Laserfiche WebLink
Breadcrumb Navigation:
7. Original owner (if known) Town of Lexington <br /> Original use school <br /> Subsequent uses (if any) and dates <br /> 8. Themes (check as many as applicable) <br /> Aboriginal Conservation Recreation <br /> Agricultural Education _X Religion <br /> Architectural X Exploration/ Science/ <br /> The Arts settlement invention <br /> Commerce Industry Social/ <br /> Communication Military humanitarian <br /> Community development Political _ Transportation <br /> 9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) <br /> The Hancock School was designed in 1890 by the prominent Boston archtect- <br /> ural firm of Hartwell and Richardson, 19th century specialists in <br /> school architecture whose work is represented in many suburbs around <br /> Boston. The Hancock School is among the firm' s best preserved and <br /> more imaginative interpretations of the Romanesque Revival which Henry <br /> H. Richardson introduced to Boston and vicinity. In Lexington the <br /> Hancock School is important as the only known work by Hartwell and <br /> Richardson and as one of the best examples of Romanesque public <br /> architecture. <br /> In addition, the building is Lexington' s oldest extant school-house in <br /> continuous operation since its opening in 1891 . The Hancock School <br /> is very well remembered among its alumni and continues to serve the <br /> school children of Lexington by providing a fascinating architectural <br /> environment for playing and learning. <br /> A recent architectural study commissioned by the Town of Lexington has <br /> indicated that the five oldest schools in operation should be phased <br /> out of existance and replaced. While demolition of the Hancock School <br /> is not yet certain, the liklihood of this happening is very real. In <br /> response to this threat a local citizens group has formed to save the <br /> school from this unworthy fate. <br /> 10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records, <br /> early maps, etc.) <br /> Report of the Committee Appointed To Consider the Subject Of Building <br /> A NEW School—House For The Hancock School, Lexington, Mass. <br /> Vogel, Susan, "Hartwell and Richardson: An Introduction To Their Work, " <br /> J. S.A.H. (May, 1973) . <br /> 3/73 <br />