Sunbury Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Sunbury Historic District
|
|
Edison Hotel in the Sunbury Historic District, April 2011
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by Arch, Chestnut, Front, and 5th Sts., Sunbury, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 65 acres (26 ha) |
| Built | ca. 1870 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| Demolished | 1914 |
| Restored | ca. 1918 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004240 |
| Added to NRHP | November 3, 1983 |
The Sunbury Historic District is a special area in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, that has been officially recognized for its important history and unique buildings. It's like a protected neighborhood where many old and interesting structures are kept safe.
This district includes 238 important buildings in the main part of Sunbury, where businesses are, and also in the nearby neighborhoods where people live. These buildings are called "contributing" because they add to the historical feel and look of the area.
The Sunbury Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This is a list kept by the United States government that recognizes places important to the history of the country.
Contents
Why Was the District Created?
The Sunbury Historic District was officially created by the City of Sunbury in 1996. The main goal was to protect the beautiful and historic buildings in the area.
Goals of the Historic District
The city wanted to achieve several things by creating this special district:
- Protect Old Buildings: Keep the unique and historic architecture of Sunbury safe.
- Learn About the Past: Encourage people to be interested in Sunbury's history.
- Help the Community: Improve the general well-being and education of the city's residents.
- Increase Property Value: Make properties in the area more valuable.
- Attract Visitors: Make the city more appealing to both people who live there and tourists.
- Boost the Economy: Help local businesses and make the city's economy stronger.
What Kind of Buildings Are There?
The Sunbury Historic District is known for its many beautiful buildings, especially homes and businesses. Most of the important homes are two-and-a-half stories tall and are made of wood or brick.
Architectural Styles You Can See
These buildings show off different styles of architecture, including:
- Federal: A style popular in the early days of the United United States, often simple and balanced.
- Colonial Revival: Buildings that look back to the style of early American colonial homes.
- Italianate: Often featuring low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tall, narrow windows.
- Queen Anne: Known for its decorative details, towers, turrets, and varied textures.
Famous Buildings in the District
Many notable buildings are part of this historic district. Some of them include:
- The Northumberland County Courthouse: This building is so important it's listed separately on the National Register.
- Northumberland County Prison (built 1876)
- James Tilghman House (built 1773)
- Maclay-Wolverton House (built 1773-1774)
- Keithan's Store
- Central Hotel
- Sunbury Textile Mills (built 1896)
- Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Depot
- Edison Hotel: The original hotel was destroyed by fire in 1914, and the current building was built around 1918.
- Masonic Temple (built 1907)
- Chestnut Street Opera House (built 1901)
- Sunbury Market (built 1901)
Images for kids
-
First Reformed Church, at 2nd and Chestnut, on an old postcard
-
First Presbyterian Church on an old postcard
