NORTHBOROUGH – This is the first in a series of articles titled “Reincarnated Antiques” to highlight antique properties in Northborough that have creative and successful reuse options.
With the demolition of antique properties in Northborough being a fairly regular occurrence, this series recognizes owners who have an appreciation for historic buildings and have found successful alternative uses for them.
Today’s property is 56 Main Street.
Originally built as a private home, it has been used as a funeral home since the late 1930s.
This building was built in the Second Empire style sometime around 1870. The design is often called the General Grant style. The distinctive architectural features are the mansard roof with the dormers in the steep section of the roof, heavy molded cornices, narrow double-hung windows with the two-over-two muntin pattern, a high granite foundation and paired windows and entry doors. The front porch and the paired window dormer above the entry are especially handsome.
This well-maintained building is a wonderful addition to the historic homes along Main Street near the town center.
The original landowner was Lorenzo L. Moore who ran a livery stable at this address in 1855.
Eventually, he built this home sometime around 1870. Moore was on the committee to erect the Civil War memorial. He was also a selectman from 1869 through 1870 and signed a petition for the creation of a new party that opposed slavery.
In 1913, W.H. Sterns purchased the property and managed the Bell Telephone Exchange that was operated in the rear ell of the building. In the late 1930s, Standish Stephensen purchased the property and was the first to establish a funeral parlor there.
From 1952 until 2018 it remained in the Leland-Hayes family, starting with William B. Leland then Thomas Hayes Sr. and his son Thomas Hayes Jr.
In 2018, Jeff and Rachel Koopman purchased the property after being affiliated with the Hays Funeral business for several years. The Koopmans continue to serve the families of Northborough and surrounding communities with passion, dedication, and professionalism.
Northborough residents are very fortunate that past and present owners of this building recognized its beauty and continue to use this original private home as a successful business.
