76 Columbus Avenue
Follow Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey Manual instructions for completing this form.
FORM B − BUILDING
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Photograph
Topographic or Assessor's Map
Recorded by: Jayne Bernhard-Armington
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): June, 2010
Assessor’s Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number
38B-138 Easthampton NTH.1045
Town: Northampton
Place: (neighborhood or village)
Address: 76 Columbus Avenue
Historic Name: William H. Gere House
Uses: Present: Single family
Original: Single family
Date of Construction: 1901-1902
Source: Registry of Deeds & Atlas
Style/Form: Colonial Revival
Architect/Builder:
Exterior Material:
Foundation: Brick
Wall/Trim: Clapboard & wood shingle
Roof: Slate
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures:
Major Alterations (with dates):
Condition: Good
Moved: no | x | yes | | Date
Acreage: 0.37 acres
Setting: House among other large single family or former
single family homes in a well-established residential
neighborhood of turn-of-the century homes, which contains
mature trees throughout.
INVENTORY FORM B CONTINUATION SHEET [NORTHAMPTON] [76 COLUMBUS AVENUE]
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No.
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Continuation sheet 1
NTH.1045
__X_ 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.
This is a two-and-a-half story Colonial Revival style home with a hipped roof and lower pedimented front gable. The second
story has wood shingling and slightly overhangs over the clapboard sided first story to form a jetty, which is stylistic throwback to
the First Period architecture. The front entry to the home consists of a small portico with a pedimented gable that is supported by
square columns. Next to the portico is a wide one story bay window. Overall, the home’s windows are one over one sash and
have drip edge surrounds. The front gable field has a Palladian window. The property also includes a two bay garage with a front
gable roof.
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 Form B of 1980: “This 2 ½ story house was built in 1901-1902 for William Gere. Mr. Gere obtained lot no. 28 of the
Columbus Avenue subdivision in 1901, and was listed as residing at the end of Columbus Avenue in 1902. At that time, he was
employed in the composing room of the Hampshire Gazette. He remained in employment with the Gazette well into the 20th
century. The Gere family was connected with the Gazette from 1858 until the mid 20th century.
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.
Registry of Deeds: Bk. 449-P. 410, 546-424