Vol. 16, NO.

1 HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS
PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Preservation
and
People

s 2001
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Whalom Park, Resou
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Lunenburg Hi stori
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Page 10
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 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001
Dear Friends of Historic
Massachusetts Inc.,
T I
he Board of Directors congratulates
Margaret Dyson as she moves to her
new job with the Boston Parks and
Recreation Department. Margaret will be join-
ing Justine Liff, Park Commissioner, in the Parks
◆ Messages from the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect
Board of Directors Olmsted’s great legacy to Boston, the Emerald
Chair, Clarissa Rowe Necklace. We want to thank Margaret for her
and Margaret Dyson. work as an advocate for historic preservation, as
P. 2 a tireless voice on Beacon Hill, and as a bridge
builder to environmental and housing advocacy
◆ HMI’s Ten Most groups. These partnerships, along with her work
Endangered 2001 on the Community Preservation Act, serve as the
P. 3 marks of her tenure at Historic Massachusetts.
Historic Massachusetts is at an exciting cross-
◆ Status Report on roads as we continue our efforts to bring the fif-
Massachusetts’ Most teen-year-old organization into the new century.
Endangered Historic Since last January, the Board and Staff are ac-
Resources tively involved in a Strategic Plan for our future
Insert between pages 4 and in October voted some of the first steps to-
and 9 wards that plan. Historic Massachusetts remains
committed to its core mission as the non-profit
◆ The Community private partner of the Massachusetts Historic
Preservation Act: One Commission and other preservation organiza-
Year Later . . . tions throughout the Commonwealth.
P. 15 As we search for a new executive director, we
are grateful for the active participation of all the
◆ Mark your Calendar- board officers: Otile McManus, Sam Knight, and
Upcoming Events Claudia Wu. Claudia Wu will continue as head
P. 15 of the ongoing strategic plan. Past President
Marcia Molay has graciously offered to help us
with this year’s dinner. Kathryn Coggeshall, Pro-
gram Manager, will be heading the office during
this interim time, and Sarah DiSano, an intern
from the Boston University Preservation Pro-
gram, will be assisting her.
Please feel free to contact me at HMI or at
my office during the next couple of months.
Best regards,
Clarissa Rowe
Board of Directors, Chair
COVER PHOTO Brown and Rowe, Landscape Architects and
COURTESY OF Planners
KEN DENTON
617-542-8552, crowe@brownrowe.com
2
Dear Friends,
n early October I left Historic Massachusetts
to accept a newly created position in the
Boston 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 to
help shape and protect the historic landscapes of
my hometown.
The past six years have been incredible. I am
honored to have been involved in preservation at
a time when preservationists in Massachusetts
made tremendous strides toward making protec-
tion of historic assets a fundamental element of
economic development projects, environmental
protection 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 training
workshops to planners, transportation engineers
and consultants. We have passed the Commu-
nity Preservation Act, giving communities who
adopt the Act a way to set up a dedicated fund
for historic preservation. We have changed the
School Building Assistance Program to provide
more state funds for school renovations than for
new construction; in doing so Massachusetts has
become a model for the nation. We have worked
with the Franklin County Regional Housing Au-
thority to restore the Crocker Bank Building in
Turners Falls National Register Historic District.
This developed into the Authority’s first combined
historic preservation/affordable housing tax credit
project, as they went on to restore the Cutlery
Block worker housing in the same district.
Above all else, the greatest pleasure has been
working with the people of preservation. I am
inspired by your joy in the historic resources of
the Commonwealth, your pleasure in the resto-
ration of community landmarks, and your un-
flagging optimism and commitment in the face
of threats to historic resources. I will carry your
energy and dedication with me always.
Many thanks,
Margaret Dyson
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS’ 2001

Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources

O
n September 28, 2001, Historic Massachusetts an-
nounced its ninth annual Ten Most Endangered
Historic Resources listing. This year’s list includes
properties from across Massachusetts that represent the diverse
history and culture of the Commonwealth and are seriously
threatened 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 their
communities. The listing is only the beginning, often serving
as a catalyst for extensive preservation opportunities. Historic
Massachusetts is proud to announce that due to the hard work
of concerned citizens using the Endangered designation as a
tool, fewer than 12 of the ninety sites listed to date have been
lost to demolition. Many other sites have been saved or are
progressing well toward that goal. ◆

Town Hall Annex (Homer School),

Belmont
SIGNIFICANCE:
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 a
junior high school, an elementary school and in 1935 it was remodeled
as an office building. It is located within the Pleasant Street Local
Historic District.
THREAT:
In 1995 the Annex became the subject of a Federal Court lawsuit brought about to make
Belmont municipal buildings handicapped accessible. In response to the court case, the Town
began to rehabilitate these structures one at a time. Although the Town Hall was successfully
rehabilitated in 1999, the Town Selectmen halted the renovation of the Annex in 2000 in order
to conduct a feasibility study, which would determine how the Town’s office and parking needs
could best be satisfied. Based on the results of this study, the Town Selectmen favored the option
of demolishing the Annex and replacing it with a new office building and underground parking
garage.
STATUS: Saved!
On September 20th of this year the Town Selectmen unanimously chose an $11.2 million PHOTOS: COURTESY OF
RICHARD CHEEK
renovation plan that will bring the Annex into ADA compliance, thereby eliminating the threat
to this historic resource. The two rejected options, estimated to cost $11.5 million and $12
million, 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 from
the ranks of the Most Endangered.

Continued on page 4

3
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Historic State Hospitals

Two state hospitals currently under threat are: History of Massachusetts
State Hospitals
Kirkbride Building,
I
n Massachusetts, from the early 17th century to the mid-
Danvers State Hospital, 19th century, the responsibility of caring for the poor,
sick, orphaned, and mentally ill was left in the hands of
Danvers the towns where these people resided, usually in the form of
SIGNIFICANCE: locally managed poor farms. By 1829 the Commonwealth
became increasingly aware of the towns’ inability to properly
Built between 1874 and 1877, the Kirkbride building
manage their facilities and asked for statistical reports on their
was the central element of the State Lunatic Hospital at
insane residents.
Danvers. It is constructed from local materials includ-
That same year three state-appointed commissioners se-
ing “cherry red” Danvers brick, Rockport granite, and
lected a site where a 120-bed hospital would be built. They
Maine slate.
chose a site in Worcester and in 1833 the first state-operated
THREAT: mental hospital opened there. By 1851 the Worcester In-
The hospital was permanently closed in 1991 and the sane Asylum was so overcrowded that the Legislature appro-
building has remained vacant. priated funds for the construction of a second hospital in
STATUS: Taunton. From the mid-19th century to the early 20th cen-
The Kirkbride building is slated for redevelopment, tury mental hospitals and almshouses were built all over the
possibly as a senior living facility. However, although state, including facilities in Boston, Danvers, Lancaster,
the project selection criteria strongly emphasizes Monson, Northampton, and Tewksbury—to name just a few.
preservation, many submit- Many of these hospitals were built and operated according
ted proposals stress the high to the new “humanistic” approach toward caring for the in-
cost of restoring the sane, which advocated curative rather than custodial treat-
Kirkbride and propose ment, enhanced by a patient’s exposure to fresh air, water,
instead to preserve just the and pleasant surroundings.
facade or portions of the By the early 20th century the state hospitals were danger-
building. A developer ously overcrowded and stories of the inhumane treatment of
could be selected by the end patients were all too common, resulting in many of these
of September. hospitals being referred to as “snake pits”. In 1966 the De-
partment of Mental Health established a comprehensive com-
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANVERS
HISTORICAL COMMISSION munity-based system of their services that mandated pro-
grammatic movement towards deinstitutionalization. The
Mental Health Reform Act of 1977 imposed limits on new
Northampton State admissions to state mental hospitals, encouraging the transi-
tion to a community-based system.
Hospital (Old Main These actions, while beneficial to the mentally ill, led to
Building), Northampton the closing and sometimes abandonment of the old state
hospitals from the 1970s through the 1990s. Many of
SIGNIFICANCE: these institutions, which were once community landmarks
The original section of the Northampton State Hospi- that employed many local residents, were left vacant, and
tal was constructed in 1855 and is a rare example of suffered from vandalism and deferred maintenance. These
mid-19th century “Jacobethan” style architecture. The hospitals were made with superior craftsmanship and
hospital was considered the state’s western regional should be preserved for their architectural and historical
center for mental health services and at one point significance. While some state hospitals have been reha-
housed over one thousand patients. bilitated, many remain vacant. Moreover, rehabilitation
proposals often raise issues as to the extent to which it is
feasible to retain these massive structures. For now, the fate
of many of these buildings hangs in the balance.
Continued on page 9

4
 1
Whatever
Happened to...?

A STATUS REPORT ON MASSACHUSETTS’

Most Endangered Historic Resources

E
ach year for the past nine years, Historic
Massachusetts has selected “The Ten Most
Endangered 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 are
seriously threatened by neglect, insufficient funding,
vandalism, inappropriate development or insensitive
public policy. These resources tell the story of how
people lived, worked, and played in a way that no pho-
tograph or book will ever be able to convey to future
generations.
The annual announcement of the list brings atten-
tion to the value of these resources in order to save
them. It’s an encouraging and sustaining event that
has been generously covered by the press, radio, and
television. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Local ac-
tivists take advantage of the publicity and enhanced
awareness to raise money, increase public support and
keep the issue and resource alive.
The results of these efforts? Here is a sam-
pling of the most recent updates. They range in
status from “Saved” to “Coming Along” to “Still
Struggling.” ◆

to advocate for ration of the building in lieu of

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HISTORIC HIGHFIELD INC.
HIGHFIELD HALL,
FALMOUTH
Year First Listed: 1994
Significance: Highfield Hall
was one of the earliest houses
constructed as part of Falmouth’s
development as a summer resort
and is one of the few survivors
from that era. Highfield was
built as an English country estate
in the Queen Anne style on the
highest point of land in
Falmouth.
Threat: In 1994 Cape Cod
Conservatory of Music, the then
owners of Highfield Hall applied
for a demolition permit. A
“Friends” group was established
the building’s
preservation
and legal
conflicts arose
between the
group and the
Conservatory
over the fate of
the building.
Status:
SAVED! In 1997
the demolition
was postponed
and the parties
involved in legal disputes went
into mediation, eventually
coming to an agreement and
settlement in 2001. In April of
2000 the Falmouth Town Man-
ager authorized the Town
Selectmen to take the property
by eminent domain. In Decem-
ber of 2000 the Selectmen voted
to approve the taking of the
property. On January 3, 2001,
the Town officially took owner-
ship of Highfield Hall. The
property is currently being
leased to a group called Historic
Highfield, Inc., which is paying
for the eminent domain taking,
the legal settlement, and resto-
rent. Historic Highfield, Inc.
intends to use the building for its
offices, a town cultural center,
and a rentable function space for
lectures, meetings, concerts, etc.
Volunteers have been working
hard to restore the building and
new plumbing, heating, and
electric systems have already
been installed at Highfield Hall.
HUGUENOT STEAMER NO.
1 FIRE STATION, OXFORD
Year First Listed: 2000
Significance: Constructed in
1884, this two story, wood frame
building with a slate roof and a
large hose tower was in use until
a new station was built in 1975.
The station is one of the last
wood frame firehouses of its era.
Threat: The fire station has
been vacant since 1975 and is
used as a storage facility for the
town of Oxford. The building
was unsecured and susceptible to
vandalism.
Status: COMING
ALONG...Through sweat equity
and private donations the
Oxford Firefighters Association

Above: Before Restoration Work.
Below: After Restoration Work
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAN BARRY
(OFA) has secured the building,
painted the exterior and en-
hanced the surrounding land-
scape. The OFA continues fund-
raising efforts, including working
with the Yankee Magazine
Community Partners program,
and has applied for several
grants. The work is progressing
in accordance with the
association’s six year plan and
the OFA intend on opening the
fire station as a
firefighting
museum in the
summer of 2006.
BISSELL COV-
ERED BRIDGE,
CHARLEMONT
Year First Listed:
1999
Signifi-
cance: The
Bissell Covered
Bridge is one of
the few remain-
ing covered bridges in western
Massachusetts. The 1950 bridge,
located over a deep, wooded
2
gorge below an old stone dam, is
only the second covered bridge
to be built at this site and rests
on the original 1880 bridge
abutments. It is engineered with
Timber Engineering Company
split-ring timber connectors and
is completely constructed of
dense Douglas Fir. The bridge is
eligible for listing on
the National Register
of Historic Places.
Threat: Citing
expense and the
infeasibility of
rehabilitation, the
Massachusetts
Highway Department
plans to demolish or
move the Bissell
Covered Bridge and
build a modern
structure in its place.
Status: STILL
STRUGGLING... The Massachu-
setts Highway Department
(MHD) maintains the position
that the bridge cannot be
reconfigured to withstand
modern loads. MHD suggests
the bridge be used only as a
footbridge or be demolished.
They have also said that they
would be willing to move the
bridge, if the town would pay
for it, however the town feels
that relocating the bridge would
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR. & MRS. BILL COLI
result in a loss of its historic
integrity. As of Summer 2001
MHD and the town of
Charlemont had still not reached
a resolution regarding the fate
of the bridge.
NIAGARA FIRE ENGINE
HOUSE, MILLIS
Year First Listed: 2000
Significance: The Millis Fire
Department constructed The
Niagara Fire Engine House in
1879 and although damaged by
fire several years ago, it has
retained much of its original
appearance. The building
contains a beautiful mural
depicting the fire department
extinguishing a blaze. The mural
was discovered under plaster in
an upstairs room and there is
speculation that additional
murals may be found.
Threat: Formerly used as a
municipal building, the structure
stands unused today. The most
immediate danger is that the
Town Selectmen would vote to
dispose of the building.
Status: COMING
ALONG...Through the office of
Senator Cheryl Jacques, the Town
was able to obtain a grant of
$50,000 from the state office of
Travel and Tourism. The money
was used to conduct studies of
the structural integrity of the
building and to complete a
restoration of the front facade
to its original 1879 appearance.
A fund raising campaign is under
way and is supposed to start in
earnest in September. Pledges
have been obtained and an
application is being filed with
the Massachusetts Historical
Commission for listing the
building on the National Regis-
ter. Two more wall murals have
been identified below a layer of
paint and studies are planned to
determine a means to uncover
these murals. Future plans for
the building include using the
first floor equipment room to

store and display the original
handtub fire engines. The
second floor hall will be used as
a meeting and function room.
CORSON BUILDING COM-
PLEX, NEW BEDFORD
Year First Listed: 1999
Significance: The Corson
Block Buildings are in the center
of the New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park, created
in 1996. The Corson Building is a
three-story brick commercial
structure built between 1875 and
1884. The post Civil War design
still boasts its Victorian cast iron
store front. Included in the
block is the Louis Hathaway
House—an 1865 Greek Revival
residence.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF WHALE
Threat: The interior of the
Corson Building was severely
damaged by fire in 1997. In 1999
the local Building Commissioner
suggested that the building be
demolished. The wood-framed
Hathaway house is abandoned
and in declining condition.
3
Status: COMING
ALONG...The Corson Building
was stabilized this year and the
roof has been put on. The
Waterfront Historic Area League
(WHALE) is getting ready to
contract out for the second
phase of the project—
repointing, painting, window
replacement, interior work, etc.
Once the work is completed
WHALE intends to use the
building as a historic preserva-
tion education center with first
floor commercial space.
MASSACHUSETTS DAIRY
FARMS
Year First Listed: 2000
Significance: There are
approximately 285 family-owned
dairy farms in the Com-
monwealth of Massachu-
setts, totaling approxi-
mately 108,000 acres of
land. Many have been in
the same family for
generations and include
other historic resources
such as farmhouses, barns,
and other working farm
structures. These working
landscapes contribute to
wildlife habitat, aquifer
recharge areas and scenic
vistas, which are vital to
the traditional New
England quality of life.
Threat: Massachusetts
Dairy Farms are under
considerable stress due to
the high cost of produc-
tion, increased attention
to managing farm wastes
with more environmen-
tally sound techniques,
and highly volatile milk prices.
The most immediate threat to
these resources was proposed
legislation that would have
ended Massachusetts’ participa-
tion in the Northeast Dairy
Compact, which sets a minimum
price for milk produced in the
Northeast and is vital to preserv-
ing dairy farms here in Massa-
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
chusetts. Prices were estimated
to increase 28 to 50 cents per
gallon due to costs associated
with shipping milk from New
York and the Midwest. This
legislation could result in the
economic collapse of many, if not
all, dairy farms in Massachusetts,
and the land ultimately being
sold for development.
Status: STILL STRUGGLING,
BUT SOME ENCOURAGING
SIGNS...As of this September,
Congress is still debating the
Northeast Dairy Compact. The
condition of dairy farms in the
Commonwealth will continue to
decline significantly without the
reauthorization of the Dairy
Compact. In terms of encourag-
ing signs, the Agricultural
Preservation Restriction Program,
which purchases development
rights to prime farmlands so they
may continue to be actively
farmed, has purchased more
than 42,000 acres of prime
farmland over the past 20 years.
This program is widely used and
continues its mission of protect-
ing farmland in perpetuity. The
Agricultural Viability Program, a
short-term conservation restric-
tion program, provides technical
and business assistance to

farmers. There have also been
effective campaigns across
Massachusetts that encourage
consumers to Buy Local.
FREDERICK C. ADAMS
PUBLIC LIBRARY, KINGSTON
Year First Listed:1999
Significance: Designed by
local architect Joseph Everett
Chandler of Plymouth and built
in 1898, this one-story brick
Georgian Revival building was
replaced by a new library in
1995. The building currently
serves as a storage facility with a
few town offices operating in
the basement.
Threat: The town offices are
required to vacate the building
soon and the building has yet to
be stabilized and/or restored.
Status: STILL STRUGGLING,
BUT SOME PROGRESS...The
property was listed on the
National Register of Historic
Places in June of 2001. The
Kingston Selectmen appointed a
Frederick C. Adams Heritage
Center Development Committee,
which is in the process of form-
ing a _Friends_ group. The
Development Committee is also
conducting a pre-development
survey of the property and hope
to eventually receive funding
from the Town that will allow
them to apply for matching
grants from the Preservation
Progress Fund and other grant
sources.
SANKATY HEAD LIGHT,
NANTUCKET
Year First Listed:1993
Significance: This structure,
built in 1850, is a National
Historic Landmark, and is located
within a National Register
District and Local Historic Dis-
trict.
Threat: Due to shore erosion
and strong storms, the bank has
eroded to within 120 feet of the
structure and is in danger of
4
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SAMUEL DISANO
slipping into the sea, as 90 feet is
considered the hazard distance
for shore erosion.
Status: STILL
STRUGGLING...A non-profit
group has been assembled to
pursue funding needed to move
the light house further inland
and out of harms way. Planning
for the move has already begun
and the group hopes to ratify
the moving proposal in 2002.
However, while fund-raising is
ongoing for this project, signifi-
cant financial support will be
needed in order for it to succeed.
GROVER CRONIN DEPART-
MENT STORE, WALTHAM
Year First Listed: 1995
Significance: Prominently
situated in the Moody Street
commercial district and adjacent
to the Charles River, the Grover
Cronin Department Store origi-
nally spread across four down-
town structures and constituted
an entire city block. The two
earlier buildings represent the
post-Civil War economic boom
that resulted in the development
of Waltham as a commercial
center for the area. A 1930s
remodeling of the other two
buildings features an Art
Moderne facade with streamline
styling and a rounded corner.
Threat: The store closed in
1989 and early plans called for
the total destruction of the
building complex to make room
for new development.
Status: SAVED—ADAPTIVELY
REUSED...The store was redevel-
oped as condominiums and retail
space and is now known as
_Cronin_s Landing._ Although
the entire building was not
preserved, the Art Moderne
facade has been retained and
restored and the new structure
behind it was designed to
emulate the architecture found
along Moody Street.
OLD WALTHAM HIGH
SCHOOL, WALTHAM
Year First Listed:1999
Significance: This Neo-
Classical-Romanesque, redbrick
building was built in 1902, with
1930s wings added during the
Federal Emergency Administra-
tion of Public Works. It is listed
on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Threat: Vacant and boarded
up for over a decade, the build-
ing has suffered from water
damage and vandalism.
Status: SAVED! The City of
Waltham has recognized the
importance of Old Waltham High
School and intends to restore the
original 1902 portion of the
building for use as a middle
school. The 1930s wings are
scheduled to be demolished, a
plan supported by both the
Waltham Historical Commission
and the Massachusetts Historical
Commission.
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources

Continued from page 4

THREAT:
Vacant since the 1970’s, the Old Main Building has suffered from
serious water infiltration and vandalism.
STATUS:
Certain sections of the hospital have been slated for redevelopment as
commercial retail, and residential space. However, due to the deterio-
rated state of the Old Main Building, the feasibility of preserving it has
not yet been determined.

Northampton State Hospital

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID PARNELL

Gurney Road Bridge, Freetown

SIGNIFICANCE:
Built c. 1820, this dry laid, uncoursed granite
rubble bridge was built to withstand the
weight of the oxen carts that carried loads of
iron over the Fall Brook to the Providence
Foundry Company furnace. The only remain-
ing bridge of its type in East Freetown, it is a
rare example of the town’s early industrial past,
as many of its mills and other industrial
structures no longer exist.
THREAT:
Due to structural deficiencies, the bridge was
closed to vehicular traffic in 1998. The Town
planned to demolish the bridge, but has since
canceled those plans and given the local
Historical Commission support for its PHOTO: COURTESY OF FREETOWN HISTORICAL COMMISSION

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

Continued on page 10

9
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Abijah Clark House,

Hubbardston
SIGNIFICANCE:
This c. 1820 Federal style house with rear ell and
barn additions is believed to have been constructed
by Abijah Clark, who built the adjacent general store
in 1845. During the 1940’s a barbershop was located
in the front south room and men from the commu-
nity used the ell as a place to play cards.
THREAT: PHOTO: COURTESY OF HUBBARDSTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The house suffers from deferred maintenance and
deterioration. 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, Lunenburg

SIGNIFICANCE:
Whalom Park was built in 1893 by the Fitchburg &
Leominster Street Railway Company, who created the “trolley
park” as a way to increase profits by increasing their night-
time and weekend business. Whalom Park is a traditional
amusement 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.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE BOWEN FAMILY Due to financial difficulties the park was put up for sale last
fall. 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 for
condominium 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 real
estate on which the park is located. With solid backing from investors inside and outside the amusement industry, the
Bowens plan to reopen the park in 2002. The Bowens respect the history and nostalgia of Whalom and plan to incorporate
the historic rides and structures in their restoration of the 108-year-old park.

10
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

William Bartlett and William

Johnson Houses, Newburyport
SIGNIFICANCE:
These late 18th century Federal style brick houses are situated on
one of the largest parcels of open land in the south end of
Newburyport. During their lifetimes, William Bartlett and
William Johnson were merchants listed among the top ten
wealthiest men in Newburyport. Most of the original interior
details of both houses remain intact, including fielded feather-
edged wainscoting in the Johnson house and a fully paneled
parlor 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 as
part of this development.
STATUS:
Neighborhood residents are greatly concerned about the future of this property
and a local community group is trying to organize support for its preservation. Above: Bartlett House, Below: Johnson House
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHEND NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION

Historic Diners of Massachusetts

SIGNIFICANCE:
Diners hold an important place in the Commonwealth’s history. The first mobile lunch wagon, seen as the precursor to the
traditional diner, was introduced in Worcester in 1884. In the early 20th century the lunch wagon evolved into the
stationary 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 patrons
as fast-food franchise and family-oriented facilities gained
popularity. The construction of large access controlled highways
that bypassed the smaller roads where diners were found also
contributed to their decline.
STATUS:
Massachusetts is currently home to approximately 75 historic
diners, many of which are listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Today there is a resurgence of interest in diners,
which is both a positive and negative phenomenon. While some
diners have been restored in situ, others are often moved or razed
for business or zoning reasons, or they are “exported” to other
states. Many diners are left vacant, leaving them targets of
vandalism and demolition.
Top: Rosebud Diner, Somerville, Bottom: Pig N’ Whistle Diner, Brighton
PHOTO: SARAH DISANO

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 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Wendt House, Salem

SIGNIFICANCE:
The Wendt House, built c. 1770 and moved to its present location in 1830, is located in Salem’s
smallest National Register Historic District. It is one of six remaining buildings in the last
surviving residential enclave in downtown Salem. Members of Salem’s early African-American
and maritime communities once occupied the house and circumstantial evidence suggests it may
have 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 its
place. Not yet successful in obtaining a demolition permit, the owners have
succeeded in constructing additional parking spaces on the property and
demolishing the rear porch. After years of neglect, the building has a high
vagrancy rate and is considered a fire risk.
STATUS:
A neighborhood association has been established to discuss the preservation of
the historic district, which has lost two of its buildings since its National
Register nomination was originally prepared in 1983. A Wendt House cleanup
and peaceful anti-demolition protest were conducted in May of 2001 by the
PHOTO: COURTESY OF HISTORIC SALEM, INC. neighborhood group. In September, the Salem City Council will review an
order, sponsored by a fellow City Council member, to formally request that the
Salem Redevelopment Authority take the property by eminent domain in an
effort to stop the neglect and deterioration of the house.

Former Universalist Church Building,

Southbridge
SIGNIFICANCE:
This Greek Revival church was built in 1841 and served as a Universalist
Church until the early 1970’s. It is the second oldest church in Southbridge
and the only one built in the Greek Revival style. Currently, the building is
used as rental retail and apartment space.
THREAT:
Threatened by neglect, the lack of exterior maintenance is evident in the poor
condition of the roof shingles and deterioration of the trim work.
STATUS:
The community feels strongly that this building should be preserved and
maintained, as it is a key component of the downtown historic district. The
local Historical Commission is currently trying to work with the owner to
apply for a Community Development Block Grant that would help fund
needed repairs to the building. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHBRIDGE
HISTORICAL COMMISSION

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 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Field House, Weston

SIGNIFICANCE:
Predating the Gropius House in Lincoln by four years, the Field House, built in 1934, was one of
the 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-half
acre 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 expired
August 8, 2001. As of early September, the owners had not obtained an official demolition
permit, 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 placed
this petition and information about the house on the Town’s web site. The listing of the Field
House was released early by Historic Massachusetts and articles about the house have appeared in
several 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 the
Interior 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 for
information, 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 PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

The Community Preservation Act: One Year Later…

I
n the fall of 2000 the Community Preservation Act
(CPA) was passed in Massachusetts and signed into What is the Community
effect by then Governor Paul Cellucci. Since that time,
67 communities across the Commonwealth have put the Preservation Act?
CPA on their voting ballots. Of those 67 communities, 35
have voted to pass the CPA—that’s a 52.2% majority! Here While many of us are familiar with the Community
is a breakdown of the cities and towns that passed the CPA, Preservation Act (CPA), many still remain uninformed,
as listed by the Trust for Public Land: or even ill informed about just how the CPA works.
Here is a brief summary of why the CPA was established
and how citizens can adopt and use it in their own
communities:
Date of Passed,
Vote in by vote Surcharge Why do we need it?
Community 2001 percentage Rate The character of a community is shaped by the
Agawam Nov 6 61% / 39% 1% availability of its open space and recreation land, the
Amherst April 3 70% / 30% 1% preservation of its historic structures and landscapes, and
its citizens’ ability to afford to remain within their
Aquinnah May 9 61% / 39% 3%
community. Urban sprawl, deteriorating historic
Ayer April 23 54% / 46% 3% buildings and an inadequate supply of affordable housing
Bedford March 10 63% / 37% 3% are threatening to weaken the fundamental character of
Boxford May 15 56% / 44% 3% communities. The CPA is a way for communities, at local
Cambridge Nov 6 71% / 29% 3% option, to have a dedicated funding source for open
Carlisle May 22 54% / 46% 2% space, historic preservation and affordable housing.
Chelmsford April 3 61% / 39% 0.5%
Chilmark April 25 63% / 37% 3% How does it work?
Cohasset April 7 57% / 43% 1.5% • The “local legislative body”—either town meeting or
city council—votes to send CPA to the ballot. A
Dracut May 7 58% / 42% 2%
community can also put CPA on the ballot with a
Duxbury March 24 69% / 31% 3% petition signed by 5% of registered voters.
Easthampton Nov 6 53% / 47% 3% • Town meeting/city council or petitioners determine
Easton April 24 52% / 48% 3% the surcharge level (up to 3%) that will be assessed on
Georgetown May 14 51% / 49% 3% the real property tax levy. They also can choose to
Harvard April 3 72% / 28% 1.1% make certain exemptions in the surcharge. Voters
Hingham April 28 59% / 41% 1.5% decide at the local elections whether to accept CPA.
Holliston May 22 69% / 31% 1.5% • Every city or town that adopts the CPA and collects
Hopkinton May 21 61% / 39% 2% the surcharge on its real property will be eligible for
state matching funds. The matching funds are
Marshfield April 28 58% / 42% 3%
designed to supplement the efforts of the city or
Medway May 7 53% / 47% 3% town, with the amount of the match based on the
Nantucket April 3 62% / 38% 3% total amount raised locally.
Newton Nov 6 51% / 49% 1% • The municipality must spend at least 10% of its
Norfolk May 1 56% / 44% 3% funds on open space and recreation, at least 10% on
North Andover March 20 56% / 44% 3% historic preservation, and at least 10% on affordable
Peabody Nov 6 52% / 48% 1% housing, and no more than 5% on administration
Rowley May 8 57% / 43% 3% and operation of the program.
Southampton May 7 59% / 41% 3% • A Community Preservation Committee is established
with a separate by-law/ordinance to oversee commu-
Stowe May 15 64% / 36% 3%
nity preservation funds. The Committee will study
Sturbridge April 9 53% / 47% 3% community needs, consult with existing municipal
Tyngsborough May 8 66% / 34% 3% boards, and make recommendations on expenditures
Wayland April 24 58% / 42% 1.5% for open space, recreational land, historic preservation
Westford May 1 65% / 35% 3% and affordable housing. Final authority to spend
Weston May 5 66% / 34% 3% CPA funds rests with town meeting/city council.

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 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

We want your input for the

upcoming Historic District/
Historic Commission Workshop! MARK YOUR
CALENDAR NOW!
Historic Massachusetts is in the process of organizing a Historic District/Historic
Commission training workshop to be held in March 2002. In preparation for this Saturday, January 26, 2002
workshop, we sent the chairs of these groups questionnaires asking for input into Historic Massachusetts Annual
which topics, issues, and themes they would like to see emphasized. Submitted sug- Meeting and Program.
gestions will aid us in designing a training workshop catered specifically to current Public Programs 9 AM to 2 PM
needs and concerns of Historic District/Historic Commission members. If you did Board Meeting 12 PM
not receive a questionnaire, but would like to provide us with ideas and/or comments for Location and topic to be announced.
the workshop, please contact Historic Massachusetts at 617/723-3383. For more information, call Historic
Massachusetts at 617/723-3383

Sat. and Sun., February 2 & 3,

2002
GET A HEAD START Boston Preservation Alliance Old
House Fair. Find all the answers to
on applying for the 2002 Ten Most Endangered your Old House questions. New series
of lectures and speakers.
Historic Resources… Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street,
Boston
Nominations for the 2002 Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources List are due in For more information, call BPA at 617/
June. Applicants wishing to get a head start on the nominating process should gather the 367-2458 or visit their website at
following information: * www.bostonpreservation.org
◆ Description of the endangered resource, including setting, structures, and/or major
features. March 2002
Historic District/Historic Commis-
◆ Setting-Does the site retain its original character? Are there open space issues? Is sion Workshop.
there evidence of early landscaping and/or design? Date, location and topics to be an-
◆ Context-What does the surrounding area look like? Is it similar to the original nounced.
setting? How has it changed? Please see adjacent article for more
details.
◆ Historical Significance-How does the site relate to the local community? Is the
For further information, call Historic
resource listed on, or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places?
Massachusetts at 617/723-3383
◆ What is the threat to the resource?
◆ What is the community commitment to preserving the resource? Thursday May 2, 2002
Statewide Preservation Awards
◆ What are the future plans for the resource? How could the endangered designa- Dinner.
tion help the cause? Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Historic Massachusetts is interested in
receiving corporate sponsorship for this
MATERIALS NEEDED INCLUDE: year’s dinner. Since 1988, Historic
Massachusetts has presented annual
◆ Three to five color snap shots and one black and white photograph
preservation awards to people who have
◆ Two or three color slides demonstrated leadership in preserving
◆ Documentation: Any National Register of Historic Places inventory form or other the historic heritage of the Common-
study wealth. If you know of a corporation
that would like the opportunity to help
◆ An 8” x 11” copy of a map indicating the location of the resource underwrite this special event, please
contact Historic Massachusetts at 617/
723-3383.
*Official nomination forms will appear in the Spring 2002 newsletter.

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 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
FALL/WINTER, 2001

Join
HISTORIC
MASSACHUSETTS!
Our strength lies in the working
partnership we have forged with
people throughout Massachu-
setts. We welcome all people and
organizations who care about the
preservation of our historic and
cultural resources. Our goal is to
encourage the weaving of these
resources into the social and
economic fabric of Massachu-
setts life in this new century.
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 PEOPLE

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2001 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ADVISORS, 2001

Officers Executive Committee Maurice Childs, FAIA Katherine F. Abbott, Ruth Geoffroy Christine Rinaldo
Clarissa Rowe, Chair of Katherine F. Abbott Vin Cipolla Chair Martha D. Hamilton Michael Roberts
the Board James Alexander, FAIA William C. Clendaniel Eleanor G. Ames Gary R. Hilderbrand, Gretchen G. Schuler
Otile McManus, Vice John F. Bok, Esq. Katherine D. Flynn Peter J. Aucella ASLA S. Christopher Scott
Chair Paul A. Faraca Coughlin Ann Beha, FAIA James Igoe Stanley M. Smith
Samuel B. Knight, Jr., Robert H. Kuehn, Jr. Joan E. Goody, FAIA Arthur and Jean Bennett Robin Karson Antone G. Souza, Jr.
Esq., Treasurer R. Christopher Noonan Allen F. Johnson Shary Page Berg David R. Keller Jane Stirgwolt
Claudia Sauermann Wu, Victor J. Walker, FASLA Frank Keefe Charles Beveridge Patrick A. T. Lee Charles M. Sullivan
Clerk David Leach Nancy Bradbury Arleyn Levee Wesley T. Ward
Board of Directors Paul J. Martini Richard Candee Barbara Levy Patricia L. Weslowski
Barbara Bashevkin Paul J. McGinley, AICP Marcia M. Cini, Esq. Ellen J. Lipsey Tobias Yarmolinsky
Carol Bratley Marion Pressley, FASLA Rolf Diamant Wendy Nicholas Sally Zimmerman
Kathleen Kelly Broomer Thomas H. Schwartz Grace Friary Julia B. O’Brien
David Chase John F. Furlong, FASLA Bruce Polishook

HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS NONPROFIT ORG.

Old City Hall, 45 School Street U.S. POSTAGE
Boston, MA 02108 PAID
617-723-3383 • Fax 617-523-3782
BOSTON, MA
www.historicmass.org
PERMIT NO. 52216

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