening in the lower half and louvers in the upper half. The current bell tower, dating from 1976 with roof repairs in 1991, is an accurate replica of the original which had deteriorated and been removed. Historic views indicate that except for the loss of cresting that encircled the square base, and the loss of a simple finial with a weather vane, the structure retains its historic appearance.

Beyond these two major architectural features (the portico and bell tower), the Lawrence Academy is a fairly simple building. The block is trimmed with narrow sill and corner boards and encircled by a modest modillion cornice on the east, north, and west sides. Windows throughout the building are twelve-over-twelve, double-hung, wood sash, which are duplicated replacements of the original sash, as seen in historic views. Window trim consists of simple wood surround with a drip cap molding. Windows retain louvered wood shutters as they did historically. The relatively early date of this building for the Greek Revival style is registered in the high-posted second floor construction, where the windows (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 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section Page_2 are framed against the cornice line, a characteristic usually associated with earlier buildings. One brick chimney is located in the west roof slope of the building below the ridge line. The facade, as it appears today, is arranged in three parts reflecting the divisions of the portico. Originally however, four openings defined this elevation, which was modified in 1891. As first constructed, the facade had identical, tall entrances in each of the outer bays. Each entrance had a six- panel, single-leaf door with a surround composed of pairs of attenuated, narrow columns resting on ball plinths, supporting a projecting, molded high entablature.

Two windows occupied the central bay on the first floor, possibly placed behind the two central columns, and on the second floor, four windows echoed the spacing of the openings below. The reconfiguration of the facade in 1891 resulted in a tripartite arrangement with a large, central entrance reached by three granite steps to the porch. The double-leaf, wood doors in place today are replacements and have nine-light glazed upper sections and two lower panels: The surround which appears from review of historic photographs to be identical, but wider than those on the two original entrances, was probably constructed from pieces of the earlier features. Single windows in the outside bays flank the entrance. On the second floor, the outer two windows appear to have been left untouched, while the inner two original windows were replaced with a single, central unit.

As a result of this change, the outer bay upper and lower story openings are not aligned. However, the central entrance anchors the center of the building and helps define an axis extending up through the bell tower, emphasizing the verticality of the building. (photo 1) The rear one-third of the building is an extension, the exact date of which is difficult to determine, but most likely was constructed in 1948 (see Section 8). The extension continues the massing, rhythm, roof line, cornice, and window openings, and details of the original 1834 building, creating a unified block. Construction included a basement to provide space for a central heating plant. The east side elevation has a slightly asymmetrical arrangement of seven windows set in one group of . four and one group of three on each floor, reflecting the sequence of construction of the front and rear ections of the building.

Two simple secondary entrances on this elevation are located in the cente opening at the southern corner, which accommodates a wooden, straight-run, handicapped access ramp. (photo 2) The west side elevation has a similar of arrangement of four and three windows. A small, enclosed, flat- roof extension at the north corner shelters the basement entrance. One fire escape is set flush with the building wall. Window shutters have been removed from this elevation. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page_ 3 OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts The north, rear elevation, which marks the terminus of the 1948 addition, consists of regularly spaced shuttered windows arranged in four, with a blind center, on the first floor, and tightly spaced as five across on the second floor. The gable end is continuous with the wall, clapboarded, and marked with a single, central window, and cornice returns. The blind, central, first floor bay suggests that a window or a door may have been enclosed. The interior of the building was originally designed with a spacious school room on each floor with adjoining recitation rooms. The building was entered via two doors, one serving the male students, who apparently occupied the first level, and one for female students, who occupied the second level.

Much of the original plan, and many interior features and finishes remain, dating either from the original construction or the late nineteenth century in the original section, and from the late nineteenth century or mid-twentieth century in the newer section. The original floor plan is still apparent, although it appears that the recitation rooms may have been divided. On the first floor, the school room has been divided into two nearly equal sized rooms separated by double doors, with the former recitation room spaces along the west side of the building. The main entrance opens into the first room, which retains no visible original finishes, but contains the dogleg stair in the southeast corner of the building. The stair has varnished, chamfered newel posts with ball finials and handrails above a closed balustrade.

The stair well walls are clad in horizontal tongue-and-groove wainscoting with rough plaster walls above. (photo 3) The rear room and the recitation room space (no divided) retains original horizontal tongue-and-groove wainscoting to four feet and plaster above. Floors are carpeted and ceilings are clad in acoustical tile. The window trim is original and simple. Several original four-panel doors remain between the school room and the recitation room(s). Hardware, with the exception of hinges, appears replaced. Double doors at the center rear of the school room open into the 1948 section. A small alcove separates the two sections. The rear section of the first floor contains two equal sized rooms, created by a partition wall added after the original construction. The shadow of a former rear entrance at the center of the north wall is visible on both sides of the partition wall.

The two rooms have narrow, vertical, tongue-and-groove wainscoting to a height of about seven feet, with plaster above. The west room floor is carpeted; the east room floor is narrow oak boards. The second floor is reached either by the original stair in the southeast corner of the building, or by a second staircase located on the east side of the building in the 1948 addition, at the junction of the two sections. It is fully enclosed and is accessed either from the exterior or from the interior alcove between the 1834 and 1948 sections. The second floor contains two principal spaces north and south of the stair, connected via the stair hall.

The oldest section consists of the original school room space with recitation (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 Page_ 4 Lawrence Acaderny Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts rooms on the west and south walls. The original stair is in an enclosed hallway in the southeast corner. This floor also retains original horizontal wainscoting, plaster, and window trim in the school room and recitation room spaces. The floors are narrow board hard pine. The front, southern, end of the school room contains a low stage (approximately one foot high) that was original or added in the late nineteenth century. Its curved front projects into the school room, while a partition wall creates a small room on the stage itself.

(photo 4) The rear section of the second floor is a single room with pine paneling, hard pine floors, acoustical tile ceiling, and a brick fronted fireplace. Archaeological Description While no prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the nominated property, it is possible that sites are present. Four prehistoric sites are recorded in the general area (within one mile). Environmental characteristics for the property also indicate locational criteria (siope, soil drainage, distance to wetlands) which are favorable for many types of prehistoric sites. Most of the area, including the Academy property, is characterized by relatively flat land surfaces and well drained soils formed in glacial outwash in close proximity to wetlands. Marine related ecosystems and their associated coastal resources are also found nearby.

The Academy property actually borders Shivericks Pond to the north and Siders Pond, which has an outlet to Falmouth Harbor, to the southwest. Homesteads for some of Falmouth's first settlers are also reported around Siders Pond, possibly indicating a Native American presence in the area since it was common for early European settlers to inhabit areas cleared for Native settlement and agriculture. Given the above information and the size of the nominated property (2.5 ac.), a high potential exists for the recovery of prehistoric resources. A high potential also exists for the recovery of historic archaeological resources on the property. While no outbuildings are currently associated with the Academy, they may exist as archaeological resources.

Further documentary research combined with archaeological testing can determine the locations of outbuildings and occupational related features (trash areas, privies, wells) associated with initial use of the property early in the 19th century. Archaeological resources may also survive in the area which predate the school's construction in 1834. This area is included in the general locus of the town's early settlement beginning in the 17th century, indicating the potential for structural remains and related features from residential, commercial and institutional sites beginning in that period. (end) Lawrence Academy 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. XC 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 significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Barnstable, Massachusetts County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Architecture Education Social History Period of Significance 1834-1948 Significant Dates 1834 - built 1891 - facade changed 1895 - use as high school 1948 - rear addition Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder Unknown 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 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 Buildings Survey Other Name of repository: recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # - NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section 8 Page_ 1 8.

SIGNIFICANCE The Lawrence Academy is architecturally significant as one of the finest and earliest Greek Revival-style buildings in Falmouth. Although modified, changes have not drastically affected the building's salient Greek Revival characteristics, and it remains an excellent example of the more elaborate type of academy building constructed in the region during the rineteenth century. Historically, the building derives significance from its association with private (1834 to 1890) and public education (1890-95), followed by social and recreational civic organizations in Falmouth. Lawrence Academy retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association and meets National Register Criteria A and C at the local level.

By the second quarter of the nineteenth century, Falmouth was a bustling seafaring town with a healthy maritime and agriculture economy. The town's educational needs were being met through the district system which had been in place since the Colonial period. The quality of education in Massachusetts in this period varied among district schools, depending on the interests and financial resources of the district committees. Public education in common schools generally offered adequate instruction in reading, writing, and use of numbers for every-day application. Although secondary education had been required by law since the seventeenth century, most communities did not fulfill this obligation.

As a result, numerous private schools emerged throughout the Commonwealth to provide secondary level advanced schooling for children of moderately well off and well-to-do families (Trayser 1939:240). Among the earliest academies were Phillips Academy, established at Andover in 1778, and Lenox Academy, Lenox in 1802-1803 (both NR listed). By 1820 there were 26 incorporated academies in Massachusetts, and by 1840, there were 114. The academy was a vital factor in Massachusetts education from 1820 until the development of free public high schools after the Civii War (Hart 1930, Vol. 4:177). Following the trend initiated in the Cape Cod region by construction of Sandwich Academy in 1804, a group of Falmouth residents gathered to establish a private academy to supplement the public school system, and designed and constructed an ambitious building to house the new institution.

Other academies constructed on Cape Cod during this period included Rock Harbor Academy, Orleans (1827); Davis Academy, Edgartown (1836); Barnstable Academy, Barnstable (1839); and Brooks/Pine Grove Seminary, Harwich (1844). Classical detailing, and colossal porticos, well illustrated by the Lawrence Academy, were common design features of these stylistically ambitious buildings. (MHC 1987:213). On September 30, 1833, a group of gentlemen (later Lawrence Academy Proprietors) "friendly to the erection of a building in Falmouth suitable for the accommodation of a High School" voted to form a committee, comprised of John Jenkins as Chairman, Harrison Goodspeed, and Knowles Butler to devise (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) Inited States Department of the Interio lational Park Servic National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section_ 8 Page 2 a plan and investigate the costs and possible locations for a school (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). At the following meeting on October 10, 1833, the group accepted the committee's plan and voted to procure a lot of not less than one-half acre in the center of town. One hundred shares of stock subscriptions were authorized for sale, at a maximum price of $25 dollars per share (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). Over the next few months, sales proceeded, and on May 20, 1834, the proprietors voted to purchase a lot of land offered by Deacon Braddock Dimmick for $175.00. They further voted that the avenue (Academy Lane) leading from the lot to the public road (Main Street) be at least 40 feet wide. A Building Committee made up of John Perkins, Thomas Swift, and Silas Lawrence, Jr.

was established, and construction apparently began shortly thereafter (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). On July 21, 1834, it was voted to purchase a bell and two stoves, to build a portico, and to add blinds to the windows. By mid-November, the not-yet-completed building was already in use. At their meeting of November 15 in the building, the proprietors resolved that Reverend Josiah Bent, Jr. be requested to publicly dedicate the building on the first day it would be publicly opened and granted permission for its use for a teachers' convention the following week. Authorization of interior painting, in colors determined by the Building Committee, occurred on November 19, 1834 (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). The building was complete by December 3, 1834, for at that meeting, the Building Committee presented the account of $2,185 for construction.

The rent for the whole building was set at $105 per annum; while rent for just the lower part was $75 per annum, and for the upper part $30 per annum. The bell did not meet expectations and was to be returned to the manufacturer in the spring. On January 27, 1835, the proprietors voted to proceed with formal incorporation (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). On March 7, 1835, the proprietors incorporated the Falmouth Academy. By November 1835, Falmouth Academy possessed a Board of Overseers and Rules and Regulations.

These stated that the school would be open year round and at established hours; that there would be three vacations of one to two weeks per year; that tuition would be $4.25 every 12 weeks; that school days would open and close with Scriptures and prayer or singing; that all scholars would regularly attend Sabbath public worship; and that rules of conduct would be adhered to (Records of Proprietors Committee 1833-1835). Male and female teachers were engaged to provide instruction. (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 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section 8 Page 3 Two schools opened in 1836. H.

Frances Jenkins, sister of John Jenkins, rented the upper school room and adjoining small recitation room for a "female school". The "male school" occupied the lower school room. The first male teacher was R. D. Gardener, followed by Isaac Swift, and by Robert T. Conant. On August 19, 1839, the Falmouth Academy stockholders numbered 40, and a dividend of $1.00 per share was paid. Oliver C. Swift and Thomas Swift each possessed the maximum of six shares apiece, while the remainder of the stockholders held between one and four. The next major event in the history of the school occurred in January 1842, when the proprietors accepted a legacy in the will of Shubael Lawrence of a $10,000 permanent trust fund, provided that the name be changed to the Lawrence Academy. Little is known about Lawrence, who died a bachelor at age 44.

His money was derived from a woolen mill built by his father on the Coonamesssett River in 1783 and a tavern, now the Artists Guild (NR pending), opposite the East End meeting house (to which he also left a bequest) (Annual Report 1909:57; Falmouth's Past, September 20, 1968). At the first meeting of the Lawrence Academy trustees, August 15, 1842, it was voted to improve the grounds by whitewashing the fence and planting trees. The trustees consisted of Aaron Cornish, Richard S. Wood, John Jenkins, John Hatch, Jr., Harrison Goodspeed, Knowles Butler, and Thomas Lewis, Jr. At a meeting on January 29, 1845, the trustees voted to slightly modify the school terms and vacation schedule and add holidays on the day of the annual town meeting and the fourth of July. The Catalogue of the Overseers, Instructors and Students of October 31,1845 lists 46 male students and 48 female students.

The majority were from Falmouth, but several were from New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, Sandwich, and Barnstable, with one from Beaufort, SC, and one from Canaan, NY. Students from out of town would have boarded with private families. A solid classical educational program was adopted in which, "The Plan of Instruction ... is intended to teach the Pupil to reason as well as to remember, and he is encouraged to seek for knowledge not only in Books, but in the operations of Nature, and the daily occurrences of Life." (Catalogue 1845). A letter of 1852 from one of the overseers to a prospective instructor noted that the "school is designed to preface youth for entrance to our colleges, and to fit them for the active business of life" (Letter of John Jenkins to George E. Clarke, March 18, 1852).

The 1867 Catalogue described the attractive setting and educational appurtenances of the school, noting that it was accessible by steamer, via New Bedford, or by rail via the Cape Cod & Fall River Railroad. (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 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section 8 Page 4 The course of instruction included English, Classical, Modern Languages, and Commercial departments (Catalogue1867). By 1873, the Catalogue divided pupils into year of instruction (Introductory, First Year, Second Year), presented an Honor Role, and offered studies in the English and Classical (including German and French) departments and well as courses in rhetoric and mathematics.

Tuition was $6 for Common English and $8 for Higher English, Latin, or Greek. The Board of Instruction was comprised of Lucian Hunt, principal and teacher, and Mary E. Atkinson and M.E. Blandin, teachers of mathematics. The trustees consisted of Oliver C. Swift, William Nye, R.S. Wood, Warren N. Borne, George W. Swift, William Davis, and Henry S. Fish (Catalogue 1873). In 1884, the building's interior was thoroughly repaired and remodeled with new furniture. In response to changing trends in public school philosophies and pursuant to legislation of 1827 and 1869, Massachusetts towns embarked on programs to construct or create high schools beginning about. mid-century. State law required towns to either to furnish advanced schooling or to pay for it, and for towns with populations of over 4,000 to establish a high school (Trayser 1939:243).

Falmouth, like most other towns, went through a period of educational transition in the development of secondary education during the second half of the nineteenth century. By 1867, the Falmouth School Committee (members James P. Kimball, James B. Everett, and David Brigham) was considering trying to acquire the Lawrence Academy for use as a higli school in order to comply with the State Board of Education laws. The School Committee annual report for that year suggested that, "If the proprietors of Lawrence Academy were willing to give or sell their building to the town, the Legislature would undoubtably legalize a change to the "Lawrence High School' and then, with the Fund [state reimbursement monies for tuition] to aid us, at small expense, we might comply with the law, and give to all our children the advantages of a good education free of charge." (FHS collections).

The School Committee no doubt was seeking the most expeditious and inexpensive route to compliance with the education laws. No other building in Falmouth at the time would have been so well suited to conversion to a public high school as the Lawrence Academy. Barnstable, to consider one other nearby example of this transition, had numerous academies operating for different lengths of time beginning in 1839. The town made attempts in the 1860s to comply with the laws and finally voted in 1872 to abolish district schools and in 1873 to establish a high school. The town initially took overthe existing West Barnstable school located in the West Precinct Church. However from 1873 to 1879, the school alternated between Barnstable Village and Hyannis, to the detriment of the students, with other schools established in other sections of town.

In 1905, the town built its first purpose-built high school located in Hyannis (Trayser 1939:244-246). In the western part of the state, Lenox Academy, Lenox (1802-1803) became a high school from 1866 to 1880, when the town constructed a new high school, and then again briefly from 1903 to 1909, when a second, new high (continued) IePS.50m 10-900-0 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section_ 8 Page_ 5 school was erected (Parrish et al. 1982). Similarly, the Powers Institute, Bernardston (NR listed), erected as a private academy in 1857, was designated as a public high school in the early 1890s, and continued to serve as such until 1958 (Dempsey et al. 1993).

On May 3, 1890, a majority of the stockholders of Lawrence Academy voted unanimously to accept an offer from the Town of Falmouth of $3,000 for the building, and in 1891 the corporation was dissolved. The last principal of Lawrence Academy was Seba A. Holton, who had worked there on several occasions in 1868 and 1874, before serving as principal from 1881 to 189i when the school closed. According to a news article, when he took over the school there were 23 pupils, which increased to about 70 in his last year. In 1881 he instituted public graduations, and graduates received diplomas on the stage in town hall (no source, Falmouth Historical Society files). The Town Annual Report for 1891 listed three pages of items associated with "Repairs of Lawrence Academy," totaling $662.71.

Materials include posts, joists, two-by-fours, board lumber, nails, window springs and lights, a door frame, plaster, wall paper, paint, blackboards, desks, and other items in quantities that suggest the Town undertook major renovations of the building. Historic views document that the reconfiguration ofthe facade openings occurred at this time (FHS collections; Falmouth Enterprise collections). The change from the original two boys and girls schools entrances to a single central entrance is commensurate with the transition of the school to a coeducational high school. The repairs included a new fence and the installation of a new Magee furnace. Sale of the old stoves offset $20 of the repair costs. The individual involved in the work include Joseph F. Fish, F. M. Hatch, A. W. Davis, Ephraim Lawrence, R. Frank Davis, Nickerson Brothers, and others (Annual Report 1892: 10-13).

After serving five years as the town's public high school, Lawrence Academy was replaced by a new, up-to-date Shingle Style high school, Lawrence High School. Construction of the new school reflects the statewide shift from wood-frame, small school houses to larger, usually masonry buildings, although the Lawrence High School was unusual in being built of wood. Lawrence High School stood on the north side of Main Street between the Public Library and a grocery store until it was demolished in 1954. The March 1896 Town Meeting voted to "grant the entire use of the old high school building to the P.F. Jones Post, Grand Army of the Republic, for a consideration of one dollar per year until a more convenient place is furnished." The Lawrence Academy continued to be used by the GAR, and later the Sons of Union Veterans and their auxiliary, the Women's Relief Corps until the 1930s.

Following World War I, the American Legion local unit William W. Wood Post dominated use of the building beginning (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section 8 Page. 6 in 1924, causing it to be renamed Legion Hall. Sgt. William W. Wood was a charter member of the North Falmouth Grange, Megansett Hall (see North Falmouth Village Historic District, NR pending) who was killed in France in 1918. During World War II and later the Korean War, the United Service Organizations operated a local USO office in Legion Hall, serving troops at nearby Otis Air Force Base and Camp Edwards.

These period of the building's use was no doubt vibrant, but is not well documented in historic archival sources, and attempts to locate local individuals with oral history knowledge was not productive. This period in the building's history remains a topic for future research. Nevertheless the level of activity in the building at this time is reflected in the fact that it was nearly doubled in size in 1948 to accommodate social services programs. The addition added a meeting room on the second floor and possibly a kitchen on the first floor. The addition does not appear on the 1914 or 1930 Sanborn maps, but appears in a May 1948 newspaper photograph (FHS collections).

Furthermore, the Town report for the year ending December 31,1948 includes a vote appropriating $4,000 for "alterations and extensions to Legion Hall" (Town Report 1949:15), and the next year's report itemizes $3,732.90 for Legion Hall alterations, including advertising, architect, contract, extras, and lighting (Town Report 1950:286). A building permit was apparently applied for after the fact, for Building Permit #2169, a 28-by-10-foot addition to Legion Hall for $3,500, was dated March 9, 1949 (Building Official Records). The Lawrence Academy continues to play a vital role in local civic and social activities. From 1948 to the 1960s, the building continued to house the American Legion. Since the 1960s, the first floor has been occupied by the Chamber of Commerce offices, and the second floor by the Samaritans offices.

Veterans of organizations continue to use the second floor rear meeting room. Preservation activities associated with the Lawrence Academy have included, adequate general maintenance by the Town of Falmouth and retention of character-defining architectural features. In addition, the bell tower has been a specific focus of preservation efforts. The original tower was removed due to deterioration sometime in the 1950s or 1960s. In 1976, a new tower was raised as a Bicentennial project with town and state funding. Its design was based on historic views and it was built by Arthur P. Vidal, Sr.. The 1835 bell, which had been preserved by the Falmouth Historical Society, was returned to the tower at that time. In 1991, the cupola roof was damaged by Hurricane Bob, and in 1993 its was replaced by an identical unit, again fabricated by Arthur P. Vidal, Sr..

(continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section 8 Page_ Archaeological Significance Since patterns of prehistoric settlement and subsistence in Falmouth and in the Upper Cape Cod area in general are poorly understood, any surviving sites could be significant. While archaeological research has been active throughout much of the Cape during most of the 20th century, the Upper Cape, including Falmouth, has been neglected during the effort. Limited amateur artifact collections are available for the town, and, when present often lack locational and contextual information reducing their value for understanding the nature of settlement and change within the town.

Limited numbers of professional archaeological surveys in the town have also rarely included substantial excavations and have focused on their immediate area with little interpretation of the role of local sites and issues of regional prehistory. The above information indicates the systematic study and interpretation of any surviving sites in the town can be important in better understanding the prehistoric settlement and subsistence in Falmouth and in the Upper Cape Cod locale. Prehistoric sites in the Falmouth locale can contribute information relating to a number of potential research topics, many of which are directly related to the town's location in a coastal area and its glacial history.

Cape Cod's human settlement history of approximately 11,000 years combined with sea levels considerably lower that today following deglaciation created an environment in which human populations adapted to changing resources at first characterized by an inland environment which increasingly became coastal as the sea level rose until it basically stabilized approximately 5,000 years ago. Prehistoric sites in the area can also contribute information relating to Native tool technologies and the effects of raw material availability.

The lack of bedrock lithic sources Tn tho (gies and exabiatih rof lited is uacie peaplete ind iocafor fay matevial soudapin fro istorlc sites in the Academy locale may contain information indicating the extent to which locally available outwash deposits were used as source areas for local tool manufacture and the effect those source materials had on various tool production sequences. NP8Form 10-900- United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section 9 Page 9. Bibliography Dempsey, Claire, Geoffrey A. Rogers, and Betsy Friedberg Powers Institute Historic District, Bernardston, Massachusetts, National Register of Historic Places Nomination.

On file, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston, Deyo, Simeon (editor) 1890 History of Barnstable County Massachusetts. H.W. Blake & Co., New York, NY. Falmouth Historical Commission 1989 Falmouth Academy. Building Inventory Form B. On file, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston, MA. Falmouth Historical Society Vertical Files. Photographs, Schools - Lawrence Academy. ca. 1875, 1895, and ca. 1900. Vertical Files. Lawrence Academy Records". Boxes I and II. Hart, Albert Bushnell (editor) Coassacmluseis ( 120-2839.1 ha Ssacsulistory Compan y.New rk, tenth Century Massachusetts Historical Commission Historic and Archaeological Resources of Cape Cod and the Islands. Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston, MA. Parrish, James N., Nancy Marasco, and Virginia H. Adams Lenox Acadeny, Lenox, Massachusetts, National Register of Historic Places Nomination.

On file, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston, MA. Smith, Mary Lou, Editor The Book of Falmouth, A Tricentennial Celebration: 1686-1986. The Falmouth Historical Commission, Falmouth, MA. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior Vational Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section 2 Page Town of Falmouth 1892 Building Inspector's Office Records. Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouth for the Year Ending December 31, 1891. Independent Steam Print, Falmouth, MA. 1897 Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouth for the Year Ending December 31, 1896. Independent Press, Falmouth, MA. 1908 Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouih for the Year Ending December 31, 1907.

Independent Press, Falmouth, MA. 1947 Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouth for the Year Ending December 31, 1946. Kendall Printing Co., Falmouth, MA. Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouth for the Year Ending December 31, 1948. Kendall Printing Co., Falmouth, MA. 1950 Annual Report of the Finances of the Town of Falmouth for the Year Ending December 31, 1950. Kendall Printing Co., Falmouth, MA. Trayser, Donald G. Barnstable, Three Centuries of a Cape Cod Town. F.B. & F.P. Goss, Hyannis, MA. (end) Lawrence Academy Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property 2.5 ac. UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.

19 365240 4601150 Zone Easting Northing Barnstable County, Massachusetts County and State Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing Zone 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 name/title Virginia H. Adams, The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., with Betsy Friedberg, MHC, National Register Director organization Massachusetts Historical Commission street & number_220 Morrissey Boulevard date_December 1997 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 Town of Falmouth street & number _ 59 Town Hall Square telephone_508-548-7611 city or town. _ state_MA 02540 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 average 18.1 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.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. IBPS Form 10-900-0 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section 10 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Page 1 10.

Geographical Data Verbal Boundary Description The boundaries of the nominated property conform to Town of Falmouth Assessor's Map 38A, Lot 13A, as shown on the accompanying map. Boundary Justification The boundaries are current boundaries of the property and conform to or encompass those acquired by the Lawrence Academy Proprietors in 1834, and purchased by the Town of Falmouth in 1890. - (end) 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 Lawrence Academy Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), Massachusetts Section photos Page Photographs Photographer: Kirk Van Dyke and Virginia H. Adams The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc.

210 Lonsdale Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Date: Negatives: January and April 1997 The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., 210 Lonsdale Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 2. 3. 4. Principal facade, view north from Academy Lane Exterior, view southwest Interior, main staircase, view west Interior, second floor, 1834 section, view southeast (end) 148) * Baok 29100 ERICKS S HIV 19870 u.s. of America Postoffice Lot" 33090 ROAD Licensed Fill 11890 POSTOFFICE RD. .16442 L.C. No. 16442 17: 41.66. 11400 1L.C. Ma 5866 3230 4 PUMP STATION 1664 18900 @6410 ACADEMY LANE LEGION HALL TOWN 971 S.F 9900 N Lawrence Academy 20 Academy Lane Falmouth Barnstable County, Massachusetts Assessor's Map 38A, Lot 13A 10.75 A OF 2.52 FALMOUTH A L.C. No 12234 17250 J050 AIN - 13150 HAMLIN AVE.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Lawrence Academy NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Barnstable DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 1/23/98 2/18/98 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 2/02/98 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 3/09/98 REFERENCE NUMBER: 98000123 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N OTHER : REQUEST: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN REJECT 2/20/98DATE ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS: Ixtored in the Wetiapel Hactaser RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N ONE WAY O NOT ENTER INFORMATION Lawrence Aeadenry Falmonth Barrstable County Manachusets Principel facade, viw north Photo 1 gf 4 Lawrence Academy Falmouth Barnstable Gounty Massachuselts Exterior, new southuest Photo 2 of 4 hawrence Academy Falmonth Barnstable County Massachusetts Intenor, Main Starcase, new west Photo 3 of 4 Lawrene Academy.

Fal month Barnstable Coranty Massacbwsetts Interior, second flocr, 1834 sectian, view southeast Phots 4o+ 4 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission January 8, 1998 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Naional Park Servinterior Mail Stop 2280, Suite 400 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Ms. Shull; Enclosed please find the following nomination for: Lawrence Academy, 20 Academy Lane, Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of property in the Certified Local Government community of Falmouth were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 60-120 days before the meeting.

Sincerely, hetsy, triedkere Betsy Friedberg, National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure cc: Mary Lou Smith, Falmouth Historical Commission Virginia Valiela, Chair, Falmouth Board of Selectmen Virginia Adams, The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., Preservation Consultant Ann Sears. 96 Locust Street. Falmouth 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 : (617) 727-8470 Fax: (617) 727-5128 TDD: 1-800-392-6090 Website: www.magnet.state.ma.us/sec/mhc