Richard Sayles House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Richard Sayles House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 80 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | c. 1820 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| MPS | Uxbridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004131 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1983 |
The Richard Sayles House is a historic home located at 80 Mendon Street in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. This house is a great example of Federal style building, especially because it's made from granite. It's also famous for being the home of Richard Sayles, who lived there from about 1859. He was an important person in the local textile mills, working his way up from a mill worker to an owner. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 7, 1983, recognizing its special history.
Contents
What Does the Richard Sayles House Look Like?
The Richard Sayles House stands on the north side of Mendon Street, which is also Massachusetts Route 16. It's just east of the St. Mary Parish church complex.
Building Materials and Design
The house is a two-story building made of stone. It has five sections, called "bays," across its front. The stone used is called ashlar granite, which means it's carefully cut and shaped. The house has a hip roof, which slopes inward from all four sides.
Front Entrance and Windows
The front of the house looks balanced and even. The main entrance is right in the middle. It has a rounded arch with a special stone at the top called a keystone. Above the door, there's a half-circle window called a semicircular transom. The other windows on the house have stone sills that stick out and stone tops called lintels. They are simple but strong in design.
Who Was Richard Sayles?
The Richard Sayles House was built around 1820, but we don't know who owned it first. Richard Sayles bought the house around 1859. He became a very important person in the textile mills of Uxbridge.
Richard Sayles's Early Life and Career
Richard Sayles was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He went to school at Uxbridge Academy. From 1841 to 1847, he worked in the local mills. By 1852, he had become a supervisor. He even helped oversee the building of the Central Woolen Mill. He and Israel Southwick leased this mill from 1859 to 1861.
Owning the Rivulet Mill
In 1864, Richard Sayles bought the Rivulet Mill. He owned this mill, often with partners, until he passed away in 1887.
Richard Sayles's Generosity
Sayles was also known for his kindness and giving back to the community. He helped pay for the building of the North Uxbridge Baptist Church. This was special because he himself was a Unitarian, a different religion. His actions showed his commitment to the community.
What Happened to the House After Sayles?
After Richard Sayles died in 1887, his house was sold to the Calument Mill company. It was likely used as housing for the mill workers. This shows how the house continued to be a part of Uxbridge's industrial history.
