Jarvesville Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jarvesville Historic District
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 Location in Cape Cod
Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sandwich, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 137 acres (55 ha) |
| Built | c. 1746 |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000787 |
| Added to NRHP | September 23, 2010 |
The Jarvesville Historic District is a special neighborhood in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It's known for its many old homes. This area was once the center of a big glass factory called the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company.
Most of the buildings here are homes built between 1825 and 1860. This was when the glass company was very busy. These houses were usually for the workers who made glass.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is like a preserved piece of the past. It's an area with many old buildings that are important because of their history or how they look. Jarvesville is a historic district because its buildings tell the story of the glass industry in Sandwich.
Homes of the Glass Workers
The Jarvesville district has over 200 important buildings. Most of these are homes. They were built in styles popular back then, like Cape and Greek Revival. These were usually small, simple homes for one or two families. They were perfect for the people who worked at the glass factory.
The Famous Glass Company
The glass factory in Jarvesville was very successful. It made lots of glass products and employed many people. The company was at its busiest around the time of the American Civil War (1861-1865).
Why the Factory Closed
In the 1860s, things started to change for the glass company. Cheaper ways to get fuel were found in other parts of the country. This made it cheaper for glass companies to operate elsewhere. Because of this, the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company eventually closed down.
Most attempts to keep making glass in Jarvesville didn't work out. Over time, the old factory buildings were taken down. But the homes where the workers lived stayed. Many of these homes are still lived in today, sometimes by the families of the original glassworkers!
Important Buildings in Jarvesville
While most of Jarvesville is homes, there are a few other interesting buildings.
Jarves Street's Special Spots
You'll find some important buildings on Jarves Street. One of these is the John and Mary Waterman Jarves House. This house was built in 1857. It was designed in the Italianate style, which means it has features like low-pitched roofs and tall, narrow windows. This house was built by the son of Deming Jarves, who started the glass company. A famous architect named Charles Kirk Kirby designed it.
The Local Church
The only church in the district is the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church. It's located at 6 Jarves Street. This church was built in 1901. It's designed in the Romanesque Revival style, which often includes round arches and thick walls, making it look strong and grand.
A Protected Piece of History
Because of its unique history and well-preserved buildings, the Jarvesville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This means it's recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
