63 Union Street, The Sundial Building, 1820 Federal Style
63 Union Street, The Sundial Building, 1820 Federal StyleBuilt in 1820, the Sundial Building was constructed by Seth and Charles Russell. This Federal style brick building housed multiple dry-goods stores in the early years, as well as lawyers offices, sheriff’s offices, and a sailor’s room library and museum. By the 1840s, the Russells no longer owned the property, and it was sold to William and Benjamin Cummings, whose family owned the building until 1942. The building then housed a variety of uses, including the New Bedford Police Department and the New Bedford Evening Standard in 1850. Zeno and James Kelley, local jewelers and horologists had a business in the Sundial Building by 1859. Zeno Kelley became infamous in the 1860s for a “blackbirding” venture that entail transforming a whaling ship into a slaver. Kelley was convicted on this charge after his third trial and sentenced to four years in jail. During the 20th century, the Sundial Building served as a hotel and tavern, a wholesale liquor store, and was the home of the State Fruit Company from 1937 until 1974. The building was vacant when a gas explosion in an adjacent building blew the roof off the Sundial building and resulted in much damage to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE purchased the Sundial Building for $26,000 and restored the building to a usable state. Today the Sundial Building is a part of the New Bedford Whaling Museum campus of several historic buildings located in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. No Form B available on MACRIS63 Union Street, The Sundial Building, 1820 Federal Style Built in 1820, the Sundial Building was constructed by Seth and Charles Russell. This Federal style brick building housed multiple dry-goods stores in the early years, as well as lawyers offices, sheriff’s offices, and a sailor’s room library and museum. By the 1840s, the Russells no longer owned the property, and it was sold to William and Benjamin Cummings, whose family owned the building until 1942. The building then housed a variety of uses, including the New Bedford Police Department and the New Bedford Evening Standard in 1850. Zeno and James Kelley, local jewelers and horologists had a business in the Sundial Building by 1859. Zeno Kelley became infamous in the 1860s for a “blackbirding” venture that entail transforming a whaling ship into a slaver. Kelley was convicted on this charge after his third trial and sentenced to four years in jail. During the 20th century, the Sundial Building served as a hotel and tavern, a wholesale liquor store, and was the home of the State Fruit Company from 1937 until 1974. The building was vacant when a gas explosion in an adjacent building blew the roof off the Sundial building and resulted in much damage to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE purchased the Sundial Building for $26,000 and restored the building to a usable state. Today the Sundial Building is a part of the New Bedford Whaling Museum campus of several historic buildings located in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. No Form B available on MACRIS
29 Union Street, Benjamin Taber Building, 1792 Federal Style
29 Union Street, Benjamin Taber Building, 1792 Federal Style The Benjamin Taber Building was built in 1792 as a two-story double-house in the Federal style. Taber, a boat builder and block maker, bought the lot in 1765 from Gideon Mosher, who had earlier bought it from Joseph Russell. It was the sale of lots from Russell's homestead farm that initiated the development of Bedford Village. Taber, credited with having built the first whale boat in the village, constructed the building as a home for his son, Daniel, on one side, with the other half for his stepdaughter, Lydia Bunker. Lydia lived here with her husband, Shubael Bunker, a merchant and trader. Daniel Taber, possibly the first male child born in the village, lost his half for nonpayment of taxes in 1820. Lydia and Shubael Bunker’s daughter, also named Lydia, married David R. Greene in 1816. David Greene altered the building in the 1820s, raising the house and adding stores on the first floor. Sylvanus Nye, produce and grocery dealer, is listed at this location from 1829 to 1855, occupying the ground floor commercial space. Today the building has commercial space on the first floor with residential space above.
82-86 Front Street, Seth Russell House, c. 1820-1860 Colonial Altered to Greek Revival
82-86 Front Street, Seth Russell House, c. 1820-1860 Colonial Altered to Greek RevivalMoved to this site in 1980, the circa 1765 Seth Russell House originally sat at 15 North Water Street. This 5-bay ,2 ½ story wood structure has a first story storefront with a centrally located doorway with transom. Pilasters surround all the storefront windows and a molded projecting cap is between the first and second stories. The Russell House is believed to be one of the oldest structures in New Bedford and may have survived the fire set by the British Army in 1778. Seth Russell was the father of Seth, Jr. and Charles Russell, the builders of the Sundial Building. Today the Russell House is a commercial space housing the New Bedford Tattoo Company.
90 Front Street, Joseph Taber Building, c. 1825-1840
90 Front Street, Joseph Taber Building, c. 1825-1840The Joseph Taber Building is a commercial structure composed of granite ashlar and built c. 1825-1840. This structure is an example of a simple, unadorned vernacular Federal style building. On the interior, the second and third floors are suspended from large trusses by wrought iron rods. Joseph Taber was a pump and blockmaker who conducted his business here from the 1830s to the 1880s. The first story was occupied by Taber as a pump and block maker's shop, and the second story was a boat builder's shop. This street upon which the Joseph Taber Building now stands was formerly Orange Street, which was changed to its current name in the late 1840s. The double-entry doors were added in 1953. Today the building houses both commercial and residential uses.
98 Front Street, McCullough Building, c. 1820-1840
98 Front Street, McCullough Building, c. 1820-1840Constructed c. 1820-1840, this brick and rubble stone McCullough Building has seen many commercial uses. In 1864, it was purchased by John McCullough, who operated his ship's chandlery and salvage businesses here. McCullough came here from Ireland in 1847 and eventually opened his own business and invested in whaling. He was part owner of seven whaling ships. When McCullough arrived in New Bedford from Ireland, there were no churches of his religion. John was one of the first to begin the movement to form St. Mary's Parish, which later became St. Lawrence Parish. In 1870, he was elected to public office in New Bedford. The McCullough Building was heavily damaged by a fire in 1940 that left only the stone of the ground floor intact. The building was rebuilt in 1978 to its three-story height. Today the building houses both commercial and residential uses.
13-17 Centre Street, Tallman Warehouse, c. 1790-1800, Federal Style
13-17 Centre Street, Tallman Warehouse, c. 1790-1800, Federal StyleOne of the city's earliest extant buildings, this Federal brick warehouse at 13 Centre Street was constructed c. 1790-1800 by William Tallman, who purchased the land for this building from Joseph Russell. Since 1765, Tallman had been joint owner with Joseph and Caleb Russell of four small whaling sloops, and he continued in the whaling industry until after the Revolutionary War when he became a general merchant. A successful whaling merchant, Tallman served 15 years on the city's first Board of Selectmen. The Tallman Warehouse, which was one of few to survive the 1820 fire on Centre Street, serves as home to the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), a local historic preservation organization that preserves and restores buildings. Attached to the Tallman Warehouse on the west is 17 Centre Street, is the Ruben Russell Warehouse, built in a similar style to the Tallman Warehouse. Today the structure houses commercial businesses.
22 Centre Street, Caleb Spooner House, 1806
22 Centre Street, Caleb Spooner House, 1806 The Caleb Spooner House, located at 22 Centre Street, is representative of the Federal style. Built in 1806 on North Street, the Spooner House was moved into the Historic District and restored by the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE in 1974 in an effort to save the house from demolition during the urban renewal program of the 1970s. Caleb Spooner was a stonemason and bricklayer who built this house for his bride, Lydia and subsequently raised six children here. The simple one-and-a-half-story design is essentially that of a three-quarter Cape Cod Style house. The pineapple motif in the fanlight above the front door is a sign of hospitality. Today the Spooner House is residential and not open to the public.
24 Centre Street, Henry Beetle House, 1804 Federal Style
24 Centre Street, Henry Beetle House, 1804 Federal StyleBuilt in 1804, Henry Beetle House is a half-house built in the Federal style. The pedimented entranceway and fluted pilasters are key characteristics of the style Born on Martha’s Vineyard in 1760, Henry Beetle was a shipwright and sparmaker. He moved to New Bedford as a young man and his shipwright business remained in his family for three generations. His son, William inherited the house upon Henry’s death in 1813. Grandson, Rudolphus inherited the house in 1872, and owned it until his death in 1907. Originally built on North Second Street, just north of High Street, the Beetle House was moved into the Historic District and restored by the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE in 1974 in an effort to save the house from demolition during the urban renewal program of the 1970s. Today the Beetle House serves as the commercial office for Jardin & Dawson.
23 Centre Street John Harrison Building c. 1820*
23 Centre Street John Harrison Building c. 1820*The John Harrison Building, composed of rubble granite faced with brick, was built shortly after an 1820 fire that burned most of this block on Centre Street. The land which this building stands upon was part of the 10-acre lot purchased by William Rotch in 1765. In October 1809, John Harrison purchased this lot, but it was not until 1814 that Harrison built the building on this site. Harrison and Bennett Wilcox were in business together as painters. Most of the structures on Centre Street were wood frame and they were all destroyed in a large fire in 1820. When new buildings were built, most were constructed of brick to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. This commercial property changed ownership several more times during the 1800’s being owned by George Howland, William Rotch, Jr., Edward C. Jones, and B. R. Almy. All of these men used the property as rental income. In 1906, the Almy heirs sold it to James L. Humphrey, Jr., for cold storage for his wholesale butter plant on North Front Street. In 1938, it was sold to General Ice & Cold Storage, which manufactured ice and was used for cold and fur storage. Warren Goodspeed served as President of the company until 1946, when Harry Kaller purchased the property for his wholesale meat company. Today the Harrison Building houses the Fiber Optic Center and other commercial ventures.
25-27 Centre Street, William Maxfield, c. 1855*
25-27 Centre Street, William Maxfield, c. 1855*The gambrel roof on 25-27 Centre Street envelops two smaller structures built in the 1840s and 1855. The eastern half was purchased by William Maxfield, a painter and paint dealer, in 1855. He acquired the western half, built during the 1840s at a later date. The two storefronts were later placed under the gambrel roof during the first decade of the twentieth century by carpenter David L. Hathaway. The adjoining walls were opened to allow interior access from one building to another. The main façade contains several windows and doors of various sizes, reflecting the fact that the building has operated as a carpenter's shop. A brick and cinder block structure on the west side is a later addition. The building was extensively renovated in 1998. Today the building houses residences and commercial units.
26 Centre Street, Gilbert Russell Building, circa 1822, Federal Style*
26 Centre Street, Gilbert Russell Building, circa 1822, Federal Style*Built circa 1822 by Gilbert Russell, a birthright Quaker and prominent whaling merchant, the Russell Warehouse is a three-story Federal style brick commercial building with barn styled doors on each floor. Originally used by Gamaliel Bryant for his grocery store, the building was later leased to Mark Palmer, a manufacturer of tin, sheet iron, and copperware. The Gilbert Russell Warehouse was later used as a warehouse by the successful whaling merchants Lawrence and Joseph Grinnell. One of the principal architectural features of this once commercial property is the three stacked centrally located loading doors, one per story. They have granite headers and sills with hoist apparatus at the roof level.This unit would have been used to maneuver large goods in and out of the warehouse and its various floors. The front façade is brick clad with granite rubble forming the shell of the structure. The windows at the ground level have brownstone headers and sills and are 6 over 6 hung wooden sash. Today the building houses residences and a commercial business on the first floor.
24 North Water Street, c. 1800
24 North Water Street, c. 1800North Water Street once was New Bedford's "Wall Street.” Lined with shops, insurance agents, attorneys, banks, and brokers, North Water Street was the hub of the whaling port for merchants and businessmen. 24 North Water Street, also known as the Gilbert Russell Dry Goods Store was constructed by Russell in 1794, just south of his residence The 3-story Federal style building has a shallow hipped roof and a first-story storefront that flanks a multi-light centered entrance with sidelights and transom. By 1808 it was sold by Nicholas D. Greene to his son-in-law, William James. Greene, a tailor, first appears in New Bedford tax records in 1805, and had been living in Providence (1800 census). An advertisement of August 1809 indicated that Thomas Greene opened a drygoods store in the building. This three-story Federal style structure was occupied by an auctioneer, hat maker, and shoemaker, while the upper floors were used as a boarding house for many years. Today the building houses a restaurant and residences.
18 North Water Street, Captain Cornelius Howland, c. 1810
18 North Water Street, Captain Cornelius Howland, c. 1810The Cornelius Howland Building is at 18 North Water Street, at the corner of Rose Alley, is a circa 1810. Howland bought the land in 1792, and it is possible that the building was constructed soon thereafter. The first floor storefront was altered during the 19th century and the entrance may have originally fronted Rose Alley. In the 1830s, it was used as a boarding house, while after 1845 it served as the offices and warehouse for John Baylies and Timothy Ingraham, commission merchants. From 1852 to 1896, the building was used by tinsmith Stephen A. Tripp. Although Mr. Howland died before 1845, the property remained part of his estate until April 1896. Today the building houses offices of a local attorney.
33 North Water Street, Eben Hirst Building, c. 1822, Federal Style (Now incorporated into the Whaling Museum)
33 North Water Street, Eben Hirst Building, c. 1822, Federal Style (Now incorporated into the Whaling Museum)The Eben Hirst Building at 33 North Water Street (now part of the Whaling Museum) was named for Eben P. Hirst. The building housed Hirst's plumbing company from 1918 until the 1960s. Now incorporated into the Whaling Museum, the building is the remaining north half of the William H. Allen Block that was built in 1822 and housed the Merchants National Bank until 1833. Allen was a tailor by trade but, with his brother Gideon, invested successfully in the whaling industry. Built in the Federal style, the building is detailed with brownstone lintels above the windows and modillions at the cornice line.
37 North Water Street, Rogers Building (now incorporated into the Whaling Museum) 1883-84, Victorian Style
37North Water Street, Rogers Building (now incorporated into the Whaling Museum) 1883-84, Victorian Style The National Bank of Commerce erected this 2-story Renaissance Revival style building in 1883-1884 on the site of the old banking house built in 1833. Designed by the Boston architectural firm Peabody & Stearns, the National Bank of Commerce was the successor to the Bedford Bank, organized in 1803 as the first bank of Old Dartmouth. In 1812, the bank was liquidated, but in 1816 the Bedford Bank was resurrected as the National Bank of Commerce, which continued until its liquidation in 1898. In November 1895, the bank moved to a shop on Cheapside and the building was vacant until 1899 when it was purchased and occupied as an office by the New England Cotton Yarn Company, as noted by inscriptions above the second floor windows. In 1906, the building became the first home of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society for use as their headquarters after being donated by owner Henry Huttleston Rogers. The Whaling Museum has occupied the building from 1906 until the present.
36 North Water Street, Greek Revival with Italianate Details, c. 1820-35
36 North Water Street, Greek Revival with Italianate Details, c. 1820-35 Located at 36 North Water Street, the Burroughs & Cushman Store is an example of an early 19th century dry goods store. The structure has also been used as for a cordwainer and mechanics shop as well as offices for attorneys, insurance companies, and a painter’s shop. In 1875, the building became the first home of the Citizens National Bank. The building was first mentioned in 1815 as the new dry goods store of Hathaway & Perry, and later housed another dry goods store of C. & S.B. Tobey. During the mid-nineteenth century, the building was remodeled in the Italianate style, as evidenced by the decorative window hoods and the detailing of the pilaster capitals. Today the building houses commercial businesses.
44 North Water Street, Frederick Bryant-Lysander Washburn Building, c. 1825, Federal Style*
44 North Water Street, Frederick Bryant-Lysander Washburn Building, c. 1825, Federal StyleThe earliest reference to the Bryant-WashburnBuilding is in an advertisement of October 1825. The first known businesses in the building were Frederick Bryant's hardware store in one half and Lysander Washburn's dry goods store in the other half. The Bryant-Washburn building was also used as attorneys' offices, insurance offices, a mathematical instrument makers shop, an auctioneer, and commercial merchants office. Built in the Federal style and remodeled with Greek Revival details, the 2 ½-story building is articulated with corner pilasters and cornice returns that suggest the full pediment of a Greek temple. Today the building houses a Portuguese restaurant.
48 North Water Street, c. 1832, Federal Style with Greek Revival details
48 North Water Street, c. 1832, Federal Stylewith Greek Revival DetailsConstructed by William Rotch, Jr. circa 1832, the Rotch building was built in the Federal style with Greek Revival details. There is a semi-elliptical window within the gable and details such as sidelights, transom, six-over-six light window sash, engaged pilasters around the entry, cornice returns, and splayed lintels. The building was first occupied by Samuel King, a merchant of nautical instruments. During the nineteenth century, the building was also occupied by an auctioneer and insurance agents. In the 20th century, the building houses a cotton brokerage, tobacco and cigar wholesaler, grocery wholesaler, and junk dealer. Today the building houses commercial offices.
60 North Water Street, The Double Bank Building, c. 1831, Greek Revival Style
60 North Water Street, The Double Bank Building, c. 1831, Greek Revival StyleIn 1831 the Merchants’ and Mechanics’ Banks jointly employed Providence architect Russell Warren to design a building for their common use with the Merchants’ Bank on the south side and the Mechanics’ Bank on the north side. The construction of the two halves of this Greek Revival building was undertaken separately under different contracts. Dudley Davenport built the south half, while Robert Chase built the north half. When the building neared completion, it was discovered that the Doric columns that support the pediment on the building front differed. Although the height and top and bottom diameters were specified, the builders in the swelling curve of the columns. Russell Warren determined that those in front of the north half were correct. The Merchants' Bank, affiliated with and inspired by the Merchants' Insurance company, was formed in 1825. John Avery Parker served as the first President of the bank from 1825 until his death in 1853.The Mechanics’ Bank and Mechanics’ Insurance Company was incorporated in 1831 and began business in “Samuel Rodman’s Stone Building, south side.” The Mechanics’ Bank moved to the Double Bank Building in 1833 or 1834. The banks were similar in interior arrangement, with the vaults located at the easterly end of the original building. The rear of the building contained a Social Library. When the bank left these quarters in 1854, the building was purchased by Benjamin Lindsey and he published the Whalemen’s Shipping List on this site for the next 20 years. When the property to the east was acquired in 1876, both banks extended their quarters. Both banks conducted business here until 1894. Today the building houses commercial offices.
13 Hamilton Street, Ivory H. Bartlett & Son, c. 1876
13 Hamilton Street, Ivory H. Bartlett & Son, c. 1876Constructed in 1876 by Ivory H. Bartlett & Son as a counting house for the company, this brick building may have been designed by Caleb Hammond, a New Bedford architect Bartlett descendants used the building as a real estate and commission office. The building roof may have been altered from a gable roof to hipped roof. The building remained in the Bartlett family until 1917 when it was sold to William M. Wood. Today the building houses law offices and other commercial offices.
. 114 Front Street, Coggeshall-Grinnell Block c. 1832
114 Front Street, Coggeshall-Grinnell Block c. 1832Built c. 1832 by John P. Coggeshall, Jr. and William P. Grinnell, this 4-story granite and brick commercial warehouse, sits on land originally owned by Joseph Rotch (part of the 10-acre lot). The upper floor may have been used as a sail loft during the 1840s. Other businesses located within this building include the Schmidt Loom Reed Works and the Fulton Supply Company (1936-1964). The location adjacent to the waterfront meant that the building is a survivor of the whaling industry. A fire in 1939 damaged the upper floors, but the building remained in use. Today the building houses the Buzzards Bay Coalition
89 North Water Street (22 Elm Street), Frederick A. Sowle Building , 1884
89 North Water Street (22 Elm Street), Frederick A. Sowle Building , 1884The Frederick A. Sowle Building at the corner of Elm Street is a commercial building constructed by Sowle in 1884 and used as a shoemaking factory. W.S. Hill purchased the property in 1889 and manufactured switches, switchboards, and other electrical equipment on site. By 1897, the firm occupied the three full floors and had added a foundry. The building transferred hands several times, with the Weeden Manufacturing Corporation owning the building in 1944 and the Schmidt Manufacturing Company in 1955. Later uses include electronics, restaurants, and Vining Press. Today the building is being redeveloped into residential units.
