West Brookfield Center Historic District facts for kids
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West Brookfield Center Historic District
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John Tomblin House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | West Brookfield, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 37.5 acres (15.2 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000885 (original) 06000401 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 28, 1990 |
| Boundary increase | May 15, 2006 |
The West Brookfield Center Historic District is a special area in West Brookfield, Massachusetts. It's like a preserved neighborhood that shows what the town looked like a long time ago. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized by the United States government as an important historical site.
When it was first added to the list in 1990, the district covered the old center of West Brookfield. This included the area around Main Street, North Main Street, and School Street. It also had some buildings on nearby side streets. This part of town was once the main area of a larger town called Brookfield before it split into smaller communities, including West Brookfield. You can find many beautiful homes from the 1700s and 1800s here, built in styles like Federal and Queen Anne. The town hall and public library are also part of this historic section.
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Exploring the Historic Center
The original part of the West Brookfield Center Historic District is where the town first grew. It's centered around a three-way intersection of Main Street, North Main Street, and School Street. As you walk through this area, you'll see many buildings that tell a story about the past.
Architectural Styles You Might See
- Federal Style: These homes were popular in the late 1700s and early 1800s. They often look very balanced and elegant, with simple decorations.
- Queen Anne Style: Common in the late 1800s, these houses are often more detailed and colorful. They might have towers, turrets, or decorative shingles.
Expanding the District's Story
In 2006, the historic district was made larger. This new section includes an area south of the town center, mainly along Milk, Front, and Ware Streets. This part of West Brookfield developed a bit later, especially after the railroad arrived in 1839.
The Railroad's Influence
The arrival of the railroad changed this area a lot. Many homes were built here from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s for people who worked in the growing industries. You can also find some older railroad buildings here.
Historic Train Stations
The district includes two important train stations:
- First Station: Built between 1839 and 1847, this station has a Gothic Revival style. It's one of the oldest train stations built just for railroads that is still standing in the United States!
- Second Station: This station was built in 1884. It was designed by an architect named E. C. Gardner, who was inspired by the famous architect H. H. Richardson. Richardson had designed other stations for the Boston and Albany Railroad.
These buildings show how important the railroad was for West Brookfield's growth and history.
