Filling Station and Dancing Pavilion
Address: 231 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: Charles Hall Gallery, Marlborough Arts Center and Museum
Historic Building Name: Dance Hall, Hall’s Package Store
Present Use: Gallery / Arts Center
Historic Use: Package store, dance hall, recreational hall
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date: c. 1940s
Notes: The building was originally built in 1920, according to the assessor's office. It was originally the dancing pavilion, and then in 1952, Charlie Hall opened a package store. It closed in the mid-1980s, and the building was left empty until 1999, when the Marlborough Arts Center and Museum purchased the property, and in 2004, moved the building back from the road, and began renovations. The assessor now gives the property a construction date of 2005.
Posted on June 21, 2007 2:41 PM
Contemporary Building Name: Charles Hall Gallery, Marlborough Arts Center and Museum
Historic Building Name: Dance Hall, Hall’s Package Store
Present Use: Gallery / Arts Center
Historic Use: Package store, dance hall, recreational hall
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date: c. 1940s
Notes: The building was originally built in 1920, according to the assessor's office. It was originally the dancing pavilion, and then in 1952, Charlie Hall opened a package store. It closed in the mid-1980s, and the building was left empty until 1999, when the Marlborough Arts Center and Museum purchased the property, and in 2004, moved the building back from the road, and began renovations. The assessor now gives the property a construction date of 2005.
Posted on June 21, 2007 2:41 PM
27-29 North Main Street
Address: 27-29 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 27-29 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: G.E. Hall House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1880 (Assessor)
Description: The fenestration of the front elevation consists of three evenly spaced 2-over-2 windows, with the front door located between the first and second bays from the north. Three evenly spaced windows are at the second floor. The central chimney is offset to the south, while there is a second chimney on the exterior of the north wall. On the south side elevation, evergreens obscure view of a shed-roofed porch, which is in front of a small shed-roofed set-back wing. The north side elevation has two 2-over-2 windows at the first floor, two at the second, and one in the attic. The ell beyond is shed-roofed.
Significance: The overall effect of the house is plain, perhaps due in part to the aluminum siding which may obscure identifying architectural details. The odd position of the front door suggests that the house may have undergone extensive alterations in the past. The 1869 atlas identifies the house with the name G.E. Hall. The atlas directory lists "G.E. Hall, Grist and Saw Mill." A "Single Mill, S & G Mill" is located by the atlas on the Blackledge River just north of Hebron Road. A house near the mill also carries the name G.E. Hall. The implication is that G.E. Hall was a mill owner with residence in the town center and a second house near the mill. A difficulty with this interpretation is that the Assessor's date for construction of the house is 1880; it may be older, but the siding conceals any evidence.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:38 AM
Contemporary Building Name: 27-29 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: G.E. Hall House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1880 (Assessor)
Description: The fenestration of the front elevation consists of three evenly spaced 2-over-2 windows, with the front door located between the first and second bays from the north. Three evenly spaced windows are at the second floor. The central chimney is offset to the south, while there is a second chimney on the exterior of the north wall. On the south side elevation, evergreens obscure view of a shed-roofed porch, which is in front of a small shed-roofed set-back wing. The north side elevation has two 2-over-2 windows at the first floor, two at the second, and one in the attic. The ell beyond is shed-roofed.
Significance: The overall effect of the house is plain, perhaps due in part to the aluminum siding which may obscure identifying architectural details. The odd position of the front door suggests that the house may have undergone extensive alterations in the past. The 1869 atlas identifies the house with the name G.E. Hall. The atlas directory lists "G.E. Hall, Grist and Saw Mill." A "Single Mill, S & G Mill" is located by the atlas on the Blackledge River just north of Hebron Road. A house near the mill also carries the name G.E. Hall. The implication is that G.E. Hall was a mill owner with residence in the town center and a second house near the mill. A difficulty with this interpretation is that the Assessor's date for construction of the house is 1880; it may be older, but the siding conceals any evidence.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:38 AM
34 North Main Street
Address: 34 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 34 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: Congregational Church Parsonage
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1750 (Assessor)
Description: The gable-end front elevation of the Parsonage has two 6-over-6 windows and a door at the first floor. The door is fitted into the small space between the south window and the nearby cornerboard. Basically, the Parsonage is a two-bay house. The front doorway, otherwise plain, is embellished with a frieze and heavy bold cornice. The second floor has two windows. The eaves return slightly below the level of the second-floor caps. There is no window in the gable end above. The raking eaves have no fascias. A small brick chimney rises from the center of the roof ridge. On the south side elevation windows at the second floor are 6-over-3, in conformity with the fact the house is less than a full two stories high. A fascia runs under the eaves on the side elevations. A long narrow wing/ell is set back on the south side elevation. Its central front door is flanked by single windows. On the north side elevation of the main block there are two windows at both first and second floors.
Significance: The Congregational Church Parsonage is one of the few 1 3/4-story houses in Marlborough, perhaps the only Greek Revival house of the description. The Greek Revival style is assigned to the house because of the frieze and cornice over the front door and because of the eaves returns, which suggest a gable-end pediment. The style designation is tenuous because of the absence of any confirming normal Greek Revival features, such as pilasters, cornice with frieze, pediment, and rectangular window in the gable end. Age of the wing/ell is not known but if by odd chance it is the older original part of the Parsonage, such circumstance would be consistent with the Assessor's date of 1750 for construction of the house.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:42 AM
Contemporary Building Name: 34 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: Congregational Church Parsonage
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1750 (Assessor)
Description: The gable-end front elevation of the Parsonage has two 6-over-6 windows and a door at the first floor. The door is fitted into the small space between the south window and the nearby cornerboard. Basically, the Parsonage is a two-bay house. The front doorway, otherwise plain, is embellished with a frieze and heavy bold cornice. The second floor has two windows. The eaves return slightly below the level of the second-floor caps. There is no window in the gable end above. The raking eaves have no fascias. A small brick chimney rises from the center of the roof ridge. On the south side elevation windows at the second floor are 6-over-3, in conformity with the fact the house is less than a full two stories high. A fascia runs under the eaves on the side elevations. A long narrow wing/ell is set back on the south side elevation. Its central front door is flanked by single windows. On the north side elevation of the main block there are two windows at both first and second floors.
Significance: The Congregational Church Parsonage is one of the few 1 3/4-story houses in Marlborough, perhaps the only Greek Revival house of the description. The Greek Revival style is assigned to the house because of the frieze and cornice over the front door and because of the eaves returns, which suggest a gable-end pediment. The style designation is tenuous because of the absence of any confirming normal Greek Revival features, such as pilasters, cornice with frieze, pediment, and rectangular window in the gable end. Age of the wing/ell is not known but if by odd chance it is the older original part of the Parsonage, such circumstance would be consistent with the Assessor's date of 1750 for construction of the house.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:42 AM
41 North Main Street
Address: 41 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 41 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: E. Coleman House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1830 (Assessor)
Description: The three-bay gable end of the E. Coleman House faces the street. The doorway in the south bay is framed by plain pilasters, frieze, and flat cornice. Windows have replacement 12-over-12 sash in flat surrounds. The mass of the house is defined by corner boards. There is no cornice or pediment, while the gable end is occupied by a square 12-pane window. Raking eaves, which do not return, have fascias and project with bold crown moldings. A brick chimney rises from the center of the roof. The wing set back to the south has a door near the house followed by a window and a shed-roofed side porch. Grade falls off sharply to the rear, exposing a high basement stone wall of large blocks laid in a distinctive pattern of alternating wide and narrow courses.
Significance: The E. Coleman House falls under the Greek Revival-style umbrella because of its mass, shape, three-bay temple-front facade, and characteristic doorway surround. The absence of corner pilasters and pediment are negative contributions to the stylistic designation. The projection of the raking eaves suggests Italianate influence, possible about 1850 but not in 1830. The house may be transitional Greek Revival/Italianate. The 1869 atlas associates the name E. Coleman with the property. Sandra Soucy (then President of the Marlborough Historical Society) notes that: "...the E. Coleman house...is also known as the Effie Buell house. Miss Buell served Marlborough as a nurse, often when there was no resident physician. She is quoted, 'I was in on the births, and in on the deaths.' She lived 97 years, and died in 1961."
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:47 AM
Contemporary Building Name: 41 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: E. Coleman House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1830 (Assessor)
Description: The three-bay gable end of the E. Coleman House faces the street. The doorway in the south bay is framed by plain pilasters, frieze, and flat cornice. Windows have replacement 12-over-12 sash in flat surrounds. The mass of the house is defined by corner boards. There is no cornice or pediment, while the gable end is occupied by a square 12-pane window. Raking eaves, which do not return, have fascias and project with bold crown moldings. A brick chimney rises from the center of the roof. The wing set back to the south has a door near the house followed by a window and a shed-roofed side porch. Grade falls off sharply to the rear, exposing a high basement stone wall of large blocks laid in a distinctive pattern of alternating wide and narrow courses.
Significance: The E. Coleman House falls under the Greek Revival-style umbrella because of its mass, shape, three-bay temple-front facade, and characteristic doorway surround. The absence of corner pilasters and pediment are negative contributions to the stylistic designation. The projection of the raking eaves suggests Italianate influence, possible about 1850 but not in 1830. The house may be transitional Greek Revival/Italianate. The 1869 atlas associates the name E. Coleman with the property. Sandra Soucy (then President of the Marlborough Historical Society) notes that: "...the E. Coleman house...is also known as the Effie Buell house. Miss Buell served Marlborough as a nurse, often when there was no resident physician. She is quoted, 'I was in on the births, and in on the deaths.' She lived 97 years, and died in 1961."
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:47 AM
43-45 North Main Street
Address: 43-53 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: Marlborough Country Barn
Historic Building Name: Cow Barn
Present Use: Retail Store
Historic Use: Cow Barn
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1880 (Assessor)
Description: The barn, which faces north, is a component in a grouping of connected buildings which forms one of several free-standing clusters in the retail complex. A wide shed-roofed porch runs across the front of the barn, approached by a single full-width step. The porch roof is an extension of the main roof's front slope and is supported by square posts. The central entrance is flanked by large windows of 28 small panes (7x4). On the interior, finishes are natural wood and framing is exposed. Fenestration on the rear elevation is a batten door and three six-pane windows. The components of the grouping attached to the cow barn to the west are less than 50 years old. The attached component to the east is a two-story gable-roofed historic barn with two six-pane windows at the first floor, two 6-over-6 windows at the second floor, and an attic window of four panes. The east side elevation, toward the road, has one window of 44 small panes (11x4). The next attached section of the rambling structure, to the rear (south), is less than 50 years old, but is followed by a small 12' x 22' one-story gable-roofed historic barn of vertical wood siding with an oriel of small panes in its eastern wall, under a loading door. There are two 12-over-12 windows on the south elevation.
Significance: The cow barn and its attached components play a roll in creating the effective overall rural and Colonial/Colonial Revival ambience of this large retail complex. While the historic buildings have been altered, especially by the introduction of Colonial Revival windows of multiple small-panes, painted white, this building complex and the site as a whole are successful in achieving an attractive setting related to historic precedent.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:52 AM
Contemporary Building Name: Marlborough Country Barn
Historic Building Name: Cow Barn
Present Use: Retail Store
Historic Use: Cow Barn
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1880 (Assessor)
Description: The barn, which faces north, is a component in a grouping of connected buildings which forms one of several free-standing clusters in the retail complex. A wide shed-roofed porch runs across the front of the barn, approached by a single full-width step. The porch roof is an extension of the main roof's front slope and is supported by square posts. The central entrance is flanked by large windows of 28 small panes (7x4). On the interior, finishes are natural wood and framing is exposed. Fenestration on the rear elevation is a batten door and three six-pane windows. The components of the grouping attached to the cow barn to the west are less than 50 years old. The attached component to the east is a two-story gable-roofed historic barn with two six-pane windows at the first floor, two 6-over-6 windows at the second floor, and an attic window of four panes. The east side elevation, toward the road, has one window of 44 small panes (11x4). The next attached section of the rambling structure, to the rear (south), is less than 50 years old, but is followed by a small 12' x 22' one-story gable-roofed historic barn of vertical wood siding with an oriel of small panes in its eastern wall, under a loading door. There are two 12-over-12 windows on the south elevation.
Significance: The cow barn and its attached components play a roll in creating the effective overall rural and Colonial/Colonial Revival ambience of this large retail complex. While the historic buildings have been altered, especially by the introduction of Colonial Revival windows of multiple small-panes, painted white, this building complex and the site as a whole are successful in achieving an attractive setting related to historic precedent.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 11:52 AM
139-143 North Main Street
Address: 139-143 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 139-143 North Main Street
Historic Building Name:
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Queen Anne
Date constructed: c. 1885 (Baber)
Description: The large house is L-shaped, with a strong front cross gable in the main block presenting a prominent feature. The two-story wing that completes the L shape is set back to the south, with a porch in the angle of the L. The central entrance of the main block is protected by an elaborate front porch which is approached by broad wooden steps. Paired posts of reverse taper rise from a picket railing to jog-sawn brackets which support the spindle frieze of the porch's shed rood. The shed roof is interrupted by a cross gable in the form of a pediment whose tympanum is covered with imbricated shingles. The front door is set in boldly molded casing under a blocky head piece with circular pattern. The upper half of the door is glazed with a large pane surrounded by a border of 16 small panes of colored glass. Paired 2-over-2 windows flank the porch at both first and second floors. Abutting the second-floor window lintels a broad band of narrow vertical boards makes a fascia or false cornice which connects the ends of the raking eaves of the gable above. The raking eaves project, and are covered with elaborate bargeboards displaying a raised pattern of small parallel panels. The gable end is covered with imbricated shingles, repeating the treatment of the porch gable end, and is the location of a single window. The end (side) gables of the main roof repeat the elaborate details of the front gable. The shed-roofed front porch of the wing has been enclosed and has been extended forward with a glazed bay. There is a second front door at the north end of the bay, close to the main block. The south gable end of the wing repeats the gable ends of the main block. A further shed-roofed wing/ell continues from the rear (southwest) corner of the wing. No chimney is visible. The owner, who has lived in the house since 1952, reports that the present mid-19th century structure envelopes a Colonial saltbox. Mortise-and-tenon joins are visible in the basement. The interior was altered in 1952 at which time fireplaces were eliminated. The wooden mantels are stored in the basement. More recently, the interior has been remodeled into three apartments.
Significance: 139-143 North Main Street is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style, in a good state of preservation. The house incorporates many characteristic Queen Anne features, including asymmetrical plan, a variety of wall materials and textures, intricate details such as the posts in reverse taper, imbricated shingles, and paneled bargeboards. The house is unusual, perhaps unique, in Marlborough.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:32 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 139-143 North Main Street
Historic Building Name:
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Queen Anne
Date constructed: c. 1885 (Baber)
Description: The large house is L-shaped, with a strong front cross gable in the main block presenting a prominent feature. The two-story wing that completes the L shape is set back to the south, with a porch in the angle of the L. The central entrance of the main block is protected by an elaborate front porch which is approached by broad wooden steps. Paired posts of reverse taper rise from a picket railing to jog-sawn brackets which support the spindle frieze of the porch's shed rood. The shed roof is interrupted by a cross gable in the form of a pediment whose tympanum is covered with imbricated shingles. The front door is set in boldly molded casing under a blocky head piece with circular pattern. The upper half of the door is glazed with a large pane surrounded by a border of 16 small panes of colored glass. Paired 2-over-2 windows flank the porch at both first and second floors. Abutting the second-floor window lintels a broad band of narrow vertical boards makes a fascia or false cornice which connects the ends of the raking eaves of the gable above. The raking eaves project, and are covered with elaborate bargeboards displaying a raised pattern of small parallel panels. The gable end is covered with imbricated shingles, repeating the treatment of the porch gable end, and is the location of a single window. The end (side) gables of the main roof repeat the elaborate details of the front gable. The shed-roofed front porch of the wing has been enclosed and has been extended forward with a glazed bay. There is a second front door at the north end of the bay, close to the main block. The south gable end of the wing repeats the gable ends of the main block. A further shed-roofed wing/ell continues from the rear (southwest) corner of the wing. No chimney is visible. The owner, who has lived in the house since 1952, reports that the present mid-19th century structure envelopes a Colonial saltbox. Mortise-and-tenon joins are visible in the basement. The interior was altered in 1952 at which time fireplaces were eliminated. The wooden mantels are stored in the basement. More recently, the interior has been remodeled into three apartments.
Significance: 139-143 North Main Street is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style, in a good state of preservation. The house incorporates many characteristic Queen Anne features, including asymmetrical plan, a variety of wall materials and textures, intricate details such as the posts in reverse taper, imbricated shingles, and paneled bargeboards. The house is unusual, perhaps unique, in Marlborough.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:32 PM
148 North main Street
Address: 148 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 148 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: E. Cook House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Italianate
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1884 (Assessor)
Description: The main block of the L-shaped house faces west toward the street, with its wing of two sections extending to the south. The front door is in the southernmost of the three bays of the main block. The door is flanked by plain pilasters surmounted by small consoles which hold a heavy flat cornice. The 1-over-1 windows of the first and second floors have slightly peaked lintels. A pair of narrow windows is at attic level under a small pierced triangular brace in the gable peak. The north side elevation has two windows at both first and second floors. Corner boards are narrow. In the first section of the wing the gable roof is parallel with the street, set back behind a shed-roofed porch supported by slender square posts and curved sawn brackets. The porch roof has a cross gable near the main block which bears a raised half sunburst. Windows are 6-over-1 with flat lintels. The roof of the second section of the wing is gable end to street with three windows at first floor and paired windows at second floor, all having peaked lintels. The arrangement of the fenestration and the detailing are similar to those of the main block, except for the glazing pattern which is 6-over-1 as found in the first section of the wing.
Significance: The main block of the E. Cook House appears to be transitional Greek Revival/Italianate in architectural style. The orientation of gable end toward street, with three bays, is characteristic of the Greek Revival, but also carried over into the Italianate. The heavy flat cornice over the front door, the peaked window caps, and the narrow paired attic windows are representative of the Italianate style which, overall, seems to be the best designation for the house. As a complication, however, the decorative brace in the gable peak and the sunburst pattern over the porch of the wing suggest the Queen Anne style. The second section of the wing, which is closely patterned after the main block, may be a late 20th century addition. The house identified on the 1869 atlas with the initials may be this building.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:38 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 148 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: E. Cook House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Italianate
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1884 (Assessor)
Description: The main block of the L-shaped house faces west toward the street, with its wing of two sections extending to the south. The front door is in the southernmost of the three bays of the main block. The door is flanked by plain pilasters surmounted by small consoles which hold a heavy flat cornice. The 1-over-1 windows of the first and second floors have slightly peaked lintels. A pair of narrow windows is at attic level under a small pierced triangular brace in the gable peak. The north side elevation has two windows at both first and second floors. Corner boards are narrow. In the first section of the wing the gable roof is parallel with the street, set back behind a shed-roofed porch supported by slender square posts and curved sawn brackets. The porch roof has a cross gable near the main block which bears a raised half sunburst. Windows are 6-over-1 with flat lintels. The roof of the second section of the wing is gable end to street with three windows at first floor and paired windows at second floor, all having peaked lintels. The arrangement of the fenestration and the detailing are similar to those of the main block, except for the glazing pattern which is 6-over-1 as found in the first section of the wing.
Significance: The main block of the E. Cook House appears to be transitional Greek Revival/Italianate in architectural style. The orientation of gable end toward street, with three bays, is characteristic of the Greek Revival, but also carried over into the Italianate. The heavy flat cornice over the front door, the peaked window caps, and the narrow paired attic windows are representative of the Italianate style which, overall, seems to be the best designation for the house. As a complication, however, the decorative brace in the gable peak and the sunburst pattern over the porch of the wing suggest the Queen Anne style. The second section of the wing, which is closely patterned after the main block, may be a late 20th century addition. The house identified on the 1869 atlas with the initials may be this building.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:38 PM
161 North Main Street
Address: 161 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 161 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: F.W. Coleman House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Georgian
Date constructed: 1760-1899 (Baber), 1749 (Assessor), c. 1820-1830 (Keith)
Description: The broad front elevation of the F.W. Coleman House is divided into five bays in the traditional 2-1-2 rhythm. Windows are 2-over-2. There is a four-light transom over the door enclosed within an eared architrave. A brick chimney of modest size in plan but of good height rises from the center of the ridge line. The roof is low pitched. On the south side elevation a three-sided oriel has been added at the first floor while there are two windows at the second floor. The attic window is half round. A long narrow ell runs back from the center of the rear elevation. The angles between the ell and the main block are occupied by shed-roofed infills.
Significance: The F. W. Coleman House is a good example of a colonial-era house which qualifies for the Georgian style because of the classical eared-architrave feature of the doorway, assuming the feature is original. The attic fanlight window would be more convincing if it were semi-elliptical rather than half round, as it is. The window and the low roof pitch raise the possibility of alterations were made to the roof framing at some time. The 1869 atlas shows two Coleman houses at about this location. 161 North Main Street may be the F.W. Coleman House.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Keith, Elmer D., director. Works Progress Administration, Federal Writers’ Project, Census of Old of Distinctive Buildings in the State of Connecticut. c. 1935.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:53 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 161 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: F.W. Coleman House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Georgian
Date constructed: 1760-1899 (Baber), 1749 (Assessor), c. 1820-1830 (Keith)
Description: The broad front elevation of the F.W. Coleman House is divided into five bays in the traditional 2-1-2 rhythm. Windows are 2-over-2. There is a four-light transom over the door enclosed within an eared architrave. A brick chimney of modest size in plan but of good height rises from the center of the ridge line. The roof is low pitched. On the south side elevation a three-sided oriel has been added at the first floor while there are two windows at the second floor. The attic window is half round. A long narrow ell runs back from the center of the rear elevation. The angles between the ell and the main block are occupied by shed-roofed infills.
Significance: The F. W. Coleman House is a good example of a colonial-era house which qualifies for the Georgian style because of the classical eared-architrave feature of the doorway, assuming the feature is original. The attic fanlight window would be more convincing if it were semi-elliptical rather than half round, as it is. The window and the low roof pitch raise the possibility of alterations were made to the roof framing at some time. The 1869 atlas shows two Coleman houses at about this location. 161 North Main Street may be the F.W. Coleman House.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Keith, Elmer D., director. Works Progress Administration, Federal Writers’ Project, Census of Old of Distinctive Buildings in the State of Connecticut. c. 1935.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 12:53 PM
205 North Main Street
Address: 205 North Main
Contemporary Building Name: 205 North Main
Historic Building Name: D.A. Brown House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival
Date constructed: 1780-1820 (Baber), 1812 (Assessor)
Description: The front elevation of the D.A. Brown House is divided into five bays by central doorway and nine windows, four at the first floor and five at the second. The first-floor sash are 6-over-6 while at the second floor they are rectangular horizontal three-pane. The doorway is framed by plain pilasters under full entablature of architrave, frieze, and delicate molded cornice. The corners of the house support slender plain pilasters, while the horizontal windows are placed in a frieze. The eaves return slightly on the side elevations. A central rectangular chimney with its long dimension front to back rises from the center of the ridge line. There is a single window on the south side elevation at both first and second floors. In the ell the gable roof is oriented at right angles to the main block's roof ridge.
Significance: The D.A. Brown House is a good example of a five-bay 1 1/2 story Colonial house. It exhibits the characteristic five-bay front elevation, with small windows in the second floor frieze under the eaves. The building appears to be in a good state of preservation. For a similar house in Marlborough, see 367 Jones Hollow Road. The 1869 atlas shows the house with the name D.A. Brown.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:07 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 205 North Main
Historic Building Name: D.A. Brown House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival
Date constructed: 1780-1820 (Baber), 1812 (Assessor)
Description: The front elevation of the D.A. Brown House is divided into five bays by central doorway and nine windows, four at the first floor and five at the second. The first-floor sash are 6-over-6 while at the second floor they are rectangular horizontal three-pane. The doorway is framed by plain pilasters under full entablature of architrave, frieze, and delicate molded cornice. The corners of the house support slender plain pilasters, while the horizontal windows are placed in a frieze. The eaves return slightly on the side elevations. A central rectangular chimney with its long dimension front to back rises from the center of the ridge line. There is a single window on the south side elevation at both first and second floors. In the ell the gable roof is oriented at right angles to the main block's roof ridge.
Significance: The D.A. Brown House is a good example of a five-bay 1 1/2 story Colonial house. It exhibits the characteristic five-bay front elevation, with small windows in the second floor frieze under the eaves. The building appears to be in a good state of preservation. For a similar house in Marlborough, see 367 Jones Hollow Road. The 1869 atlas shows the house with the name D.A. Brown.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:07 PM
222 North Main Street
Address: 222 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 222 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: L. Alger House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1860 (Baber)
Description: The L. Alger House is a small L-shaped building, with one-story entrance porch located in the angle of the L. The narrow gable end facing the street, to the north, has paired 2-over-2 windows at first floor, a single window at the second. Entrance to the house is through the porch, to the south, which is now enclosed but may have been open originally. Behind the porch, the rear section of the L terminates in a gable end facing south, to which a glass atrium has been added. The gazebo is in the back yard southeast of the house.
Significance: The L. Alger House is a vernacular building without stylistic architectural features, but its original mass and form read clearly after more than 100 years. Stylistic features may have existed before the present siding was added. It is a modest, plain, straightforward building. Interest is added by the presence of the gazebo, one of the few such structures in Marlborough. In the 1869 atlas the property is marked with the name L. Alger.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:09 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 222 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: L. Alger House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1860 (Baber)
Description: The L. Alger House is a small L-shaped building, with one-story entrance porch located in the angle of the L. The narrow gable end facing the street, to the north, has paired 2-over-2 windows at first floor, a single window at the second. Entrance to the house is through the porch, to the south, which is now enclosed but may have been open originally. Behind the porch, the rear section of the L terminates in a gable end facing south, to which a glass atrium has been added. The gazebo is in the back yard southeast of the house.
Significance: The L. Alger House is a vernacular building without stylistic architectural features, but its original mass and form read clearly after more than 100 years. Stylistic features may have existed before the present siding was added. It is a modest, plain, straightforward building. Interest is added by the presence of the gazebo, one of the few such structures in Marlborough. In the 1869 atlas the property is marked with the name L. Alger.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:09 PM
231 North Main Street
Address: 231 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: Charles Hall Gallery, Marlborough Arts Center and Museum
Historic Building Name: Dance Hall, Hall’s Package Store
Present Use: Gallery / Arts Center
Historic Use: Package store, dance hall, recreational hall
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1920 (Assessor)
Description: There are two doors in the front gable end of the building, facing the street. The original doorway is centered. It has flush casing, boarded-up sidelights, and what appears to be the original door with square glazing over four horizontal panels. A second door adjoins to the north, indicating the interior was divided into two parts, as there are two boarded-up shop windows. An attic window is in the gable end. On the north side elevation, a shed-roofed porch runs the depth of the building. The porch roof is supported by posts which are small tree trunks, in a state of disrepair.
Significance: 231 Main Street is an example of a commercial building, one of the few in this survey. It is without architectural stylistic features, except for the rustic posts of the side porch, which probably are added. The Assessor's field card states that it is a former package store, while Baber (1978 Inventory) refers to earlier use as a dance, recreation hall, without further details.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes: In 1999, the Marlborough Arts Center and Museum purchased the property, and in 2004, moved the building back from the road, and began renovations. The assessor now gives the property a construction date of 2005.
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:13 PM
Contemporary Building Name: Charles Hall Gallery, Marlborough Arts Center and Museum
Historic Building Name: Dance Hall, Hall’s Package Store
Present Use: Gallery / Arts Center
Historic Use: Package store, dance hall, recreational hall
Architectural style: Vernacular
Date constructed: 1920 (Assessor)
Description: There are two doors in the front gable end of the building, facing the street. The original doorway is centered. It has flush casing, boarded-up sidelights, and what appears to be the original door with square glazing over four horizontal panels. A second door adjoins to the north, indicating the interior was divided into two parts, as there are two boarded-up shop windows. An attic window is in the gable end. On the north side elevation, a shed-roofed porch runs the depth of the building. The porch roof is supported by posts which are small tree trunks, in a state of disrepair.
Significance: 231 Main Street is an example of a commercial building, one of the few in this survey. It is without architectural stylistic features, except for the rustic posts of the side porch, which probably are added. The Assessor's field card states that it is a former package store, while Baber (1978 Inventory) refers to earlier use as a dance, recreation hall, without further details.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes: In 1999, the Marlborough Arts Center and Museum purchased the property, and in 2004, moved the building back from the road, and began renovations. The assessor now gives the property a construction date of 2005.
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:13 PM
232 North Main Street
Address: 232 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 232 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: L. Alger House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular / Queen Anne
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1840 (Assessor)
Description: One gable end of the L-shaped house faces the street. There are two 6-over-6 windows in both first and second floors, offset to the north. The gable peak above is covered with imbricated shingles. Front entrance is on the side, toward the front of the south elevation of the section. The doorway there is under a hipped-roof hood. The second section of the ell corresponds to a wing set back to the south. One brick chimney rises from the exterior of the north wall, another from the center of the set-back section of the house.
Significance: 232 North Main Street is a plain house without architectural stylistic features, save for the imbricated shingles on the front gable end, which establish a relationship to the Queen Anne style. The offset of the front windows to the north, instead of the customary even spacing, is off, suggesting that alterations may have offurred which are not immediately recognizable. Baber (1978 Inventory) states that 232 North Main Street is mill housing, without further elaboration, which is possible because the date of construction corresponds to the years when the textile mill was nearby to the north. On the 1869 atlas the house carries the name L. Alger.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:43 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 232 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: L. Alger House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Vernacular / Queen Anne
Date constructed: c. 1850 (Baber), 1840 (Assessor)
Description: One gable end of the L-shaped house faces the street. There are two 6-over-6 windows in both first and second floors, offset to the north. The gable peak above is covered with imbricated shingles. Front entrance is on the side, toward the front of the south elevation of the section. The doorway there is under a hipped-roof hood. The second section of the ell corresponds to a wing set back to the south. One brick chimney rises from the exterior of the north wall, another from the center of the set-back section of the house.
Significance: 232 North Main Street is a plain house without architectural stylistic features, save for the imbricated shingles on the front gable end, which establish a relationship to the Queen Anne style. The offset of the front windows to the north, instead of the customary even spacing, is off, suggesting that alterations may have offurred which are not immediately recognizable. Baber (1978 Inventory) states that 232 North Main Street is mill housing, without further elaboration, which is possible because the date of construction corresponds to the years when the textile mill was nearby to the north. On the 1869 atlas the house carries the name L. Alger.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:43 PM
236 North Main Street
Address: 236 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 236 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: A. Rating House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1840 (Baber and Assessor)
Description: The front elevation of the house is the three-bay gable end, with door to the south. The doorway consists of flanking pilasters supporting an architrave, wide frieze, and flat cornice. The two windows to the north are 6-over-6. In the second floor, above, there is a pair of 6-over-6 windows. On the south side elevation, first floor, window sequence is one 6-over-6 sash followed by a tall eight-pane window, then the added one-story ell. At the second floor there is a rectangular window under the eaves toward the front, while an added gambrel-roofed dormer is just before the ell.
Significance: The front doorway of pilasters and entablature as part of the three-bay first-floor fenestration articulate the Greek Revival style, as does the eaves window on the south. However, the paired second-floor front windows do not carry out the style, and absence of corner pilasters and pediment further weaken the stylistic designation. Baber (1978 Inventory) states that 236 North Main Street is mill housing, without further elaboration, which is possible because the date of construction corresponds to the years when the textile mill was nearby to the north. The 1869 atlas gives the house the name A. Rating.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:47 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 236 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: A. Rating House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Vernacular
Date constructed: c. 1840 (Baber and Assessor)
Description: The front elevation of the house is the three-bay gable end, with door to the south. The doorway consists of flanking pilasters supporting an architrave, wide frieze, and flat cornice. The two windows to the north are 6-over-6. In the second floor, above, there is a pair of 6-over-6 windows. On the south side elevation, first floor, window sequence is one 6-over-6 sash followed by a tall eight-pane window, then the added one-story ell. At the second floor there is a rectangular window under the eaves toward the front, while an added gambrel-roofed dormer is just before the ell.
Significance: The front doorway of pilasters and entablature as part of the three-bay first-floor fenestration articulate the Greek Revival style, as does the eaves window on the south. However, the paired second-floor front windows do not carry out the style, and absence of corner pilasters and pediment further weaken the stylistic designation. Baber (1978 Inventory) states that 236 North Main Street is mill housing, without further elaboration, which is possible because the date of construction corresponds to the years when the textile mill was nearby to the north. The 1869 atlas gives the house the name A. Rating.
Sources: Baber, David. Capitol Region Council of Governments Historic Resource Survey of Marlborough, 1978.
Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:47 PM
265-267 North Main Street
Address: 265-267 North Main Street
Contemporary Building Name: 265-267 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: I. Allen House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Italianate
Date constructed: 1849 (Assessor)
Description: In the three-bay gable end of the house which faces the street, the doorway to the south is framed by plain pilasters and entablature. The two windows to the north are full-height, 6-over-9, under peaked caps. The three second-floor 6-over-6 windows also have peaked caps. In the attic the peaked cap of the paired small windows is more pronounced than on the lower floors. A one-story wing is set back to the south. A porch in the angle of the L has an almost flat roof supported by turned posts and one sawn bracket. Two small 3-over-3 windows are under the eaves of the ell. Three more of these small windows appear on the north elevation, second floor. The property is 67.8 acres.
Significance: The mixture of Greek Revival and Italianate features in the I. Allen House is consistent with its 1849 date of construction. By this mid-century year, the Greek Revival style was nearing the end of its epoch, while popularity of the Italianate was strong. Accordingly, in this house the plain Greek Revival doorway was present along with the peaked window caps characteristic of the Italianate, the whole in a Greek Revival temple-form three-bay front elevation, but without a Greek Revival pediment. The 1869 atlas (inset, Plate 2) identifies the textile enterprise at the northwest corner of North Main Street and Chapman Road as "Allen & Hanks Cotton Mill, Manf.s of Satinet Warp." The house at 265-267 North Main Street carries the name of I. Allen. E.P. Hanks is next door to the north, while rows of Allen & Hanks houses run along both North Main Street and Chapman Road. Since satinet is a fabric with cotton warp and woolen filling, the term cotton mill is correct for a manufacturer of satinet warp. Such two-fiber fabrics fall under the generic term of union, suggesting that when the mill earlier had been known as Union Mills it was producing a similar product. In the 1869 atlas the name Marlborough Mill is associated with a building on the east side of North Main Street.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:52 PM
Contemporary Building Name: 265-267 North Main Street
Historic Building Name: I. Allen House
Present Use: Residential
Historic Use: Residential
Architectural style: Greek Revival / Italianate
Date constructed: 1849 (Assessor)
Description: In the three-bay gable end of the house which faces the street, the doorway to the south is framed by plain pilasters and entablature. The two windows to the north are full-height, 6-over-9, under peaked caps. The three second-floor 6-over-6 windows also have peaked caps. In the attic the peaked cap of the paired small windows is more pronounced than on the lower floors. A one-story wing is set back to the south. A porch in the angle of the L has an almost flat roof supported by turned posts and one sawn bracket. Two small 3-over-3 windows are under the eaves of the ell. Three more of these small windows appear on the north elevation, second floor. The property is 67.8 acres.
Significance: The mixture of Greek Revival and Italianate features in the I. Allen House is consistent with its 1849 date of construction. By this mid-century year, the Greek Revival style was nearing the end of its epoch, while popularity of the Italianate was strong. Accordingly, in this house the plain Greek Revival doorway was present along with the peaked window caps characteristic of the Italianate, the whole in a Greek Revival temple-form three-bay front elevation, but without a Greek Revival pediment. The 1869 atlas (inset, Plate 2) identifies the textile enterprise at the northwest corner of North Main Street and Chapman Road as "Allen & Hanks Cotton Mill, Manf.s of Satinet Warp." The house at 265-267 North Main Street carries the name of I. Allen. E.P. Hanks is next door to the north, while rows of Allen & Hanks houses run along both North Main Street and Chapman Road. Since satinet is a fabric with cotton warp and woolen filling, the term cotton mill is correct for a manufacturer of satinet warp. Such two-fiber fabrics fall under the generic term of union, suggesting that when the mill earlier had been known as Union Mills it was producing a similar product. In the 1869 atlas the name Marlborough Mill is associated with a building on the east side of North Main Street.
Sources: Ransom, David. Historical and Architectural Resources Survey, Town of Marlborough, Connecticut. April 1998.
Notes:
Posted on May 24, 2007 1:52 PM