How about a trip back to 1864? That’s when the Dow Block was built.
Welcome to the Dow Block. It is a historic commercial building in Stoneham Massachusetts’s Central Square. The Dow Block stands as a testament to time. It is a beautiful example of Second Empire architecture.
Moses Dow a real estate investor from Charlestown built it. He wanted to create something lasting. The Dow Block became the first of three mid-19th-century buildings. These buildings would define Central Square.
Look closely at the Dow Block. Notice its 3+1⁄2-story brick structure. Its mansard roof is quite distinctive. The roof features patterned slate tiles. A central projecting section draws the eye upward. Three dormers grace the roof each with its own hip roof. Small central gables add to the charm. The central dormer boasts a three-part window. The outer dormers have paired sash windows.
The facade is divided into three sections. Sandstone quoins mark the corners. Similar piers stand between. Windows on the second and third floors are separated by Stick style panels.
In its early days the Dow Block served important roles. It housed the town post office. It also held the library. Imagine people gathering here to send letters and borrow books. The Dow Block was a community hub.
The Dow Block is more than just a building. It is a defining element of Stoneham’s Central Square.
The Dow Block has earned its place in history. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 1990 it was included in the Central Square Historic District.
Take a moment to appreciate the Dow Block’s lasting presence. It stands alongside the Oddfellows Building and Chase Block. Together they create a sense of place. They remind us of Stoneham’s rich history. The Dow Block connects us to the past. It enriches our present. Its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.