Putnam Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Putnam Street Historic District
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A Second Empire house on Putnam St.
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Winthrop, Putnam, Temple, and Shaw Sts., Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 7.85 acres (3.18 ha) |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Stick/Eastlake, Queen Anne |
| MPS | Newton MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001760 |
| Added to NRHP | September 04, 1986 |
The Putnam Street Historic District is a special neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts. It's like a preserved area where old homes tell a story. This district is found near Winthrop, Putnam, Temple, and Shaw Streets. It includes about 20 houses built between the 1860s and 1880s. These homes show off cool styles like Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Stick style. This historic area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Exploring Putnam Street's History
The Putnam Street area is just south of West Newton village. It sits across the Massachusetts Turnpike and the main train tracks. These tracks connect Boston and Worcester. Putnam Street goes south from a traffic circle where Massachusetts Route 16 crosses the highway. It runs for two blocks until Temple Street. Winthrop Street also extends west from Putnam Street.
How the Neighborhood Grew
Before the railroad was built in 1834, this area was mostly empty land. But when train services started in the 1840s, people began to move here. The Newton Land Company planned most of the building lots in the early 1860s. The oldest house in the district is at 34 Temple Street. It was built in 1849, but it got some Queen Anne style changes later on.
Popular House Styles
Most of the houses here were built between 1868 and 1885. They are a great example of Victorian-era buildings. You can see styles like Second Empire, Stick style, and Queen Anne. Many Second Empire homes seem to have been built by the same person in the 1870s. For example, houses at 4, 44, and 52 Winthrop Street look very similar. The most beautiful Queen Anne house in the district is at 44 Putnam Street, built in 1885.
