Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Spring 2002

PreservationPeopleand

Vol. 17, NO. 1 HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS SPRING, 2002

In this issueFrom the Executive Director ................ 2“Fundamentals” ............ Technical InsertEndangered Update ............................ 9

This could be your

last newsletter!

See 1

Law Suit Over Beacon Hill Property ... 10Mark Your Calendar!Upcoming Events ................. Back Cover

Photo: Crocker Bulding, Turners Falls, after renovations. For details, see “Miracle” article on page 4.

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PRESERVATION and PEOPLESPRING 2002

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I am honored, excited and feelingvery challenged to be your newExecutive Director. For more than

fifteen years, I have worked with andadmired the good efforts of HistoricMassachusetts. It is an absolute thrill toactually be working foryou! As many of you know,I have been involved inhistoric preservation as theDeputy Secretary of Stateoverseeing the Massachu-setts Historical Commis-sion and as ExecutiveDirector of PreservationWorcester, a local non-profit. I have learned agreat deal over a twenty-year period inboth arenas and I feel confident that Ican use my knowledge and under-standing of historic preservation as wellas my many contacts and colleagues tobenefit Historic Massachusetts, Inc. forthe future.

Many of us involved with HistoricMassachusetts believe that the organi-zation is very much at a crossroads.There is a partially completed strategicplan detailing a vision for the future ofthe organization; this will be com-pleted by the spring. We are in theprocess of evaluating our newsletterand the cost per issue. We are com-mitted to providing you with aquarterly periodical that will bemeaningful and pertinent to you asmembers of HMI. Our staff iscommitted to providing the informa-tion and services that will encourageyou to continue supporting HMI!

Preservation Worcester’s theme is:“Preserving Neighborhoods forPeople”. Here at HMI, our newsletteris Preservation and People. Historicpreservation and Historic Massachu-setts are all about people. We areworking to better involve our Board of

Directors by meeting on a monthlybasis. We are creating numerouscommittees to take advantage of theexpertise we have on our Board as wellas on our Board of Advisors. HMImust energize everyone involved to

become better focused onour mission, create a strongersource of funding and growour membership. We needyour help! Assist us inpromoting HMI. Help usbring your friends into theorganization as new mem-bers. Please become membersof our various committees.You may think that others

will do all of this and you don’t have to,but that’s simply not the case. Call meand let me explain how YOU can makea real difference to our importantstatewide preservation nonprofit.

HMI’s vision for the future is tobecome better acquainted with ourcommunities statewide. We anticipatespending more time in the cities andtowns throughout the Common-wealth and we expect to learn moreabout the types of services we canprovide that will be beneficial to you,our partners. And HMI needs togrow, both financially and withincreased staff. The strategic plan,which focuses our vision, shoulddetermine the professional staffnecessary to accomplish our impor-tant mission-based work over the nextseveral years. We must take a leader-ship role in areas such as preservationlegislation and in developing coali-tions with our preservation partners.HMI cannot simply survive; we mustbuild and develop in a way that trulyserves the entire Commonwealth ofMassachusetts for the future. Pleasejoin us! We really need you!

From the Executive DirectorHISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2002

OfficersClarissa Rowe, Chair of the Board

Otile McManus, Vice ChairSamuel B. Knight, Jr., Esq., Treasurer

Claudia Sauermann Wu, Clerk

Board of DirectorsKatherine F. Abbott

James Alexander, FAIABarbara BashevkinJohn F. Bok, Esq.

Carol BratleyMaurice Childs, FAIA

Vin CipollaAnthony Consigli

Katherine D. Flynn CoughlinPaul A. Faraca

Joan E. Goody, FAIARobert H. Kuehn, Jr.

Richard LundgrenAllen F. Johnson

Frank KeefeDavid Leach

Paul J. MartiniPaul J. McGinley, AICPMarion Pressley, FASLA

Thomas H. SchwartzVictor J. Walker, FASLA

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION

ADVISORS, 2002

Katherine F. Abbott, ChairEleanor G. AmesPeter J. Aucella

Ann Beha, FAIAArthur and Jean Bennett

Shary Page BergCharles BeveridgeRichard Candee

Marcia M. Cini, Esq.Rolf DiamantGrace Friary

John F. Furlong, FASLARuth Geoffroy

Martha D. HamiltonGary R. Hilderbrand, ASLA

Robin KarsonDavid R. KellerPatrick A. T. Lee

Arleyn LeveeBarbara Levy

Ellen J. LipseyWendy NicholasJulia B. O’BrienBruce Polishook

Christine RinaldoMichael Roberts

Gretchen G. SchulerS. Christopher Scott

Stanley M. SmithAntone G. Souza, Jr.

Jane StirgwoltCharles M. Sullivan

Wesley T. WardPatricia L. WeslowskiTobias YarmolinskySally Zimmerman

STAFFJames W. Igoe, Executive Director

Katheyn Coggeshall, Program ManagerKate Ranweiler, Office Manager

Sarah DiSano, Program Assistant/Intern

James Igoe, Exec. Dir.

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On Saturday, January 26, 2002, Historic Massa-chusetts held its annual meeting and publicprogram at the historic Omni Parker House,

located on School Street in Boston. Nearly 100 partici-pants came to the event, which featured keynote speakerCharles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, Coordinator of the NationalPark Service’s Historic Landscape Initiative program andremarks by Justine Liff, Commissioner of the Boston Parksand Recreation Department.

The public program began with welcomes by HMIChair of the Board Clarissa Rowe and Executive DirectorJames W. Igoe. Cynthia Smith, President of the BostonSociety of Landscape Architects, introduced Mr. Birnbaum,whose speech was followed by remarks from Ms. Liff. Thekey topics addressed in Mr. Birnbaum’s lecture were the lossand modification of modern works of landscape architec-ture and the importance of preserving post-World War IIlandscapes. Mr. Birnbaum cited several well-known parksas examples, including our own Christopher ColumbusWaterfront Park (CCWP) here in Boston. Ms. Liff com-mented on how Mr. Birnbaum’s speech is indicative of agrowing sophistication and importance of modern land-scape architecture from a professional standpoint. Shestated that while preservation is important there are often,as in the case of CCWP, practical reasons why landscapesare changed—notably the need for well-functioning parksand a better understanding of the public’s interest in theseresources.

At the business meeting several topics were addressed.HMI voted in two new board members, Anthony Consigliand Dick Lundgren (please see article on p 9 for moreinformation about our newest board members.) Cara Metzof the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) gavethe State Historic Preservation Officer’s report in which sheaddressed the state budget cuts and the efforts, in partner-ship with Historic Massachusetts, to rebuild the commit-ment to preservation. James Igoe, HMI’s new ExecutiveDirector, gave his initial thoughts about the organization.Mr. Igoe discussed the fact that financial support from theMHC is in jeopardy due to budget cuts and donations froma very generous family have been reduced considerably.However, he went on to say that while the current situationrequires that HMI reevaluate and restructure some of itspriorities and activities, it also presents a tremendousopportunity to make this organization the highly respectedpreservation statewide that it should be. To achieve thesegoals, he asked that the Board of Directors be active

2002 HMI Annual Meeting

participantsin theorganizationand assist thestaff inmaking HMIa moredynamic andrevenue-producingorganization. Clarissa Rowe, Chair of the Board, also gavea report at the meeting. Ms. Rowe encouraged Boardmembers to read and contribute to HMI’s Strategic Plan.She also discussed the status of the Turner’s Falls and BakerChocolate Building projects (for details about the successfulcompletion of the Turner’s Falls project, please see article onp 4).

HMI would like to thank everyone who attended thepublic program and business meeting. Your participationhelped to make this year’s annual meeting a successful eventand a great way to begin the new year.

l to r: Cynthia Smith, BSLA Pres., CharlesBirnbaum, FASLA, Clarissa Rowe, HMI Chair,and James Igoe, HMI Exec. Dir.

Looking to Volunteer?

Historic Massachusetts is interested in having volun-teers assist with a variety of projects and activities.If you’re looking for a way to donate a few hours aweeks to a worthy group and have fun in the process,please contact Jim Igoe, Executive Director at617-723-3383 or email: [email protected].

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Everyone agreed it was a miracle.In March, 1998, Historic Massachusetts received a call:

the historic Crocker Building, an 1880 brick and granitecornerstone building in historic Turners Falls, was slated fordemolition. The previous June a fire damaged the building,destroying the roof and most of the third floor. Although atown engineer determined that the building was structurallysound, the structure’s long exposure to the elements posedhealth and safety hazards, and the local board of health hadnow condemned the building. Could HMI help save thiskey component of the National Register-listed downtown?

Working in partnership with the Franklin CountyRegional Housing and Redevelopment Authority(FCRHA), HMI agreed to receive title to the building andseek emergency Massachusetts Preservation Project Funds(MPPF) to stabilize the structure. FCRHA would developthe property in conjunction with the acquisition anddevelopment of the Cutlery Block, a neighboring complexof 19th century brick townhouses, to provide eight units ofbadly needed affordable housing for this Berkshire hillcommunity.

The transfer closed on June 30, 1998. As HMI soughtMPPF funding and the requisite regulatory approvals forthe structure, FCRHA arranged the necessary funding tocomplete the project using funds from the syndication ofaffordable housing tax credits from the MassachusettsDepartment of Housing and Community Development,and loans and grants from the Massachusetts HousingPartnership, Massachusetts Equity Fund, Property andCasualty Insurance Initiative, Massachusetts HousingInvestment Corporation, Community Economic Develop-ment Assistance Corporation, and other state and localsources. Studio One Architects, of Springfield, providedthe design for eight apartment units on the upper floors,and commercial space on the first floor, using state of theart materials while being respectful to the historic fabric and

important surviving features of the former bank building.A key element of the design would be to replace the toweron the northeastern corner of the building, a feature thatwas removed long before the fire but was important to thestreetscape of this “village of steeples”.

And then, on January 7, 2002, the miracle was com-pleted: the United States Fish and Wildlife Services, newlydesignated long-term tenants of the Crocker commercialspace, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate theiropening and new role as stewards of the historic building.The event showcased their offices, which preserve anoriginal fireplace and the vault, mahogany paneling, and tilefloors, as well as the long-shuttered corner entrance of thehistoric bank. The event also brought together federal andstate legislators, town officials, local merchants and gratefulresidents to celebrate this key element in the revitalizationof downtown Turners Falls.

The building is almost fully tenanted, and a subsequentcelebration will occur later in the spring when full occu-pancy is achieved.

Marilyn Fenollosa is the Senior Program Officer andRegional Attorney for the North East Regional Office of theNational Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Miracle” in Turners Fallsby Marilyn Fenollosa

Crocker Building, Turners Fall, MA before renovation.

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Ads Wanted!Starting with the Summer 2002 issue, Historic Massachusetts newsletters willshowcase paid advertisements for preservation-related businesses andservices.

Rates and conditions are as follows:

$100 for 1/8 page (business card size)

$140 for 1/6 page

$175 for 1/4 page

Payment for an advertisement must be made in full and enclosed with thead in the form of a check or money order. Please make checks payable toHistoric Massachusetts. Submitted ads should be camera-ready. If onlycopy is enclosed, layout and design costs for the ad are extra and will bebilled accordingly.

For more information, please contact us at:Historic MassachusettsOld City Hall, 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108tel. 617-723-3383, fax. 617-523-3782email: [email protected]


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This technical insert focuseson the issue of the retentionand restoration versus

replacement of wood windows inresidential buildings. The topic ofhistoric window preservation is sobroad and technical that HistoricMassachusetts thought it would bemore realistic and helpful to tackleone key aspect of this subject andprovide readers with solid, usefulinformation that can apply to theirown home projects, rather thantrying to take on the entire genreall at once. However, becausewindows are so vital to the charac-ter and fabric of all historic build-ings and because they are one ofthe most frequently replacedelements of a building, it is impor-tant to recognize that this issuedoes not end or begin with resi-dential wood windows.

Commercial, industrial, munici-pal and institutional buildings alsoface similar issues regarding theirhistoric windows, which encom-pass a variety of materials andtypes, including wood, steel,stained glass and plate glass—toname just a few. That being said,Historic Massachusetts encouragesits members who are interested inexploring this topic further torefer to the additional sources ofinformation referenced at the endof this article. In particular, weencourage you to contact theMassachusetts Historical Com-mission as they are currentlydoing a series of “Technical Assis-tance Tips” articles regardingwindows in their newsletter, thePreservation Advocate.

The Fall 2001 PreservationAdvocate article dealt with thehistoric window’s importantcontribution to a building’s distinctcharacter and authenticity andhow windows can be indicative of

a building’s age. In the Fall 2002issue, the MHC plans on exploringthese issues in greater depth. TheMHC can be contacted at (617)727-8470. Historic Massachusettswishes to thank Michael Cannizzo,Staff Architect of the BostonLandmarks Commission, who sogenerously allowed us to use thewealth of information he hascompiled about windows, as mostof the information contained inthis article was derived from those

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Practical information and strategies from Historic Massachusetts for preservationists

The Truth about Windows . . .By Sarah DiSano

F u n d a m e n t a l s : P r e s e r v a t i o n T o o l s Y o u C a n U s e

sources. Historic Massachusettswould also like to acknowledgeCara Metz, Executive Director, AnnLattinville, Director of Architec-tural Review, and Carol DiNinno,Preservation Consultant, of theMassachusetts Historical Commis-sion, for their willingness topartner with us on publicizing thisissue, in the hopes that our com-bined efforts will result in thisinformation reaching and inform-ing as many people, businessesand organizations as possible.

Image courtesy of Old-House Journal, 1000 Potomac St. NW,Ste. 102, Washington, D.C. 20007, www.oldhousejournal.com


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We live in an age when“new and improved” isthe catch phrase of a

consumer society. Records gaveway to tapes, which have sincegiven way to CDs. Computers arerendered obsolete shortly afterthey’re placed in stores. It is nosurprise then, in this climate ofcontinuous improvement andreplacement of everyday products,that the value of historic housewindows is a heated issue (no punintended!). Those who believethat old wood windows have littleor no worth will urge a home-owner to replace them as quicklyas possible with new andoftentimes expensive replacementwindows. Those who have experi-ence with window rehabilitationwill recommend that the home-owner save a tremendous amountof money and, in the process,retain as much of their historicfabric as possible, by retaining andrehabilitating their historicwindow sash. These conflictingpieces of advice can be dauntingto the preservation-mindedhomeowner who seeks a balancebetween maintaining the historiccharacter of their house, maximiz-ing energy efficiency, and notspending a lot of time or money toachieve this goal.

In this issue of “Fundamentals”Historic Massachusetts will dispelsome of the misconceptionsregarding wood windows inhistoric homes; and providereaders with straight forward factsand information that will helpthem evaluate their presentwindow situation. This article willalso present a number of appropri-ate solutions to common windowproblems, along with a list ofresources to consult for additionalinformation.

Because of issues like energyefficiency, lead paint, andthe maintenance require-

ments of the various mechanicalparts that make wood windowsfunction properly, old windows arethe most vulnerable architecturalcomponents of a historic house.Unfortunately, the replacement ofold windows, in many cases, is notonly unnecessary, but is an expen-sive endeavor for a homeowner,who may have been able toachieve the desired energy effi-ciency and operability by repairingthose old windows for less moneythan it would cost to replace them.

Oftentimes a homeowner doesnot realize that those old windowsare valuable and an investment intheir repair and maintenance overtime is usually worth more in thelong run than replacing them withnew windows. Why? To beginwith, old windows were usuallymilled from old-growth wood, andoften the most durable heartwoodportion of the log. This means theyare more dense in their cellularstructure than the wood milled foruse in windows today. In fact,according to a representative atWindowRepair.com, part of thereason window manufacturersceased making wood windows inthe traditional manner found onhistoric buildings is not becausethey developed a “new and im-proved” product, but because, inthe wake of rising material andlabor costs, the traditional windowbecame too expensive to produceas the standard type. To have a

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new window made that is identicalin quality and appearance to ahistoric window is beyond thebudget of the average homeownerand, in most cases, an unnecessaryexpense because well maintained,historic wood windows can last forcenturies. Furthermore, the nu-ances of an old window—the wavy,single pane glass, the molded woodmullions and the reflective patternsof a multi-paned sash are essentialcontributors to the design andcharacter of a house that are costlyand time-consuming features to tryand replicate through modernmeans.

The following areseveral commonmisconceptions aboutwood windowconditions, repair andreplacement:

• “Vinyl is Final” Some vinyl window manufac-

turers claim that vinyl replacementwindows are “virtually mainte-nance free” and provide thehomeowner with energy efficient,functional windows for years tocome. Theoretically, many prod-ucts will last for several years solong as nothing breaks or goeswrong. But what is the likelihoodthat NOTHING will ever break orcome loose or disintegrate in aproduct that is subject to seasonaltemperature fluctuations, noise

Old Windowsare Worth

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and traffic vibrations, sunlight,wind, opening and closing and soon? Many supposedly mainte-nance free replacement windowsare made of stock parts thatbecome outmoded within ten totwenty years. Repairing thecomplicated combinations ofsprings and other various plasticsuspension components (used inplace of the traditional rope andpulley system found in historicwindows) requires special trainingand replacement parts that areusually only available from thewindow manufacturer. Old woodwindows have an advantage in thefact that they can always berepaired and the tools and materi-als needed to repair them can befound in most hardware stores.

• “Old windows are draftyand force a homeownerto pay astronomical heat-ing bills.”When replacement window

companies claim that their prod-ucts provide a substantial energysavings in comparison with origi-nal windows, they may be rootingsuch assertions in a comparison ofthe efficiency of a replacementwindow versus an original,unrestored wood window with apoor quality storm window (or nostorm window at all). Yes, anywindow that is worn or loosefitting in its track, has deterioratedcaulking and loose sash joints, andis paired with a poor quality, leakystorm window or non-existentstorm window will allow largeamounts of cold air into a build-ing. However, according to win-dow restoration professionals andexperienced homeowners, arestored, tight-fitting, properlyfunctioning original wood windowpaired with a quality storm win-dow has the same R-value (theterm used to describe the resis-tance to heat conductivity) as adouble insulated replacementwindow.

• “Old windows often donot meet MassachusettsState Energy Codes.”

Yes, old windows often do notmeet State Energy Codes, but theyare not required to meet them.According to David Weitz, StaffLiaison to the Energy AdvisoryCommittee of the MassachusettsBoard of Building Regulations andStandards (BBRS), the Massachu-setts Energy Code contains a“blanket exemption” for normalrepairs to existing wood windows.This means that performing repairssuch as the replacement of brokenwindow glass, caulking andtightening joints, and replacementof worn or broken sash cords areexempt from having to meetenergy codes. Furthermore, if it isnecessary to replace a true divided,single glaze window and thehomeowner wishes to replace it in-kind, as in with a window that isidentical in terms of materials anddesign to the original, that win-dow does not have to meet energycodes, but it is required that it bepaired with an integral, exterior,or interior storm window. Formore information about the BBSRenergy codes, please refer to theircontact information in the Bibliog-raphy.

• “Old windows pose a leadpaint hazard and there-fore should be removedto comply with lead paintlaws.” Lead poisoning is a serious

issue. Young children are particu-larly susceptible to the harmfuleffects of lead poisoning, whichcan cause serious harm to thebrain, kidneys, nervous system andred blood cells. High levels of leadcan also cause health problems foradults in the form of high bloodpressure, headaches, memoryproblems, kidney damage, moodchanges, sleep problems andmuscle or joint pain. Homes built

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before 1978 may contain leadpaint. Lead is most hazardous indust form, therefore anythingdone to disturb potential leadpaint surfaces such as old windowsis cause for concern, but notnecessarily cause for despair.Historic features such as windowscan be retained without compro-mising the health of those wholive there, so long as properprecautions and safety measuresare taken. The MassachusettsDepartment of Public Health canprovide the owners of old houseswith information on lead poison-ing, inspections, and ways torenovate and maintain your homesafely. Please see the Bibliographysection for their contact informa-tion.

• “Old wood windows arehighly susceptible to rot.”Rot occurs less often in historic

wood windows than one mightexpect. Because of the quality ofcraftsmanship and materials, oldwindows are extremely durable,even when they’ve been neglectedfor a long period of time.Oftentimes a window may appearto have rot, but it’s actually justbadly weathered. To confirm thata window does have rot, test itwith a knife. If parts of thewindow do contain rot, in mostcases those deteriorated sectionscan be replaced by a skilled car-penter for significantly less moneythan it would cost to replace theentire window. To help avoidrecurrence of rot, inspect yourwindows for signs of water pen-etration and moisture problems.One of the common ways thatwater enters a window is throughcracked glass or deterioratedputty. A professional carpenter ora practiced homeowner canreglaze such windows. Thistreatment not only helps eliminatewater and moisture issues, but alsoimproves the energy efficiency andappearance of wood windows.


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Retrofitting Options

The following are additionalretrofitting and energy savingmeasures that can help increasethe thermal efficiency of bothwood windows and an old houseoverall. These recommendationsare adapted from the TechnicalPreservation Services Center (TPSC)Common Bond newsletter, Spring1988 issue. To receive a copy ofCommon Bond, please refer toTPSC’s contact information in theBibliography.

One of the most practicalmethods of making windowsenergy efficient is weather-stripping. Weather-stripping isinstalled around the edges of awindow frame and is made ofmetal, plastic, felt, foam, rubber orcloth. Depending on the type ofproduct, the weather-stripping canbe either hidden or visible. Theseproducts block air penetrationwhile still allowing the window tobe opened and closed. Some typesof weather-stripping can beinstalled by the homeowner, whileothers need to be installed by anexperienced professional.

Among the “hidden” optionsthat can be installed by the home-owner are spring metal and plasticstock. Spring metal is nailed intoposition along all four sides andthe meeting rail of the window.Plastic stock is less expensive thanspring metal, but is used in thesame manner. However, it isattached with pressure sensitiveadhesive as opposed to nails, andtherefore requires that the windowsurface be clean in order for theadhesive to establish a secure bond.

In terms of products thatrequire professional installation,


“Ask the Technical Preservation ServicesCenter”. Common Bond, TechnicalPreservation Services Center, Spring 1988,7-10. For an issue of Common Bond,please call 212-995-5260.

Hotton, Peter, “Handyman on Call:Combo window/storm versus replace-ment”. The Boston Globe, no date , H30.

________., “Replace Your Windows? It maynot be necessary”. The Boston SundayGlobe, 21 August 1988, B27.

Howley, Kathleen, “Renovators take painsto preserve old windowpanes”. TheBoston Globe, 16 September 1999, G1.

Liberty, David, “Think Twice Before GettingRid of Old Windows”. The Beacon HillPaper, 6 October 1998, 11.

McConkey, James, “Rotten Window Sills”.The Old House Journal, January 1980, 7.

McNeely, James, AIA, “Windows:Maintenance and Replacement”. TheBeacon Hill Paper, 20 October 1998, 9.

Meyers, John H., “Preservation Briefs: 9,The Repair of Historic Wooden Win-dows”. Washington, D.C. TechnicalPreservation Services, National ParkService, U.S. Department of the Interior,1981.

O’Donnell, Bill, “Troubleshooting OldWindows: What to do with neglected

double-hung windows”. The Old HouseJournal, February 1986, 16-23.

“Renovating Your Home Safely”. Massa-chusetts Department of Public Health,Childhood Lead Poisoning PreventionProgram (CLPPP), February 1998. Forinformation and a brochure, call 1-800-532-9571 or visit their website:www.state.ma.us/dph/clppp

Smith, Baird M., “Preservation Briefs: 3,Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings”.Washington, D.C. Heritage Conservationand Recreation Service, National ParkService, U.S. Department of the Interior,1978.

Spigelmyer, Richard “Historic Windows:Common Window Problems”. TraditionalBuilding, March/April 2000, 117-124.

For more information on energy codes,please contact: The Energy AdvisoryCommittee of the Massachusetts Board ofBuilding Regulations and Standards. OneAshburton Place, Room 1301, Boston, MA02108, (617) 727-7532. www.state.ma.us/bbrs.

“Windows”. The Old House Journal, April1982, entire issue.

www.windowrepair.com

Wise, Christopher T., AIA. “Saving Energy II:Storm Windows”. New Bedford Soundings,Fall 1985, 13-15.

Bibliography, Contact Information and Suggested Reading

one of the most effective and long-lasting types of weather-stripping isa shaped metal strip that is fittedto grooves in the sash. This is theleast visible form of weather-stripping, but it is also one of themost costly because grooves mustbe installed in the sides of the sashin order for it to be installed.

Among the visible forms ofinsulation, curtains and shadesoffer some of the most attractiveand oldest forms of conservingenergy. To be an effective insula-

tor, a curtain or shade must have atight seal at the bottom, top andsides of the window frame, whichcan be achieved by using weights,tacks, Velcro, magnetic fasteningstrips and high valences. Thecurtain or shade needs to becomposed of multiple layers oftightly woven fabric to providesufficient insulation. Most of thefabrics made today for use inenergy efficient curtains andshades have a fiberfill layer orlayer of reflective foil to improvetheir insulation qualities.

A portion of this information has been financed with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the MassachusettsHistorical Commission, William Francis Galvin, Chair. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department ofthe 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 handicapin its federally-assisted programs. To report discrimination or for information, write to Office of Equal Opportunity, Department of the Interior, 1849 C StreetNW, Room 1324 Washington, D.C. 20240

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9

Thank Yo

u

By Allyson Bowen

On Saturday night, March 2, 2002, a four-alarm firedestroyed the Depression-era ballroom at Whalom Park inLunenburg. When built in 1933, the ballroom boasted thelargest dance floor in New England, and for the next threedecades, it resonated with the sounds of the biggest bandsof the day from Bill Haley and the Comets to the DorseyBrothers. Nightly dances were last held there in thesummer of 1996.

The firefighters did an amazing job containing theblaze. They hosed down the Flyer Comet Roller Coaster,which is a short 25-feet from the ballroom, saving it fromcatching on fire. Trees literally within two feet of thestructure still stand uncharred, and a transformer hangs,gleaming white and untouched, on a charred pole contigu-ous to the ballroom. Only a single tree was lost.

The ballroom was one of the most significant historicstructures at the Park, but it wasn’t the whole Park. The

HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS’ 2001 • TEN MOST ENDANGERED RESOURCES UPDATE:

Whalom Park Ballroom Destroyed by Firefight to Save Whalom Park is still going strong. There are35 acres and 110 years of memories worth fighting for.Hopefully the loss of the ballroom will push people to actbefore we lose the rest ofWhalom to the same fate –literally or figuratively.

Allyson Bowen is theleader of SaveWhalom Park.If you would liketo find out moreabout the effortto Save WhalomPark, please logon to the websitewww.savewhalompark.com or call978-874-0544.

Historic Massachusetts approved two new Directors at itsAnnual Meeting in January. We are honored and excited tohave Anthony Consigli and Dick Lundgren on the Board—they are an invaluable addition to HMI.

Anthony Consigli is the president of Consigli Construc-tion Co. Inc. of Milford. Consigli Construction hasreceived several awards for preservation constructionprojects, including a 1998 Massachusetts Historical Com-mission (MHC) Preservation Award for the extensiveexterior restoration of the Samuel Phillips Hall at PhillipsAcademy in Andover; two 1999 MHC Preservation Awardsfor the renovation and reconstruction of four NationalRegister buildings at the MDC Blue Hill Observatory inMilton and the restoration and rebuilding of the OldChapel Tower at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst;and a 2001 MHC Preservation Award for the restoration ofthe Peabody Institute Library in Danvers.

Dick Lundgren is the senior vice president ofHunneman Commercial Company, and former vicepresident of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He is atrustee for The Trustees of Reservations and a member ofthe Board of Advisors of the Emerald Necklace Conser-vancy. City Boston. Dick is a member of several preserva-tion organizations, including the National Trust for His-

toric Preservation, Preservation Action, the Boston Preser-vation Alliance and, of course, Historic Massachusetts. Heis also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Societyand the Boston Athenaeum, and is listed in Marquis“Who’s Who in America” (2001) as a Real Estate Executive/City Planner.

Historic Massachusetts Welcomes Two New Directors!

James G. AlexanderJoan M. AngelosantoPeter J. AucellaLawrence C. BauerThomas F. BirminghamJohn K. BullardDouglas P. ButlerSusan McDaniel CeccacciDon Cecich & Gail FenskeBruce CohenDon CoreyDaniel F. Coughlin & Katherine

Flynn CoughlinEdward DwyerElizabeth B. FriedbergRobert H. Friedman, M.D.Joanne & Chuck GibsonAnne A. GradyBetsy Shure GrossCraig HalvorsonJohn D. Hamilton, Jr.Elizabeth T. Harling

William B. KingSam & Anna KnightArleyn & Newt LeveeBarbara LevyRichard J. LundgrenWaldo “Archie” LyonJudy MarklandWendy Nicholas DorseyMarion PressleyTom SchwartzPeter W. SmithFrederick A. Stahl, FAIAMarcia StarkeyLise & Myles StriarDavid & Christina SullivanVictor J. WalkerMr. & Mrs. Bradford WetherellClaudia Sauermann WuTobias YarmolinskyNancy YeawSally Zimmerman

Year End Gifts

Top: Historic photo of ballroom, Bottom: Theremains of the Ballroom the morning after itwas destroyed by fire. PHOTOS COURTESY OF

ALLYSON BOWEN


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Thank Yo

u

A current and possibly precedent-setting lawsuit inBoston should be of interest to many in the Massachusettspreservation community and more specifically to organiza-tions in the Commonwealth that use preservation restric-tions to protect historic properties. In 1958, the Society forthe Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA)accepted the donation of preservation restrictions on theThird Harrison Gray Otis House, located at 45 BeaconStreet in Boston, directly across from Boston Common anddown the street from the State House. 45 Beacon Street is aFederal brick house with an original attached stable, both ofwhich date to ca.1805, and is the third property to bedesigned by Charles Bulfinch for Otis, Boston’s third mayorand one of the primary real estate developers of BeaconHill. Bulfinch had earlier completed work on the nearbyState House, as well as two earlier houses for Otis, locatedat 141 Cambridge Street (SPNEA’s headquarters since1916; ca.1796) and 89 Mount Vernon Street (ca.1800/02).

The preservation restrictions granted to SPNEA in 1958protect all of the exterior architectural elements at the mainhouse, its rear ell, and the stable, in addition to ensuringthat certain interior architectural features and arrangementsof the main house were preserved as well. These restric-tions, which were granted just four years after the HistoricBeacon Hill District was established, also provide for publicaccess to the house’s interior, an activity which is monitoredby SPNEA as well.

For over forty years, SPNEA and the property’s owner,the American Meteorological Society (AMS), enjoyed anuneventful working relationship. SPNEA’s oversight of thebuilding ensured that original details remained intact and ingood repair, including the exterior architectural featuresfound at the original Charles Bulfinch stable, with its largecenter entry doors secured by original wrought iron straphinges. The stable at the Third Harrison Gray Otis Houseis not a rare survivor on Beacon Hill, but rather a uniqueone: there are no others known to exist from Beacon Hill’searliest years as a new residential neighborhood.

Seeing little use during the 20th century, the two-hundred year old mortise-and-tenon doors and hayloft wallremained in excellent condition. That is, until late last yearsummer, when during a major interior rehabilitation of thestable to accommodate more offices, the property ownerremoved the well-preserved original doors as well as all ofthe surrounding structural framework and the semi-circularhayloft wall. Prior to the removal of these features, SPNEA

Potential Precedent-Setting Lawsuit in Boston over Beacon Hill PropertyBy Shantia Anderheggen

had confirmed both the high degree of significance andintegrity of this building fabric. Because SPNEA had notgranted approval for the removal or alteration of theseexterior architectural elements, and as the holder of preser-vation restrictions that were granted to ensure the preserva-tion of character-defining architectural features, SPNEAwas left no option but to ask the Land Court of the Com-monwealth of Massachusetts to find the owner in violationof the 1958 agreement and compel the return of the stable’soriginal and intact doors. There is little precedent in theCommonwealth regarding violations of preservationrestrictions, which constitute interests in real property. Theoutcome of this case could be important to those preservinghistoric properties through the use of preservation restric-tions that were drafted prior to legislation enabling preser-vation restrictions, in the earliest days of the legal efforts topreserve historic properties using what has since become acommonplace mechanism of preservation.

For more information about SPNEA’s commitment toenforce its preservation restrictions, or about this specific courtcase, please contact Shantia Anderheggen, SPNEA’s Director ofStewardship, at [email protected] or (781) 891-4882ext.225.

Mr. & Mrs. Charlton H. AmesBarbara BashevkinPatricia BeckettNancy L. BradburyJanice BrocklehurstLisa BurchamRichard M. CandeeSarah CarothersMaurice F. Childs, FAIA/Childs

Bertman TseckaresAnthony Consigli/Consigli

Construction Co. Inc.Mary Campbell Cooper & James

Nicoll CooperElsa N. FitzgeraldRuth GeoffroyPhebe S. GoodmanEdward W. GordonJohn K. GrondalskiAllen F. JohnsonAudrey Klein-Leach & David LeachArthur KrimPauline LombardiMartha H. Lyon, ASLA

Michael MaddiganDee MannMarlborough Historical CommissionPaul Martini/A.J. Martini, Inc.Joseph MassikOtile McManusHeli MeltsnerCara & John MetzMiddleborough Historical

CommissionWendy Nicholas/National Trust for

Historic PreservationR. Swinton Oatman, R.A.Timothy T. OrwigAntonia PollakMarion PressleyClarissa RoweGretchen G. SchulerJill ShielAntone G. Souza, Jr./Waterfront

Historic Area LeagueTofias, P.C.Sandy Schaefer UngVentfort Hall Association, Inc.

New and Renewed MembershipsJanuary 1 to March 1, 2002


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HISTORICMASSACHUSETTS!Our strength lies inthe working partner-ship we have forgedwith people through-out Massachusetts.We welcome allpeople and organiza-tions who care aboutthe preservation ofour historic andcultural resources.Our goal is toencourage theweaving of theseresources into thesocial and economicfabric of Massachu-setts life in this newcentury.

Join Please indicate your choice ofMembership Category.❏ Preservation Leader: $2500 or more ❏ Sponsor: $250 or more

❏ Donor: $100 or more

❏ Family / Organization: $50 or more ❏ Individual: $35❏ 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. Membershipcontributions are fully tax deductible.

04/2002

PRESERVATION and PEOPLE is a membership benefit of Historic Massachusetts.For additional membership information please call 617-723-3383. Historic Massa-chusetts can also be reached over the Internet. Check our website address for e-mailaddresses, information and upcoming events: www.historicmass.org

This could be your last issueof Preservation & People!

In an effort to better serve commu-nities and individuals throughout theCommonwealth, Historic Massachu-setts is instituting a policy of mailingour newsletter to members only.Having Preservation & People arrive inyour mailbox is a membership benefit,however there are many individualsand organizations who receive ournewsletter even though they are notcurrently members. Unfortunately, thesubstantial costs involved in producingand mailing our newsletter mean thatwe can no longer subsidize the distri-bution of copies to non-members.Starting with the Summer 2002 issue,Preservation & People will no longerbe mailed to non-members of HMI.

We don’t want to lose you! We hopethat the information you get out of thisnewsletter is valuable to you in your lifeand work and, if you are not currently amember, you will consider joining HMIso you may continue to benefit from thenewsletter and our other programs andactivities. Please complete the member-ship application and send it in today!We wouldn’t want you to miss out onany exciting news and information stillto come!If you have any questions or would likemore information about HMI, pleasecontact us at 617-723-3383.

PILLAR HOUSE STRUCTURE FOR SALE (To be MOVED)Newton, Massachusetts Sealed Bid

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS:Technical proposals for the purchase, removal

and preservation of the historic PILLAR HOUSEstructure, at the junction of Route 128 and Route16, in Newton, Massachusetts, will be received byMassHighway, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, Room 5441until 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 28, 2002, and readaloud immediately thereafter. To qualify, allinterested parties must attend an open house onTuesday, April 23, 2002 between the hours of 11:00AM and 2:00 PM to inspect the property. Technicalproposals must include a moving plan and

schedule, and a plan for preserving the historic portions of the structure in its new location.A list of historically significant features that must be included in the proposal will beprovided at the open house.

Sealed bids must be submitted on Right of Way Forms: 042, 610, 612. THE DEPARTMENTRESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS. A CERTIFIED CHECK, CASHIER’S CHECKOR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO: Mass Highway for 10% of the bid amount or$100.00, whichever is greater, must accompany the sealed bid.

BIDDERS ARE CAUTIONED TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ENSURE THAT BIDS WILL BERECEIVED BEFORE THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED.

It is the responsibility of the bidders to determine if local and state authorities will granta permit to move the structure to the bidder’s new location. Sealed bid forms will beavailable on this date or by contacting the Massachusetts Highway Department, Right ofWay Bureau, 10 Park Plaza, Room 6160, Boston, MA 02116-3973 or by calling Frank Vallarelliat 617-973-8406.

John Cogliano, Acting Commissioner

Do you have an ENDANGEREDhistoric property for sale in

Massachusetts?In a continual effort to partner with thepreservation community across Massachu-setts, Historic Massachusetts is nowaccepting advertisements for ENDAN-GERED historic properties that must besold (and in some last resort cases, moved)in order to be saved. For information onhow to place an Endangered HistoricProperty sale advertisement in ournewsletter, please contact us at:Historic Massachusetts, Old City Hall45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108tel. 617-723-3383 fax. 617-523-3782

email: [email protected]

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Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University,125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA.

Tuesday, April 23, 2002, 7:00-9:30 PMLecture on Horace W.S. Cleveland by Daniel J. Nadenicek &Lance Neckar

Wednesday, May 8, 2002, 12:15-1:15 PM“Rebuilding Community in the Age of Sprawl” a talk byCarter WilkieEvents are free, but advance registration is requested. For moreinformation, call 617-524-1718 x. 175 or email:[email protected]

Preservation Worcester,10 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA.

Sunday, May 5, 2002 12:00-5:00 PM.Tour of Gracious Homes

Saturday, June 8, 2002All America City Bus Tour Kick-Off Event

Thursday, June 27, 2002 5:00-7:00 PM.Summer on the Porch, Member EventFor more information, call 508-754-8760 or visit their website:www.preservationworcester.org

HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTSOld City Hall, 45 School StreetBoston, MA 02108617-723-3383 • Fax 617-523-3782 www.historicmass.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOSTON, MA

PERMIT NO. 52216

MARK YOURCALENDAR!

Auction, Boston Preservation AllianceWednesday, May 1, 2002For more information, contact the Boston Preservation Alliance at617-367-2458 or visit their website at www.bostonpreservation.org

Historic Massachusetts Preservation AwardsDinner

Wednesday, May 8, 2002, Reception at6:00 PM, Dinner at 7:30 PMGrand Ballroom, Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MACorporate Friend ($1,500) Reserved dinner table for tenIndividual Friend ($150) Reserved dinner ticket for oneAdditional Contributions at Benefactor ($500) or Patron ($250)level are welcome.For more information, please contact Historic Massachusetts at617-723-3383

National Preservation WeekSunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18th

The Lenox Garden ClubSaturday, July 13, 200212th annual Tour of Gardens and Houses in southern BerkshireCounty. For more information, contact Mary Howard at413-232-0202 or email: [email protected].

Historic Massachusetts, Ten Most EndangeredAnnouncement Event

Fall, 2002Date, time and location to be announced

Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Spring 2002

Documents

Transcript of Preservation & People (PM Newsletter), Spring 2002