Chester Harding House facts for kids
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Chester Harding House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The brick Federal-style home of the American painter from 1826 to 1830 now houses the Boston Bar Association. To the right is the Claflin Building.
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 Location in Boston
Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1808 |
| Architect | Fletcher, Thomas |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Beacon Hill Historic District (ID66000130) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000764 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1965 |
| Designated CP | October 15, 1966 |
The Chester Harding House is a very old and important building located at 16 Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It stands across from the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. This house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. This is because it was once the home of a famous portrait painter named Chester Harding. He lived here from 1826 to 1830. Since 1963, the building has been the home of the Boston Bar Association, a group for lawyers.
Contents
History of the Chester Harding House
Building a New Home (1808)
This four-story house was built in 1808. It was designed in the Federal style, which was popular for buildings in the early 1800s. A real estate developer named Thomas Fletcher built it as a private home. At that time, the area around Park Street and Beacon Street had many old, run-down public buildings. City leaders decided to replace these buildings. They sold the land on Park Street to help pay for new public buildings in other parts of the city.
Chester Harding's Time (1826-1830)
In 1826, a well-known American portrait painter, Chester Harding, bought the house. He was famous for painting pictures of people. He lived in this house for about four years, until 1830.
Changing Times and New Owners
In the middle of the 1800s, Dr. Henry C. Angell bought the building. He was a collector of art. Over time, the neighborhood around the house started to change. It went from being mostly homes to having more businesses. Many old houses were torn down. Bigger buildings were built in their place, making the Chester Harding House look small next to them. One example is the six-floor Claflin Building, built in 1884.
In 1919, Martha B. Angell gave the house to the American Unitarian Association. This group used the house for their offices until 1933. Later, the American Unitarian Association loaned the house to the Universalist Church of America. In 1961, these two groups joined together.
The Boston Bar Association (1962-Today)
In January 1962, the Boston Bar Association bought the house. They moved their main offices here from a different location. The Chester Harding House has been the home of the Boston Bar Association ever since.
National Historic Landmark Status
A special plaque hangs on the left side of the building. It tells everyone that the Chester Harding House was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1965. This means it's a very important place in American history.
Images for kids
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Side view from the opposite street corner
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Front door with Boston Bar Association emblem
