New Salem Academy

The New Salem Common Historic District is located in the center of New Salem, Massa- chusetts at an elevation of appraximately 1,000 feet. The district is comprised of 35 acres and includes the Town Common and its north and south environs for approximately 3/4 of a mile. The district runs along the east and west sides of South Main Street from the junction of West Main Street, North Main Street, Wendell Road, and Millington Road southerly to approximately 100 feet beyond Lovers Lane. The twin spires of the town's two churches are visible from the north and south approaches (#2 and #13). The surrounding area is wooded. The elevation of the village affords a fine view of the Quabbin Reservoir and surrounding valleys and hills.

New Salem Common Historic District encompasses 43 buildings and sites. Most of the buildings contained date from the 19th century. The shaded street, stone walls, and open spaces present a serene and rural atmosphere. In 1828 the area was described as follows: "The center of the town is elevated, and enjoys an entensive prospect over neighboring valleys...there is a handsome square common, on which is situated a good meetinghouse, and an academy...". Education, religion, town business, and town activity have been centered in the area since the incorporation of New salem in 1775. Town Common or Meeting House Common (#1) now comprises approximately two acres. It is an area of land which was set aside for canmon use by the first proprietors, who were granted property for a plantation in 1734.

The Town of New Salem acquired the common in 1753. From all available evidence, the original common was much larger than the present two acres. It included much of the present day village.

/ARCHITECT STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The New Salem Common Historic District is significant bacause it reflects a continuity in the town's history from its first settlement to present. The district illustrates various facets of the town's history through the interelationships between the buildings, sites, residents, and occupations. This rural Franklin County district is situated on land granted to residents of Salem in 1734. The first settler arrived in 1737. After the Revolution, agriculture and lumbering fdourished, By 1820 New Salem had a population of 2,146. State coaches running between Brattleboro and Worcester made the town a trade center. With the building of railroads, however, it was gradually isolated, and its population decreased rapidly.

Significant properties range in age from the 1794 First Congregational Church (Unitarian) to the 1939 WPA constructed Town Hall. The area includes the Town House built with surplus revenues from the Andrew Jackson Administration, the 1909 factory built for the construction of the T & F Cycle car, the buildings for the New Salem Academy, and the 18th Century Town Pound. Through a series of misfortunes, much of the town's recorded and architectural history has been lost. Fires in private homes, the first Academy Building, and the Town House, all before 1837, resulted in the loss of many important recording documents. In 1855 all of the Town Clerk's records were destroyed by fire.

Some information does still exist however, and the historic district represents visible evidence of the town's past in its variance of architectural styles. Town affairs have always been conducted in the area. The First Congregational Church (#2) became Unitarian during the early 1840's. The building was used for a variety of public events: New Salem Academy graduations, local theatricals, the annual reunion, etc.