Shumway Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shumway Block
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 112–116 Main Street, Webster, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1886 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000468 |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 1980 |
The Shumway Block is an old and important building in Webster, Massachusetts. It was built in 1887. This building shows a great example of brick architecture from the late Victorian era. It has been a key part of Webster's business area for a long time. In 1980, the Shumway Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place recognized for its history.
Contents
About the Shumway Block
The town of Webster has a main street called Main Street. This street runs near the French River and some railroad tracks. The Shumway Block is located on the south side of Main Street. It is just east of the railroad tracks.
How the Area Grew
This part of Webster was not always the busiest. But it became very important when the railroad was built. The railroad helped businesses grow in the area. Before the current building, an older wooden building stood here. It was also a busy spot for businesses connected to the railroad.
A New Beginning
Sadly, the old wooden building burned down in 1886. Oscar Shumway owned that building since 1872. After the fire, he decided to build a new, stronger building. That new building is the Shumway Block we see today. It was finished in 1887.
What the Building Looks Like
The Shumway Block is a three-story building made of brick. It has a flat roof. The front of the building has nine sections, or "bays." Stone pillars on the first floor divide these sections. Brick pillars do the same on the upper floors.
First Floor Shops
On the first floor, each section has a space for a shop. These shops have large glass display windows. They also have doors that are set back a bit from the street.
Upper Floor Details
The windows on the second and third floors are grouped in threes. They have stone tops and bottoms. You can see cool brick designs between the second and third floors. There are also round terra cotta panels above the three windows in the middle of the third floor. Near the roof, there is a band of fancy brickwork. The very center of the building has a raised wall called a parapet. This parapet has square posts with decorative urns on top.
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