Building at 29–31 River Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Building at 29–31 River Street
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 29–31 River St., Southbridge, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Architectural style | Vernacular Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Southbridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000575 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1989 |
The Building at 29–31 River Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts, is a special historic building. It is one of two similar "triple-decker" homes left in the area. A triple-decker is a house with three apartments, one on each floor. These homes were built when many people needed places to live. This was because a big company nearby, the Hamilton Woolen Company, was doing very well.
Out of six such houses built on River Street between 1910 and 1920, only this one and 25-27 River Street are still standing. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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The Building at 29–31 River Street
This building is located in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It sits on the south side of River Street. It is near where the old Hamilton Woolen Company factory used to be.
What Does This Building Look Like?
The building at 29–31 River Street is a three-story house. It is made of wood and has a pointed roof. The outside of the building has modern siding.
It once had a large porch on the front. This porch had three levels, one for each floor. Round columns supported each level. However, the porches on the upper floors have been removed over time. The main doors are still on the ground-floor porch. The roof is flat on top, with a simple edge.
A Peek into Its History
This building was constructed between 1910 and 1920. This was after the Hamilton Company built its "New Mill" across the street. The Hamilton Company was very successful during this time. This success was different from many other mill towns in Massachusetts. Many of those towns were struggling.
Why Was It Built?
The Hamilton Company's success led to a need for more housing. Many workers needed places to live. So, houses like this triple-decker were built. They helped provide homes for the growing number of people working at the mill.
Changes Over Time
The Hamilton mill closed in 1935 after a worker strike. Over the years, the building at 29–31 River Street has changed. Its original look has been altered. For example, the upper porches were removed. Also, new siding was put on the outside. These changes mean the building looks different from when it was first built.
Even with these changes, it remains an important part of Southbridge's history. It helps us remember the time when the Hamilton Woolen Company was a big part of the town.
