Category Archives: Organizations

Trustees’ Office and Store, Hancock Shaker Village (1813)

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Daniel

Trustees' Office and Store

In 1813, the Shakers of Hancock constructed a building, the Trustees’ Office, in which to conduct business and accommodate visitors from what they referred to as “The World.” Part of Hancock Shaker Village, it is located just across the border from Hancock in Pittsfield (the town line passes through the eastern end of the village). In 1852 the Shakers more than doubled the size of the original building by extending it to the south. It was also reoriented to face west. A kitchen ell was added in 1876, which joined the Office to a woodshed to the east. The entire structure was completely altered in an eclectic Victorian style in 1895. There was also a gift shop/fancy goods store in the building. The Office was home to the Trustee and Central Ministry Eldress Mary Frances Hall (b. 1876) until her death in 1957. (more…)

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Sisters’ Dairy and Weave Shop (1790)

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Daniel

Sisters' Dairy and Weave Shop

Probably built in the 1790s, the Sisters’ Dairy and Weave Shop at Hancock Shaker Village is where the Shaker Sisters produced butter and cheese. It was constructed over a natural spring which provided cold water used to cool the milk products. The second floor of the building was added after 1820 and used as a weave loft, where the Sisters made clothing, rugs and bonnets.

(more…)

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Brethren’s Shop, Hancock Shaker Village (1813)

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Daniel

Brethren's Shop

Each male Shaker was expected to practice one or more trades. Built circa 1813, the Brethren’s Shop at Hancock Shaker Village was one of several buildings used as a workshop by the brethren. Inside they made such products as chairs, baskets, shoes, brooms and the distinctive Shaker oval boxes. Paint analysis undertaken in 2007 led to the restoration of the color used when the building was painted yellow in 1845. (more…)

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Brick Dwelling, Hancock Shaker Village (1830)

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Daniel

Brick Dwelling

The Brick Dwelling at Hancock Shaker Village replaced two earlier dwelling structures, dating to the 1790s. The Brick Dwelling was built in 1830-1831 and was designed by Elder William Deming. The building’s basement was used for the kitchen and food storage and the first floor contained various waiting rooms, with the large dining room and the meeting room at opposite ends. The upper floors contained the separated brethren and sisters retiring rooms (Elders and Eldresses retiring rooms were on the second floor). The restored Brick Dwelling can be visited as part of the Hancock Shaker Village museum.

(more…)

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Holyoke Masonic Temple (1922)

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Daniel

The cornerstone of the Masonic Temple (also called Masonic Hall) in Holyoke was laid on September 11, 1920. Located at 235 Chestnut Street, the building is home to Mount Tom Lodge, which began in 1850 and occupied Lodge rooms in three different downtown blocks before before its Masonic Temple was completed in 1922.

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Noah Strong House (1873)

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Daniel

The house at 38 Broad Street in Westfield was built in 1873 by Noah Strong, a local contractor. The architecture of the house reflects an amalgam of styles. The town purchased the house in 1909 to use it as a vocational school. For Westfield’s 250th Anniversary celebration in 1919, the building was used for “The Hostess House and Loan Exhibit,” under the direction of the art committee of the Women’s Club of Westfield. According to The History of the Celebration of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Westfield Massachusetts, August 31, September 1, 2, 5, 1919:

Here tea was served every day to thousands of guests, who were received by hostesses in quaint, old costumes.

The rooms of the house were arranged for the occasion in a colonial style with many antiques, early portraits and family heirlooms on display. A “Museum Room” featured relics of past wars, including the recently concluded First World War. In 1920, American Legion Post 124 began leasing the building from the city and purchased it in 1962. The second floor was made into a meeting hall in 1928.

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Memorial Church Parish House (1894)

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Daniel

The Memorial Church Parish House, at 2309 Main Street in Springfield, was built in 1894-1895. Is is a Classical Revival building, designed by Francis R. Richmond. Both Memorial Church and the Parish House were acquired by St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in 1940. In the 1970s, the Parish House was sold and converted into apartments.

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