Smith-Lyon Farmhouse
Why it's listed
Built around 1850 at 400 North Woodstock Road in Southbridge, this Greek Revival farmhouse is notable for its fine detailing and its well-preserved condition. The two-and-a-half story, two-bay gable-front facade has full-length sidelights beside a simple doorframe, paneled corner pilasters and a pedimented gable. A porch with broad fluted Doric columns and a matchboard wall complements the front, and an original two-story ell extends from the rear. According to local historian Lucius Ammidown, Luther Smith built the house on land first settled by Moses Marcy, grandson of the town's first settler. Smith, known as "Mule" Smith, dealt extensively in mules. By 1855 the farm belonged to Lucius Lyon, and an 1878 map shows 175 acres still called the Smith Farm. The house is valued for its link to the town's lasting agricultural economy and for its regionally important architectural form. Much of its rural setting survives despite newer nearby houses.
Significance in brief: The nomination cites its link to Southbridge's persistent agricultural economy and its regionally important gable-front Greek Revival form. It is described as unusually finely detailed for a farmhouse and as rivaling contemporary houses in the town center. It meets the criterion for architecture at the local level and retains integrity.
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 89000546, listed June 22, 1989. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 400 N. Woodstock Rd., Southbridge |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | June 22, 1989 |
| Reference number | 89000546 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Luther Smith (builder, per Lucius Ammidown); architect unknown |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Present use is residential; condition is described as excellent. A non-contributing garage was added onto the rear wing in the mid-20th century. |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Coordinates | 42.05504, -72.01617 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 89000546.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14715852
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.