The Parsonage (Natick, Massachusetts) facts for kids
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The Parsonage
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Parsonage in 1972
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Natick, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1866 |
| Part of | John Eliot Historic District (ID83000812) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000903 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 11, 1971 |
| Designated CP | June 23, 1983 |
The Parsonage, also called the Horatio Alger House, is a historic building in Natick, Massachusetts. It's known for its link to Horatio Alger (1832-1899). He was a very popular writer of stories for young people.
The Horatio Alger House
This house is special because of its connection to Horatio Alger. He wrote many famous "rags-to-riches" stories. These stories were about young boys who started poor but became successful through hard work. His books were extremely popular with readers.
About the House
The Parsonage is a two-and-a-half-story house made of wood. It is thought to have been built in the 1820s. A man named Oliver Bacon likely built it first.
The front of the house has five sections. There's a porch that runs along most of the front. This porch has four square columns that hold up its roof. The main entrance has windows on the sides. On the right side, there's a bay window that sticks out. A two-story section at the back gives the house an L-shape.
Horatio Alger's Connection
Horatio Alger lived in New York City for most of the year. But he spent his summers at this house in Natick. His father, who was a minister at the Eliot Church, lived here.
A person named H. H. Hunnewell bought the house from Oliver Bacon. He bought it specifically so Alger's father would have a place to live. Horatio Alger visited the house often between 1866 and 1877. He came back again from 1879 until 1898. In 1898, he moved into the house permanently. He passed away in Natick in 1899 at his sister's home.
A National Landmark
The Parsonage is recognized as a very important historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It was also named a National Historic Landmark in the same year. This means it's a place of national importance. Later, in 1977, it became part of the John Eliot Historic District. This district includes several historic buildings in the area.
