2 Oliver Street B Form page 2 BUILDING FORM
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of the building in terms of other buildings within the
community.
Located at the northeast corner of Oliver Street, 33 Washington Square North(MHC#2336) is a three-story, Federal-style
block constructed of brick laid in a Flemish bond and rests on a granite foundation. Displaying an L-shaped plan, the
building is oriented with its principal five-bay facade facing Oliver Street and a four-bay elevation facing the Common.
Fronted by stone steps, the flat-roofed entrance porch is supported by fluted Ionic columns. The wooden door has four
recessed panels and is flanked by partial sidelights. A two-tier, semi-elliptical divided fanlight caps the entrance. Wisteria
vines are draped over the entrance portico. Most of the windows contain 6/6 sash with exterior storm windows, capped by
splayed stone lintels with molded and beaded keystones. A full-length window is centered above the entrance porch; the third
story windows are foreshortened. Wrapping around the building is a bold cornice with bead molding.
Extending behind the main block is a two-story wing capped by a hip, slate roof and lacking the cornice of the main block.
Fenestration on the wing includes 6/6 windows which lack decorative lintels and a four-panel door with three-light transom.
Oliver Street and Washington Square North meet at an acute angle and the house is set back slightly from the sidewalk,
leaving a small triangular-shaped piece of lawn at the corner. Along the sidewalk there is granite curbing topped by an iron
fence consisting of quatrefoil posts spanned by two types of pickets. A similar fence is located at 31 Washington Square
North. Along Oliver Street,to the north of the house,there is a board-and-batten fence with a spindle frieze and square posts.
To the north of the house is a two-story,brick carriage house (MHC#3843)set with its narrow end to Oliver Street. The
double doors of vertical headboard are punctuated by 3 x 2 lights and capped by a semi-elliptical panel.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Describe the history of the building. Explain its associations with local(or state)history. Include uses of the building and
the role(s) the owners/occupants played within the community.
According to Tolles, this house was constructed for Joseph White, Jr.,the brother of Stephen White,who resided next door at
31 Washington Square North. The building was constructed by Joshua Upham who also built Stephen's house. After Joseph
White's death in 1816,his widow Eliza continued to live here until 1831 when the property was sold to Mrs. Mary Silsbee.
Later occupants includ4d Benjamin H. Silsbee, merchant and president of the Merchants National Bank. The Silsbee family
continued to own the house until 1880 (Tolles,p. 18-19). By 1884 the house was being used as the parsonage for the
Tabernacle Congregatilinal Church with Rev. DeWitt S. Clark in residence. Rev. Clark and his family continued to live here
until his death in 1916. By 1921 the Clark family had purchased the house and it was occupied by Rev. Clark's widow and
son. Dr. DeWitt Clark, Jr., a physician, used the building for his office and home for many years. The Clarks continued to
own it until 1969.
Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. If checked, you must attach a completed National
Register Criteria Statement form.