Westside Historic District (Amherst, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Westside Historic District
|
|
_at_Snell_Street.jpg)
Northampton Road (Rt. 9) at Snell Street
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Baker and Snell Sts., Northampton Rd., and Hazel Ave., Amherst, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Architect | Allen & Allen |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000793 |
| Added to NRHP | July 25, 2000 |
The Westside Historic District is a special area in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is called a historic district because it has many old buildings and places that are important to history. This district was once a neighborhood where many African-American families lived. It includes homes and land on Baker Street, Snell Street, Hazel Avenue, and Northampton Road (also known as Route 9).
Many of the houses here are quite old. Some were built in the Victorian style, which was popular in the late 1800s. Later homes show a style called Colonial Revival. The oldest houses are on Baker Street, built around 1869. Homes along Route 9 were built a bit later and include different styles, like Bungalow and Craftsman houses. The open fields around the neighborhood are also part of this historic district. The Westside Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000.
Discovering the Westside Historic District
This historic district helps us learn about the past. It shows us how people lived long ago in Amherst. The area is important because it tells the story of an early African-American community.
Early Residents and Their Homes
People of African descent, both free and enslaved, lived in Amherst as far back as the 1700s. However, we don't always know exactly where they lived. The area around Baker and Snell Streets and Hazel Avenue is one of the oldest known places where African-American families lived. Records show they were living here by the 1860s.
The houses on Baker Street are good examples of simple Victorian homes. Some of these houses have been updated with modern siding over the years. There is one special house at 21 Hazel Street. It is the only home in the district built in the American Foursquare style, which means it has a square shape and a sloped roof.
What Jobs Did People Have?
Most people living in this area long ago had jobs that did not pay a lot of money. They worked hard in various roles. Some were letter carriers, delivering mail to homes. Others worked as maids, janitors, or farmhands. These jobs were important for the community and helped the town of Amherst grow.
