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PRESERVATION and PEOPLE FALL/WINTER, 2001 1 Preservation People and Vol. 16, NO. 1 HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS FALL/WINTER, 2001 Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources 2001 Whalom Park, Lunenburg Page 10

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Page 1: Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Fall / Winter 2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

1

PreservationPeopleand

Vol. 16, NO. 1 HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS FALL/WINTER, 2001

Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources 2001

Whalom Park,LunenburgPage 10

Page 2: Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Fall / Winter 2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

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Dear Friends,

In early October I left Historic Massachusettsto accept a newly created position in theBoston Parks and Recreation Department.

I will serve as the city’s Director of Historic Parks.While it is very difficult to leave Historic Massa-chusetts, this is an extraordinary opportunity tohelp shape and protect the historic landscapes ofmy hometown.

The past six years have been incredible. I amhonored to have been involved in preservation ata time when preservationists in Massachusettsmade tremendous strides toward making protec-tion of historic assets a fundamental element ofeconomic development projects, environmentalprotection efforts, and broad-based planning strat-egies. We have gathered to train wonderful vol-unteers from local Historical and Historic Dis-trict Commissions and opened those trainingworkshops to planners, transportation engineersand consultants. We have passed the Commu-nity Preservation Act, giving communities whoadopt the Act a way to set up a dedicated fundfor historic preservation. We have changed theSchool Building Assistance Program to providemore state funds for school renovations than fornew construction; in doing so Massachusetts hasbecome a model for the nation. We have workedwith the Franklin County Regional Housing Au-thority to restore the Crocker Bank Building inTurners Falls National Register Historic District.This developed into the Authority’s first combinedhistoric preservation/affordable housing tax creditproject, as they went on to restore the CutleryBlock worker housing in the same district.

Above all else, the greatest pleasure has beenworking with the people of preservation. I aminspired by your joy in the historic resources ofthe Commonwealth, your pleasure in the resto-ration of community landmarks, and your un-flagging optimism and commitment in the faceof threats to historic resources. I will carry yourenergy and dedication with me always.

Many thanks,

Margaret Dyson

Dear Friends of HistoricMassachusetts Inc.,

The Board of Directors congratulatesMargaret Dyson as she moves to hernew job with the Boston Parks and

Recreation Department. Margaret will be join-ing Justine Liff, Park Commissioner, in the ParksDepartment’s ongoing efforts to protectOlmsted’s great legacy to Boston, the EmeraldNecklace. We want to thank Margaret for herwork as an advocate for historic preservation, asa tireless voice on Beacon Hill, and as a bridgebuilder to environmental and housing advocacygroups. These partnerships, along with her workon the Community Preservation Act, serve as themarks of her tenure at Historic Massachusetts.

Historic Massachusetts is at an exciting cross-roads as we continue our efforts to bring the fif-teen-year-old organization into the new century.Since last January, the Board and Staff are ac-tively involved in a Strategic Plan for our futureand in October voted some of the first steps to-wards that plan. Historic Massachusetts remainscommitted to its core mission as the non-profitprivate partner of the Massachusetts HistoricCommission and other preservation organiza-tions throughout the Commonwealth.

As we search for a new executive director, weare grateful for the active participation of all theboard officers: Otile McManus, Sam Knight, andClaudia Wu. Claudia Wu will continue as headof the ongoing strategic plan. Past PresidentMarcia Molay has graciously offered to help uswith this year’s dinner. Kathryn Coggeshall, Pro-gram Manager, will be heading the office duringthis interim time, and Sarah DiSano, an internfrom the Boston University Preservation Pro-gram, will be assisting her.

Please feel free to contact me at HMI or atmy office during the next couple of months.

Best regards,

Clarissa RoweBoard of Directors, ChairBrown and Rowe, Landscape Architects andPlanners617-542-8552, [email protected]

◆ Messages from theBoard of DirectorsChair, Clarissa Roweand Margaret Dyson.P. 2

◆ HMI’s Ten MostEndangered 2001P. 3

◆ Status Report onMassachusetts’ MostEndangered HistoricResourcesInsert between pages 4and 9

◆ The CommunityPreservation Act: OneYear Later . . .P. 15

◆ Mark your Calendar-Upcoming EventsP. 15

COVER PHOTOCOURTESY OFKEN DENTON

Page 3: Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Fall / Winter 2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

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HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS’ 2001Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources

On September 28, 2001, Historic Massachusetts an-nounced its ninth annual Ten Most EndangeredHistoric Resources listing. This year’s list includes

properties from across Massachusetts that represent the diversehistory and culture of the Commonwealth and are seriouslythreatened by neglect, insufficient funding, inappropriate de-velopment, insensitive public policy, or vandalism.

Sites are nominated by local groups or individuals state-wide who are concerned about the possible loss of these impor-

tant resources. The listing helps focus attention on the condi-tion of these historic resources and their importance to theircommunities. The listing is only the beginning, often servingas a catalyst for extensive preservation opportunities. HistoricMassachusetts is proud to announce that due to the hard workof concerned citizens using the Endangered designation as atool, fewer than 12 of the ninety sites listed to date have beenlost to demolition. Many other sites have been saved or areprogressing well toward that goal. ◆

Continued on page 4

Town Hall Annex (Homer School),BelmontSIGNIFICANCE:

Built in 1898, The Town Hall Annex was designed by Eleazer B.Homer, an architecture professor at MIT and resident of Belmont.Constructed as the town’s second high school, it subsequently became ajunior high school, an elementary school and in 1935 it was remodeledas an office building. It is located within the Pleasant Street LocalHistoric District.

THREAT:In 1995 the Annex became the subject of a Federal Court lawsuit brought about to makeBelmont municipal buildings handicapped accessible. In response to the court case, the Townbegan to rehabilitate these structures one at a time. Although the Town Hall was successfullyrehabilitated in 1999, the Town Selectmen halted the renovation of the Annex in 2000 in orderto conduct a feasibility study, which would determine how the Town’s office and parking needscould best be satisfied. Based on the results of this study, the Town Selectmen favored the optionof demolishing the Annex and replacing it with a new office building and underground parkinggarage.

STATUS: Saved!On September 20th of this year the Town Selectmen unanimously chose an $11.2 millionrenovation plan that will bring the Annex into ADA compliance, thereby eliminating the threatto this historic resource. The two rejected options, estimated to cost $11.5 million and $12million, would have resulted in the Annex being removed from the historic district, demolished,and replaced. Historic Massachusetts has gladly removed the Belmont Town Hall Annex fromthe ranks of the Most Endangered.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OFRICHARD CHEEK

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In Massachusetts, from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century, the responsibility of caring for the poor,sick, orphaned, and mentally ill was left in the hands of

the towns where these people resided, usually in the form oflocally managed poor farms. By 1829 the Commonwealthbecame increasingly aware of the towns’ inability to properlymanage their facilities and asked for statistical reports on theirinsane residents.

That same year three state-appointed commissioners se-lected a site where a 120-bed hospital would be built. Theychose a site in Worcester and in 1833 the first state-operatedmental hospital opened there. By 1851 the Worcester In-sane Asylum was so overcrowded that the Legislature appro-priated funds for the construction of a second hospital inTaunton. From the mid-19th century to the early 20th cen-tury mental hospitals and almshouses were built all over thestate, including facilities in Boston, Danvers, Lancaster,Monson, Northampton, and Tewksbury—to name just a few.Many of these hospitals were built and operated accordingto the new “humanistic” approach toward caring for the in-sane, which advocated curative rather than custodial treat-ment, enhanced by a patient’s exposure to fresh air, water,and pleasant surroundings.

By the early 20th century the state hospitals were danger-ously overcrowded and stories of the inhumane treatment ofpatients were all too common, resulting in many of thesehospitals being referred to as “snake pits”. In 1966 the De-partment of Mental Health established a comprehensive com-munity-based system of their services that mandated pro-grammatic movement towards deinstitutionalization. TheMental Health Reform Act of 1977 imposed limits on newadmissions to state mental hospitals, encouraging the transi-tion to a community-based system.

These actions, while beneficial to the mentally ill, led tothe closing and sometimes abandonment of the old statehospitals from the 1970s through the 1990s. Many ofthese institutions, which were once community landmarksthat employed many local residents, were left vacant, andsuffered from vandalism and deferred maintenance. Thesehospitals were made with superior craftsmanship andshould be preserved for their architectural and historicalsignificance. While some state hospitals have been reha-bilitated, many remain vacant. Moreover, rehabilitationproposals often raise issues as to the extent to which it isfeasible to retain these massive structures. For now, the fateof many of these buildings hangs in the balance.

History of MassachusettsState Hospitals

Historic State HospitalsTwo state hospitals currently under threat are:

Kirkbride Building,Danvers State Hospital,DanversSIGNIFICANCE:

Built between 1874 and 1877, the Kirkbride buildingwas the central element of the State Lunatic Hospital atDanvers. It is constructed from local materials includ-ing “cherry red” Danvers brick, Rockport granite, andMaine slate.

THREAT:The hospital was permanently closed in 1991 and thebuilding has remained vacant.

STATUS:The Kirkbride building is slated for redevelopment,possibly as a senior living facility. However, althoughthe project selection criteria strongly emphasizes

preservation, many submit-ted proposals stress the highcost of restoring theKirkbride and proposeinstead to preserve just thefacade or portions of thebuilding. A developercould be selected by the endof September.

Northampton StateHospital (Old MainBuilding), NorthamptonSIGNIFICANCE:

The original section of the Northampton State Hospi-tal was constructed in 1855 and is a rare example ofmid-19th century “Jacobethan” style architecture. Thehospital was considered the state’s western regionalcenter for mental health services and at one pointhoused over one thousand patients.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANVERSHISTORICAL COMMISSION

Continued on page 9

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A STATUS REPORT ON MASSACHUSETTS’

Most Endangered Historic Resources

Each year for the past nine years, HistoricMassachusetts has selected “The Ten MostEndangered Historic Resources” from nomina-

tions submitted by local groups and individuals con-cerned about their possible loss. The lists have in-cluded a wide range of historic landmarks and land-scapes from across the Commonwealth, sites which areseriously threatened by neglect, insufficient funding,vandalism, inappropriate development or insensitivepublic policy. These resources tell the story of howpeople lived, worked, and played in a way that no pho-tograph or book will ever be able to convey to futuregenerations.

The annual announcement of the list brings atten-tion to the value of these resources in order to savethem. It’s an encouraging and sustaining event thathas been generously covered by the press, radio, andtelevision. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Local ac-tivists take advantage of the publicity and enhancedawareness to raise money, increase public support andkeep the issue and resource alive.

The results of these efforts? Here is a sam-pling of the most recent updates. They range instatus from “Saved” to “Coming Along” to “StillStruggling.” ◆

WhateverHappened to...?

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HISTORIC HIGHFIELD INC.

HIGHFIELD HALL,FALMOUTHYear First Listed: 1994

Significance: Highfield Hallwas one of the earliest housesconstructed as part of Falmouth’sdevelopment as a summer resortand is one of the few survivorsfrom that era. Highfield wasbuilt as an English country estatein the Queen Anne style on thehighest point of land inFalmouth.

Threat: In 1994 Cape CodConservatory of Music, the thenowners of Highfield Hall appliedfor a demolition permit. A“Friends” group was established

to advocate forthe building’spreservationand legalconflicts arosebetween thegroup and theConservatoryover the fate ofthe building.

Status:SAVED! In 1997the demolitionwas postponedand the parties

involved in legal disputes wentinto mediation, eventuallycoming to an agreement andsettlement in 2001. In April of2000 the Falmouth Town Man-ager authorized the TownSelectmen to take the propertyby eminent domain. In Decem-ber of 2000 the Selectmen votedto approve the taking of theproperty. On January 3, 2001,the Town officially took owner-ship of Highfield Hall. Theproperty is currently beingleased to a group called HistoricHighfield, Inc., which is payingfor the eminent domain taking,the legal settlement, and resto-

ration of the building in lieu ofrent. Historic Highfield, Inc.intends to use the building for itsoffices, a town cultural center,and a rentable function space forlectures, meetings, concerts, etc.Volunteers have been workinghard to restore the building andnew plumbing, heating, andelectric systems have alreadybeen installed at Highfield Hall.

HUGUENOT STEAMER NO.1 FIRE STATION, OXFORDYear First Listed: 2000

Significance: Constructed in1884, this two story, wood framebuilding with a slate roof and alarge hose tower was in use untila new station was built in 1975.The station is one of the lastwood frame firehouses of its era.

Threat: The fire station hasbeen vacant since 1975 and isused as a storage facility for thetown of Oxford. The buildingwas unsecured and susceptible tovandalism.

Status: COMINGALONG...Through sweat equityand private donations theOxford Firefighters Association

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Above: Before Restoration Work.Below: After Restoration WorkPHOTO: COURTESY OF DAN BARRY

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR. & MRS. BILL COLI

(OFA) has secured the building,painted the exterior and en-hanced the surrounding land-scape. The OFA continues fund-raising efforts, including workingwith the Yankee MagazineCommunity Partners program,and has applied for severalgrants. The work is progressingin accordance with theassociation’s six year plan andthe OFA intend on opening thefire station as afirefightingmuseum in thesummer of 2006.

BISSELL COV-ERED BRIDGE,CHARLEMONTYear First Listed:1999

Signifi-cance: TheBissell CoveredBridge is one ofthe few remain-ing covered bridges in westernMassachusetts. The 1950 bridge,located over a deep, wooded

gorge below an old stone dam, isonly the second covered bridgeto be built at this site and restson the original 1880 bridgeabutments. It is engineered withTimber Engineering Companysplit-ring timber connectors andis completely constructed ofdense Douglas Fir. The bridge is

eligible for listing onthe National Registerof Historic Places.

Threat: Citingexpense and theinfeasibility ofrehabilitation, theMassachusettsHighway Departmentplans to demolish ormove the BissellCovered Bridge andbuild a modernstructure in its place.

Status: STILLSTRUGGLING... The Massachu-setts Highway Department(MHD) maintains the positionthat the bridge cannot bereconfigured to withstandmodern loads. MHD suggeststhe bridge be used only as afootbridge or be demolished.They have also said that theywould be willing to move thebridge, if the town would payfor it, however the town feelsthat relocating the bridge would

result in a loss of its historicintegrity. As of Summer 2001MHD and the town ofCharlemont had still not reacheda resolution regarding the fateof the bridge.

NIAGARA FIRE ENGINEHOUSE, MILLISYear First Listed: 2000

Significance: The Millis FireDepartment constructed TheNiagara Fire Engine House in1879 and although damaged byfire several years ago, it hasretained much of its originalappearance. The buildingcontains a beautiful muraldepicting the fire departmentextinguishing a blaze. The muralwas discovered under plaster inan upstairs room and there isspeculation that additionalmurals may be found.

Threat: Formerly used as amunicipal building, the structurestands unused today. The mostimmediate danger is that theTown Selectmen would vote todispose of the building.

Status: COMINGALONG...Through the office ofSenator Cheryl Jacques, the Townwas able to obtain a grant of$50,000 from the state office ofTravel and Tourism. The moneywas used to conduct studies ofthe structural integrity of thebuilding and to complete arestoration of the front facadeto its original 1879 appearance.A fund raising campaign is underway and is supposed to start inearnest in September. Pledgeshave been obtained and anapplication is being filed withthe Massachusetts HistoricalCommission for listing thebuilding on the National Regis-ter. Two more wall murals havebeen identified below a layer ofpaint and studies are planned todetermine a means to uncoverthese murals. Future plans forthe building include using thefirst floor equipment room to

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF WHALE

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE MASSACHUSETTSDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

store and display the originalhandtub fire engines. Thesecond floor hall will be used asa meeting and function room.

CORSON BUILDING COM-PLEX, NEW BEDFORDYear First Listed: 1999

Significance: The CorsonBlock Buildings are in the centerof the New Bedford WhalingNational Historical Park, createdin 1996. The Corson Building is athree-story brick commercialstructure built between 1875 and1884. The post Civil War designstill boasts its Victorian cast ironstore front. Included in theblock is the Louis HathawayHouse—an 1865 Greek Revivalresidence.

Threat: The interior of theCorson Building was severelydamaged by fire in 1997. In 1999the local Building Commissionersuggested that the building bedemolished. The wood-framedHathaway house is abandonedand in declining condition.

Status: COMINGALONG...The Corson Buildingwas stabilized this year and theroof has been put on. TheWaterfront Historic Area League(WHALE) is getting ready tocontract out for the secondphase of the project—repointing, painting, windowreplacement, interior work, etc.Once the work is completedWHALE intends to use thebuilding as a historic preserva-tion education center with firstfloor commercial space.

MASSACHUSETTS DAIRYFARMSYear First Listed: 2000

Significance: There areapproximately 285 family-owned

dairy farms in the Com-monwealth of Massachu-setts, totaling approxi-mately 108,000 acres ofland. Many have been inthe same family forgenerations and includeother historic resourcessuch as farmhouses, barns,and other working farmstructures. These workinglandscapes contribute towildlife habitat, aquiferrecharge areas and scenicvistas, which are vital tothe traditional NewEngland quality of life.

Threat: MassachusettsDairy Farms are underconsiderable stress due tothe high cost of produc-tion, increased attentionto managing farm wasteswith more environmen-tally sound techniques,

and highly volatile milk prices.The most immediate threat tothese resources was proposedlegislation that would haveended Massachusetts’ participa-tion in the Northeast DairyCompact, which sets a minimumprice for milk produced in theNortheast and is vital to preserv-ing dairy farms here in Massa-

chusetts. Prices were estimatedto increase 28 to 50 cents pergallon due to costs associatedwith shipping milk from NewYork and the Midwest. Thislegislation could result in theeconomic collapse of many, if notall, dairy farms in Massachusetts,and the land ultimately beingsold for development.

Status: STILL STRUGGLING,BUT SOME ENCOURAGINGSIGNS...As of this September,Congress is still debating theNortheast Dairy Compact. Thecondition of dairy farms in theCommonwealth will continue todecline significantly without thereauthorization of the DairyCompact. In terms of encourag-ing signs, the AgriculturalPreservation Restriction Program,which purchases developmentrights to prime farmlands so theymay continue to be activelyfarmed, has purchased morethan 42,000 acres of primefarmland over the past 20 years.This program is widely used andcontinues its mission of protect-ing farmland in perpetuity. TheAgricultural Viability Program, ashort-term conservation restric-tion program, provides technicaland business assistance to

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF SAMUEL DISANO

farmers. There have also beeneffective campaigns acrossMassachusetts that encourageconsumers to Buy Local.

FREDERICK C. ADAMSPUBLIC LIBRARY, KINGSTONYear First Listed:1999

Significance: Designed bylocal architect Joseph EverettChandler of Plymouth and builtin 1898, this one-story brickGeorgian Revival building wasreplaced by a new library in1995. The building currentlyserves as a storage facility with afew town offices operating inthe basement.

Threat: The town offices arerequired to vacate the buildingsoon and the building has yet tobe stabilized and/or restored.

Status: STILL STRUGGLING,BUT SOME PROGRESS...Theproperty was listed on theNational Register of HistoricPlaces in June of 2001. TheKingston Selectmen appointed aFrederick C. Adams HeritageCenter Development Committee,which is in the process of form-ing a _Friends_ group. TheDevelopment Committee is alsoconducting a pre-developmentsurvey of the property and hopeto eventually receive fundingfrom the Town that will allowthem to apply for matchinggrants from the PreservationProgress Fund and other grantsources.

SANKATY HEAD LIGHT,NANTUCKETYear First Listed:1993

Significance: This structure,built in 1850, is a NationalHistoric Landmark, and is locatedwithin a National RegisterDistrict and Local Historic Dis-trict.

Threat: Due to shore erosionand strong storms, the bank haseroded to within 120 feet of thestructure and is in danger of

slipping into the sea, as 90 feet isconsidered the hazard distancefor shore erosion.

Status: STILLSTRUGGLING...A non-profitgroup has been assembled topursue funding needed to movethe light house further inlandand out of harms way. Planningfor the move has already begunand the group hopes to ratifythe moving proposal in 2002.However, while fund-raising isongoing for this project, signifi-cant financial support will beneeded in order for it to succeed.

GROVER CRONIN DEPART-MENT STORE, WALTHAMYear First Listed: 1995

Significance: Prominentlysituated in the Moody Streetcommercial district and adjacentto the Charles River, the GroverCronin Department Store origi-nally spread across four down-town structures and constitutedan entire city block. The twoearlier buildings represent thepost-Civil War economic boomthat resulted in the developmentof Waltham as a commercialcenter for the area. A 1930sremodeling of the other twobuildings features an Art

Moderne facade with streamlinestyling and a rounded corner.

Threat: The store closed in1989 and early plans called forthe total destruction of thebuilding complex to make roomfor new development.

Status: SAVED—ADAPTIVELYREUSED...The store was redevel-oped as condominiums and retailspace and is now known as_Cronin_s Landing._ Althoughthe entire building was notpreserved, the Art Modernefacade has been retained andrestored and the new structurebehind it was designed toemulate the architecture foundalong Moody Street.

OLD WALTHAM HIGHSCHOOL, WALTHAMYear First Listed:1999

Significance: This Neo-Classical-Romanesque, redbrickbuilding was built in 1902, with1930s wings added during theFederal Emergency Administra-tion of Public Works. It is listedon the National Register ofHistoric Places.

Threat: Vacant and boardedup for over a decade, the build-ing has suffered from waterdamage and vandalism.

Status: SAVED! The City ofWaltham has recognized theimportance of Old Waltham HighSchool and intends to restore theoriginal 1902 portion of thebuilding for use as a middleschool. The 1930s wings arescheduled to be demolished, aplan supported by both theWaltham Historical Commissionand the Massachusetts HistoricalCommission.

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THREAT:Vacant since the 1970’s, the Old Main Building has suffered fromserious water infiltration and vandalism.

STATUS:Certain sections of the hospital have been slated for redevelopment ascommercial retail, and residential space. However, due to the deterio-rated state of the Old Main Building, the feasibility of preserving it hasnot yet been determined.

Continued on page 10

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FREETOWN HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Ten Most Endangered Historic ResourcesContinued from page 4

Northampton State HospitalPHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID PARNELL

Gurney Road Bridge, FreetownSIGNIFICANCE:

Built c. 1820, this dry laid, uncoursed graniterubble bridge was built to withstand theweight of the oxen carts that carried loads ofiron over the Fall Brook to the ProvidenceFoundry Company furnace. The only remain-ing bridge of its type in East Freetown, it is arare example of the town’s early industrial past,as many of its mills and other industrialstructures no longer exist.

THREAT:Due to structural deficiencies, the bridge wasclosed to vehicular traffic in 1998. The Townplanned to demolish the bridge, but has sincecanceled those plans and given the localHistorical Commission support for itsrestoration.

STATUS:Due to a lack of funding, the future preservation of the bridge is not ensured. The FreetownHistorical Commission has begun researching various grant opportunities and contactingstonemasons to get cost estimates for the bridge’s restoration.

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Abijah Clark House,HubbardstonSIGNIFICANCE:

This c. 1820 Federal style house with rear ell andbarn additions is believed to have been constructedby Abijah Clark, who built the adjacent general storein 1845. During the 1940’s a barbershop was locatedin the front south room and men from the commu-nity used the ell as a place to play cards.

THREAT:The house suffers from deferred maintenance anddeterioration. It was condemned by the local Build-ing Inspector and is considered a potential fire hazard as it is next to the Town building complex, which includes a school.

STATUS:At present there are no future plans for this building due in part to a legal dispute between the town and property owner.

Whalom Park, LunenburgSIGNIFICANCE:Whalom Park was built in 1893 by the Fitchburg &Leominster Street Railway Company, who created the “trolleypark” as a way to increase profits by increasing their night-time and weekend business. Whalom Park is a traditionalamusement park with 30 rides, some of which are rare,including a 1939 wooden roller coaster, the Tumble Bug,Flying Scooters, and a turn-of-the-century carousel contain-ing 58 hand-carved animals.

THREAT:This year for the first time since its opening 108 years ago,Whalom Park did not open its gates for the summer season.Due to financial difficulties the park was put up for sale lastfall. Unconcerned with the park’s historic significance, the

owners are entertaining offers from other park operators and real estate developers, the latter of whom desire to raze the site forcondominium development. As the owners wait for a buyer they have already begun selling off valuable park components,including the carousel, which was auctioned off in pieces last year.

STATUS:A group of investors, led by the Bowen family, plan to purchase Whalom Park at the upcoming foreclosure sale of the realestate on which the park is located. With solid backing from investors inside and outside the amusement industry, theBowens plan to reopen the park in 2002. The Bowens respect the history and nostalgia of Whalom and plan to incorporatethe historic rides and structures in their restoration of the 108-year-old park.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE BOWEN FAMILY

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HUBBARDSTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION

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William Bartlett and WilliamJohnson Houses, NewburyportSIGNIFICANCE:

These late 18th century Federal style brick houses are situated onone of the largest parcels of open land in the south end ofNewburyport. During their lifetimes, William Bartlett andWilliam Johnson were merchants listed among the top tenwealthiest men in Newburyport. Most of the original interiordetails of both houses remain intact, including fielded feather-edged wainscoting in the Johnson house and a fully paneledparlor in the Bartlett house.

THREAT:The community has learned of the impending sale of the build-ings and plans to develop the site with up to 60 units of affordable housing.Presently, there is no commitment to preserve and restore the existing houses aspart of this development.

STATUS:Neighborhood residents are greatly concerned about the future of this propertyand a local community group is trying to organize support for its preservation. Above: Bartlett House, Below: Johnson House

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHEND NEIGHBORHOODASSOCIATION

Historic Diners of MassachusettsSIGNIFICANCE:

Diners hold an important place in the Commonwealth’s history. The first mobile lunch wagon, seen as the precursor to thetraditional diner, was introduced in Worcester in 1884. In the early 20th century the lunch wagon evolved into thestationary portable lunch car. Companies in Worcester and Springfield became major manufacturers of these new “diners”.Reflecting the growing dependence on private automobiles, diners were often found on the sides of highways such as MA

routes 2, 9, and 12. To this day the diner is celebrated in film,art, and literature as a vital aspect of the American vernacular.

THREAT:In the late 1950’s diners fell out of favor with restaurant patronsas fast-food franchise and family-oriented facilities gainedpopularity. The construction of large access controlled highwaysthat bypassed the smaller roads where diners were found alsocontributed to their decline.

STATUS:Massachusetts is currently home to approximately 75 historicdiners, many of which are listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places. Today there is a resurgence of interest in diners,which is both a positive and negative phenomenon. While somediners have been restored in situ, others are often moved or razedfor business or zoning reasons, or they are “exported” to otherstates. Many diners are left vacant, leaving them targets ofvandalism and demolition.

Top: Rosebud Diner, Somerville, Bottom: Pig N’ Whistle Diner, BrightonPHOTO: SARAH DISANO

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Wendt House, SalemSIGNIFICANCE:

The Wendt House, built c. 1770 and moved to its present location in 1830, is located in Salem’ssmallest National Register Historic District. It is one of six remaining buildings in the lastsurviving residential enclave in downtown Salem. Members of Salem’s early African-Americanand maritime communities once occupied the house and circumstantial evidence suggests it mayhave been a c. 1840 “stop” on the Underground Railroad.

THREAT:The owners of the house seek to demolish it and construct a parking lot in itsplace. Not yet successful in obtaining a demolition permit, the owners havesucceeded in constructing additional parking spaces on the property anddemolishing the rear porch. After years of neglect, the building has a highvagrancy rate and is considered a fire risk.

STATUS:A neighborhood association has been established to discuss the preservation ofthe historic district, which has lost two of its buildings since its NationalRegister nomination was originally prepared in 1983. A Wendt House cleanupand peaceful anti-demolition protest were conducted in May of 2001 by theneighborhood group. In September, the Salem City Council will review anorder, sponsored by a fellow City Council member, to formally request that theSalem Redevelopment Authority take the property by eminent domain in aneffort to stop the neglect and deterioration of the house.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HISTORIC SALEM, INC.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHBRIDGEHISTORICAL COMMISSION

Former Universalist Church Building,SouthbridgeSIGNIFICANCE:

This Greek Revival church was built in 1841 and served as a UniversalistChurch until the early 1970’s. It is the second oldest church in Southbridgeand the only one built in the Greek Revival style. Currently, the building isused as rental retail and apartment space.

THREAT:Threatened by neglect, the lack of exterior maintenance is evident in the poorcondition of the roof shingles and deterioration of the trim work.

STATUS:The community feels strongly that this building should be preserved andmaintained, as it is a key component of the downtown historic district. Thelocal Historical Commission is currently trying to work with the owner toapply for a Community Development Block Grant that would help fundneeded repairs to the building.

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Field House, WestonSIGNIFICANCE:

Predating the Gropius House in Lincoln by four years, the Field House, built in 1934, was one ofthe first International Style modern houses in New England. Designed by Edwin B. Goodell,this large concrete and wood-clad house sits upon a broad hill overlooking a two-and-one-halfacre site on a rural road. It has been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

THREAT:The owners of the house applied for permission to demolish it and replace it with a new resi-dence. The Weston Historical Commission issued a six-month demolition delay that expiredAugust 8, 2001. As of early September, the owners had not obtained an official demolitionpermit, however with the expiration of the demolition delay they are free to do so at any time.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GARY WOLF, AIA

STATUS:Neighbors started a petition to save the house and the local Historical Commission has placedthis petition and information about the house on the Town’s web site. The listing of the FieldHouse was released early by Historic Massachusetts and articles about the house have appeared inseveral newspapers.

A portion of this information has been financed with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S.Department of the Interior, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, William Francis Galvin, Chair.However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of theInterior or the MHC. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits the discrimination on the basis of race,color, national origin, age, gender or handicap in its federally-assisted programs. To report discrimination or forinformation, write to Office of Equal Opportunity, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW,Room 1324 Washington, D.C. 20240

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PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

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In the fall of 2000 the Community Preservation Act(CPA) was passed in Massachusetts and signed intoeffect by then Governor Paul Cellucci. Since that time,

67 communities across the Commonwealth have put theCPA on their voting ballots. Of those 67 communities, 35have voted to pass the CPA—that’s a 52.2% majority! Hereis a breakdown of the cities and towns that passed the CPA,as listed by the Trust for Public Land:

Date of Passed,Vote in by vote Surcharge

Community 2001 percentage Rate

Agawam Nov 6 61% / 39% 1%Amherst April 3 70% / 30% 1%Aquinnah May 9 61% / 39% 3%Ayer April 23 54% / 46% 3%Bedford March 10 63% / 37% 3%Boxford May 15 56% / 44% 3%Cambridge Nov 6 71% / 29% 3%Carlisle May 22 54% / 46% 2%Chelmsford April 3 61% / 39% 0.5%Chilmark April 25 63% / 37% 3%Cohasset April 7 57% / 43% 1.5%Dracut May 7 58% / 42% 2%Duxbury March 24 69% / 31% 3%Easthampton Nov 6 53% / 47% 3%Easton April 24 52% / 48% 3%Georgetown May 14 51% / 49% 3%Harvard April 3 72% / 28% 1.1%Hingham April 28 59% / 41% 1.5%Holliston May 22 69% / 31% 1.5%Hopkinton May 21 61% / 39% 2%Marshfield April 28 58% / 42% 3%Medway May 7 53% / 47% 3%Nantucket April 3 62% / 38% 3%Newton Nov 6 51% / 49% 1%Norfolk May 1 56% / 44% 3%North Andover March 20 56% / 44% 3%Peabody Nov 6 52% / 48% 1%Rowley May 8 57% / 43% 3%Southampton May 7 59% / 41% 3%Stowe May 15 64% / 36% 3%Sturbridge April 9 53% / 47% 3%Tyngsborough May 8 66% / 34% 3%Wayland April 24 58% / 42% 1.5%Westford May 1 65% / 35% 3%Weston May 5 66% / 34% 3%

The Community Preservation Act: One Year Later…

What is the CommunityPreservation Act?

While many of us are familiar with the CommunityPreservation Act (CPA), many still remain uninformed,or even ill informed about just how the CPA works.Here is a brief summary of why the CPA was establishedand how citizens can adopt and use it in their owncommunities:

Why do we need it?The character of a community is shaped by the

availability of its open space and recreation land, thepreservation of its historic structures and landscapes, andits citizens’ ability to afford to remain within theircommunity. Urban sprawl, deteriorating historicbuildings and an inadequate supply of affordable housingare threatening to weaken the fundamental character ofcommunities. The CPA is a way for communities, at localoption, to have a dedicated funding source for openspace, historic preservation and affordable housing.

How does it work?• The “local legislative body”—either town meeting or

city council—votes to send CPA to the ballot. Acommunity can also put CPA on the ballot with apetition signed by 5% of registered voters.

• Town meeting/city council or petitioners determinethe surcharge level (up to 3%) that will be assessed onthe real property tax levy. They also can choose tomake certain exemptions in the surcharge. Votersdecide at the local elections whether to accept CPA.

• Every city or town that adopts the CPA and collectsthe surcharge on its real property will be eligible forstate matching funds. The matching funds aredesigned to supplement the efforts of the city ortown, with the amount of the match based on thetotal amount raised locally.

• The municipality must spend at least 10% of itsfunds on open space and recreation, at least 10% onhistoric preservation, and at least 10% on affordablehousing, and no more than 5% on administrationand operation of the program.

• A Community Preservation Committee is establishedwith a separate by-law/ordinance to oversee commu-nity preservation funds. The Committee will studycommunity needs, consult with existing municipalboards, and make recommendations on expendituresfor open space, recreational land, historic preservationand affordable housing. Final authority to spendCPA funds rests with town meeting/city council.

Page 15: Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Fall / Winter 2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

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MARK YOUR

CALENDAR NOW!

Saturday, January 26, 2002Historic Massachusetts AnnualMeeting and Program.Public Programs 9 AM to 2 PMBoard Meeting 12 PMLocation and topic to be announced.For more information, call HistoricMassachusetts at 617/723-3383

Sat. and Sun., February 2 & 3,2002Boston Preservation Alliance OldHouse Fair. Find all the answers toyour Old House questions. New seriesof lectures and speakers.Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street,BostonFor more information, call BPA at 617/367-2458 or visit their website atwww.bostonpreservation.org

March 2002Historic District/Historic Commis-sion Workshop.Date, location and topics to be an-nounced.Please see adjacent article for moredetails.For further information, call HistoricMassachusetts at 617/723-3383

Thursday May 2, 2002Statewide Preservation AwardsDinner.Copley Plaza Hotel, BostonHistoric Massachusetts is interested inreceiving corporate sponsorship for thisyear’s dinner. Since 1988, HistoricMassachusetts has presented annualpreservation awards to people who havedemonstrated leadership in preservingthe historic heritage of the Common-wealth. If you know of a corporationthat would like the opportunity to helpunderwrite this special event, pleasecontact Historic Massachusetts at 617/723-3383.

We want your input for theupcoming Historic District/Historic Commission Workshop!

Historic Massachusetts is in the process of organizing a Historic District/HistoricCommission training workshop to be held in March 2002. In preparation for thisworkshop, we sent the chairs of these groups questionnaires asking for input intowhich topics, issues, and themes they would like to see emphasized. Submitted sug-gestions will aid us in designing a training workshop catered specifically to currentneeds and concerns of Historic District/Historic Commission members. If you didnot receive a questionnaire, but would like to provide us with ideas and/or comments forthe workshop, please contact Historic Massachusetts at 617/723-3383.

GET A HEAD STARTon applying for the 2002 Ten Most EndangeredHistoric Resources…

Nominations for the 2002 Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources List are due inJune. Applicants wishing to get a head start on the nominating process should gather thefollowing information: *

◆ Description of the endangered resource, including setting, structures, and/or majorfeatures.

◆ Setting-Does the site retain its original character? Are there open space issues? Isthere evidence of early landscaping and/or design?

◆ Context-What does the surrounding area look like? Is it similar to the originalsetting? How has it changed?

◆ Historical Significance-How does the site relate to the local community? Is theresource listed on, or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places?

◆ What is the threat to the resource?

◆ What is the community commitment to preserving the resource?

◆ What are the future plans for the resource? How could the endangered designa-tion help the cause?

MATERIALS NEEDED INCLUDE:◆ Three to five color snap shots and one black and white photograph

◆ Two or three color slides

◆ Documentation: Any National Register of Historic Places inventory form or otherstudy

◆ An 8” x 11” copy of a map indicating the location of the resource

*Official nomination forms will appear in the Spring 2002 newsletter.

Page 16: Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Fall / Winter 2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEFALL/WINTER, 2001

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HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS Old City Hall, 45 School Street Boston, MA 02108 617-723-3383 • Fax 617-523-3782 www.historicmass.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOSTON, MA

PERMIT NO. 52216

HISTORICMASSACHUSETTS!Our strength lies in the workingpartnership we have forged withpeople throughout Massachu-setts. We welcome all people andorganizations who care about thepreservation of our historic andcultural resources. Our goal is toencourage the weaving of theseresources into the social andeconomic fabric of Massachu-setts life in this new century.

Join Please indicate your choice of Membership Category.

❏ Preservation Leader: $2500 or more ❏ Sponsor: $250 or more ❏ Donor: $100 or more

❏ Family / Organization: $45 or more ❏ Individual: $25 ❏ Seniors and Students: $15

❏ I would like to give a gift membership to the individual(s) listed below.

Please make checks payable to Historic Massachusetts and mail to:

Historic Massachusetts, Old City Hall, 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108

Name ______________________________________From _______________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________State _________ Zip __________

Phone ________________________________ e-mail ___________________________

Historic Massachusetts is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Membership contributions are fully tax deductible.11/2001

PRESERVATION and PEOPLEis a membership benefit of Historic Massachusetts. For additional membership information please call 617-723-3383. HistoricMassachusetts can also be reached over the Internet. Check our website address for e-mail addresses, information and upcom-ing events: www.historicmass.org

OfficersClarissa Rowe, Chair of

the BoardOtile McManus, Vice

ChairSamuel B. Knight, Jr.,

Esq., TreasurerClaudia Sauermann Wu,

Clerk

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2001Executive CommitteeKatherine F. AbbottJames Alexander, FAIAJohn F. Bok, Esq.Paul A. FaracaRobert H. Kuehn, Jr.R. Christopher NoonanVictor J. Walker, FASLA

Board of DirectorsBarbara BashevkinCarol BratleyKathleen Kelly BroomerDavid Chase

Maurice Childs, FAIAVin CipollaWilliam C. ClendanielKatherine D. Flynn

CoughlinJoan E. Goody, FAIAAllen F. JohnsonFrank KeefeDavid LeachPaul J. MartiniPaul J. McGinley, AICPMarion Pressley, FASLAThomas H. Schwartz

Katherine F. Abbott,Chair

Eleanor G. AmesPeter J. AucellaAnn Beha, FAIAArthur and Jean BennettShary Page BergCharles BeveridgeNancy BradburyRichard CandeeMarcia M. Cini, Esq.Rolf DiamantGrace FriaryJohn F. Furlong, FASLA

Ruth GeoffroyMartha D. HamiltonGary R. Hilderbrand,

ASLAJames IgoeRobin KarsonDavid R. KellerPatrick A. T. LeeArleyn LeveeBarbara LevyEllen J. LipseyWendy NicholasJulia B. O’BrienBruce Polishook

Christine RinaldoMichael RobertsGretchen G. SchulerS. Christopher ScottStanley M. SmithAntone G. Souza, Jr.Jane StirgwoltCharles M. SullivanWesley T. WardPatricia L. WeslowskiTobias YarmolinskySally Zimmerman

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ADVISORS, 2001