Monson Center Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Monson Center Historic District
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Memorial Hall
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| Location | Jct. of Main and Cushman Sts., Monson, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 3.4 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Romanesque, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000788 |
| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1991 |
The Monson Center Historic District is a special area in Monson, Massachusetts. It's like a time capsule showing what the town center was like in the 1800s. This district includes important old buildings and places. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it's officially recognized as a significant historical site.
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Monson's Historic Town Center
When Monson was first settled in the 1700s, its main area was at High and Main Streets. Main Street was a key road connecting Monson to other towns. Over time, the town's busy center slowly moved. It shifted about one mile (1.6 km) south. This happened after the Norcross Tavern was built.
In the early 1800s, Main Street started to grow a lot. Houses were built along the road. Buildings for the Monson Academy were also added. A small shopping area appeared further south. It was near a big factory that made straw hats. This area also had a few small textile mills. By the late 1800s, this new area became the true heart of Monson.
Important Buildings in the District
The historic district includes nine buildings. All of them are located on Main Street (MA Route 32). Five of these buildings are especially important to the district's history.
Key Historic Structures
- Methodist Church: This was the town's second church. It was built in 1850. Its design is in the Greek Revival style.
- Universalist Church: This church was built in 1889. It is made of stone.
- Memorial Town Hall: Built in 1885, this building is very important. It is even listed separately on the National Register.
- Universalist Parsonage: This house was built around 1820. It is an example of Federalist style architecture.
- Noble Block: This building was constructed around 1890. It is a commercial building from the Victorian era.
Other Historic Features
The district also includes two old cannons. They are located on the lawn of Memorial Hall. There is also the Cushman Fountain. It was built in 1886. The fountain was moved to its current spot in the early 1900s.
Buildings with Modern Changes
Some commercial buildings in the district have changed over time. They are not considered "contributing" to the historic significance. For example, the Woodbine Block (172 Main Street) and 172-176 Main Street were built around the 1880s. However, their outsides now have more modern materials. The Nichols Block at 178 Main Street also had its front changed. It was updated with modern brick and other materials in the 1900s.
