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Save Your Seat!

Preservation Massachusetts Awards Dinner

Thursday, May 11, 2006
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
(image courtesy of the Fairmont Copley Plaza)
 &
Preservation
MASS
PRESERVATION

People

Here Today…
Vol. 21, NO. 1 PRESERVATION MASS WINTER/SPRING 2006

…Gone Tomorrow
The First J.P. Coburn House on Beacon Hill was listed on the 2005 10 Endangered for its architectural and historic significance.

2005 Ten Most Endangered

Before the official announcement could take place, the building was gutted and partly demolished by the removal of the roof and
second story in October. See the complete story on page….

I N T H I S I S S U E

• Trinity and Ten: 2005 Fall Event ..........5 • Into the West ........................……….11
• 2005 Ten Most Endangered ................6 • 2006 Seminars & Workshops ............13
From the President, Preservation Mass
Traditionally, this issue of Preservation & People describes our Ten Most BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2006
Officers
Endangered resources. This year has been an exceptional one for our strongest
James G. Alexander, FAIA, Chair
advocacy program. Before our official announcement of the list, we experi-
Claudia Sauermann Wu, Vice-Chair
enced the thrills of success and the pain of loss. Supporters of the Wenham
Town Hall used an early notice to stave off demolition and an amendment that James W. Igoe, President
David Siewers, Treasurer
Jack Hodgkins, Assistant Treasurer
would severely compromise the authority of a local Historic District Commis-
Allen F. Johnson, Clerk
sion. Only a few days later we learned of a partial and compromising demoli-
tion at the site of the First John P. Coburn House on Beacon Hill that brought
the fragility of our historic resources right to our doorstep. This is also the Board of Directors
appropriate time to look back at last year and as importantly, look forward to Thomas F. Birmingham
Kathleen Leahy Born, AIA
Carol Bratley
our vision for 2006 and our optimism as we move both new and current pro-
grams forward. Jean Carroon, AIA
Mark Chardavoyne
Anthony Consigli
Amazingly; I’m in my fifth year at Preservation Massachusetts. In the four
Merrill H. Diamond
plus years that I’ve been a part of the statewide, there have been lots of changes,
new board members, new programs and new challenges. I want to thank every- Beverley Johnson
one, past and present, who’ve worked so hard on landscape and historic proper- Douglas Kelleher
Robert H. Kuehn, Jr.
Sean McDonnell
ties issues over the past 20 years.
Let’s look back at some of our accomplishments during a terrific 2005. The Louis Miller
Clarissa Rowe
Yanni Tsipis
Annual Awards Dinner with the Red Sox owners replete with World Series rings
Rita Walsh
was not only exciting but hugely rewarding as our most important fund raising
event of the year. As always, our Fall Event, showcasing our Ten Most Endan- Lynn Wolff
gered Properties list has become a big annual event in its own right.
Staff
James W. Igoe, President
Preservation Massachusetts’ leadership efforts with the State Tax Credit took
Elsa Fitzgerald, Special Projects
what was initially nothing more than a bit of hope and a proposal three years
Manager
ago to being recognized nationally as an excellent economic development moti-
vator. The annual cap, when passed, will be between 30 and 50 million dollars. Linda K. Lukas, Corporate Development
This tax credit has created and solidified partnerships between preservationists Erin D A Kelly, Office Manager/
and developers that was thought unimaginable several years ago. Clearly this Preservation Advocate
leadership effort has been good for preservation in Massachusetts but also
PreservatiON MASS gratefully acknowledges
important as we’ve developed growing corporate relationships and membership
the following Corporate Members
base. We can very proudly say that we’ve taken the initiative and the lead for
several years and today it’s really paying off. Platinum
Architectural Heritage
Foundation
Looking ahead, we hope to make 2006 just as successful a year, if not more
so! Our ever growing Barn Task Force is capitalizing on two successful confer- Boston Red Sox Foundation
ences with a series of seminars and their third annual conference this fall. We Winn Development
continue to look for funding opportunities for a Field Service Coordinator to
assist communities dealing with the still lingering Archdiocese property closings. Gold
Our Historic District/Historic District Commissions Committee has scheduled a J a m e s W. F l e t t C o . , I n c .
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus
Foundation
series of the educational Preservation 101 and 201 programs for the year. And
our latest venture, a Circuit Rider proposal for Central and Western Massachu-
Benefactors
setts! In partnering with the National Trust, we see this program as a great tool
The Beacon Companies
to effectively broaden our statewide influence and impact, while providing pro-
fessional preservation assistance and support to areas of the Commonwealth that Boston Red Sox
we currently unable to reach. Please read the “Into the West: Adventures Carpenter & Company, Inc.
Beyond Rt. 495” article for the full story! C.B. Richard Ellis – NE Partners LP
CBT/Childs.Bertman.Tseckares.Inc.
Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Clearly, Preservation Massachusetts continues to grow and mature into the
Epsilon Associates
strong, effective and supportive statewide preservation organization that all of
Finegold Alexander + Associates
us envisioned when I came on five years ago. There is still much to do and we
seek all the support we can get from our membership and preservation minded Historic Boston, Inc.
citizens of the Commonwealth! Here’s to building on our success in 2006! NER Construction Management,
Inc.
Suffolk Construction
Wo r c e s t e r C e n t e r f o r P e r f o r m i n g
Arts

Please visit www.preservationmass.org

Jim Igoe for a complete list of all our
President, Preservation Mass Corporate Members

2 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006

 U P D A T E
PRESERVATION COALITION

Erin Kelly
2005 was an extremely busy and productive year
for the Massachusetts Preservation Coalition. Our
work with the Massachusetts State Tax Credit never
faltered, and we start 2006 by awaiting an increase
in annual cap to somewhere between $30 and $50
million. With the help of Paul Pezzella, the Coali-
tion Lobbyist, our presence at the State House has
been a tremendous asset to the Coalition, the Tax
Credit, and preservation in general.
The Coalition has also been monitoring the ongo-
ing property dispositions within the Boston Arch-
diocese. The Coalition’s Religious Properties
Subcommittee has reconvened to keep updated on
the status of many of the properties up for sale.
Preservation Massachusetts submitted a proposal to
The Boston Foundation for funding for a Field Ser-
vice Coordinator who would work with communi-
ties facing the sale of Archdiocesan properties. The
Archdiocese closings and dispositions are a preser-
vation issue that requires full time attention and lots
of community interaction. As a statewide, Preserva-
tion Massachusetts is the ideal organization to seek
out funding such a position, with the support and
hard work done by the Religious Properties Sub-
committee.
In December 2005, the Coalition was given a
presentation on Building Codes as they relate to his-
toric buildings, by Wendell Kalsow of McGinley
Kalsow & Associates. The presentation highlighted
several issues with regards to the building codes,
and has prompted discussion within the Coalition if
building codes is another issue to tackle.
The Coalition also saw a few new faces this year.
Historic New England joined the Coalition, with
Preservation Team Leader Wendy Price attending
meetings. The Waterfront Area Historic League of
New Bedford gained a new Executive Director in
Lisa Sughrue, and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation brought on Rebecca Williams as their
Coalition attendee. Boston Preservation Alliance’s
new Director Sarah Kelly had her first Coalition
meeting in January 2006.

A Great Preservation Tool: The Consultant’s Directory

Preservation Mass is a clearing-
house for preservation informa-
tion and resources throughout
the state of Massachusetts on a
daily basis. Over the past year
we have fielded numerous
inquiries from interested parties
seeking preservation profession-
als; whether it was a preservation
consultant, architectural historian
or architect to assist with historic
resources surveys, national regis-
ter nominations, state and federal
tax credit applications, stained
glass restoration or materials con-
servation just to name a few cate-
gories of interest. In response to
these requests, Preservation Mass
has developed a Consultants
Directory, under the supervision
of Elsa Fitzgerald, Special Project
Manager. This compilation of
Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People
various consultants will list their
individual specialties along with
contact information. This direc-
tory will be posted on our web-
site as a public service and hard
copies made available for a fee of
$5.00. Advancing the best of
preservation methodologies and
practices throughout Massachu-
setts is an important role for
Preservation Mass. If you would
like more information about the
Consultants Directory or applica-
tion materials, please contact Elsa
Fitzgerald at 978-535-5556,
email: ElsaFitzgerald@aol.com.
or call Preservation Mass at 617-
723-3383 Please note that
Preservation Mass does not
assume any responsibility for the
accuracy of the listings or for the
performance of those listed.
Anyone using the directory
assumes full responsibility for
checking the consultant’s creden-
tials. Listing does not imply or
endorsement or recommendation
by Preservation Mass.
YOUR AD HERE!!
Did you know that Preser-
vation & People reaches
over 900 people across
Massachusetts and other
states?? Send your message,
promote your presence!
Advertise in Preservation &
People NOW!
Contact ekelly@
preservationmass.org
3
 0 – 30 + In Three Years
T h e S t o r y o f t h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s S t a t e H i s t o r i c R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Ta x C r e d i t
Erin Kelly
Nearly four years ago Jim Igoe knew there
was a need. A need for the statewide preser-
vation organization to take a position of lead-
ership amongst the Massachusetts
preservation organizations. The Massachu-
setts Preservation Coalition brought together
local, state and national preservation organi-
zations in Massachusetts in an effort to speak
with a unified voice for preservation issues.
The first question they asked themselves was
simple: what is the most important goal that
the Coalition can achieve to advance historic
preservation across the Commonwealth? The
resulting answer would chart the Coalition
and Preservation Massachusetts’ course for
the next three years and change the view of
historic preservation across the Common-
wealth.
The State Historic Rehabilitation Tax
Credit was seen by the Coalition as important
for the advancement of historic preservation,
but it was equally as important to educate our
legislators as to the value of preservation.
This was no small task by any stretch of the
mind.
Working tirelessly with our lobbyist, the
Coalition and Preservation Massachusetts
earned credibility within the legislature and
development community. Studies and
research into other states with tax credit pro-
grams, such as Rhode Island, Maryland and
Missouri, avoided the Coalition having to
“recreate the wheel”. Economic projections
and numbers were calculated and presented
to show our legislators and developers that
preservation is a viable tool for economic
development and yes, preservation can work!
Many historic buildings were not feasible for
rehabilitation before this valuable credit. Add
in the ability to dovetail with the Federal Tax
Credit and this credit became all the more
appealing.
4 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006
The Coalition witnessed success as the tax
credit was signed by Governor Romney in
November of 2003, with a 20% credit, $10
million available annually for 5 years. Now
the real work could begin. For the the past
two years the Coalition has watched the over-
whelming demand for the credit far exceed
the allotted amount available. Many wonder-
ful and catalyst preservation projects were not
able to receive critical funding. By pushing
for a substantial increase or removal of the
cap, the Coalition hopes to see many worthy
preservation projects receive the valuable
credits needed to make them a reality.
Our work and determination has not
wavered and our hard work is showing. This
year our tax credit was included in both the
House and Senate Economic Stimulus Pack-
ages, at the amounts of $50 million and $30
million respectively. We continue to lobby
our legislators and advocate for that higher
cap for the benefit of our cities and towns
with hundreds of historic buildings awaiting
rehabilitation.
We hope to become a template from which
other states seeking tax credits can draw. This
past December, Jim
Igoe gave the Keynote
Speech at the Reznick
Group’s Tax Credit
Conference at the Ritz Carlton, telling the
story of our path to tax credit success to near-
ly 100 attendees from across the country.
Our work has also been featured by the
National Trust Statewide and Local Partners
Program. We have done a lot to be proud of,
but much more awaits us! We feel these cred-
its exemplify the benefits of preservation part-
nering with development and economic
revitalization. We started at zero, who knows
where we will go next!
 Trinity and Ten
2005 Fall Preservation Event
O n a November night, Preservation Massachusetts gathered together supporters, friends, members
and advocates for the 4th annual Fall Preservation Event. Guests mingled and marveled in the
newly redesigned and renovated Undercroft of Trinity Church in Copley Square. In the midst of
the wonderful masonry work, woodwork and warmth of this restored space stood 10 examples of our Com-
monwealth’s Most Endangered Historic Resources. The juxtaposition of a great preservation success and
preservation success waiting to happen is the central component of the event.
Along with our Board of Directors, valued members, preservation colleagues, and guests, there was a
tremendous showing of support from the nominators of the Endangered Resources. Their presence and
passion for their resource resonated in a tangible energy throughout the entire evening. From large and
energetic groups, to descendants of the resource’s original owners, their attendance was a wonderful addi-
tion and their stories captivated all.

Jim Igoe with Ruth and “Brother Blue” Hill. Ms. Hill is Samuel
Jim Igoe with the Rocky Nexk Attendees Harrison’s great-granddaughter

Preservation Massachusetts President Jim Igoe and Board Chair Jim Alexander spoke a few words of wel-
come and the importance of this 12th annual listing. Event Co-Chair Yanni Tsipis, also from the Board, also
extended his welcomes and thanks for a great event. Board Member Jean Carroon from Goody Clancy, who
undertook the restoration project, discussed the restoration. Special recognition was given to several sub-
contractor firms who had joined Preservation Massachusetts as Corporate Members because of the event at
Trinity Church. Their great work is evident to all who visit this great new space.

Auburn High School Attendees Bradford College Campus Nominators

Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People 5

 2005 Ten Most Endangered
Historic Resources of Massachusetts

For the past 12 years, Preservation Massachusetts has annually spotlighted imperiled buildings and
landscapes across the Commonwealth. Using our statewide presence, we rally support for historic
resources threatened by neglect, insufficient funding, inappropriate development, insensitive public pol-
icy or vandalism. Endangered nominations are made by local groups and individuals throughout
Massachusetts who are concerned about the possible loss of these historic resources. Each nomination
is then subject to a detailed process of selection by a varied committee representative of state, local, and
national preservation expertise. The listing helps focus attention on the condition of the properties and
their importance to their communities, strengthening their ability to negotiate the future of these
resources. To date, fewer than one dozen of the more than one hundred sites listed have been lost to
demolition and at least fifteen sites have been saved, while many more are progressing well towards
their preservation goals.!
Preservation Massachusetts has taken a leading role to provide focus for these resources on a highly visible
statewide level. By bringing together the efforts of many preservationists and organizations, we have made
the 10 Most Endangered Historic Resources an effective and impactful advocacy program. We now take on
the task of making the 2005 list preservation success stories!

Photos: Top left, Union Station, Worcester

(1993), Detail from Immaculate Conception,
Holyoke (2003), East Brookfield Railroad
Station (2002).

Bottom Left: Vacant Buildings of Downtown

Holyoke (2002), Union Station, Worcester,
Present day success.

6 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006

 Auburn High School, Auburn
Photo: Auburn Historic Commission
Auburn High School, designed by famous
Worcester architect Lucius Wallace Briggs, was built
in 1935. With money from “New Deal” programs,
the exceptional craftsmanship and high quality
materials used were possible through government
funding during the Great Depression. Sitting atop a
grassy embankment on a major thoroughfare,
Auburn High School retains its original grandeur
and historic elements.
The entirety of Auburn High School is slated for
demolition in 2006 when a new school facility will
open. Demolition of the 1935 school will clear the
way for planned softball fields. Relocation of these
fields invokes Title Nine conflicts. The Auburn
School Reuse Committee was granted a three year
window, ending in December 2005, to find viable
reuse scenarios for the original portion of the
school. The Committee has identified other loca-
tions for the disputed sports fields and believes the
school could be used for housing, community events
or function space. In a community with little his-
toric fabric remaining, many see Auburn High
School as a site to be saved.
First John P. Coburn House,
Beacon Hill
Situated in an enclosed courtyard blocked from
public view, the First John P. Coburn House is a was
a two story early 19th century Federal Style brick
house, evident of early Beacon Hill architecture.
John P. Coburn was a successful African American
businessman and abolitionist who lived in the house
from 1835 until 1843. His story is essential to the
Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People
history of the black community on Beacon Hill and
Boston.
Left: September 2005, Right: October 2005
Photos: Historic Boston, Inc.
The future of the Coburn House hangs by a
thread. Exempted from demolition delay and not
visible from a public way it was also exempted from
review by the Beacon Hill Architectural Commis-
sion. The owner of the property recently acted
upon approved permits for “rehabilitation” which
resulted in the excessive removal of the second floor
and roof. ISD recently halted all further work but
the proposed plans would totally erase any trace of
historic integrity.
Many in the community were unaware of the
plight of the Coburn House and as preservationists
planned to announce its fragile state, worst fears
were realized. It is a reminder that even buildings on
Beacon Hill can fall through the cracks of preserva-
tion. The fragility of our historic resources is a fact
that must never be forgotten or taken for granted.
Rocky Neck, Gloucester
Photo: Rocky Neck Art Colony
7
 Rocky Neck began as an isolated sheep pasture
that eventually became a hub of maritime industry,
with the famed “Tarr & Wonson” copper bottom
paint factory right on Gloucester Harbor. Artists
flocked to this scenic locale during the 1880’s, cre-
ating one of the oldest continually operating artist
colonies in the nation. The first threat to Rocky
Neck is recent development plans for the Tarr &
Wonson factory that would demolish 70% of the
factory buildings and do little to replicate its historic
integrity. Second, increased demand for waterfront
residential property is pushing out artist housing
and gallery space as market rates rise, which could
ultimately lead to the demise of this unique cultural
jewel.
The Rocky Neck Art Colony, along with other
groups, wish to increase recognition to keep their
community intact. Without the aid or protection of
any preservation ordinances, these groups are hop-
ing to educate a wider audience about their tangible
historic links and importance to Gloucester.
Bradford College Campus, Haverhill
Photo: Haverhill Historic Society
The campus of Bradford College centers on a
classical “U” shaped quadrangle and encompasses
building styles from Second Empire to Colonial and
Classical Revival, ranging from the 1860’s, 1930’s
and 1960’s. Academic roots stretch back to the
1830’s, but Bradford became the first accredited
Junior College in 1932. Buildings such as Academy
and Hasseltine Hall are part of the Bradford Com-
mon Local and National Register Historic Districts.
These campus buildings are integral historic ele-
ments of a largely residential neighborhood.
Closed in 2000, the campus was purchased by
GFI Partners in 2002 with plans for rehabilitation
and resale to an educational institution. Historic
Kimball Tavern was to be gifted to the Bradford
8 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006
Alumni Association and Haverhill Historic Society.
Presently the buildings are receiving barely minimal
maintenance and are suffering from vacancy. The
promised gifting of the Tavern is not progressing
and there is a fear that the buildings could end up
being demolished if not rehabilitated soon. The
Haverhill Historic Society, partnered with the Brad-
ford Alumni Association feel that the buildings pres-
ent tremendous reuse opportunity and are deeply
concerned for the future of this campus.
Jabez Lewis Farmhouse,
Jamaica Plain
Photo: Jamaica Hills Association
Built between 1822 and 1827, the Jabez Lewis
Farmhouse is a largely intact Federal style testament
to the agricultural roots of the communities sur-
rounding the urban center of Boston in the early
19th century. Sitting on land owned by the Arnold
Arboretum of Harvard University, the house is a
component of the National Historic Site designation
given to the Arboretum.
The house is currently vacant and overtaken by
vegetation, but the largest threat is posed by the
Arboretum itself. A proposed Institutional Master
Plan cited possible demolition of the house to make
way for a maintenance facility. The Arboretum stat-
ed they were exploring all options, including mov-
ing, restoration and reuse, but quoted costs were
high. Very recently Harvard announced the cancel-
lation of the maintenance facility plan, due to com-
munity concerns and pressures. Still, this resource
sits vacant, unused, and could succumb to demoli-
tion by neglect.
The Jamaica Hills Association and other citizens
have voiced their concern that the house should be
preserved as one of the few remaining farmhouses
in the metro Boston area. The community sees a
restoration and reuse as the only way to truly save
this valuable historic resource.
Fairhaven Mills #4, New Bedford
Photo: WHALE
Fairhaven Mills #4, originally known as Bennett
Mills, was constructed in 1892. At the height of the
textile industry, New Bedford was the largest pro-
ducer of fine cotton in the country. From 1911 -
1912, master photographer Lewis Hines pho-
tographed children working in the Fairhaven Mills
as part of a nationwide documentation of child
labor. His resulting work led Congress to enact the
Child Labor Law of 1916.
In May 2005, New Bedford City Council voted
to approve demolition of the Mill for parking
spaces for a new Home Depot development which
would include a Home Depot retail store and future
retail and restaurant space. Demolition could begin
as early as spring of 2006.
Along with WHALE, many in the city believe the
mill can be incorporated into the proposed project
plan. The mill is structurally sound and currently
occupied, presenting many opportunities for reuse.
Fairhaven Mills stands apart, as a tangible link to
the very foundations of our government and the
creation of the laws that shape the society we live in
today.
Samuel Harrison House, Pittsfield
This small Greek Revival home was built in the
1858 by Reverend Samuel Harrison. Harrison, an
African-American clergyman and longtime resident
of Pittsfield, contributed an important voice to the
philosophical and political debate over race rela-
tions throughout the 19th century. Harrison was
also chaplain of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry, the “Glory” brigade of all African Ameri-
can soldiers during the Civil War.
Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People
Photo: Samuel Harrison Society
The home remained in Harrison’s family until it
was given to the Samuel Harrison Society. It is cur-
rently unoccupied and this leads to the constant
threats of vandalism, arson, dumping and vagrancy.
Outright demolition is not a concern but the Society
and interested citizens in Pittsfield fear the house
could still be lost.
The Samuel Harrison Society endeavors to
restore the property and grounds for use as an edu-
cational tool to promote Harrison’s noble life,
enduring beliefs and extraordinary writings. The
house is the embodiment of Harrison’s values in a
tumultuous and radical time in Massachusetts and
American history, the results of which changed the
course of a nation.
Civilian Conservation Corps. Camp, Upton
Photo: Upton Historical Commission
The CCC Camp, located in Upton State Forest, is
one of only five remaining examples of Corps.
Camps in the state. Consisting of parade grounds,
barracks, a main building and cottages, this complex
housed the Corps. members while they undertook
projects like Dean Dam, Park and Middle Road dur-
ing the Great Depression. In the 1940’s, the Massa-
chusetts State Guards used the site as Camp Stover
and it was field quarters for Massachusetts Fish and
Game and Phillips Wildlife Lab through 1956.
The camp is currently unoccupied with minimal
sustaining maintenance. As a satellite of the Black-
stone Heritage Area with a small staff, there are no
9
budgeted funds specifically for the Upton buildings.
Main concerns are structural failure due to weather
conditions as well as vandalism.
There is an immediate need for an assessment
survey of the various building conditions. Con-
cerned groups see the camp as a potential reuse with
possibilities ranging from meeting spaces to class-
room that showcase the CCC and life at the camp.
The Town Hall, Wenham
Photo: Citizens for an Affordable Town Hall
The Town Hall, built in 1854, sits in the midst of
Wenham Town Center, forming the crux of a local
historic district and an interesting architectural col-
lection along Main Street. The building has served
the town through a number of uses over the years,
from school rooms, housing the town library, to
social functions and selectmen’s meetings.
Due to lack of maintenance, town offices were
moved in 2002 and restoration estimates were more
expensive than originally thought. Plans to demol-
ish the Town Hall for a new facility including a
Police Station were considered, but the Historic Dis-
trict Commission refused the demolition proposal.
Selectmen proposed to exempt the Town Hall and
other town owned properties from the District and
protection of the Commission. Such an act would
have been a devastating precedent setting event and
usurping of the Commission’s authority.
Many local citizens were outraged at the pro-
posed demolition and rallied to save the Town Hall.
At a special town meeting in October of 2006,
Preservation Massachusetts made an early
announcement of the Town Hall’s inclusion on the
Ten Endangered List. The recognition and aware-
ness generated helped to vote down the district
exemption, demolition and approved a restoration,
which will make this Town Hall a true preservation
success.
10 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006
Butters Farm, Wilmington
Photo: Wilmington Historical Commission
Butters Farm has been continuously lived in for
over 320 years, and retains some original first peri-
od fabric. It is thought to be the second oldest
house in Wilmington. The Butters Family were
among the town’s earliest settlers and their farm
saw the discovery of the Baldwin Apple in the late
eighteenth century.
Butters Farm sits on a parcel of land being sold to
a developer, with plans to demolish the house for
new construction. The town has the option to pur-
chase the house at market price for $450,000 with
an extended decision deadline of June 2006. The
developer has offered to gift the house with the pro-
vision that it be moved from the site, but many in
the town feel the land is just as significant as the
house itself.
Many in the community feel the house should be
saved due to the ties with the historic beginnings of
Wilmington and not lost in the waves of new con-
struction. Reuse options are being considered in an
effort to keep this historic resource a part of the
community.
Please visit our website, www.
preservationmass.org to view more images and
information about these resources and also view
archives of our past endangered listings.
Preservation Massachusetts compiles this listing of
endangered historic resources on an annual basis.
Endangered nomination forms are available from
our office and on our website. We will be accept-
ing nominations for the 2006 list beginning this
spring.
If you would like more information about the
program, please contact Erin Kelly at 617-723-
3383.
 Into the West:
Adventures Beyond Rt. 495
Erin Kelly
Stretching westward from Metro-
Boston, the Commonwealth boasts sce-
nic landscapes of rolling hills and fields,
beautiful rivers, forests and mountains.
The natural beauty of the central and
western regions of Massachusetts is
undeniable. Amid these physical features
are wonderful historic resources; build-
ings, structures, communities and land-
scapes, comparable to anywhere else in
the Commonwealth. Those quaint
“quintessential” New England towns,
19th century industrial sites, historic
main streets and storefronts, etc. can be
found in many wonderful locations west
of Route 495.
But these historic
resources are faced with
the same issues and
problems that plague
preservationists every-
where. Many small
communities are trying
to find ways to retain
their sense of character
by utilizing preservation.
Convincing local govern-
ment and citizens as to
the importance and justi-
Abdandoned Buildings, Main fiability of preservation
Street, Holyoke
in an effort to keep vinyl
siding from being placed
on the historic town hall or rehabilitating
a historic school rather than demolition
in favor or a new building only are only
a few of difficulties facing many of these
communities.
These problems are not unique to the
central and western parts of Massachu-
setts. As the preservation organization
Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People
for the entire Commonwealth, Preserva-
tion Massachusetts has often noted with
dismay, the lack of preservation expertise
and assistance in these parts of our state.
There are no staffed local preservation
non-profits west of Worcester, and the
inactivity of local Historic Commissions
west of 495 is staggering. Those dedicat-
ed preservation professionals in these
regions are doing all they can, but more
support and assistance is clearly needed.
Plunkett Hospital, North Adams
Preservation Massachusetts has often
felt the pull to the western regions of our
state. There is a definite need for our
organization’s support and expertise, but
with such a small staff, even a state the
size of Massachusetts can feel like impos-
sibly large. So what could we possibly do
to support these regions?
Ten years ago, the National Trust
teamed up with the Preservation Trust of
Vermont to test a Shared Field Service
pilot program. This program found
funding for two part-time preservation
professionals who would be “in the
field”, working with locals and commu-
nities hands-on in their preservation
issues while educating about the services
11
 of the National Trust and Vermont
Statewide. This program was a tremen-
dous success and demonstrated tangible
impact and network building in many
communities throughout Vermont. Simi-
lar programs have been implemented in
Connecticut, and most recently New
Hampshire received funding to begin a
similar program. The next logical
thought; would this work for Massachu-
setts?
Jim Igoe & Mayor Dan Mylott of Fitchburg
Given the amount of preservation
expertise and the level of sophistication in
Boston and on the eastern half of the
state, this program appeared to be a logi-
cal way to extend Preservation Massachu-
setts’ mission into the areas that were in
the most need.
During the last week of January, 2006,
Preservation Massachusetts, along with
the Northeast Office of the National
Trust, packed some bags and headed into
the west for two days of Preservation
Roundtables to listen to the concerns,
ideas and opportunities in these central
and western Massachusetts communities.
Meetings were held in Worcester,
Holyoke, Pittsfield and Fitchburg and
were well attended by historic commis-
sion members, concerned citizens, elected
officials, developers, preservation consult-
ants, and more. Before Preservation
Massachusetts embarked on a proposal
for these Shared Field Service officers, or
“Circuit Riders”, we really wanted to hear
what the communities thought. Would
this program be beneficial? Where did
they most need the support?
The sessions were thought provoking,
inspiring, deeply insightful and gave us
resounding affirmation that this program
would be embraced and beneficial to cen-
tral and western parts of the state. Ideal-
ly, Preservation Massachusetts sees these
Circuit Riders as another layer of profes-
sional support to the people already “in
the trenches” and work in tandem with
what already exists. Partnership is key to
preservation!
During our two day adventure out
West, we gained valuable knowledge, got
terrific feedback and met a great group of
people all engaged with preservation!
Now we set about the task for formulat-
ing our proposal in an effort to get this
great potential off and running!
The Roundtable at Open Square, Holyoke

12 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006

 2006 Workshops and Seminars
from
Preservation Massachusetts
Elsa Fitzgerald

The HDHC COMMITTEE: 2006 is getting off
to a flying start with a schedule of three regional
workshops being planned for early February in Essex
County, March 11th in Metro-West at the Museum
of Our National Heritage, Lexington, and in May in
Worcester. Three more workshops are planned for
the Springfield, Pittsfield and New Bedford areas in
the fall.
There are many entities both large and small that
can assist the local commissioner and his/her col-
leagues in maintaining a community’s sense of place
and character. Tools that are available to the local
historic preservation community, such as architectur-
al surveys, listing on the National Register of His-
toric Places, demolition delay bylaws, and
preservation restrictions, will be discussed.

The Historic District and Historic Commission The BARN TASK

Committee of Preservation Mass has developed sev- FORCE of Preservation
eral training modules in collaboration with the Mass held their very
Massachusetts Historical Commission. successful annual con-
ference in Leominster
The February and May workshops, co-sponsored on October 29th. As a
by Essex National Heritage Commission and Preser- follow up to that event,
vation Worcester, will present Preservation 201: the BTF is planning a “Barn Basics”seminar on April
Workshop on MHC Historic Property Inventory 1st at Northshore Community College, in Danvers.
Forms. The community-wide survey is a preserva- This event is co-sponsored by the Essex National
tion planning and research tool. Completing a com- Heritage Commission. “Barn Basics” will present a
prehensive inventory represents a town’s historical program that provides practical, cost effective ideas
development by being chronologically and geo- for restoring and rehabilitating old barns. The BTF
graphically comprehensive, and reflecting a full is also planning some “Barn Talk” gatherings for an
range of historic resource types within a community. informal exchange of barn issues at various sites
Preservation 201 will assist you to meet those goals around the state as well as the annual Preserve Mass
and include topics such as organizing a survey proj- Barns Conference, which is planned for the fall, so
ect and identifying local survey priorities, developing stay tuned for details!
historic contexts, use of architectural terms in draft-
ing property descriptions, and completing historic Please visit www.preservationmass.org click on
property inventory forms, with a focus on Form B- HDHC Committee or Barn Task Force for more
Building. details on dates and registration after January 6th.

The March 11th workshop co-sponsored by the

Museum of Our National Heritage, will present
Preservation 101 which will introduce the basic con-
cepts of preservation planning on a local level and
also introduce you to the array of organizations and
agencies that make up the preservation constellation.

Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People 13

 Preservation Massachusetts New and Renewed Members
4/1/05-2/28/06

THANK YOU!

Individual Memberships Anne McCarthy Bonnie Parsons

Elizabeth Friedberg Jane Philippi
Springfield Armory National Park
Allan S. Galper Cristina N. Prochilo
Internet Hockey Database
Barbara George Charles Raso
Shantia Anderheggen
Alan Gordon Allan Rodgers
Douglas Anderson
John K. Grondalski Joseph V. Roller
John Anderson
Anthony T. Guerriero Daniel L. Romanow
Peter Aucella
Craig Halvorson Jessica Rowcroft McKenna
Daniel Barton
Beth A. Harding Tamara Safford
Barbara Bashevkin
Melissa Haskell-DeTerra Priscilla Sapienza
Laura Rigsby Bernstein
Grace G. Hoag Gretchen Schuler
Jean Allen Bird
Jack Hodgkins Ralph Schulman
David L. Bittermann
Erica A. Holthausen Peg Senturia
Evelyn Davoren Bon Tempo
Kevin Hudson William Shaw
Anne Booth
Joanne L. Iovino Philip Shwachman
Sarah Robbins Bradshaw
Stephen Jendrysik Betty Slade
Nancy S. Brickley
Esther M. Jepson Robert F Slechta
John K. Bullard
Margo P. ones Lynn Smiledge
Michael Burrey
Wendall C. Kalsow Edward Stanley
Christian C. Carey
Arthur J. Krim Marcia D. Starkey
Sarah Carothers
Paul Lapointe Barbara Timken
Christoper Carpenter
Joan Lee Karen Timmermans
Susan McDaniel Ceccacci
Monique Lehner Electa Kane Tritsch
David Cecchi
Richard J. Lundgren Yanni Tsipis
Thomas Charnecki
Barbara Mac Ewan Norman P. Tucker
Sara B. Chase
Kaethe O’ Keefe Maguire Howard Van Vleck
Barbara Cleary, Historic Salem, Inc.
Aaron A Marcavitch Donna Walcovy
Bruce S.Cohen
Judy Markland Rita Walsh
Doris Cole, FAIA
Fred Martin Marcia Wengen
James Nicoll Cooper
Mary Rhinelander McCarl D. Bradford Wetherell
Cheryl A. Copeland
Paul J. McGinley Katherine Winter
Anthony Costello
Heli Meltsner Penny Wortham
Claire Dempsey, BU Preservation
Nancy Merrill
Studies Program
Jean Marie Derderian
A. Brown Miller Organizational Memberships
Theresa A. Mitrowski
Joan K. Dillon Kathleen Bartolini: Framingham
Andrea Mones
Brett Donham Planning & Economic Development
Charlotte B. Moore
Thomas J. Elmore Patricia Butler: Nantucket Preservation
Susan S. Nelson
Minxie Jensvold Fannin Trust
Wendy Nicholas Dorsey
Gregory Farmer Ann J. Chapdelaine: North
Carl R. Nold Historic New England
Russel Feldman Attleborough Historical Commission
Eric O’Brien
Marilyn Fenollosa J. Francis Cove: Uxbridge Historical
Jeryl Oristaglio
Winifred Fitzgerald Commission
George Ostler
John Fobert

14 Preservation & People, Winter/Spring 2006

Craig W. Dalton: Kingston Historical Structures North - Consulting Engineers Benefactors
Commission Inc. Boston Red Sox
Sarah Korjeff: Cape Cod Commission Icon Architecture Inc. Consigli Construction Co.
Carol Kowalski: Town of Concord Cassin Winn Development
Contributors
Historical Commission Worcester Center for Performing Arts
Brown Richardson & Rowe
J. Donald Lennerton: Leicester Historical Epsilon Associates, Inc.
National Architectural Trust
Commission NER Construction Management Inc.
Arrowstreet, Inc.
Martha H. Lyon: Martha Lyon Finegold Alexander + Associates
Bratley Associates
Landscape Architecture, LLC Beacon Communities LLC
John Canning & Co. Ltd.
Martha Remington: Bolton Historical CB Richard Ellis- N.E. Partners, LP
Goody Clancy
Commission
Colantonio Inc. Gold
Lori Tanner: Pioneer Valley Planning
Einhorn, Yaffee, Prescott A&E James W. Flett Co., Inc.
Commission
Building Conservation Associates
Jacqueline C. Tidman: Westborough Platinum
Restoration Preservation Masonry
Historical Commission The Boston Red Sox Foundation
Shawmut Design and Construction
Mark Richey Woodworking & Design,
Corporate Members Inc.
Donor Menders Torrey & Spencer Inc.
A. W. Perry, Inc. Stanley Roofing Co., Inc.
Barr & Barr, Inc., Builders E.A. Fish & Associates, LLC
Thomas G. Gallagher, Inc. Corcoran Jennison Company
A.J. Martini, Inc.
Patrons
Stonegate Group, LLC
Judith Nitsch Engineering, Inc. Bratley Associates
Dimeo Construction Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc
J & M Brown Company, Inc. The Raymond Company
Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. Meredith & Grew
R.F. Walsh Company Vanasse Hangen Brustlin
Keith Construction, Inc.

Join Preservation Mass!

Our strength lies in the working partnership we have forged with people throughout the Commonwealth. We
welcome all people and organizations who care about the preservation of our historic and cultural resources.

Please indicate your choice of Membership Category:
Personal/Non Profit:
c Benefactor: $1000 and above
c Patron: $500
c Contributor: $250
c Donor: $100
c Organization: $50
c Individual $35
c Senior/Students: $20
q I would like to give a gift membership to the
individual(s) listed below.
Corporate: Please make check(s) payable to PreservatiON MASS and mail to:
PreservatiON MASS, Old City Hall
c Benefactor: $5000 and above 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
c Patron: $2500 Name ________________________________________________
c Contributor: $1000 From ________________________________________________
c Donor: $500 Address ______________________________________________
City ______________________State ______ Zip ____________
Phone ______________________________________________
Email ________________________________________________

PRESERVATION and PEOPLE is a membership benefit of PRESERVATION MASS. For additional membership information please call 617-723-3383.
PRESERVATION MASS can also be reached over the Internet at www.preservationmass.org
Winter/Spring 2006, Preservation & People 15