Haydenville Historic District facts for kids
The Haydenville Historic District is a special area in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. It's like a time capsule showing how a village grew around a busy factory. This district includes old buildings on Main Street, High Street, and Kingsley Avenue. It tells the story of the Hayden family and their important role in the community.
Quick facts for kids |
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Haydenville Historic District
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The old mill building in Haydenville
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main and High Sts., and Kingsley Ave., Williamsburg, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 35 acres (14 ha) |
| Built | 1828 |
| Architect | Pratt, W.F. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000273 |
| Added to NRHP | March 26, 1976 |
Contents
Exploring Haydenville's History
The Haydenville Historic District is a special part of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. It covers about 35 acres (14 hectares). This area shows how a village developed around a successful business. Many of the buildings here were built between the 1820s and the early 1900s.
The most famous building is the former Haydenville Manufacturing Company. It was built in 1875 after a big flood in 1874 destroyed the old factory. This building is on Main Street and is now called the Brass Works. It has fancy Italianate and Victorian styles.
The Hayden Family and Their Business
The Hayden family was very important to Haydenville. The village is even named after them! David and Daniel Hayden started a business here in 1808. They made power looms and small metal items.
Later, Joel and Josiah Hayden, who were David and Daniel's nephews, took over. They focused on making metal objects. Their company grew and lasted until 1950. The Haydens were a major force in the village's economy and community life.
Important Buildings in the District
The Hayden family's influence can be seen all over the district.
- Hayden Houses: Across Main Street from the old factory are two large houses. These were built for Joel and Josiah Hayden. They are designed in the Greek Revival style, with grand columns like ancient Greek temples.
- Haydenville Congregational Church: This church was built in 1852. The Hayden family helped pay for its construction.
- Haydenville Library: The library, built in 1900, also received funding from the Hayden family.
- Worker Housing: Along High Street, you can see rows of well-built houses. These were homes for the factory workers. The Hayden family made sure these homes were of good quality.
- Haydenville Cemetery: The brothers Joel and Josiah started this cemetery in 1847. It's also on High Street. Their family's burial plot is located there.
A Recognized Historic Place
The Haydenville Historic District is recognized for its important history. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it's a special place that helps us understand the past. It shows how industrial villages grew in America.
