Riverside Village Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Riverside Village Historic District
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 0-77 French King Hwy., 0-61 Riverview Dr., 1-9 Grove, 2-9 Myrtle, 8 Meadow, 2-23 Oak, 1-4 Pine & 3-32 Walnut Sts., Gill, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 100001617 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 2017 |
The Riverside Village Historic District is a special area in Gill, Massachusetts. It's a historic neighborhood located near Massachusetts Route 2. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it's recognized as an important place in American history.
Contents
Exploring Riverside's Past
Riverside was one of the first places settled in what is now the town of Gill. People started living here in the mid-1700s. The town of Gill officially became a town in 1794.
Riverside's Early Days
Riverside is located on the north side of the Connecticut River. It was the very first settlement in Gill. The oldest building still standing in Gill is the Howland Tavern. It was built around 1760. You can find it on the south side of the French King Highway.
How Riverside Grew
In the early 1800s, sawmills were built along the river. These mills cut wood that was used to build homes and other buildings in Gill. They also helped nearby towns grow.
Changes Over Time
Later in the 1800s, a new industrial village called Turners Falls grew across the river. Turners Falls became very important for jobs. Riverside then became a place where many workers from Turners Falls lived. A big lumber company in Riverside burned down in 1903. The area where it stood was never rebuilt.
What You'll See in Riverside
The historic district is generally bordered by the French King Highway to the north and the Connecticut River to the south. Most of the buildings here are simple wooden houses. They show how the community changed over time.
Important Buildings
Many of the houses in Riverside are modest, meaning they are not overly fancy. They were built in different styles, showing the changing times and industries in the area. Some interesting non-house buildings include a gas station from around 1920. There's also a schoolhouse built in 1926. A vegetable stand from the 1940s served people driving on the highway.
Bridges and Connections
A network of streets, mostly with homes, is found southwest of the highway. You'll also see the Gill–Montague Bridge nearby. This bridge was built between 1937 and 1938. It replaced an older bridge that was no longer safe.
