Boalsburg Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Boalsburg Historic District
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The Boalburg Tavern in the historic district in 2013
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 322, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Built | 1809 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001139 |
| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1977 |
The Boalsburg Historic District is a special part of the village of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. It's located in Harris Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania. This district is like a living museum. It protects many old buildings that show how the area looked long ago.
This historic district covers about 50 acres. It includes 140 important buildings. These buildings are found in the main part of Boalsburg. They are also in the neighborhoods around it. Most of these buildings were built between 1803 and 1870. They show off classic architectural styles.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area. It has a group of buildings, sites, or objects. These items are important because of their history or architecture. Protecting these areas helps us remember the past. It also saves beautiful old buildings for future generations.
The Boalsburg Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This is a list of places across the United States. These places are considered very important to American history. Being on this list helps protect them.
Old Buildings and Their Styles
The buildings in Boalsburg Historic District are very old. They mostly show two main styles of architecture. These are the Georgian style and the Victorianized-Georgian style.
Georgian Architecture
Georgian architecture was popular from the early 1700s to the early 1800s. It was named after the British kings named George. Buildings in this style often look very balanced and proper. They usually have:
- Symmetrical designs: This means both sides of the building look the same.
- Simple, strong shapes: Often rectangular.
- Windows that are evenly spaced.
- Brick or stone materials.
- A grand, formal look.
Many of Boalsburg's oldest buildings show these features. They remind us of the early days of the village.
Victorianized-Georgian Style
Over time, new styles became popular. The Victorian era started in the mid-1800s. It brought new ideas to building design. Some Georgian buildings were updated during this time. They got new details from the Victorian style. This mix is called "Victorianized-Georgian." It means an older Georgian building got some fancy Victorian touches. These might include:
- More decorative trim.
- Different window shapes.
- Porches with more details.
- Brighter colors.
This mix shows how buildings changed over time. It tells a story of different eras in Boalsburg.
Famous Buildings in the District
Several buildings in the Boalsburg Historic District are very well-known. They played important roles in the village's history.
Historic Taverns
Taverns were like hotels and restaurants in the old days. Travelers would stop there to rest.
- The David Boal Tavern was built in 1803. It's one of the oldest buildings.
- Wolf's Inn also dates back to 1803. It was expanded around 1832.
- The Boalsburg Tavern was built in 1819. It's a great example of the old architecture.
These taverns were busy places. They were central to village life. People met there, shared news, and rested from their journeys.
The Boal Mansion
The Boal Mansion is another important building in the district. It's so special that it's listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion has a rich history. It belonged to the Boal family, who helped found the village. It's known for its unique collections and history.
Why Boalsburg is Special
The Boalsburg Historic District is important for many reasons. It helps us understand how villages grew in Pennsylvania. The buildings show us the styles of the past. They also tell stories of the people who lived and worked there. Visiting the district is like stepping back in time. It helps us appreciate the history of our communities.
