How many stories do these houses hold? Welcome to the Firth-Glengarry Historic District. This district showcases a slice of Winchester Massachusetts history. It is a residential area with well-preserved houses. These high quality homes were mainly built between 1880 and 1900.
The Firth-Glengarry Historic District earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added on July 5 1989. The district covers 13.44 acres. It offers a glimpse into late 19th-century residential architecture.
Let’s talk boundaries. The Firth-Glengarry Historic District sits between Wildwood Street and Wedge Pond. Properties on Pine Street Glengarry Road Grassmere Avenue Dix Street and Wildwood Street are included. However houses on Curtis Street and Curtis Circle are excluded.
Before William Firth came along this area was sparsely inhabited. Firth consolidated land ownership southwest of Wedge Pond in the late 19th century. The oldest house here dates back to 1843. It is a Greek Revival structure at 3 Wildwood Street.
The 1850s and 1860s saw two more houses near Wedge Pond. The Charles Curtis House is a fine example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. You can find it at 9-11 Grassmere Avenue. The Bellows House built in 1854 is also Gothic Revival.
The 1880s and early 1890s brought three Queen Anne or Stick style houses. The Langley House at 10 Pine Street is the most elaborate of these. Its details show the craftsmanship of the era.
William Firth played a big role in shaping this district. After acquiring the land he divided it into ample house lots. He laid out Glengarry Road and Grassmere Avenue. Firth hired Robert Coit a Boston architect to design houses.
Coit’s designs leaned towards Colonial Revival and Medieval Revival also known as Tudor styles. He used shingling extensively. Coit mixed in features from other popular revival styles. This created a unique blend.
Firth’s own house stands at 37 Dix Street. It was built in 1937. It is a relatively straightforward Colonial Revival design. It features a gambrel roof a modillioned cornice and gable dormers. A full-width front porch with Doric columns completes the look.
The Firth-Glengarry Historic District showcases architectural styles. You will see Colonial Revival Queen Anne and Shingle Style designs. These styles reflect the tastes of the late 19th century.
The district’s well-preserved nature offers a peek into the past. It reminds us of the development and architectural trends of that time. The Firth-Glengarry Historic District is a testament to thoughtful design. It reflects the vision of William Firth and Robert Coit. Their work has created a lasting legacy. As we conclude our walk remember the blend of styles. Remember the vision that shaped this beautiful neighborhood.