By Joyce DeWallace, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury is well-known for its many historical homes. Tucked along Main Street, West Main Street and Prospect Street are residences from the Colonial era including the General Artemus Ward House, built in the early 1700s, and now a museum maintained by Harvard University. But Shrewsbury has another group of buildings described by researcher and Historical Commission member Lyn Lincourt as “The Mansions of Shrewsbury.” She explained that during the height of the industrial growth of Worcester between 1898 and the 1940s, about 10 mansions or manor houses were built in the area. These properties have been largely ignored, torn down, or destroyed by fire. Lincourt is on a mission to preserve their memory and their contribution to the history of the town.
“The past is important and has given us our character. We reflect what was built here, and it's a source of pride,” she said.
Since starting her research project in May of 2009, Lincourt has produced a DVD about the mansions in conjunction with the Shrewsbury public access cable Channel 28.
“I would like to publish a book that brings to life some of the glory years that are reflected in the history of these buildings.Shrewsbury was home to leaders in industry and men of wealth. Their stories need to be documented and preserved.”
For her diligent research, Lincourt was awarded the Spirit of History Award by the Shrewsbury Historical Society.
