Walker-Collis House
Why it's listed
Built in 1880 as a summer home for Massachusetts State Senator Myron Walker, this two-story house in Belchertown combines Queen Anne and Stick Style design. Its irregular plan, exposed timber framing over clapboard, glass-enclosed porches, mansard roof with gambrel gables, and an octagonal stair tower with stained glass and an ogee roof make it unusual in the region. Builder Henry Hoag, described in 1887 as the town's foremost builder and architect, constructed it. It originally faced Belchertown Common and reportedly cost $30,000, an extraordinary sum for the town then. Walker entertained lavishly, including a June 1881 party attended by Governor Long and thousands of guests. The house was later known as the Collis House. In 1976 it was moved half a mile to its present site to avoid demolition for a bank's commercial plans. It retains a high degree of integrity and is considered the area's leading Queen Anne and Stick Style cottage.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is significant for its association with Myron Walker, a local politician and socialite, and as the pre-eminent Queen Anne/Stick Style cottage in the area. It is described as one of the most remarkable late 19th century buildings in the region and retains a high degree of integrity despite the move.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82001903, listed September 30, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1 Stadler St., Belchertown |
|---|---|
| County | Hampshire County |
| Listed | September 30, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001903 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Henry Hoag (builder) |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne with predominant Stick Style elements |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Politics/Government, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in excellent condition; used as rental apartments. It was restored after being moved in 1976. |
| Acreage | 1.3 |
| Coordinates | 42.27272, -72.41017 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82001903.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7962195
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.