Common Historic District (Reading, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Common Historic District
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Old South United Methodist Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Reading, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1800 |
| MPS | Reading MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000548 |
| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1985 |
The Common Historic District is a special area in Reading, Massachusetts. It's like a neighborhood that has been officially recognized for its important history. This district includes many old and significant buildings. It's the civic and institutional heart of the town.
This historic area is centered around the town common. This is a large open space where Main and Salem Streets meet. The common has been owned by the community since at least 1737. It's a place where people gathered for many years.
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Exploring Reading's Historic Common
The Common Historic District is important because it shows how Reading grew. In 1769, the first meeting house was built here. This building was used for both church services and town meetings. It helped give the area its own identity. This was before parts of Reading became Wakefield and North Reading. Over time, this area became the main spot for religious and town activities.
Important Buildings Around the Common
Many interesting buildings are found in this district. They show different styles of architecture.
Churches and Meeting Places
One of the most noticeable buildings is the First Congregational Church. The current church was built in 1913. It looks just like an older church from 1817 that was destroyed by fire. That older church was designed by a famous architect named Asher Benjamin.
Another church in the district is the Christian Science Church. It's on the west side of the common. This church is made of stone and has a Gothic Revival style. This means it looks like old European cathedrals.
Town Buildings
The west side of the common also has important town buildings. These include the public library and the town hall. Both are brick buildings from the early 1900s. They are built in the Georgian Revival style. This style brings back the look of buildings from the 1700s. The old high school building is also in this style.
Historic Homes
There are also a few houses in the district. Some older homes were moved to make space for the town buildings. One of the oldest houses is the Thomas Pratt house and shop. It was built in 1817 in the Federal style. You can find it at the northeastern corner of the district. There's also a row of 19th-century houses. These homes are along Harnden and Salem Streets on the east side of the district.
Why is it a Historic District?
The Common Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States. It helps protect these special buildings and the common for future generations.
