DUXBURY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Date: January 17, 2002
Time: 7:05 PM
Adjourned: 9:35 PM
Place: Duxbury Senior Center Ballroom
Members present: Marguerite Davis, Jody Hall, Martha Himes, Nicki Kispert, Susanna Sheehan
Ex-officio Member: Molly Foster
Call To Order: 7:05 PM
Minutes: The minutes of the December 20, 2001 meeting were accepted unanimously with no changes.
Demolition of Historically Significant Buildings, Sect. 609 of Duxbury Bylaws:
Demolition Applications: None.
830 Franklin Street: The application for demolition of the barn and attached ell were discussed. Martha Himes did considerable research on the chain of ownership to help determine historical significance. The builder of the house appears to be George W. Peterson, grandson of Reuben Peterson, of Peterson’s Sawmill. The property was sold to Charles H. Chandler who may have operated a store out of the barn as early as 1868. The current owner has information regarding the Peterson property that may be helpful. In Ms. Himes estimation, the barn was originally built as a store. The physical aspects appear compatible with the Greek Revival Style of the house. Ms. Himes also researched marriages to see if she could determine the date of construction.
Karen Davis, preservation consultant, views the property as worthy of inventory. If the barn is demolished, she would probably not include it in the inventory. The integrity of the original property would be destroyed.
The barn/store meets the age criteria and is a post and beam structure; and although neither George W. Peterson nor Charles H. Chandler are historically significant personages in and of themselves, the Peterson and Chandler families were extremely influential in the development of the area. It is unclear whether this was the only store in this vicinity. The structures do meet the criteria of section 609.2 Definitions: “Regulated Buildings or Structures (b) associated with one or more historic persons or events or with broad architectural, cultural, economic, political or social history of the Town. The property is prominently situated near bogs and the Ashdod Fire Station making it highly visible in the streetscape.
Nicki Kispert indicated that she understands, through a conversation with the contractor (Shawn Dahlen) that the owners are willing to make certain concessions. She felt these concessions were best left out of the discussion for the time being.
Susanna Sheehan moved that the barn at 830 Franklin Street be considered a regulated structure as defined in Section 609.2 of the Duxbury Bylaw because it is more than 75 years old and meets criteria (b): “it is associated with one or more historic persons or events or with broad architectural, cultural, economic, political or social history of the Town”. Marguerite Davis seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 in favor, one abstention.
A public hearing will be scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 2002.
Community Preservation Act Project: Rehabilitation of Tarkiln Center. Martha Himes and Susanna Sheehan attended the CPC meeting on January 16, 2002. Town Manager, Rocco Longo was also present to support the Historical Commission’s Proposal to use CPA funds to rehabilitate the Tarkiln building. Mr. Longo suggested reducing the requested funding to the range of $200,000, the cost projected for stabilizing. The CPC had a number of questions, however there were also a number of key people missing from the meeting. It was suggested that we return with a proposal that would include lead paint removal as well as other modifications. It appears the major issue for the CPC is the use of the building. They also questioned who would maintain the building in the future. Mr. Longo assured the Committee that the Town would continue the
maintenance once the building was rehabilitated. He also suggested that the Town DPW would pick up the cost for landscaping and a paving of the parking lot. Ms Himes suggested we must now gain support for various town committees and factions.
Survey Update: Martha Himes has been getting permission for Ms Davis to view homes on the inventory list.
Open Forum: Ms Hall reported having seen an email in the Mass Historical Commission’s list serve with information on overlay maps. She will save it for future reference. Ms. Kispert indicated the town uses a Hanover firm. It might be more economical to use the same firm when the time comes.
The Preservation Plan still needs to be done. It appears that the CPC will not approve using CPA funds for studies and surveys, so we must resort to volunteers. Jody Hall and Susanna Sheehan will begin work on finding a way to support a preservation plan.
Jean Clarke suggested Tony Kelso and David Corey as possible Historical Commission members to replace Peter Stames and Molly Foster.
The Map Overlay was suggested as a project for 2002.
V. Adjournment: 9:35 PM
Next meeting: February 13, 2002 7:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Josephine M. Hall, Secretary
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