Brimfield Center Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Brimfield Center Historic District
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Hitchcock Free Academy
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Brimfield, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 134 acres (54 ha) |
| Architect | Carter, Elias; et al. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000524 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 2006 |
Imagine stepping back in time! The Brimfield Center Historic District is a special area in Brimfield, Massachusetts, that protects many old and important buildings. It's built around the town's central common, with historic homes and buildings spreading out along Main Street and other roads like Brookfield, Wales, Sturbridge, and Warren Roads.
This area was first planned way back in 1721. It grew up around an old Native American trail. This trail later became what we know today as US Route 20, or Main Street. The district has buildings from the early colonial times up to the town hall, which was built in 1878.
A big reason this area has stayed so well-preserved is the famous Brimfield Fair. This huge antiques market happens three times a year. It uses a lot of open space near the center. The district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it's recognized as a very important historical place.
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Exploring Brimfield's History
Brimfield is a town in central Massachusetts. It's located just west of Sturbridge. It sits about halfway between the cities of Worcester and Springfield. European settlers first made their homes here in 1721.
The town's main center was laid out along an old Native American trail. This trail ran from east to west through the town. This route is now Main Street and is part of United States Route 20. It became an important post road, carrying mail from Boston to Springfield and beyond.
Old Roads and Town Layout
Two roads leading north from the center are Warren Road and Brookfield Road. They go to the towns they are named after. Wales Road leads south towards Connecticut. This network of roads was set up very early. The town common, a public green space, was created in 1721. It was placed where Main Street and Warren Street meet.
Architectural Styles in Brimfield
The buildings in Brimfield's town center mostly show off Georgian and Federal architectural styles. These styles were popular in the 1700s and early 1800s. Other buildings like shops and town offices were built later. This happened as the town's needs changed over time. Some older buildings were also lost to fires.
Brimfield was not on a railroad line. Most of its factories and businesses were located away from the town center. In more recent times, the regular antiques fairs have helped keep the town center special. They have prevented a lot of modern buildings from being built there.
Oldest Buildings and Famous Architects
The oldest parts of the town center are the common and the cemetery. Both were established in 1721. The oldest house is thought to be a part of the Converse House at 7 Brookfield Road. This section was built around 1738. There are only a few other Georgian-style houses left.
Many of the town's Federal-style buildings were designed by a local architect named Elias Carter. He lived in Brimfield and created several beautiful homes. One famous example is the Hitchcock House at 15 Wales Road, built around 1823. It has a grand porch with huge Doric columns. Carter is also believed to have designed the main part of the Converse House.
The First Congregational Church, located on the common, is a great example of Greek Revival architecture. It was built in 1848. The Hitchcock Free Academy, built in 1855, was also designed by Elias Carter. It shows early Italianate influences, which is a style inspired by Italian villas. The Town Hall, built in 1878, is a good example of the Stick style. It was designed by Eugene Clarence Gardner from Springfield.
