Gowing–Sheldon Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gowing–Sheldon Historic District
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642 Woburn Street
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wilmington, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1.22 acres (0.49 ha) |
| Architectural style | Federal, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001176 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 2003 |
The Gowing–Sheldon Historic District is a special historical area in Wilmington, Massachusetts. It includes two old properties located at 642 and 643 Woburn Street. These houses show what life was like when this part of town was mostly farmland. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This means it's an important place to protect because of its history.
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The Gowing–Sheldon House: A Look Back in Time
The house at 642 Woburn Street is called the Gowing–Sheldon House. It was built around 1809. This house is made of wood and is designed in the Federal style. This style was popular in the United States after the American Revolution.
What Does the House Look Like?
Like many houses from that time, it faces south. It sits on a strong foundation made of granite. The main part of the house has four windows across the front. A back section was added later, before the 1900s. This back part connects the house to an old barn from the 1800s.
Who Lived Here?
A shoemaker named Joel Tweed built this house. He bought the land in 1809 and sold the property, including the house, in 1819. Later, in 1920, John Gowing bought the house. Local stories say he raised a big family there. He sold the property in 1864 to Horace Sheldon. The Sheldon family owned the house until 1898.
The Lucy and Henry Sheldon House: A Queen Anne Beauty
In 1892, Lucy Sheldon bought land across the street from the Gowing–Sheldon house. She bought it from her father-in-law, Henry, who was Horace Sheldon's brother. Lucy and her husband, Henry Jr., built a new house there in 1893.
Unique Features of the House
This house is one of the most fancy Queen Anne style houses in Wilmington. The Queen Anne style was popular in the late 1800s. It often features towers, turrets, and decorative shingles. This house has cross gables that make the third floor larger. The gables are decorated with special cut shingles and heavy brackets.
A porch on the first floor has fancy turned posts and jigsaw brackets. The front entrance is special, with a gable end decorated like a starburst. In the back of the property, there's a carriage house. It also has the same beautiful Queen Anne style.
