The Converse House and Barn are a historic residential property at 185 Washington Street in Norwich, Connecticut. Built about 1870 for a local businessman and philanthropist, it is a prominent local example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970,[1] and is included in the Chelsea Parade Historic District.
Converse House and Barn | |
.jpg) Colonel Converse House | |
   | |
| Location | 185 Washington St., Norwich, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°32′3″N 72°5′0″W / 41.53417°N 72.08333°W |
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Part of | Chelsea Parade Historic District (ID88003215) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000716[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1970 |
| Designated CP | May 12, 1989 |
Description and history
editThe Converse House is located a short way south of Norwich's triangular Chelsea Parade park, on the east side of Washington Street opposite Norton Court. The house is a 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame Gothic Revival structure, with asymmetrical massing, vertical board siding, and a polychrome exterior. The front facade is dominated by a hip-roofed tower on the right, in front of which is a distinctive seven-sided porch. Front-facing windows are set in peaked-gable openings, and there is decorative woodwork attached to the steep Gothic roof gables. The interior features fine oak flooring, walnut paneling in the dining room, and a fireplace surround with Dutch landscape in tile. The barn appears to be of similar age to the house, which was built c. 1870.[2]
The house was built about 1870, and is a prominent local example of the High Victorian Gothic style. It was the home of Colonel Charles A. Converse, a local businessman and philanthropist. The main change to the house has been a slight enlargement of the kitchen, so that it could be modernized. Converse is best known locally for donating the Converse Art Gallery to the Norwich Free Academy.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ a b Luyster, Constance (July 28, 1970). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Converse House and Barn". National Park Service. and Accompanying five photos, from 1970 and undated
External links
edit
- Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) No. CT-260, "Colonel Converse House, 185 Washington Street, Norwich, New London County, CT", 9 photos, 5 data pages, supplemental material
- HABS No. CT-263, "Colonel Converse Barn, 185 Washington Street, Norwich, New London County, CT", 1 photo, 2 data pages, supplemental material