Longmeadow Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Longmeadow Historic District
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First Church of Christ
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly Longmeadow St. from Birdie Rd. to Wheelmeadow Brook, Longmeadow, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 65 acres (26 ha) |
| Built | 1713 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Colonial Revival, Mixed (more Than 2 Styles From Different Periods) |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000490 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1982 |
The Longmeadow Historic District is a special place in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. It includes the town's historic village green and many old buildings nearby. This area became a protected local site in 1973. Later, in 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes important historical places across the United States.
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Exploring Longmeadow's Village Green
The village green in Longmeadow was first planned in the early 1700s. It became the main center where the town grew. This green sits on a sandy ridge, about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) east of the Connecticut River. A flat flood plain is between them, where Interstate 91 now runs.
What Does the Green Look Like?
The green is a long park that stretches from north to south. It runs between Ely and Birnie Roads. The main road, Longmeadow Street (United States Route 5), is on its west side. Another access road, also called Longmeadow Street, is on the east. The green is mostly covered in grass and has many old, tall trees. The only big structure built by people there is the town's war memorial, which was placed in 1931.
How the Green Was Used
Historically, the village green was used for many different things. It wasn't until the late 1800s that it officially became a park. Imagine it as a central gathering spot for the community long ago!
Historic Buildings Around the Green
Most of the buildings facing the green were built in the 1700s and 1800s. There are a few newer structures from the 1900s. These include the public library, built in 1932, and the Town Hall from 1930. The Center School was built in 1928, with a newer part added in the 1950s.
Unique Old Structures
The Old Country Store, built in 1805, is the only business building in the district. There is also only one church, the First Congregational Church, which dates back to 1768. The oldest house in the district was built in 1725. There are more than 40 historic houses in total, with the newest ones built around the 1910s. The Great Places in Massachusetts Commission even named this district as one of the 1,000 best places to visit in Massachusetts!
