Mariners House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mariner's House
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(2017)
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| Location | 11 North Square Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1847 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001302 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1999 |
The Mariner's House is a special historic building located at 11 North Square in Boston, Massachusetts. It was built a long time ago, in 1847.
This building was created by a group called the Boston Port Society. Its main job was to be a boarding house for sailors. This means it was a place where sailors could stay when they were in port. The Boston Seaman's Aid Society and a chaplain named Father Taylor helped run it.
Today, the Mariner's House still helps sailors. It works as an affordable hotel for merchant mariners who are actively working. They can stay for a short time, up to 13 days. The cost includes breakfast, and guests need to show they are currently working in the merchant marine.
Contents
What is the Mariner's House?
The Mariner's House was designed to be a comfortable and helpful place for sailors. In the 1850s, people described it as a "noble edifice," meaning a grand building. It has four stories and was built by the Boston Port Society.
A Home for Sailors
The building had about 40 rooms for sailors to sleep in. It also had a large dining hall that could seat up to 100 people. This was a place where sailors could eat together. There was also a special room for storing sailors' luggage.
How it Looked Inside
The Mariner's House had important facilities for the sailors. It included a kitchen, a laundry room, and even a bathing room. There was a chapel for religious services, where meetings were held regularly. Sailors could also use a reading room with newspapers and a good library. They could even buy sailor's clothing at a store inside the building.
Building Costs
The land and building for the Mariner's House cost about $38,000 back then. Furnishing the house cost another $21,000. These funds came from generous donations, especially from Unitarian Churches in Boston. The building also had a good water supply, with pumps that could provide hot or cold water to each floor.
History and Style
The Mariner's House was built in the Greek Revival style. This was a popular architectural style in the 1800s, inspired by ancient Greek buildings. In 1999, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
In the same year, the house was rededicated. This means it was officially declared to continue serving seafarers. The Boston Port Society and the Seaman's Aid Society had merged in 1867. They continue their important work of helping sailors.
