Meetinghouse Green Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Meetinghouse Green Historic District
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Odd Fellows Hall
and United Methodist Church |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ipswich, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1687 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, Queen Anne |
| MPS | Central Village, Ipswich, Massachusetts MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000464 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1980 |
The Meetinghouse Green Historic District is a special area in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It shows off the town's history from the 1600s! This district runs along North Main Street. It stretches from High Street down to the end of the Meetinghouse Green. This important historical area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Contents
What is Meetinghouse Green?
The Heart of Old Ipswich
The Meetinghouse Green was created way back in 1634. This was soon after Ipswich was first settled. For many years, it was the main center of town life. Imagine a busy town square where everyone gathered!
Public Spaces and Buildings
Besides homes, the Green had many public buildings. These included a meeting house, which was like a church and town hall combined. There was also a jail fort and an animal pound. Even the stocks were there, used for public punishment long ago. Today, the area is mostly homes. But you can still find churches and the public library there.
Homes and Architecture
Old Houses with History
Most of the thirty buildings in this district are homes. They were built in the 1700s and 1800s. Houses from the 1700s often show a style called Georgian. Some even have clues of being from the First Period. This means they are very old, even if they have newer decorations.
Different Building Styles
Homes from the 1800s often look different. Many are in the Greek Revival or Italianate styles. You can also spot a Queen Anne style house at 47 North Main. Another home at 21 North Main has a Second Empire look. These styles show how architecture changed over time.
