Old Centre Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Centre Historic District
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First Congregational Church 1850
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Baldwinville and Teel Rds., Winchendon, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 44 acres (18 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Georgian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000901 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 1987 |
The Old Centre Historic District, often called Old Center, is a special historic area in Winchendon, Massachusetts. It's like a living museum that shows how the town looked many years ago. This district includes the town's very first cemetery, the beautiful First Congregational Church, and the oldest house still standing, built around 1752. Almost all the buildings here were constructed before 1850. Because of its important history, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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Exploring Winchendon's Old Centre
This historic district is a great place to learn about Winchendon's past. It covers the original town center, which was first laid out in 1752. Imagine what life was like when these buildings were new!
How Winchendon Began
The land that became Winchendon was given to soldiers from Ipswich, Massachusetts. These soldiers fought in the 1690 Battle of Quebec. The area was first known as Ipswich Canada. People didn't start settling here until 1752. That same year, the town common was created on the highest point in town.
Early Life in the Village
One of the first houses built was Richard Day's house, likely in 1752. It still stands facing the common today. Back then, it was considered the nicest house in town. The village slowly grew after the French and Indian War. Winchendon officially became a town in 1764. In its early years, the village was busy. It offered services to local farmers and to stagecoaches passing through.
Changes Over Time
Later in the 1800s, the Old Centre became less busy. New roads and businesses started to focus on other parts of Winchendon. This meant the Old Centre became quieter, preserving its old-fashioned charm.
What You Can See Today
The heart of the historic district is a triangular common. This common is the same one that was laid out in 1752. Five roads meet here: High Street, Hale Street, Baldwinville Road, Teel Road, and Old County Road. The district stretches along some of these roads. It goes east on Teel Road to include the old cemetery. The most famous building is the First Congregational Church, built in 1850. Many other beautiful houses from the Georgian and Federal styles also face the common.
