Black Tavern facts for kids
|
Black Tavern
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 138-142 Dudley Center Rd., Dudley, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | c. 1803 |
| Architect | Healy, Hezekiah |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Dudley Hill Historic District (ID100004707) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000981 (original) 10000928 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 9, 1985 |
| Boundary increase | November 17, 2010 |
| Designated CP | December 2, 2019 |
The Black Tavern is a historic building located at 138-142 Dudley Center Road in Dudley, Massachusetts. It was built around 1803. This old tavern is a great example of the Federal period style of architecture. It used to be a very important stop for stagecoaches traveling between Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. Today, a local group works to keep it preserved. The Black Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. In 2010, the nearby barn and an extra building were also included in its historic listing.
Contents
What is the Black Tavern?
The Black Tavern is in the center of Dudley. It sits at the corner of Dudley Center and Tanyard Roads. It is also just north of the Nichols College campus. The building is made of wood and has 2-1/2 stories. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboard siding.
The Main Building's Look
The front part of the tavern is five sections wide. It has a main door in the middle. This door is surrounded by windows placed evenly on both sides. A two-story section extends to the left side. This part has four sections on its front. A porch runs all the way across the front of both these parts. The main entrance has fancy details from the Federal period. These include decorative columns and a half-round window above the door.
History of the Black Tavern
Dudley was a perfect halfway point between Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. This made it a major stop for stagecoaches. The Black Tavern was built around 1803 or 1804. A man named Hezekiah Healy built it. It served both travelers on the stagecoach and people who lived nearby.
How the Tavern Got Its Name
The building got its name because Hezekiah Healy supposedly painted it black. He thought that a black color would need less upkeep. This made the building stand out and gave it its unique name.
Changes Over Time
The Black Tavern has been changed and added to over the years.
- In 1810, a section was added to the back of the building.
- In 1835, another section was added to the left side.
- Around 1890, the porch that runs across the front was added.
Later Uses and Preservation
In the 1900s, the building was used by Nichols College. It served as a place for students to live until 1980. After that, the building was given to the Black Tavern Society. This is a local group that works to protect and preserve this important historic building.
