Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
March 27, 2012
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Attendees: Joyce Anderson, Sheila Dubman, Alex Fiandaca, Joe Lee, Matt Lindberg and Mickey Splaine.
Members approved minutes from February 23, 2012.
96 Ball Hill Road - Schoolhouse No. 5
Sheila reported that she signed the demolition permit for the schoolhouse last month at Mr. Gelman’s request. John Wilson has also signed. There has been no activity regarding demolition. Sheila had contacted Mr. Gelman about our desire to take photographs prior to demolition. With Mr. Gelman’s consent to enter the building, Joe, Mickey and Alex visited the schoolhouse on Sunday, February 26th. Alex brought photographs to share with Commission members.
Everettville
Sheila and Joyce met previously with Anne Forbes to request an estimate for an inventory of Everettville. An inventory is a detailed area survey required by MHC prior to the nomination process. It serves as documentation of National Register eligibility, and provides a basis for MHC to weigh in on projects that might adversely affect such areas. MHC’s voice on such areas would be effectively silenced by Bill S2053, which proposes the following for M.G.L. Chapter 9 Section 27C:
“Under no circumstances shall such a state body or private entity be required to adopt the commission’s recommendations relative to a site or structure not listed in the state register of historic places.”.
Four Corners
The Commission is also awaiting a bill of $1500 from Anne for partial payment of the Four Corners nomination. This $1500 bill must be paid in advance of the June 30th fiscal year end.
Redemption Rock Historic Marker
Mickey recently contacted the teacher at Worcester Technical High School who is overseeing the restoration of the Worcester’s Wigwam Hill Tercentenary marker, to see if the school might be willing to restore the Redemption Rock marker as well. Mickey is awaiting a response from the school.
Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
The Commission received a letter from the Massachusetts Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, which is developing a program of activities across the state in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The anniversary spans the years 2011-2015. The Civil War Commission has reached out to all historical commissions in an effort to gather information about events and activities to include on their website. Mickey will ask Pete Rotundo if he is aware of any Civil War events planned in the area.
Legal Charter of Historical Commission
Members read, word for word, the state law that governs local historical commissions (M.G.L. Part I, Chapter 40, Section 8D. Historical commission; establishment; powers and duties). There was much discussion regarding “…preservation, protection and development of the historical and archeological assets…” and “commission may acquire…real or personal property”.
Legal Charter of Historical Commission continued
These statements seem to challenge the long-held notion that the Commission’s purview is limited to buildings. The law, however, also states “such commission shall conduct research for places of historic or archeological value…” and makes reference to Chapter 9, section 27C (historic landmarks) which suggests authority over places as opposed to items.
Concern for town documents stored in Bagg Hall (unsecure storage) and the Woodward Room (secure but extremely dry) sparked debate over the Commission’s authority over town documents that are privately-owned. Members agreed that regardless of authority, the Commission has an obligation to voice concern when historical assets of any kind are threatened.
Members agreed to address both concerns, starting with items in Bagg Hall. Sheila will contact Lynne to arrange a time for the Commission to assess historical records in the town vault. Members will also assess items on the second floor of Bagg Hall, as previously discussed with John Lebeaux.
Members also discussed the Commission’s role as it pertains to tree removal, and agreed that involvement should be limited to trees with specific historical significance. Members noted that old photos document a lack of trees along Princeton’s roadways, and that any historical argument to the contrary must have a strong basis. Furthermore, members expressed caution when taking up causes that do not directly pertain to the Commission’s primary efforts as this could jeopardize town support for National Register listings.
Meetinghouse Cemetery
Mickey suggested a locked, in-ground compartment for the ever-increasing collection of gravestone fragments at Meetinghouse Cemetery. This would address both storage and security, and keep the fragments in close proximity to their place of origin. Members will revisit the issue of fragments and possible solutions with the Cemetery Commission.
Mechanics Hall
Alex reported that the Friends of Mechanics Hall held their first meeting Thursday, March 22, 2012, in which attendees were very enthusiastic about preserving the building. Phil Mighdoll has established a website at www.mechanicshall.net. A grounds clean-up day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 21st. The next Friends of Mechanics Hall meeting is scheduled for Thursday April 19th at 7PM.
Other Business
Joyce recommended Eric Sloane’s books on forestry and early American farming (www.ericsloane.com) and will forward the draft of the Wachuset Mountain nomination to members.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, April 24th at 7 PM in the Annex
Respectfully submitted,
Alex Fiandaca
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