North Amherst Center Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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North Amherst Center Historic District
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North Amherst Library
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1184-1136 N. Pleasant St., 1-39 Pine St., 11-13 Meadow St., Amherst, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Architect | Roswell Putnum; Winthrop Clapp |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001824 |
| Added to NRHP | December 13, 1991 |
The North Amherst Center Historic District is a special area in North Amherst, Massachusetts. It's like a time capsule of an old farming village! This historic district is part of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts.
The district is centered around a five-way intersection. Here, Meadow, Pine, and North Pleasant Streets meet Sunderland and Montague Roads. This area became a village center in the early 1800s. It hasn't changed much since the late 1800s, which makes it very unique. In 1991, this important district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Discovering North Amherst's History
The main crossroads of North Amherst started to form in the mid-1700s. Back then, this area was actually part of Hadley, Massachusetts. Land was surveyed in 1739 and divided for farming. This is how the village began.
A grist mill, which grinds grain, was built on the Mill River. It was just a short distance north of the village center. By the early 1800s, a small group of buildings stood around the main intersection.
Buildings from the Past
By 1833, the village had grown quite a bit. There was a church, a school, and even a tavern. A parsonage, where a religious leader lived, and a doctor's house were also present. The area mostly remained a farming community.
Some small factories tried to operate on the river, but they didn't last long. One important building added later was the North Amherst Library. It was built in 1893 and has a special Romanesque style.
Exploring the District's Layout
The historic district spreads out from the central five-way intersection. It extends a short distance along each road. The district reaches furthest to the east on Pine Street. It also goes furthest south on North Pleasant Street, covering about five properties.
Most of the homes in the district are made of wood. Many were built before 1850, but some newer ones were added later.
Important Public Buildings
Several public buildings stand out in the district. The North Amherst Congregational Church was built in 1826. The North Amherst Library, built in 1893, is another key landmark.
The North Amherst Hall, built around 1845, has had many uses. It served as a school for a while. It was also a place for performances and lectures. These buildings help tell the story of North Amherst's past.
