Chapin Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chapin Block
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Chapin Block
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 208-222 Hamilton, Southbridge, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| MPS | Southbridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000558 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1989 |
The Chapin Block is an old and important building in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It was built in 1888. This building is special because it's the only one in Southbridge made in the "Shingle style" for businesses. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, which means it's recognized as a historic landmark.
About the Chapin Block
The Chapin Block is found in Globe Village. This area is mostly homes, just north of downtown Southbridge. The building sits on a narrow piece of land where Hamilton and Crane Streets meet. Because of its unique spot, the building looks like a "flatiron." This means it's shaped like the old irons used for clothes, with a rounded point.
The building has two stories and is made of wood. It has a small tower at the corner where the two streets come together. This tower once held a clock. The outside of the building is covered in wooden shingles. It also has a decorative trim called a modillioned cornice.
Building Features
On the Hamilton Street side, there are four storefronts. Each shop has large plate glass windows. The entrances are set back a bit. This design for the shops was added in the early 1900s.
On the Crane Street side, you can see the building's brick basement. There are several entrances at this lower level. The first floor on this side is mostly plain. However, the second floor has a balcony that sticks out.
History of the Building
The Chapin Block was built in 1888 by Francis Chapin. He was a local bank officer and also developed real estate. The building was meant to provide shops for the people living nearby. It also had a meeting hall on the second floor.
Some of the first businesses in the shops included a candy store, a barber shop, a tobacco shop, and a clothing store. Francis Chapin sold the building soon after it was finished. It was bought by J. J. Delahanty, who owned a furniture store in the area. The building stayed in his family until 1972.
