Cabotville Common Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cabotville Common Historic District
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The Commons
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chicopee, Massachusetts |
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| Architect | McClallan, Charles; Collins, Michael |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000558 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1999 |
The Cabotville Common Historic District is a unique neighborhood in Chicopee, Massachusetts. It's a historic district, which means it's a special area with old buildings that are important to history. This district is mostly made up of homes. It's built around a park, which is now called Lucy Wisniowski Park. Many of the buildings that face this park are part of the district. Some homes on nearby streets are also included.
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Discovering Cabotville Common
This historic area started to grow in the 1830s and 1840s. It was a place where people who worked in Chicopee's mills and factories lived. These were often mid-level employees. Their homes were nicer than the simple apartments for factory workers. But they were not as grand as the big houses of the factory owners.
Homes from the Past
Most of the buildings you see in the district today were built between 1846 and 1870. Many of these were single-family homes. They were made of brick or wood. A popular style was Greek Revival, which looks like ancient Greek temples.
The park at the center, known as "The Common," had a different use back then. It was originally a shared pasture where residents could let their animals graze. By the end of this period, it had become a park for people to enjoy.
Growing and Changing (1870s-1915)
From the 1870s to the 1890s, more homes were built. These were often multi-family buildings, meaning several families could live in them. The architectural styles changed with the times. You might see homes in the Italianate, Second Empire, or Victorian styles. These styles often have decorative details and interesting shapes.
After 1890, not many new buildings were added. This was because there wasn't much empty land left. Only a few brick apartment buildings were constructed between 1890 and 1915.
The Common Today
Since the early 1900s, the neighborhood has changed only a little. An old school building was taken down. In its place, a wading pool and a bath house were built for the community. Some buildings have been updated or added onto. A few have even been moved to new spots.
The Cabotville Common Historic District was officially recognized in 1989. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site that should be preserved.
