14 Market Square

History

Located at the east end of Market Square, East Row is a three-story brick building capped by a low gable roof, separated into three sections by the exterior extension of fire walls which terminate in gables which are now primarily stepped but were originally simple gables.

The building displays a modest brick modillion cornice under the eaves. The building is organized into six sections. Five of the sections are three bays wide on the upper stories, including this section. The brick is laid in a Flemish bond.

The storefront at 14 Market Street retains well-preserved late 19th century cast iron storefronts. Significant features include the original wooden and glass double doors. Capping the display windows and doors are sets of low triple arches supported by octagonal fluted columns and decorated by raised foliate detailing. The 3 x 2-light display windows are set above raised panel wooden transoms.

Known as East Row, the building at 14-22 Market Square was constructed shortly after the 1811 fire that destroyed much of Market Square and the adjacent downtown. The block was reportedly erected by Abraham Perkins who occupied part of the building as a hardware store. In the late 17th century, this was the site of the home of William Morse.

From the turn-of-the-century until the 1950s, 14 Market Square was occupied by a grocery store, operated from the 1930s by Rabbi Charles Cetlin.