Welcome to Waterbury's

Historic Walking Tour


Page 3

 

This symbol designates that a granite plaque appears on this building or area. The plaque indicates the original name, date of construction and historic Waterbury logo.

15. On the further side of the Dry Bridge sits a building with an unusual corner door. A great many commercial enterprises have been located here, including a fruit market operated by an accordion-playing proprietor who entertained all of Stowe Street with his music.
16. MINARD'S BLOCK, now The Stowe Street Emporium at 23 Stowe Street, was built in 1894. It has a two-story, three-bay facade of running bond brick with brick corner pilasters. In the 1930s and 40s this building housed the second movie theater in town, complete with the Prescott sisters dispensing goodies at the curb from their brightly colored popcorn machine. Although alterations have been made over the years, it continues to shine as a grand old building.
17. 17-21 Stowe Street you will find another William Deal structure. Built in 1879 in the Victorian/Italianate style, this was the F.C. LUCE DEPARTMENT STORE for nearly a century. Note the windows with brick surrounds on the second and third floors and the cast iron Corinthian column pilasters at street level.
To complete the walking tour of Waterbury Village turn right and walk up North Main Street, enjoying the architectural features of the buildings. The sweeping veranda at 11 North Main Street is reminiscent of three others that formerly existed on the street. Walk approximately 2/10 mile to view the Dr. Janes house.
18. The WDEV BLOCK, also built by the prolific William Deal in 1879, has three sections, each with a four-bay unit. The building is very similar to its neighbor, so again note the upper stories for interesting brick and stone work. Various commercial enterprises have been located here. The farthest bay was a marvelous ice-cream shop, complete with marble fountain, homemade ice cream, and rows of penny candy.

The DR. HENRY JANES HOUSE, built in 1890, at 28 North Main Street, is now the Waterbury Village Public Library and Historical Museum. It was the home of two generations of the Janes family. The first Henry Janes, an early resident of the town, was a lawyer who was very active in town affairs. He had married Fanny Butler, daughter of Ezra Butler. Until 1936, the La Fayette elm tree stood on the lawn of this house. Marquis de La Fayette, on his final tour of the United States in 1825, paid homage to Ezra Butler, reportedly kissing Fanny's hand on introduction.

The son of Henry and Fanny was also named Henry. He became a medical doctor, practiced in town, and served in the Civil War. As head of Union Army hospital services immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg, Dr. Janes faced the challenge of caring for 20,000 wounded Union and Confederate men. Following the war he returned to his medical practice here and was active in town affairs. On his death he bequeathed his residence as a site for a public library. The 2-1/2-story house has the asymmetrical, massing, complex roof line and variety of materials typical of the Queen Anne style. Running bond brick sheaths the first floor; clapboards, the second. Projecting bays extend above the eaves and emphasize the slate-roofed dormers.

Dr. Henry Janes House
The OLD STAGECOACH INN, 18 North Main Street, was constructed in 1826 as a Federal style building. In 1895, it was altered by changing it to a Queen Anne house. The large three-story, five-bay structure keeps the one-room-deep profile of the Federal period on the first floor. The entry is surrounded by etched glass sidelights. Extensive porches on each floor add to the appeal of this building. For many years this was the home of Mrs. Annette Spencer, a local woman of considerable wealth having residences in London, Paris, and New York City. It has reverted to its former role as a welcome haven for travelers.
Old Stage Coach Inn
21. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, known as the White Meeting House, was built in 1824. In 1860 it underwent alterations giving it a Gothic look. The frame church is divided into three bays, with buttresses ending in pinnacles at the corners. The double door entrance is enclosed in a double-tiered tower topped by a spire. The chapel was added in 1880 and the stained glass windows in 1890. The church was built by the Carpenter brothers, who also built the Stagecoach Inn. HOPE CEMETERY, directly behind the church, contains the remains of many of the early occupants of the buildings described in this tour.
The DILLINGHAM HOME, 6 North Main Street, built circa 1835, was originally the home of Governor Paul Dillingham, and United States Senator William Dillingham. The stepping stone out front, which aided people descending from carriages, bears the initials of a later owner, Dr. W. F. Minard. A Federal style, 2-1/2-story brick house, it has a side hall entrance with sidelights supporting a broad fanlight framed by an arch. The porch is a late 19th century addition.
This completes the VILLAGE portion of the tour. You will want a car or bicycle to continue the tour. Proceed along Stowe Street from the intersection of Main Street.
Waterbury's Historic Walking Tour
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