1920s Architecture

Upland Farmhouse // 1929

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The Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, Massachusetts, is one of Bolton’s most successful examples of the adaptation of an old agricultural property in the state. The land here was first developed as a farm in the early 19th century by Captain Martin Houghton (1779-1833). The farmland here, which has always had a scenic view, was called “Valley View Farm” later owner, William N. Felton (1835-1920). Sadly, the old farmhouse burned down in 1928, and the property was sold that year to Roy Clemens, an osteopathic doctor, who had this charming shingled cottage built in 1929. Roy and his wife, Laura, planted an apple orchard on the hills and named the property “Upland Farm”. Roy died in 1969 and Laura followed in 1981. With suburban development likely, the property was ultimately saved when it was purchased by Jack Partridge as the new home of the Nashoba Valley Winery, which was founded in Somerville in 1978. The winery specializes in fruit wines, and grows most of the fruits and berries for them on the property. The business expanded, adding a distillery, brewery and restaurant, and the beautiful grounds are often host to weddings and events.

Norwood Theatre // 1927

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The Norwood Theatre was built in 1927 as a high-style showpiece for the re-invigorated downtown of Norwood, Massachusetts. Built at the same time as the Norwood Town Hall building, the building was constructed at a time of great development in the town, as local entrepreneur and philanthropist, George Willet and landscape architect Arthur A. Shurcliff, created a plan to evolve Norwood from a sleepy rural town to a commercial center. Architect William G. Upham is credited with designing the theatre and he enjoyed a prolific career which encompassed the design of masonic temples, commercial blocks, theatres, homes, and of course, the Norwood Town Hall. The Norwood Theatre was designed in a high-style Spanish Renaissance Revival style and was designed for motion pictures but also included a stage for possible vaudeville and theatrical productions. By the mid-20th century, a Modern sign covered much of the original facade, and lasted until the building came under its current ownership in 2010. A careful two-year restoration brought the theatre back to its former glory.

Norwood Town Hall // 1928

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Norwood Town Hall represents the achievement of landscape architect Arthur A. Shurtleff and local financier, George Willet, to transform the village center of Norwood, Massachusetts from a sleepy rural village to a thriving commercial and cultural center of town. Plans for the municipal building began as early as 1919, with this building serving as both a town hall and memorial to the Norwood men who died in all previous wars. The building would not be completed until 1928. Designed by Norwood architect, William Upham, the building is a landmark example of the Neo-Gothic Revival style and its main feature, the 110-foot bell-tower which houses a 50-bell carillon, towers over the town common.

Old Brooklyn Savings Bank // 1928

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One of the most intact and architecturally significant buildings in Killingly is this stunning example of a bank built in the Georgian Revival style. Located on Main Street in the village of Danielson, the former Brooklyn Savings Bank was designed by the New Haven-based architectural firm of Norton & Townsend for the Brooklyn Savings Bank, which was founded in the adjacent town, Brooklyn, in 1872. The bank relocated to the economic center of the two towns, Danielson, in 1915, later building this landmark bank structure as its primary facility. The two-story bank is covered in red brick with elaborate limestone and marble trim and detailing, showcasing the wealth and stability of the banking institution for potential members. The façade features a two-story pedimented pavilion, round arched windows, and an elaborate swans neck pediment over the door. The structure has been very well-preserved in its nearly 100 year existence and now appears to be the home of a state judicial court.