East Holliston Historic District

East Holliston is a linear neighborhood of mostly wood-frame houses strung along Washington Street in the eastern part of Holliston, Massachusetts, with a few side streets such as Curve Street. The oldest building is believed to date to about 1750, and most others were built in the 19th century. Jarr Brook powered early mills and factories that made lumber, grain products, carriages, horn combs, copper pumps and nails. The arrival of the railroad in 1847 and a thriving shoe trade fueled population growth, and most houses went up between 1820 and 1860 in Federal and Greek Revival styles. Cape Cod cottages, a rare brick house, former stores and two converted schoolhouses add variety. Of the early industries, only the 1837 Wilder Shop survives, now used as retail space. Alterations such as replacement windows and artificial siding have been modest, and the district keeps its historic character. A small early 19th-century burial ground, stone walls, barns and mature shade trees complete the setting.