Powers Institute Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Powers Institute Historic District
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Powers Institute
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bernardston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1860 |
| Architect | Woodcock, Virgil |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000127 |
| Added to NRHP | March 18, 1994 |
The Powers Institute Historic District is a special area in Bernardston, Massachusetts. It has important old buildings. This district covers about 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares) of land. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. This means it is recognized as a historically important place.
Contents
What is the Powers Institute Historic District?
This historic district includes four main buildings. The most famous one is the Powers Institute building. It was built in 1857. The building has a special style called Italianate.
How the Powers Institute Started
The money to build the Powers Institute came from Edward Eppes Powers. He was born in Bernardston. He left money in his will for the school. Local people also gave land for the building. The institute was meant to be a high school for the town.
The Role of Henry Cushman
In 1860, Cushman Hall was built across the street. This building was a dormitory, a place for students to live. Henry Cushman, a local resident, gave money and land for it. He also helped manage the institute. After Cushman Hall was built, students from other towns could also attend the school.
Henry Cushman also paid for the Cushman Library in 1862. It was built next to the institute. This library was one of the first in the area. When Henry Cushman passed away, he left Cushman Hall to the town. He wanted the money from its use to help create a park nearby. He also left money to support the library.
Library Expansions
In 1900, the library was made even bigger. The family of John Sanderson gave money for this. They added a second floor to the library building.
Changes Over Time
The Powers Institute was a successful school for many years. It was a mix of a public and private academy. In 1891, it changed to a regular high school for local students. Cushman Hall stopped being a dormitory. It was turned into apartments instead.
The school closed its doors in 1958. Today, the Bernardston Historical Society uses the old Powers Institute building. There is also a fire station in the district. It was built in 1975.
