Dow Block facts for kids
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Dow Block
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Dow Block
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Central Square, Stoneham, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1864 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| Part of | Central Square Historic District (ID89002277) |
| MPS | Stoneham MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002570 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1984 |
| Designated CP | January 17, 1990 |
The Dow Block is a really old and important building in Stoneham, Massachusetts. It's located right in Central Square. Built in 1864, it was one of the first big buildings there.
This building is a great example of a style called Second Empire architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's officially recognized as a special historic place. Later, in 1990, it became part of the Central Square Historic District.
What Does the Dow Block Look Like?
The Dow Block is in the middle of Stoneham's Central Square. This square is shaped like a triangle. Main Street and Central Street meet there. The Dow Block stands near a small open area.
It's a brick building with three and a half stories. It has a special roof called a mansard roof. This roof is covered with patterned slate tiles. The front of the building faces the square and looks balanced.
The roof has a part that sticks out and is a bit taller. There are three dormer windows on the roof. These windows have hip roofs and small gables. The middle window has three parts. The windows on the sides have two sashes each.
The front of the building is divided into three sections. These sections are marked by special sandstone blocks at the corners. Similar pillars are between the sections. The windows on the second and third floors have decorative panels between them.
Who Built the Dow Block and Why Is It Important?
The Dow Block was built in 1864. A man named Moses Dow built it. He was a real estate investor from Charlestown.
In its early days, the building was very useful for the town. It was home to the town's post office. It also housed the town library.
The Dow Block is one of the key buildings in Stoneham's Central Square. It stands alongside the Oddfellows Building (built around 1870) and the Chase Block (built in 1874). Together, these buildings help define the historic look of the square.
Images for kids
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Early-20th-century postcard of the Dow Block
