The Town Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Town Farm
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The Town Farm
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 75 Oliver St., Easthampton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 56 acres (23 ha) |
| Architect | Pratt, W.F., & Son |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000950 |
| Added to NRHP | September 12, 1996 |
The Town Farm, now known as the Easthampton Lodging House, is a special historic building located at 75 Oliver Street in Easthampton, Massachusetts. It was started in 1890 to help people in the town who didn't have much money or a place to live. This place is unique because it's the only one of its kind in Massachusetts that is still run by the local town. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, which means it's an important historical site.
What is the Easthampton Lodging House Like?
The former town farm in Easthampton is in a quiet, rural area. It's on the north side of Oliver Street, across from Hollister Drive. The main building looks a bit like older buildings from the 1800s, with a large central part and two smaller sections on the sides. However, it also has cool details from the late 1800s, like those found in Craftsman and Queen Anne style buildings. The outside of the building hasn't changed much since it was built. The biggest change was an addition made in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration, a government program that created jobs during the Great Depression.
How Did Poor Farms Help People?
In the 1800s, poor farms were a common way for communities to help people who were poor and couldn't support themselves. These farms provided a place to live and work, often growing food. The Easthampton facility started in 1890 and originally had many farm buildings. It operated as a working farm until 1955. After that, the town sold the farm equipment and rented the land to local farmers.
Why is the Easthampton Lodging House Special?
In 1974, the building was officially named the "Town Lodging House." In 1986, there was an effort to have the state take over the facility, but the town decided to keep it under local control. This is why it's so special today: it's the only place of its kind in Massachusetts that is still managed by the local town government. It continues to provide housing and support, just as it has for over a century.
