Hastings Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hastings Hill Historic District
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First Baptist Church
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 987-1308 Hill St., 1242 Spruce St., and 1085-1162 Russell Ave., Suffield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 72 acres (29 ha) |
| Built | 1769 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002669 |
| Added to NRHP | September 14, 1979 |
The Hastings Hill Historic District is a special area in Suffield, Connecticut. It's like a time capsule showing what a small village looked like in the early 1800s. This historic district is found where Spruce Street, Hill Street, and Russell Avenue meet.
Here, you can see old houses from the 1700s and 1800s that are still in great shape. The area also includes the historic First Baptist Church, built in 1842. In 1979, this district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important place in American history.
Contents
Exploring Hastings Hill's History
The main road through this area, Hill Street, was first created in 1726. It followed a north-south ridge. For a long time, it was an important route. People used it to travel between Windsor, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts.
How the Village Grew
The village of Hastings Hill began because of different religious ideas. In the 1740s, a man named Joseph Hastings disagreed with the main church teachings of the time. He became a Baptist minister. His church was one of the first Baptist churches in Connecticut.
This church, built where the current 1842 Greek Revival church stands, became the heart of a small village. The Hastings family home, right next to the church, even served as a tavern for travelers. A blacksmith shop and a general store were also nearby.
A Unique Summer Theater
Later, in the early 1900s, something interesting happened. A local barn was turned into a summer theater! It was a place where people could watch plays. This theater was popular until World War II.
Key Buildings in the District
The Hastings Hill Historic District is centered around the meeting point of Hill Street and Russell Avenue. It also stretches north and south along Hill Street.
The Oldest House
The oldest house in the district is at 1061 Hill Street. Experts believe it was built around 1740. This house was part of an early project by Delphina Clark. She was the first woman ever accepted into the Yale School of Architecture.
The property at 1061 Hill Street also has a tobacco barn. This is the same barn that was used as the summer theater. Inside, you can still see parts of the old stage!
The First Baptist Church
The most important building in the district is the First Baptist Church. It was built in 1842. This church is a great example of Greek Revival architecture. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks like ancient Greek temples.
Next to the church is the Hastings family house. It has been changed a lot over the years. But it's believed to have been built in the 1700s. It might have been built by Reverend Joseph Hastings or his son.
