Crystal Street Historic District facts for kids
The Crystal Street Historic District is a special group of three houses in Worcester, Massachusetts. These houses are called "triple deckers" because they have three floors, like three apartments stacked on top of each other. They face a park called University Park in the Main South area.
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Crystal Street Historic District
|
|
34 Crystal Street
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 30–34 Crystal St., Worcester, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| MPS | Worcester Three-Deckers TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002379 |
| Added to NRHP | February 9, 1990 |
Contents
What is the Crystal Street Historic District?
This historic district includes three very similar houses. They were all built around 1892. These homes are great examples of a building style called Queen Anne. They show how people lived and built houses in Worcester a long time ago.
Who Built and Lived Here?
The houses seem to have been built for a man named James Harrop. He lived at 30 Crystal Street. Mr. Harrop owned these three houses for 35 years. When they were built, he worked as a wool sorter. But later, he became a real estate developer. This means he bought and sold land and buildings.
These houses were built when the area was growing fast. New electric street cars made it easier for people to get around. The first people to live in these homes were skilled workers. They were also middle-class office workers.
What Do These Houses Look Like?
All three buildings are very well-preserved. They are good examples of Queen Anne style triple deckers. They look almost exactly alike. Each house has a main entrance on one side. There is also a rounded section on the opposite side. This rounded part has a cool, cone-shaped roof.
Special Features of the Houses
The front of each house has three main sections. One section has the front door. It is covered by a simple porch with a pointed roof. The porch at 30 Crystal Street still has its original round columns. The porches at 32 and 34 Crystal Street have square posts instead.
How They Were Built
The outside of all three buildings looks similar. Most of the houses are covered with flat wooden boards called clapboards. But the rounded sections are different. They are covered with fancy, cut wooden shingles. These shingles are also used in bands. They separate the second and third floors of the houses.
Why is This District Important?
The Crystal Street Historic District is important because it shows us history. It helps us understand how people lived and worked in Worcester. Because of its historical value, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
