Our area of Connecticut has a rich history going back to colonial times and beyond, with many physical structures and memorials in just our Groton area alone that stand as reminders of major events and military/political figures.

Mystic is designated as a historic district with strict building and design codes, especially in downtown areas, in order to maintain the spirit and atmosphere of the past. The design of Mystic Seaport itself reinforces this effort.

Noank operates somewhat differently and with less rigidity, as described by Deborah Bates, president of the Noank Historical Society, during a meeting Sept. 18 at the Latham-Chester Store.

In a one-hour slide program, she explained the criteria that are used to evaluate an area as simply an “historical place” for the National Register. These would include major local historical events, public personalities and specific building construction styles that support the appearance of an area.

There are approximately a million recognized “historical places” in the National Register, and the number slowly drops — 1,000 gone since 1999 — as areas change due to new construction and loss of buildings. This type of less rigid classification was established in 1966 with nominations for the Register being made by the states themselves.

Inclusion is considered an “honorary” status, and is not so strict as inclusion in an actual historic district, like Mystic.

Noank historical events primarily relate to shipbuilding, which was a major industry, as well as notable people such as artist Robert Brackman or aviator Amelia Earhart, who was married there.

Architectural styles favor various Cape and Gothic period styles with one- and two-story structures, along with Greek Revivals and High Victorian Gothics with decorative spindles, porches and palladium windows.

The Noank area considered historic includes the entire village peninsula, with its narrow streets, out to Elm Street with short portions of a few side streets going from Elm up into Prospect Hill.

In 1825, there were 13 houses in Noank. Population grew in the 1840s with shipbuilding at the Palmer yards.

In 1900, summer residents included writers Theodore Dreiser and George Putnam.

The village had four churches, while only one remains today. Later, there were two gas stations, a lighthouse and two large boatyard-marinas, with four more small marinas added by the 1970s.

Of the approximate 260 houses in Noank’s historic area, 215 of these contribute to the preferred architectural styles for historic places.

Some larger commercial buildings also contribute, such as the old Universal Food Store on Pearl Street, or the Latham-Chester store itself. In recent years, the zoning commission established guidelines to avoid the “mega-mansion” effect that occurs in nearby areas.

Living in a structure built in 1850 is not always a constant pleasure, at least when it comes to maintenance and paint. But it is a fact that, when compared with new housing construction methods, “they sure don’t build ‘em like they used to.”

Ed Johnson lives in Noank.