340 Bridge Road
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FORM B − BUILDING
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Photograph
Topographic or Assessor's Map
Recorded by: Bonnie Parsons
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): March, 2010
Assessor’s Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number
17A-288 Easthampton NTH.42
Town: Northampton
Place: (neighborhood or village)
Address: 340 Bridge Road
Historic Name: Colonel Cecil Dwight House
Uses: Present: three-family residence
Original: single-family residence
Date of Construction: 1819
Source: History of Florence, Sheffeld
Style/Form: Greek Revival
Architect/Builder:
Exterior Material:
Foundation: stone, concrete
Wall/Trim: clapboards
Roof: asphalt shingles
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures:
Major Alterations (with dates):
Condition:
Moved: no | | yes | | Date
Acreage: 0.341 acres
Setting: This is a south-facing house set close to the street
in a highly-trafficked area of mixed residential and
commercial properties.
INVENTORY FORM B CONTINUATION SHEET [NORTHAMPTON] [340 Bridge Road]
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No.
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Continuation sheet 1
NTH.72
___ Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
If checked, you must attach a completed National Register Criteria Statement form.
Use as much space as necessary to complete the following entries, allowing text to flow onto additional continuation sheets.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of this building in terms of other buildings within the community.
The Cecil Dwight House is transitional between the Federal and Greek Revival styles. It is a two-and-a-half story house under a
front-gable roof. The eaves in the gable make full returns to form a pediment, a feature that was prominent in the Greek Revival
style as it suggested the pediment of a Greek temple. The main block of the house is three bays wide and the equivalent of four
bays deep and has a side hall entry. The door surround of the entry is Federal in style being rather narrow and tall and
composed of slim pilasters supporting a full entablature with a deep cornice. Most of the clapboard sided house’s stylistic trim is
in these features, the pediment and the door surround. There is a two-and-a-half story ell on the rear with two porches, both
under shed roofs. The ell has an interior chimney as does the main block of the house. There is a two-story bay window on the
east elevation, which was likely a later addition. Windows in the house have 2/2 sash, also likely later replacements of 6/6 sash.
This is one of the few remaining early 19th century houses remaining on Bridge Road.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Discuss the history of the building. Explain its associations with local (or state) history. Include uses of the building, and the role(s) the
owners/occupants played within the community.
From the Form B of 1976, “ The Cecil Dwight Home, built in 1819, is important for a variety of reasons. Within a historical
context, its location is relevant; having been situated on the Boston/Albany Stagecoach route. Perhaps of greater significance is
its first owner. Colonel Dwight was a conspicuous resident having represented Northampton in the state legislature of 1812.
Essentially, he held many diversified positions including that of a deputy sheriff, auctioneer, and colonel in the militia. He was
gainfully employed as an arbitrator in controversial matters and actively promoted the material interests of the town.”
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Beers, F. W. County Atlas of Hampshire Massachusetts, New York, 1873.
Hales, John G. Plan of the Town or Northampton in the County of Hampshire, 1831.
Miller, D. L. Atlas of the City of Northampton and Town of Easthampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, 1895.
Walker, George H. and Company. Atlas of Northampton City, Massachusetts, Boston, 1884.
Walling, Henry F. Map of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, New York, 1860.