Hockanum Rural Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hockanum Rural Historic District
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A farm in Hockanum
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hadley, Massachusetts |
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| Architect | French, John W. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal, Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001474 |
| Added to NRHP | December 30, 1993 |
The Hockanum Rural Historic District is a special area in Hadley, Massachusetts. It is located along the Connecticut River. This district is important because it shows how people lived and farmed a long time ago. It includes old farms, beautiful natural areas, and historic buildings. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This means it is recognized as a place worth protecting for its history.
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Exploring the Hockanum District
This historic district covers a large part of Hadley, Massachusetts. It stretches from the Hockanum Cemetery in the southwest. It follows the Connecticut River and the ridge of Mount Holyoke. The district includes the top of Mount Holyoke. Here you can find the Summit House and Halfway House. These are old buildings within J.A. Skinner State Park. The district also includes the farmlands in the valley below.
Mount Holyoke's Popular Views
In the early 1800s, the views from Mount Holyoke became very famous. Timothy Dwight IV, who was president of Yale College, wrote about them. He helped make the area a popular spot for tourists. Artists like Thomas Cole painted these amazing views. His famous painting, The Oxbow, shows the Connecticut River valley.
Changes in Tourism
Later in the 1800s, fewer people visited Mount Holyoke. But tourism saw a short comeback in the 1910s and 1920s. This was thanks to Joseph Skinner. He was a local businessman and a generous person. He bought and fixed up the buildings on the mountaintop. He also made the road to the top better.
However, his success did not last long. The Great Depression in the 1930s hurt tourism. Then, the 1938 New England hurricane almost destroyed the Summit House. Joseph Skinner later gave his properties to the state. This created the main part of Skinner State Park.
Farming Life in the Valley
The farmlands in the valley have not changed much over time. Farming is still a very important activity here. Most of the buildings in the valley are related to farming. There is no church in the area. Historically, the community gathered at local taverns. More recently, the Hockanum School became a central place. This small brick schoolhouse was built around 1853.
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The Summit House on Mount Holyoke
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View from Mount Holyoke summit, looking northwest
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Thomas Cole's painting of the Connecticut River Oxbow, 1836
