Hazardville Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hazardville Historic District
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Hazardville Institute, March 2013
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | CT 190 and CT 192, Hazardville, Connecticut and vicinity |
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| Area | 1,075 acres (435 ha) |
| Built | 1835 |
| Architect | Graham, Chauncey; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Renaissance, Italian Villa |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004061 |
| Added to NRHP | February 19, 1980 |
The Hazardville Historic District is a special area in Hazardville, a part of Enfield, Connecticut. It's like a preserved piece of history! This district is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its historical value across the United States.
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Exploring Hazardville's Past
This historic district was once a "company village." This means it was a town built and run by a single company. Here, the company was the Hazard Powder Company. They made gunpowder from 1835 to 1913.
The district covers an area around Hazard Avenue (Connecticut Route 190) and other nearby roads. It also includes parts of the Scantic River banks. This is where the gunpowder factory used to be. Even though some parts inside the district are not historical, the overall area is full of old buildings and places.
Important Buildings and Their Styles
The Hazardville Historic District has four main public buildings. They are all made of brick with brownstone details. These buildings show off different architectural styles from the past.
- The public school and the Hazardville Institute were built in 1864 and 1869. They both feature the Italian Renaissance Revival style. This style brings back ideas from old Italian buildings.
- The former St. Mary's Episcopal Church was built in 1863. It is a Gothic Revival building. This style often has pointed arches and tall windows. Today, it is known as Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
- The Hazardville United Methodist Church was built in 1872. It is in the Romanesque Revival style. This style uses round arches and thick walls, like old Roman buildings.
What's There Today?
The old public school building is now used as a day care center. It helps care for young children.
There was also a large horse barn that belonged to the Hazard Powder Company. It is located at 32 South Maple Avenue. In 1959, it was changed into a place for square dancing. Now, it is used for many special events.
Near the Scantic River, you can still find the foundations of 21 buildings. These are the remains of the original gunpowder factory. The factory once had about 200 buildings! You can see these foundations within Scantic River State Park.
The Hazardville Institute Building
The Hazardville Institute building is at the corner of Hazard and Maple avenues. For many years, it was a public hall and a community center. People gathered there for different events.
In the 1970s, the building was left empty. It was almost torn down! But the Hazardville Institute Conservancy stepped in and saved it. They leased the building to protect it.
The building is currently being fixed up. When the work is finished, there are plans for it to have an exhibit. This exhibit will tell the story of the Hazard Powder Company.
The Hazardville Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Images for kids
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Hazardville Town Hall, March 2013
