HISTORY
The Joshua Bliss Vinton home was built in 1853 in the Italianate Style. This large house is one of the few of this design left in Springfield. The property has been surveyed and identified as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Image from Springfield Illustrated (1882). The Joshua Bliss Vinton House is barely visible on the extreme left of the 1882 photo, and it is still standing at the end of Underwood Street, where it serves as the rectory for Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Franklin Street. Part of this information may be found through Lost New England.
THREAT
The Springfield Historical Commission suggested creating a historic district for the property, but it currently has no protection. The current owner feels the project cannot continue without demolishing this property to build apartments. The owner provided the Trust with a tour, during which we offered insight. Additionally, MA Historical Commission has allowed the owners to move forward with the plan.
REUSE
This building, the school, and church on the property still have time to be restored.