Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Commercial Italianate style building has three stories, a flat roof and has been minimally altered. It has masonry construction with brick, a flat roof, and two levels of corbelling at cornice. There are paired windows in the center bay of front façade, and stone banding (also serving as window sills) between 1st & 2nd and 2nd & 3rd floors. It has arched window openings with soldier course brickwork.
A modest commercial block with decorative brickwork confined to the corbelled cornice. The 3 bay front façade is divided by shallow brick piers, windows are surmounted by brick relieving arches.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
William Mahanna, a prominent businessman in the area, built this as a hotel around 1908. The building was constructed of Lenox Brick, probably from the brick yard on the Lenox-Pittsfield Road (near the Quarry) owned and operated by Mr. Mahanna. Mr. Mahanna also had extensive real estate holdings including the Mahanna Block on Main Street (1903) and a house on Church Street.
The building remained in the Mahanna family & was passed onto Mahanna’s daughter Florence. In 1946 it was sold to George Shaker and John J. Kock. The name Mahanna Hotel was retained through several subsequent owners until 1968 when it became the Lenox Apartments.
Chain of Title – Books/Pages
1908 William Mahanna built –
Florence Mahanna (daughter – inherited)
1946 George Shaker & John J. Koch 524/270
1961 Lucille & Ralph Crissey (purchased from Lenox Savings Bank) 720/262
Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
The original 19th century vernacular dwelling has been obscured by later additions and alterations. This undetermined style wood frame building has two stories, an asphalt shingle roof and front gable roof with cross-gabled side ell on the right.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
One of the many properties owned by William Mahanna. Tunnels under this building had connected it with the Mahanna Hotel. The tunnels were reported to have been where bootleg liquor was stored during Prohibition.
In the rear of the building was a long shed in which the Town stored its horse drawn fire-fighting equipment, hook, ladder and steamer.
In 2007 it was purchased by PTW Development LLC – Church Street Condominium
From Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
A Gothic Revival style two story building exhibiting its original hipped roof with exposed rafter ends, east and west side gable dormers at the roof peak, a west side shed roof dormer, a south side steeply pitched gable wall dormer, verge boards with scroll sawn ends, window hoods and water table with molding.
Alterations included the addition of a shed-roofed canopy supported by angled wood brackets facing Church Street. The materials were taken from the side entry that served the building prior to the alteration. Additionally a rear-side entrance with deck, a northerly facing boxed out 2nd floor window and asphalt shingle roof were also added.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
This was originally built as a carriage house. It likely belonging to one of the two large “cottages” located on Main Street somewhere across or north of the Library.
It has been suggested it was the original Carriage House at the John Kane residence on the west side off Main Street
This building seems to have been moved in the 1930’s when the library reading lawn (now called the Roche Reading Park) was created.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
County Atlas of Berkshire, Mass., F.W. Beers, 1876
Church St. Looking North (from Lenox Historical Society Photo)Original Trinity Church – Copy of Drawing in “Lenox, Massachusetts Shiretown,” by David Wood27 Church St., First Episcopal Church – c. 1816
Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
The two story wood frame structure was built in the Gothic style of a New England frame with white clapboards. The church had a steeple. The front gable roof, pedimented entrance bay and steeple base are still visible and support the conclusion that this structure was originally a New England style church similar in form to the Church on the Hill, although less elaborate in detail.
Three original 40 over 40 sash windows still exist on the north side of the building.
Most of the original features have been obscured or removed during several renovations.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
The Episcopal Church in Lenox was incorporated in 1805. Services were first held in private homes or public buildings. In 1816 construction was begun on this building which was dedicated in 1818 to be the 1st Episcopal Church in Lenox.
The street on which it is located derives its name from this church although it was later joined by the Methodist Church. In 1873 the Episcopal Church building was enlarged to accommodate the growing congregation which included many of Lenox’s wealthy summer residents.
In 1888 the new Episcopal Church (now named Trinity Church) was completed and proudly displays its prominence at its location at the junction of Kemble and Walker Streets.
This original building was then purchased by L. C. Peters in 1889 who then converted the second floor to living quarters and the lower level to service and retail use.
The property was purchased by Laurence D. Cohen in June of 1985 and then by Ellen Cohen in October of 2006.
Chain of Title —
Episcopal Society of Lenox (early 1800’s)
1871, April 3 Franklin Washburn from Phineas Cone by his deed as Guardian of Mary Baker, an insane person
Jane Jenne from Franklin Washburn
1888, June 25 Leonard C. Peters (from Jane Jenne)
1918, Jan. 24 Lenonard H. Peters
1947, July 14 David & Josephine Herrick
1980, Jan. 11 Robert & Teresa Romeo
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
Middle Berkshire Registry of Deeds, Pittsfield, MA
Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Gothic Revival style wood frame building has two stories, an asphalt shingle roof and has been significantly altered.
A modest gable front-and-wing house typical to those built in Lenox in the second half of the 19th century displays a cross-gable roof w/scroll sawn or incised verge board in geometric design, wood clapboard siding, a full front porch w/shed roof, recessed side ell, a box bay window w/paired windows, hipped roof, scroll sawn brackets on 2nd floor front façade and hipped window hoods.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
This is the earliest of the trio of Mahanna houses built on Church Street (the other two are located at 56 Church and 62 Church).
Timothy Mahanna (spelled Mahanny in the early records) and his wife Bridget (nee Norman) were among the first Irish immigrants who settled in Lenox in the 1840’s. Bridget was involved in the formation of the Catholic parish in Lenox. In 1846 she opened her home to Father Brady who said Mass there on an informal basis for several years.
The Mahanna’s seem to have lived at several addresses before they purchased the lot in 1856 and built this home. The house remained in the Mahanna family though the 19thth century and eventually come into the ownership of William Mahanna.
William Mahanna also owned the adjacent properties as well as numerous buildings in Lenox.
In 2007 the property was purchased by Lenox Acquisitions LLC – Shire Town Condominium
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
Middle Berkshire Registry of Deeds, Pittsfield, MA Book 148 Page 70
From Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Greek Revival wood frame, front gable two story building with brick side wall chimney was built in 1834. The broader gable and lower pitched roof show the influence of the Greek Revival style particularly when compared to the 1816 Episcopal Church next to it.
This building has undergone a major transformation from a church to retail space and apartments. Most of the original detailing has been obscured or removed. Currently the building has an asphalt shingle roof.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
The Methodist Church in Lenox had its beginning in a religious revival held here in 1805. In 1811 the Methodist Church was incorporated. Services were first held in private homes and later in the Town Hall and Courthouse. The congregation grew in size and prosperity.
By 1833 construction was underway on this building which was then situated at the corner of Church and Franklin Streets. The new church was dedicated in November of 1834. The Methodist Church enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 1840’s and the Lenox congregation grew rapidly during that period.
By 1851 the neighborhood surrounding the Church was deemed too commercial by the Trustees and they decided to seek a new location. Accordingly in June of 1851 a lot was purchased at the opposite end of Church Street and the building moved to this new location.
In 1889 the building was repaired and moved again, slightly north to its present location. This move was done to make room for a parsonage, the former Lyman House which was moved from its Kemble St. site when Trinity Church was built.
In the late 19th century the Methodist populations shifted to Lenox Dale and the congregation at Grace Chapel grew while the Lenox Village congregation dwindled. In 1925 the congregations were merged and this building was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Fantini who converted it to secular use.
The property was purchased by Albert P. Schuler in November of 1976 and then by Kenneth L. Fowler in August of 2009.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
History of Berkshire County, Vol. 2, page 196
Lenox: Massachusetts Shire Town, David Wood, 1969. Pg. 46
Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Italianate style building has two stories, an asphalt shingle roof and has been significantly altered. It is a wood frame, gable roof building with wood shingle siding. It has an early entrance door with arched double windows & arched sidelights in the door surround.
The roof overhang and façade organization do not suggest Federal period as older photo shows back wall chimneys. Original documentation seems to rely on hearsay. Physical inspection of style building is needed to confirm the year of construction.
This building was originally a modest 3-bay Federal Style house with 6 over 6 windows typical of the Period. An Italianate entrance canopy with pendants and brackets was probably added in the 1860’s as was the bracketed side porch which was later enclosed. The picture window in the front façade has altered the balance of the original Federal design.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
This house is said to have originally stood on Main Street and moved to its present site to make room for the Second County Courthouse in 1815. The house was owned and probably built by the Stanley family. John Stanley, a carpenter may have been responsible for the Italianate porches added to the house in the 1860’s.
In 1868, John Stanley sold the “house lot and dwelling thereon” on Church Street “opposite the Episcopalian Church” (then located at the current 25 Church Street) to Edmund Spencer (who had sold the Spencer Homestead on Walker Street at the present site of 109 Walker) in 1864. Edmund Spencer was a harness-maker and was probably employed at one of the livery stable-blacksmith complexes on Church Street at that time.
The property was purchased by Timothy Doherty in 1984 and then by Lenox Realty Corp. in 1999.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds Book 197 Page 327
County Atlas of Berkshire, Mass. F.W. Beers, 1876
Atlas of Berkshire Country, Mass. Barnes & Farnham 1904
Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass. Hamilton Child, 1885
Based on Surveys Completed 2011-2012 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Greek Revival/Queen Anne style building has two stories, an asphalt shingle roof and is intact. It is a wood frame, with cross-gable roof with arched bracing, a king post with pinnacle and pendant in side gable. There is a brick center chimney and it has wood clapboard siding. There are scroll sawn brackets & braces on the full front porch. It has 2-over-2 Roman-arched attic window and 6-over-6 windows with authentic window blind. There is a 1-story box oriel on left side, a 1.5-story rear ell on the left side and it has a stone foundation.
The arched roof bracing is not a sufficient indicator of the Stick Style as it was far more common in Queen Anne-style houses. Thus the architectural style is Greek Revival/Queen Anne.
The original section of this building is a temple-front Greek Revival house with corner pilasters, plain board frieze and architrave forming a triangular pediment in the front gable. After the building was moved to its present site, it was enlarged by the addition of a cross-gable wing which has the decorative trusses associated with the Stick Style, a style not commonly found in Lenox. The building was later further enlarged by the addition of porches in the ell formed by this wing. These porches have since been enclosed.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
Originally built on the present site of Trinity Church at the junction of Walker and Kemble Streets by William Perrin Walker. The house was purchased by Josiah Lyman in 1848. Lyman, a principal of Lenox Academy lived in this house for many years. His son, the Rev. Dr. A.J. Lyman, inherited the property but resided in Brooklyn and rented out the house.
In 1886 the original property location was purchased by the Episcopalians as the site for the new Trinity Church and for a short time after the churches completion, this house served as a rectory. In 1889 the home was given to the Methodists who moved it to its present Church Street location. It served as the Methodist Parsonage until the Methodist Church building next door was sold in 1926. The house was subsequently converted to use as apartments and shops.
Chain of Title:
Franklin Carpenter (owner of land)
1851 Methodist Episcopal Church ($375) (parcel of land)
1888 Methodist Episcopal Society from William O. Curtis (land) $2,000
1922 James Fantini
1925 Hermann A. Clement
1951 Margaret Swicker
1971 Paul F. & Gloria Rodhouse ($64,000)
1980 Paul Wolworth
1985 Fred Grill
2005 Barbara Grill
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds Books and pages: 88/31, 118/449, 127/377, 267/344, 419.275, 576/470-2, 938/517
Tucker Manuscript, Lenox Library
The Book of Berkshire, Clark W. Bryan, 1886 and 1890
Information from Surveys Completed 2012-2013 by Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Colonial Revival style building has two stories, a slate roof and has been significantly altered. It is a wood frame and originally a three-bay front façade facing street with front gable roof (indicated by spacing of windows on front facade), and cornice returns. It has 4 brick chimneys and intact 2-over-2 windows. A large 2-story rear addition extends to both right and left of original house with broken-eave gabled wall dormer on the front of the right section. There are two 2-story faceted bay windows on the right side and a 1-story box bay window on the left side. There is a triangular attic window in the front gable.
Originally a simple farmhouse, this building has been altered and enlarged many times. The late-Victorian renovations are the most clearly visible elements of the structure, although the restrained nature of the detailing has preserved a Federal quality. The origin of the rear portion can be seen in its barn-like form.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
The original two-room structure was the farmhouse of John Whitlock, an early settler in Lenox whose farmlands occupied much of what became Lenox Village. In the late 1770’s Whitlock opened his house as an inn following the pattern of many Berkshire householders who supplemented their farming income by providing lodging for stagecoach travelers. Whitlock sold off his farmland in the late 18th century including the land for what was to become Church Street, which was purchased by the Town in 1815. In 1821 the house and lot was purchased by Lemuel Parsons for $105.00. Mr. Parsons, a wagon-maker returned it to use as a private home. Around 1890 Graham Root purchased the property and greatly enlarged the house by attaching two barns. He then opened the house once again as an inn which was officially named “The Graham Root Inn”. But the Inn was generally known as the Grey House.
Property was purchased by the Rudisill Maintenance Trust in 1983 and by Bennington Bear Inc. in 2004. Today it operates as the Village Inn.
Chain of Title:
1771 John Whitlock
1821 Lemuel Parsons ($105.00)
1900 G. E. Root (Gorham Root Inn)
1904 Mrs. E. Spenser
Estate of Josephine Farnham
Cameron Marshall
George Bull Family
1970 Richard & Marie Judd (Named Village Inn)
1981 Clifford Rudisill & Ray Wilson
1983 Rudisill Maintenance Trust
2004 Bennington Bear Inc.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
Middle Berkshire Registry of Deeds, Pittsfield, MA 55.448, 64.137, 62.666
Based on Surveys Completed 2012-2013 by the Lenox Historical Commission
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
This Colonial Revival style building has two stories with an asphalt shingle roof, 7-bays, a center entrance, and masonry construction. The building is intact. The hipped roof has overhanging eaves, modillions, and dentils in the cornice band below. The brick is laid up in a variation of common bond (headers interspersed with stretchers every 7 rows). There is stone quoining. There is a 2-story pedimented pavilion, with modillions & dentil bands, and 4 fluted Corinthian columns paired with matching pilasters behind. The lantern atop the building has a gilded dome, garland swags, modillions, paired Ionic columns, an arcade flanked by pilasters, and a balustrade atop square platform. Windows have stone window headers and splayed headers with 3-part keystones. The door surround with molded hood has dentils, is supported by console brackets, and displays a geometric pattern in the transom. The Left side entry has a pedimented porch supported by Doric columns. There is a large 1-story rear ell, 6 bays deep, with an exposed basement and hipped roof.
The use of neoclassical style for this building reflects the popularity of this style during this period, particularly for civic buildings. The red brick and white classical trim of the Town Hall is evocative of the Curtis Hotel, which stands directly across the street.
Architect was George C. Harding (1867-4/23/1921)
George Harding was the senior member of the firm of Harding & Seaver, architects of several noted public buildings in the New England area. Mr. Harding was a native and life-long citizen of Pittsfield, educated in architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and had been active professionally since 1896. After working alone for a time, in 1902 he formed a partnership with Henry M. Seaver, and under the firm name acquired a wide and successful practice. His most important works include the following buildings: Museum of Natural History and Art at Pittsfield, 1907; the Y.M.C.A. Building, 1908; Lathrop Hall, 1905, and Memorial Chapel, 1914, at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y.; Town Hall at Lenox, Mass., 1903, and Colby Academy at New London, N.H. Mr. Harding also designed a number of fine homes, one distinguished example being the country house of former Senator Crane at Dalton, Mass.”[1
From MACRIS List – Sept. 16, 2008
Inv. No
Property Name
Street
City/Town
Year Built
LEN.25
Lenox Town Hall
6 Walker St
Lenox
1901
LEN.296
Slater, William House
249 Under Mountain Rd
Lenox
1901
LEN.23
Curtis Hotel
6 Main St
Lenox
1829
LEN.19
Hagyard, Frank C. Store
36 Main St
Lenox
1910
LEN.100
Hegeman, Annie May House
61 Cliffwood St
Lenox
1925
LEN.26
Lenox Fire House
14 Walker St
Lenox
1909
LEN.29
Peters, Leonard C. Block
46-50 Walker St
Lenox
1917
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:
This structure was built to replace the first County Courthouse, which had housed town offices since 1816. In 1816 the courts moved to the brick building, which now serves as the Lenox Library. The new Town Hall contained a post office, as the older one had, and also space for a bank, police station, and fire station. After the new firehouse was built adjacent to the Town Hall, the rear of the building was used for a time as an opera house. It is still used as the Lenox Town Hall.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES:
The 1905 Sanborn Map labels rear ell as “Opera House”.
Lenox Town Reports
Biography of Architects, Withy
Lenox – Massachusetts Shire Town. David H. Wood, 1969
Lenox Assessor’s Database 2012
[1] Henry F. Withey, AIA and Elsie Rathburn Withey, Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased)(Los Angeles: Hennessey & Ingalls, Inc., 1970) p. 264.
