Norfolk Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Norfolk Historic District
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| Location | US 44 and CT 272, Norfolk, Connecticut |
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| Area | 90 acres (36 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003749 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1979 |
The Norfolk Historic District is a special part of Norfolk, Connecticut. It's like the historic heart of the town! Here, you'll find many old and beautiful buildings. These buildings show what the town looked like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district is centered around a cool triangular park, right where two main roads meet: United States Route 44 and Connecticut Route 272. This important area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it's officially recognized for its history.
Contents
History of Norfolk
Norfolk became an official town in 1758. At first, the town grew because of factories along the Blackberry River. But these factories are no longer there.
The town really started to grow after 1871. That's when the railroad arrived! People discovered Norfolk was a great place for summer vacations. They loved its high elevation and fresh air.
Families Who Helped the Town
Some important families, like the Robbins, Battell, and Stoeckel families, helped make Norfolk beautiful. They were very generous! They donated money and helped build churches, town buildings, and memorials. These gifts made the town center even more special.
Today, a big part of the town center used to be the Stoeckel family's estate. Now, it's home to the Yale Music School's summer programs. Young musicians come here to learn and play music.
Exploring the Historic District
The Norfolk Historic District covers about 90 acres. Most of this area is the former Stoeckel estate. It is located west of the town's main green.
The Town Green
The triangular town green is the most important spot in the district. It's a lovely park where people can relax.
Two churches face the green from the west. One church was built in the early 1800s in a style called Federal. The other church is newer and built in the Romanesque style.
Important Buildings
The Norfolk Public Library faces the green from the north. It's a very handsome building. It was designed in 1888 by an architect named George Keller.
Older homes line the east side of the green. At the very tip of the green, there's a memorial fountain. It was designed by a famous architect named Stanford White.
Business Area
North of the green, you'll find a small business area. This part is also included in the historic district. Some of the buildings here were designed by Alfredo S.G. Taylor. He was a well-known architect from New York who spent his summers in Norfolk.
