Brookfield Common Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Brookfield Common Historic District
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Congregational Church
and Central Street |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly Howard, Sherman, Prouty, W. Main, Main, and Upper River Sts., Brookfield, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 62 acres (25 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000161 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1990 |
The Brookfield Common Historic District is a special area in the town of Brookfield, Massachusetts. It's like a time capsule showing how the town center has grown over many years. This district is centered around the town common, which is a big open grassy area. It also includes many old houses and important buildings nearby.
Contents
What is the Brookfield Common Historic District?
This historic district covers about 62 acres (25 hectares) and includes over 100 different properties. These properties are located on streets like Main Street, Lincoln Street, and others around the common. The district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it's recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
A Look at the Buildings
Many of the buildings in the district are very old and show different styles of architecture. For example, you can see:
- The Town Hall: This building was designed in 1904. It has a style called Colonial Revival, which looks back to early American architecture.
- The Banister Memorial Hall: Built in 1883, this building is a great example of the Queen Anne style. It now houses the Merrick Public Library, where you can find books and learn more about the town.
- The Congregational Church: This church was built in 1857. It features the Romanesque Revival style, known for its round arches and sturdy look.
How Brookfield Began
Brookfield was one of the very first English settlements in this part of Massachusetts. People started living here as early as 1665. Over time, the area grew and changed.
The Common's History
The town common, which is the heart of the historic district today, was created in 1735. It was first used as a training ground for the local militia, like a practice field for soldiers. This common also became the place where the town's Third Parish Congregational Church was built.
Oldest Homes in Town
Some of the oldest buildings still standing in Brookfield are houses built in the 1790s. These homes are in the Federal style, which was popular after the American Revolution. One of these early houses was originally home to the Brookfield Inn. However, that building was later destroyed by fire in the 1860s and replaced with a new inn.
