North Easton Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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North Easton Historic District
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.JPG)
The Rockery
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Easton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
| Architect | Richardson, Henry Hobson; Olmsted, Frederick Law |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000119 |
| Added to NRHP | November 3, 1972 |
The North Easton Historic District is a special area in Easton, Massachusetts. It's called a historic district because it has many old buildings and places that tell an important story. This area grew a lot in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A powerful local family, the Ames family, played a huge role in shaping it.
This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it's recognized by the government as a place worth protecting. Later, in 1987, a part of this district became even more special. It was named a National Historic Landmark District. This part is known as the H. H. Richardson Historic District of North Easton. It includes amazing buildings designed by a famous architect named H. H. Richardson for the Ames family.
Discovering North Easton's History
The North Easton Historic District covers a large area in Easton. It includes the old homes and businesses of the Ames family. This family was very important because they made shovels and other tools. They were big manufacturers! The district also has rows of houses built by the Ames family for their workers. You can still see the old Ames Company factory near the railroad tracks.
Amazing Architecture and Design
The most beautiful buildings in the district are the public ones and the Ames family estates. Some older homes show styles like Gothic Revival and Second Empire. But the most famous buildings were designed by H. H. Richardson. He used his unique style called Richardsonian Romanesque. These five buildings are so important that they are part of the National Historic Landmark District.
These special buildings include:
- The Ames Free Library, a beautiful library for the community.
- The Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, a grand building for events.
- The Old Colony Railroad Station, the old train station.
- The Ames Gate Lodge, a charming gatehouse.
- The F. L. Ames Gardener's Cottage, a lovely home for a gardener.
These buildings are not just pretty; they are also part of a landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. He was a very famous landscape architect who also designed Central Park in New York City!
Important Places to See
Many buildings and sites in the North Easton Historic District are considered "contributing properties." This means they help tell the story of the district's history and importance.
Some of these places include:
- 66 Main Street (which used to be the post office)
- The Ames Shovel Shop, where the famous shovels were made.
- The Ames Stable, where horses were kept.
- The Rockery, a unique stone landmark.
- The H. H. Richardson Historic District of North Easton, which is a district within a district, highlighting Richardson's amazing work.
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Ames Shovel Shop
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Ames Handle Shop
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Ames stable (1897)
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66 Main Street
