101-103 State Street

History

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The hallmark of the Second Empire style is the mansard roof, which is seen on this house. The dormer windows are equally characteristic of the style. Because this building is a vernacular version of the Second Empire style, its ornamentation is relatively simple.

The cornice is treated to create a three-dimensional effect. The orders in the entrance porches are highly delicate in style. Still, the building’s massing, with projections on either side of the door, creates the bold three-dimensional effect one expects in this style. Although there are other examples of the style in Newburyport, the Second Empire is relatively uncommon in Newburyport.

The Atkinson family built or owned several houses near the junction of State Street and Garden Street. These included 97-99 State St., 101-103 State St., 105 State St., and 7 Garden St. The original construction date is unknown. Still, it can be assumed to have been built shortly after 1884, since it does not appear on a map of that date, and before 1888, as it appears on the Sanborn Map of that year.

The Atkinson family is a prominent one in Newburyport. Fred L. Atkinson, who lived in the house in 1920, was president and treasurer of Atkinson Coal Company on Water Street. The company had an office in the house at that time. Fred L. Atkinson also served as trustee for the Newburyport Lodge, No. 909, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.