Centre Harbor Village Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Centre Harbor Village Historic District
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![]() Kona Fountain
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Location | Main and Plymouth Sts., Center Harbor, New Hampshire |
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Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
Built | 1800 |
Architect | Multiple |
Architectural style | Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Late Victorian |
NRHP reference No. | 83001126 |
Added to NRHP | September 08, 1983 |
The Centre Harbor Village Historic District is a special area in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. It's like a time capsule, showing how the village looked in the past. This district includes old buildings and a famous fountain. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's an important place to protect because of its history.
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Discover Centre Harbor's Historic Heart
The Centre Harbor Village Historic District includes a group of historic buildings. These are mostly found near Main Street and Plymouth Street. The district also includes the Nichols Memorial Library and the Kona Fountain. These places tell the story of Centre Harbor's early days.
A Village Built on Travel
Centre Harbor became a village in the late 1700s. Its location was perfect for travel. It sits on Lake Winnipesaukee, which was a major waterway. It's also near Squam Lake. The hilly land between the lakes made this a natural stopping point.
In the mid-1800s, steamboats and railroads arrived. This made Centre Harbor a very busy place. Many travelers passed through on their way to the White Mountains. The village grew and became rich from tourism. About half of the ten main buildings in the district were built before 1850. The rest were built between 1850 and 1920. This shows how much the village grew during this successful time.
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
The Centre Harbor Historic District is home to several interesting old buildings. Each one has its own story.
Locust Cottage: The Oldest Home
The oldest building in the district is probably the Locust Cottage. It was built around 1800. This two-story house is made of wood. It has a unique porch with a special criss-cross design called latticework.
Morse & Stanley Block: A Changing Store
The Morse & Stanley Block is a commercial building. It was built before 1837. Over time, it was changed to look more like a late-1800s store. It shows how buildings can change with the times.
Coe House and Barn: A Victorian Makeover
Three other houses in the district were built before 1837. The most famous is the Coe House and Barn. It was built in 1820. But around 1850, it was greatly expanded and updated. It was given a new look with the latest Victorian style.
Kona Drinking Fountain: A Special Gift
The Kona Drinking Fountain is a beautiful landmark. It sits right in the middle of the main intersection. It was given to the town in 1907. A businessman named Herbert Dumaresq donated it. He owned the Kona Farm estate nearby.
Nichols Memorial Library: A Gift for Learning
The Nichols Memorial Library is another important building. It was a gift from James E. Nichols, who spent his summers in Centre Harbor. He was from New York City. The library was built in 1909. It has a Classical Revival style, which means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings.