Architectural & Historical Survey / Comprehensive Community -Wide Survey

The history of the United States and its small towns has been remembered, researched and written numerous times and in numerous places. History is also represented, however, by the man-made environment. Buildings as well as books contain history. It is only necessary to discover the history and to reveal it.  When buildings have the architectural features of an earlier age and style preserved; they have artistic as well as historic value. If one takes a structure with architectural value and compiles information about its former owners and their lives, history begins to emerge. Such information provides us with a looking glass into previous centuries. It can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of one's community. (Source: Preface of 1979 Survey)

1979 Map1979 - ARCHITECTURAL & HISTORICAL SURVEY

In accordance with a mandate from the Massachusetts Historical Commission the first survey of the Town's architectural and historical assets was developed through the work the Webster Historical Commission. Research on houses and other structures was conducted in eleven areas of Town resulting in a catalog listing the history and photographs of each.  A copy of this report is available at the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library. 

CLICK HERE to view the whole report.


2000 Comprehensive Community-Wide SurveyWEB_9

This report updated the 1979 report.  This survey focused on three of the previous areas studied in 1979 (East Village, South Village, North Village, Center Village) and added new areas of study to include the Municipal Building area, along with Elm Street and School Street areas.  A copy of this report will be on file with the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library soon.  Note: the quality of the photos in this report can be poor at times.  Updated photos will be added.

 CLICK HERE to view the whole report.

A Note About Finding Information....

These two studies, together, make up a complete compilation of research and photos as of 2000. When searching for a specific property or item you may need to look in both documents.  All information can also be found using the MACRIS (Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information) database available at the Massachusetts Historical Commission website.