Vinton-Boardman Farmhouse
Why it's listed
Set well back from Torrey Road among stone fences and large trees, this farmhouse in Southbridge, Massachusetts, combines a main block built about 1825 by Deacon Joshua Vinton with a rear ell that may be an earlier family house, dated to about 1760 or the late 18th century. The main block is a two-story, five-bay, double-pile Federal house with a gable roof and end chimneys, resting on a granite foundation. Original details survive, including 12/12 sash, a dentil range in the eaves, and an entrance with three-quarter sidelights, a fanlight and an arched frame with a starburst pattern and keystone. It is the town's only well-preserved example of this form. The property also reflects local settlement history: John Vinton bought 930 acres here in 1738, and later maps show Vinton and Boardman ownership. Its association with early settlement, continued farming, and Federal design supports its listing at the local level. A barn remains on the 3.25-acre property, which is still residential.
Significance in brief: The house is tied to the settlement of Southbridge by the Vinton family and to the town's lasting agricultural economy. It is the town's only well-preserved two-story, five-bay, double-pile Federal house with a gable roof and end chimneys. It keeps its original Federal ornament, including a fanlight entrance and dentil cornice.
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 89000586, listed June 22, 1989. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 93 Torrey Rd., Southbridge |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | June 22, 1989 |
| Reference number | 89000586 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Deacon Joshua Vinton (built front section c. 1825); architect unknown |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Agriculture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Present use is residential; condition is excellent, with no major alterations and the building not moved. |
| Acreage | 3.3 |
| Coordinates | 42.08537, -72.00870 (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 89000586.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7932891
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.