1992 Historical Commission minutesCity of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
FAX (413) 586 -3726
• Community and Economic Development S
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
• Northampton Parking Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
DATE: January 6, 1992
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council Chambers, Municipal Offices
O
AGENDA
1. December minutes
2. Chair Report
3. Budget Committee Report (Bloomberg)
4. Preservation /Restoration awards
- Nominations
- The Gazette Feature
5. Goals and Objectives (as revised at December meeting)
CITY HALL
- NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 6, 1992
Minutes of meeting
Present were: C. Clark, G. Clark, Kiteley, Lockwood, Metcalfe,
Murdock, Parker, Quesnell
Ex Officio: Patlove
Absent: Bloomberg (excused), Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
1. Minutes of the December 9, 1991 meeting were approved as
submitted.
O 2. Chair Report
a- NHC will continue to meet on the first Monday of the
month (February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July
6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 avid
December 7).
b. According to a letter received from the Elk's Lodge, its
sign needs painting and re lettering. NHC budget might
be able to subsidize its restoration. Perhaps
calligrapher, Patte Shaughnessy could undertake the
project. A list of the 24 buildings that received
plaques for the downtown walking tour in 1986 was then
distributed..
C. Gordon Clark's letter to the Trustees of Look Park
strongly emphasized the importance of keeping open the
swimming pool. He noted that several other very popular
park attractions have already disappeared. The poor, he
said, is a landmark to Northampton natives and visitors
alike. Moreover, it is a symbol of the park and all that
it has to offer. Therefore, every effort should be made
to save it. Members unanimously approved sending the
letter.
A
1.
d. Budget Committee Report
Bloomberg's Budget Committee Report (dated January 1992)
presented item funding recommendations for fiscal 1992-
93. Members discussed them and these additional
concerns:
a. The possibility of adding unspent 1991 -92 funds to
the 1992 -93 budget request.
b. Current funding priorities:
(1) Preservation awards ceremony festivities and
reprinting of certificates if necessary.
(2) More House Dating brochures.
(3) Copies of Northampton State Hospital Inventory.
(4) Copies of City Building Inventory.
C. Other projects to be funded, perhaps, later:
(1) Microfilming of important local resources.
(2) Coordinating local resources.
(3) Possible binding of maps.
Murdock reported that Feeley would be happy to
inform NHC about microfilming and other projects
already completed or in progress. Quesnell will
make arrangements for Feeley's presentation.
Regarding the map binding issue, C. Clark sees no
great value in them because they are just work
sheets and also incomplete. NHC, he said, should
not spend a lot of money reproducing them.
In Clark's view, the real problem is to get the
really important resources away from city
departments and to relocate them where people will
realize their significance and care correctly for
them. Members voted to consult with Bisaillon and
Feeley about the possibility of placing said
resources in Forbes Library (perhaps later in its
proposed Northampton Room).
d. Presenting the budget
Kim, Director of OPD, wants to submit NHC Budget as
part of OPD's budget. Although Parker stated that
Kim did well for NHC last year, some members feared
that incorporation with OPD 's budget might reduce
NHC's allotment. NHC will submit its budget to OPD
and NHC chairperson will present a verbal defense
of it.
2
i
Quesnell and /or Bloomberg will allot funds
according to NHC's budget priorities, rewrite the
budget and submit it.
4. Preservation/ Restoration Awards (Historic Preservation Week is
second week in May (May 10 -16).
a. Additional nominations (see "Minutes" December 9, 1991 #4
for others).
(1)
Citizen's Award: owner of Joe's Cafe --
for
"leaving the place alone" in Lockwood's words.
Its owner has preserved the murals of
James
Waldron as well as old college banners
thus
helping to preserve the history
and
"atmosphere" of another time.
(2)
Smith College small strip garden near the boat
house.
(3)
Look Park: restoration of the flagpole
area.
"Pines Theatre" stage (and possible
the
swimming pool ?).
b. Daily Hampshire Gazette feature on Preservation and
Restoration awards. Quesnell announced that Robert
Simpson will do this assignment.
C. Metcalfe will coordinate plans for Historic Preservation
Week. Murdock offered to assist him.
d. Parker distributed an article, "Standard Deviation" (Jane
Brown Gillette) from Historic Preservation J/F 1992. It
concerns some problems and successes of historic home
rehabilitation and includes the Secretary of the
Interior's standards for rehabilitation.
5. Goals and Objectives for the NHC 1992 (revised)
Carried over to February 3, 1992 meeting.
6. Other Business
In Quesnell lIs absence (February and March) , Parker will chair
NHC meetings. Lockwood and Patlove will assist her as
necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary- Elizabeth Murdock
3
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
for the
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
1992
Overall Goal: To preserve and maintain the City's unique
architectural and historical resources. To promote the
preservation, restoration and adaptive re -use of historically
and culturally significant structures, districts and landscapes
in the City.
* Goal A: Inventory historic resources
Objectives:
1. Evaluate item by item our present building inventory,
the inventory of the Bridge Street cemetery, of the Northampton
Mental Hospital buildings, the list of scenic roads and
bridges, and our survey of archeological sites. Rank every item
within them according to National Register criteria. [Copy
appended.]
2. Complete and update the inventories as needed. Remove
sites and buildings destroyed since original surveys. Note
changes in ownership and any substantial recent modifications.
3. Compile further inventories of parks, historical open
spaces, streetscapes and evaluate, item by item.
4. Make the building survey maps more useful by color -
coding according to the seven time periods used in
Massachusetts classification. Show concentrations of growth
from different eras. Apply the same method to all historical
resources.
5. Establish repositories for the inventories: City
Hall, Forbes Library, Historic Northampton, Northampton High
School, Smith College Library.
* Goal B: Provide community education and.increase public
awareness.
Objectives:
1. Continue and expand the House - Dating Program. Set
specific goals for publicly displayed dates: -the pre -1800
houses; later buildings already placarded; other most highly
evaluated 1800 -1900 buildings.
2. Continue the program of Annual Preservation Week.
Awards for Preservation /Restoration, emphasizing the public
nomination process.
3. Encourage and coordinate other observances of
Preservation Week and Historic Month; for example, with
Historic Northanmpton, with the primary and secondary schools,
with the newspapers.
(more)
I
12/16/91
NHC
4. Encourage and coordinate educational projects that
foster appreciation of local historical resources: walking
tours, school curricula, signs and markers for places of
historic importance, educational displays in school and public
buildings.
5. Encourage and coordinate the preparation of maps of
all significant historical resources (except archeological) for
use by City Boards and by the public. Maintain records of their
location, and check regularly on their availability.
* Goal C: Expand and reinforce the role of the Historical
Commission in City government
Objectives:
1. On the basis of the evaluations (Goal A) set
priorities for sites and districts designated for preservation.
Make these priorities known to the City Council, City Boards
(especially the Building Inspector's office), and to the
public.
2. In Historical Commission membership, strive for
representation from diverse sectors of the community.
3. Prepare an annual report on the work of the
Commission and on the status of.preservation in Northampton.
* Goal D: Preserve historic materials
Objectives:
1. Encourage and coordinate the maintaining and
expanding of the City's historical collections. Have
information gathered which can make possible a single guide to
all that is presently in the collections at Historic
Northampton, the Florence Civic Center /Historical Society,
Forbes Library (including the Coolidge collection).
2. Encourage and coordinate the collecting and compiling
of oral histories by the Council on Aging, the schools,
Historic Northampton and others.
* Goal E: Use growth policy and planning as a tool to
prevent irreversible damage to the City's heritage
Objectives:
1. Promote understanding and support for an eventual
Local Historic District Ordinance.
2. Draft some norms for demolition delay, tailored to
the local situation, and promote understanding and support for
some such possibility of community rescue operations.
3. Promote support for designation of some local scenic
roads.
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
FEBRUARY MEETING
Date: February 3, 1992
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers
A G E N D A
1. January Minutes
2. Report of the Interim Chairperson
3. Preservation /Restoration Awards
4. New Business
Laura M. Patlove
Community Development Planner
LMP /mm
1/23/92
r
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office Manning
OS
of and Development
City Mail • 210 Main Street
��
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
FAX (413) 586 -3726
x
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
• Northampton Parking Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
FEBRUARY MEETING
Date: February 3, 1992
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers
A G E N D A
1. January Minutes
2. Report of the Interim Chairperson
3. Preservation /Restoration Awards
4. New Business
Laura M. Patlove
Community Development Planner
LMP /mm
1/23/92
CITY HALL
- - NORTH PTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
February 3, 1992
MINUTES OF MEETING
Present: Bloomberg, C. Clark, G. Clark, Lockwood, Metcalfe,
Murdock, Parker
Ex Officio: Patlove
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Kiteley, Lincoln (adjunct), Quesnell
(on leave)
AGENDA
1. January Minutes: Approved as presented.
2. Report of the Interim Chairperson (Parker):
0 a. Parker distributed copies of a letter from Look Park
Superintendent, Brian R. Elliott, in response to G.
Clark's letter regarding the possible closing of the
park's swimming pool. In Elliott's view, the problem
is a complex one for a host of reasons which he offered
to discuss at a NHC meeting. NHC members decided to
"leave the issue alone for now ".
b. Parker asked C. Clark and Metcalfe to evaluate the
contents of another letter concerning the proposed
repairs of the Clement Street Bridge. Clark and
Metcalfe discussed plans to replace some structural
elements of the bridge, but they did not object to the
general scheme for its renovation. However, the NHC
might reconsider this subject at a later meeting.
c. Parker announced that the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission will sponsor a training session for historical
commissions. The date is Tuesday, February 4, 1992 in
West Springfield. Topics will include issues such as an
historical commission's role in local government, its
relationship to other agencies and preservation tech-
niques. PVPC urges representatives to attend the meeting.
-2-
/ -) 3. Preservation /Restoration Awards:
During Historic Preservation Week, NHC will have its Award
Ceremony Day. The date is Thursday, May 14, 1992.
Issues discussed:
a. The importance of having Mayor Mary Ford attend. Patlove
will try to get the date on Mayor Ford's calendar.
b. Location: Historic Northampton if possible. Other
possibilities? Patlove will investigate and report to
Metcalfe.
C. Caterer: Chester Bowles (The Depot)? Dan Yacuzzo
(Eastside Grill)? Others?
d. Publicity: Metcalfe will invite Stanley Moulton to write
an article describing this annual event and requesting
additional nominations for awards.
e. Current nominations:
Properties
1. Restored facade of the Ann August Building
0 2. The Masters Building at the corner of Pearl and
Main Streets
3. The house at the corner of Gothic and Trumbull
4. The new apartment building on Maple Street in
Florence (for compatibility with the existing
neighborhood)
5. Smith College small strip garden near the boat
house
6. Look Park: restoration of the flagpole area,
"Pines Theatre" stage -- and possibly, the
swimming pool
7. The house at the corner of Elm and Franklin Streets
8. The railroad bridge mural, Chairman of the Arts
Council, Bob Silman, would accept the award.
Bloomberg stated that artist, Leland Johnston,
should also be included.
Citizen's Awards
1. The Historic District Study Committee
2. The Honor Court -- for its work in maintaining the
Downtown area, Florence Center and the city owned
parks
3. Councilor Ray LaBarge
4. Diane Welter
5. Richard Garvey
6. Eleanor Lincoln
7. The owner of Joe's Cafe -- for preserving its James
Waldron murals and the atmosphere of another time.
I
� -3-
1 �
The closing date for additional nominations is Monday,
April 6, 1992. Final decisions are made on NHC members
agreement that selections are "worthy ".
4. New Business:
a. Budget FY 1993: OPD proposes a total budget of $375.00
for NHC (FY 1992 budget was $500.00, all of which will
be spent by June 30, 1992). OPD will submit our budget,
but NHC Chairperson (or other) will present verbal
commentaries. Monday, March 9, 1992, 8:00 p.m. is the
Budget Meeting date. (place not announced)
b. NHC dismissed a suggestion to establish an "Emeritus (a)"
category for outstanding retired commission members.
C. Patlove announced that she has submitted Bloomberg's
nomination as a regular NHC member to Mayor Ford. Patlove
also awaits word from calligrapher, Patte Shaughnessy,
about restoring the Elk's Lodge plaque. The Elks will
subsidize this project.
d. Lockwood is concerned about the redecorating /restoration
projects underway in Memorial Hall. The bronze plaques in
particular may be endangered. Some guidance and technical
assistance might be helpful. Patlove will make some
inquiries about Memorial Hall plans and progress.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary- Elizabeth Murdock
i
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON _HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Monday, March 2, 1992
TIME: 4:15 P.M.
PLACE: Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal Building,
212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
A G E N D A
2.
3.
4.
5.
Approval of Minutes
Committee on Committees
Sign Ordinance
Awards Ceremony
Other Business
Laura M. Patlove
Community Development Planner
h'
l r
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
March 2, 1992
MINUTES OF MEETING
Present:
Ex Officio:
Bloomberg, C. Clark, Kiteley, Metcalfe, Murdock,
Parker
Patlove (absent)
Absent: Feeley (adjunct) , G. Clark, Lincoln (adjunct) ,
Lockwood, Quesnell (on leave)
AGENDA
1. February Minutes: Approved as presented.
2. Committee on Committees:
Parker stated that Bloomberg's elevation to regular
voting member status is still in a "log jam ". In an
C effort to determine how City committees operate, Mayor
Ford formed a Committee on Committees in February. This
committee will try to determine precisely how all
committees work, screen nominations for these committees
and then make recommendations to Mayor Ford. Mayor Ford
wants to have all categories of City citizens represented
whenever possible e.g. minorities, women, diverse ages
and occupation etc. Moreover, the COC will review
sitting members when their commissions expire.
With regard to Bloomberg's status, Chairperson Quesnell
has authorized her to vote now because NHC members voted
to promote her in February.
3. sign Ordinance:
Northampton's current Sign Ordinance permits store signs
just over entrance doors. Some merchants, however, want
a less restrictive Ordinance that will allow them to
place signs anywhere on their store fronts. Parker, C.
Clark and Metcalfe in particular strongly favor
maintaining the present regulations. As Metcalfe put it,
"the easiest way to destroy an environment is to have a
loose Sign ordinance". On Monday, March 9, 1992, the
Ordinance Committee will discuss the sign issue; the City
Council will vote on it on Thursday, April 2, 1992.
Parker urged NHC members to make their views known.
CITY HALL
- NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL- COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
Monday, April 6, 1992
4:15 P.M.
City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
A G E N D A
1. Minutes Approval
2. Voting on Awards
3. New Business
Laura M. Patlove'
Community Development Planner
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL _COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING, APRIL 6 1992
Present: Bloomberg, C. Clark, G. Clark, Lockwood, Parker,,,. Kitely
Ex- Officio: Patlove
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Metcalfe, Lincoln (adjunct), Quesnell
AGENDA
1. February minutes: approved as accepted.
2. Voting on awards:
Parker listed the following nominations for awards:
✓- Ann,August facade
Masters Building
75 Gothic St.
'= 41 Maple St.'
Smith College Strip Garden
�- Look Park Pines Theater and Flag Pole area
219 Elm St.
✓- Railroad Bridge
70- Massasoit St.
244'Prospect St.
12 and -15 Forbes Ave.
corner of -West Farms and Westhampton Rd.
Members present voted yes for all except 75 Gothic St. and West
Farms Rd. It was decided that members needed to look at the
following before voting on them: 70 Massasoit St., 12 and 15 Forbes
Avenue. Members are to call Mary Parker with their votes on these
properties. The date of the award ceremony is not clear. Mary
will phone Tris Metcalfe to get this information.
Bloomberg inquired about there was concern about the number of
awards given each year. Parker responded by stating that there
will be between 10 and 12 awards and that is a good number.
The following are the nominations for the citizen awards:
3"
7 _
- Historic District Study Committee
ommittee -
- Honor Court
Ray LaBarge !�
Diane Welter ✓
Dick Garvey
- Eleanor Lincoln-
- Joe's Cafe ✓/
Members voted yes to all the citizen nominations.
The following assignments were made to research and present the
awards:
Metcalfe: Ann August, Masters Building
Lockwood: Smith College Strip Garden, Diane Welter, Eleanor
Linco n, Joe's Cafe
l
Kite 41 Maple St., 244 Prospect St.
G. Clark: Look Park
Parker: 219 Elm St.
Bloomberg: Railroad Bridge
Quesnell: 12 Forbes Ave., 70 Massasoit St., Dick Garvey
Murdock: 15 Forbes Ave., Historic District Study Committee
C. Clark:` Honor Court, Ray Labarge
There was some discussion about the Parking Garage and whether or
O not it has received an award. Parker suggested that members think
about it for next year.
The meeting adjourned at 5:10 pm.
i
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL - COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date: Monday, May 4, 1992
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
A G E N D A
1. Minutes Approval
O 2. Discussion of Awards Ceremony
3. Other Business
Laura M. Patlo e
Community Development Planner
1
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COM M I SS I ON
May 4, 1992
MINUTES OF MEETING
Present: C. Clark, G. Clark, Kiteley, Lockwood, Metcalfe,
Murdock, Parker, Quesnell
Ex Officio: Patlove
Absent: Bloomberg, Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
1. April Minutes: approved as presented.
2. Discussion of Awards Ceremony
a. The Hotel Northampton will host the Northampton
Historical Commission's Awards Ceremony on Monday,
11 May. Festivities begin at 2:00 p.m., Award
presentations start at 2:30 p.m. Presenters
should strive to make comments interesting,
informative, and BRIEF.
Parker volunteered to photograph and provide 4X6
photographs of award winners. Metcalfe will send
a press release describing the importance of the
occasion to Daily Hampshire Gazette Quesnell will
give opening commentaries. Mayor Mary Ford will
read a Proclamation emphasizing the significance
of National Historical Preservation Week and
Northampton's own achievements in preserving its
history.
b. NHC members approved these awards:
Restoration- -Guild Arts Center, 102 Main St.
(William R. S. Muller)
Restoration of Facade- -Ann August, 108 Main St.
(Jeff Lipston)
Creative Reuse /Renovation -- Masters Building, 4
,' Main St. (Tom Masters)
2
Construction Compatible with Neighborhood - -41
Maple St., Florence, (Harold Fitzgerald)
Decorative Design- -Strip Garden near Smith College
Boat House (Richard H. Munson)
Preservation -- Flagpole and Pines Theater at Look
Park (Brian Elliott)
Decorative Design -- Railroad Bridge Mural
(Northampton Arts Council)
Restoration - -219 Elm Street Home (Karl Knapp)
Restoration - -244 Prospect Street Home (Robert
Paynter and Linda Morley)
Restoration - -15 Forbes Avenue Home (Herbert and
Marci Gintis)
Restoration- -60 -62 Market Street Home (Gary J.
Cadette)
Citizen Awards (for outstanding contributions to
historic preservation
Historic District Study Committee
Northampton Honor Court
Ward 7 Councillor Raymond W. LaBarge
Diane Welter
Richard Garvey
Eleanor Lincoln
Geray Ramville and John Sullivan
3. Other Business
a. A letter from (Historic Northampton) announced a
new grant of 1000 dollars to further its
conservation efforts. Since NHC sent Historic
Northampton a letter in support of the grant
application, NHC members are cordially invited to
observe conservation efforts there.
b. In a letter to Patlove, the Massachusetts
Historical Commission does not favor using
aluminum siding on historic buildings. In its .
view, siding "compromises the integrity of the
building"
C. At a February 5th, 1992 meeting, Mayor Ford
requested a statement about what NHC does. Parker
compiled a booklet containing "everything that one
3
should know about the Commission and its work"
d. Members then discussed whether Mayor Ford should
require new members to take the UMASS course
designed for members of historical commissions.
Parker stated that the Pioneer Valley Commission
is prepared to offer such a course at regular NHC
meetings. Members favored this approach.
e. Quesnell announced that his new research grant
requiring overseas travel probably would mandate
his resignation as chairman of NHC. After
assurances that some members would substitute for
him when necessary, Quesnell reconsidered his
decision.
f. The next meeting is on Monday, 1 June. Time and
place to be announced.
Respectfully submitted,
�� Mag Elizabeth Murdock
CITY HALL
i
NORTHAMPTON PT'ON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date: Monday, June 1, 1992
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
A G E N D A
1. Review Awards Ceremony
2. Orientation with Greg Farmer
3. Discussion of relationship with Historic Northampton
4. Membership status
5. Other Business
f
La r M. Patlove
Community Development Planner
,_ i
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
June 1, 1992
MINUTES OF MEETING '
Present: Bloomberg, C. Clark, G, Clark;; Kiteley, Lockwood
Metcalfe, Tlurd.ockp Parker
Ex Officio: Patlove
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct), Quesnell
AGENDA
1, May Minutes: approved with two corrections.relating to
Northampton Historical Commission award presentations
on Monday 11 May
a. Restoration of the facade of the Ann August
Building 102 and 108 Main Street.(owners:
William, R.S, Mullen and Jeff Lipston)
be Doe . orative Design: Railroad Bridge Mural
(Northampton. Arts Council and Leland Johnson)
2.1 Review of the Awards Ceremony:
Parker and Patl.ove regretted that factual errors in
two of the citations engendered some criticisms of an
otherwise successful occasion. Hereafter, meticulous
scrutiny of citation texts will eliminate such problems, j
Orientation with Greg Farmer:
This event probably will be rescheduled. Important
topics to be addressed include an overview of an j
historical commission within a municipality as well as
its relationships with other city boards.
L�. Discussion of NHC's relationship with "Historic Northampton!':
Parker remarked that "Historic Northampton" is in "a great
state of flux" and that it is launching a Capital Campaign.
She urged.all.of NHCts members to reach out to ' 'Historic
Northampton" "and to try to attend its events.,
5. Membership Status: L
Bloomberg, once again, raised the question of "what a
new member is -- or will be? Although NHC members voted
to elevate Bloomberg to voting member status months ago,
the matter is still Parker stated that Mayor
Fords new Committee on Committes is studying such issues
and that COC may decide to add up to seven (7) new members
to the NHC.
6. Other Business:
a. Parker announced that the Bay State Historical League
will have a program on the Civil War at the Isaac
Royall House in Medford, MA on Saturday 20 June 1992,
b. Parker believes that NHC members should elect .a new
A
f n
2of2
chairperson because Quesnell has a research ..grant
that has taken him to Europe for an extended period
�J
of time.
e. NHC members voted to cancel meetings in July and
August. C Clark said that further discussions
should wait until NHC is re- establ,ihhed with Its
new members. Parker replied that even if there are
no sunnier meetings, a lot of matters would need
attention. In response to this comment, Metcalfe
agreed to check NHC summer mail and to handle matters
pertaining to buildings, road. etc..
d. Concerns about the status of`OPD prompted comments
about its mandate and personnel, NHC members believe,
for example that issues such as the disposition of
Northampton State Hospital property are of critical
importance to Northampton's future.
e Because NHC to remain '`relevant" during the
budget crunch, some ideas emerged. Kteley, for
example, favors introducing house dating techniques
in Social Studies - classes. She stated that NHC
volunteer, Ellen Weiss, would be a good.person to
promote this project. Moreover, Kiteiey suggested
that city councilors might visit classes to involve
,,,students in discussions about the city. -- its priori, -
4.ties, problems and future.
f. Yudin received a letter from Allen Johnson (Preserva-
tion Planner for the Massachusetts Historical. Commision)
stating that 16 Forth Maple Street in Florence is not
eligible for rehabilitation. C. Clark stated that it
is indeed an historic site.,
g. Yudin leaves her OPD position on 30 June, 19920
The next meeting. of NHC is on Monday 14 September, 1992. Time
and place to be announced;* .
Respectfully submitted,
1 �r - &- -aGfil 214 ,e i
Mary - Elizabeth: Murdock
i
- NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL__ COMMISSION
CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date: September 14, 1992
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: City Council Chambers, Wallace J'. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Minutes
2. Chair Report. Membership review.
3. The Look Park Pool: reports and proposals from M. Parker and
C. Clark.
4. Report on Planning Board efforts toward preservation in the
State Hospital complex. Further cooperative proposals. Wayne
Feiden.
5. 1992 progress toward goals:
PLEASE BRING TO THE MEETING:.
YOUR COPY OF THE BOOKLET:
"HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN"
(gray- covers, spiral bound; January 1992, from the "City
of Northampton Office of Planning and Development and the
Northampton Historical Commission ".)
r
Quentin Quesnell v
Chairman
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
Present: C. Clark, G. Clark, Lockwood, Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker,
Quesnell
Absent: Bloomberg (excused) , Feeley (adjunct) , Kiteley, Lincoln
(adjunct)
AGENDA
1. Minutes: The June 1st Minutes were approved as presented.
2. Chair Report. Membership Review.
a. Status of Bloomberg's appointment:
Lockwood, Murdock, Parker and Quesnell were concerned
that Bloomberg is still not officially a regular voting
member. Parker and Quesnell, however, have received
verbal assurances that Bloomberg's nomination is
"definitely approved" -- but there is a "red tape" delay.
NHC will continue to monitor this situation.
b. Now that a museum tenant plans to move into the Round
House, owner Robert Curran sought NHC support against
having to install two new ugly steel doors. Metcalfe
stated that Curran can install B Level doors with a wood
veneer to comply with the existing building code.
Metcalfe also remarked that four new doors should be
installed -- and that the building has other code
violations as well. Northampton's new code inspector is
reading the code much more carefully these days according
to Metcalfe.
C. Quesnell commented that Donna Graham (OPD) has discovered
some discrepancies between NHC's property survey and
those of the Commonwealth. Senior Planner, Wayne Feiden
(OPD) commented that the State's version of property
inventories are the ones to use.
d. Publications of the Massachusetts Historical Commission
are of interest -- especially its Historical Property
Survey Manual. Quesnell will secure a copy of it for
NHC. Moreover, he remarked that Northampton State
Hospital land will be included, along with similar
properties, in the National Register of Historic Sites.
e. Would it be useful for NHC to meet with other area
Historical Commissions? Lockwood said that hearing about
others' "success stories" would be informative.
-2-
i
f. Membership Review: to solicit new NHC members, OPD may
advertise in the Daily Hampshire Gazette for candidates.
NHC members decided to send letters to NHC award winners
and to secure a list of "Historic Northampton" members as
well. Parker noted that the City Council must approve
.full voting members whereas NHC confirms associate
members.
g. In 1992 -93, NHC meetings will be at 4:15 p.m. on the
first Monday of each month (excluding August). Murdock
will try to reserve the Council Chambers site.
h. Goals for 1992 -93:
1. Continue work on historic property inventories.
2. Increase public awareness of the need for local
historic preservation. Public awareness is the key
to preserving Northampton's heritage -- and
Metcalfe sees little of it. Developers, he said,
believe that "no one cares".
Lockwood is especially concerned about the present
status of the Historic District Study Committee.
The unprotected downtown area, for example, is now
open to any kind of development. Parker suggested
erecting signs reading "You are entering a Historic
District ". Members supported this idea.
3. Establish and nurture links with City Government.
3. The Look Park Pool: reports and proposals from Parker and G.
Clark.
G. Clark read a letter addressing the planned closing of this
"unique, historic and useful Northampton. facility ". A
community organization wants to present a variety of concrete
proposals to Look Park officials, and to work with them to
insure the pool's survival because it is a landmark and a
historic site. Brian Elliott and the Trustees clearly do not
want the pool. Swimming programs have not been expanded and
essential repairs have not been made. A recent report,
furthermore, stated that mostly outsiders use it. C. Clark
added that support is growing to install a new pool at Kennedy
Junior High School.
4. Report on the Planning Boards efforts toward preservation in
the State Hospital complex. Further cooperative proposals.
Wayne Feiden.
Feiden discussed possible future uses of the complex.
Although Northampton officials are attempting to work with
i I
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four existing studies, they are also trying to protect present
zoning regulations. This strategy is important in the event
that the State gives the site to developers. 280 acres,
however, are permanently protected for agricultural uses.
How the historic buildings there will be treated is a major
concern. Feiden stated that inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Sites would provide some funds for their
rehabilitation according to U.S. Department of the Interior
Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
He also believes that future site development should maintain
the same density as the present complex. (Section 18.4 of
Feiden's Memo dated September 4, 1992 contains specific
details of allowed uses with site plan review and approval;
Section 18.5 concerns regulations for uses allowed with a
Special Permit)
Feiden will arrange a late afternoon tour of complex buildings
for interested NHC members.
Parker will secure a copy of existing standards for historic
campuses.
Metcalfe favors multiuse development and reuse of complex
buildings instead of random single family homes.
Murdock emphasized the importance of guaranteeing effective
security on the site. Potentially serious and /or disruptive
problems, especially along the river, are an on -going problem
for nearby neighborhoods. Feiden said that "the City will
move on security" once State ownership ends.
5. 1992 progress toward goals:
Some established goals are listed on page 2 item 3. h. (1 -3).
Further discussions may identify others and evaluate current
strategies and progress.
The next meeting of NHC is on Monday, October 5, 1992 at 4:15 p.m.
in City Council Chambers. Other meetings (same time, same place)
are November 2, December 7 and January 4.
Respectfully submitted,
Mar Eliz beth Murdock
i
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l
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON _ HISTORICAL - COMMISSION
MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
f
I
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date:
Time:
Place:
Monday, October 5, 1992
4:15 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
Voting: Votes on several projects proposed in recent
meetings. (All the following are part of our focus this
year on the second major goal in HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PLAN, January 1992, pp. 29 -30: "provide community
education and public awareness ".)
A. Adding a second Preservation Award Ceremony to
our yearly program.
How divide? - Preservation /Restoration?
Personal awards /Building awards?
Interiors /exteriors? Others? Dates?
Mid- November and mid -May?
B. Renew our plaques on each of the building on
the Downtown Historical Walking Tour. Many
have faded to illegibility; all need
refreshing. The large lettered HISTORIC
NORTHAMPTON should be changed.
1. Approval of September Minutes
2. Chair report: Roundhouse sage; Bloomberg appointment;
outreach for new members.
3. Business:
Review: State Hospital situation (after our visit);
suggestions for Feiden and OPD. Others.
Consideration of draft of Annual Report.
r
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The brochure for the walking tour should be
made available again; and the whole project
� czd � d
Quentin Quesnell
Chairman
i
publicized through schools, newspapers,
libraries.
C.
Extending interest in the existing Downtown
Historic District. After the model of some
other communities, erect signs at strategic
locations: "You are entering the National
Register Historic District of Downtown
Northampton ".
Other means.
D.
House - dating project. Work with Ellen Weiss.
Start one neighborhood group.
E.
Develop Elm Street model, as in HISTORIC
PRESERVATION PLAN, January 1992, pp. 31 -32.
4. Assigning Responsibility: For each of the above projects, if
approved, one
volunteer (or appointee) to take ongoing
responsibility
for carrying it out,, keeping the Commission
informed of progress, and guiding our common intelligent
support of it.
� czd � d
Quentin Quesnell
Chairman
i
J
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
i
MINUTES OF MEETING
October 5, 1992
Present: C. Clark, G. Clark, Kiteley, Lockwood, Murdock, Parker,
Quesnell
Absent: Bloomberg, Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct), Metcalfe
AGENDA
1. Minutes. The September 14, 1992 Minutes were approved as
presented.
2. Chair Report.
a. Roundhouse "saga ": Because Metcalfe has reconsidered his
recent recommendations concerning the solid door problem
at the Roundhouse, he and Northampton's Building
Inspector will confer to resolve the matter.
b. Bloomberg's Appointment: Finally, Bloomberg has been
appointed as a regular voting member of NHC.
C. Outreach for new NHC members:
Quesnell received one reply (a refusal)- to the
"outreach" letters that he sent recently to NHC
award recipients.
Members suggested several qualified Northampton
citizens who might wish to join NHC.
The terms of C. Clark and G. Clark have now
expired. Therefore, NHC needs one new voting
member as well as additional associate members.
3. Business.
a. Review: Northampton State Hospital.
NHC members who visited the NSH complex earlier in
the day described the devastation that they saw
there. As C. Clark put it, the great main building
is "a typical government building that has been
totally forgotten ". Nevertheless, remnants of its
former character remain e.g. fine wood panelling,
stained glass and bevelled cut glass. While G.
Clark favors rehabilitating the center section of
the complex, C. Clark recommends a more general
approach aimed at saving an . section or building on
1
i
b. Kiteley will be NHC °s liaison with Northampton
Public Schools.
C. At Quesnell °s request, all NHC members will
. g systematically P begin stematicall updating g g
existin studies
(such as property inventories). Graham will
Xerox and distribute selected materials at NHC
meetings. Graham will enter corrections on
new forms.
NHC members C. Clark and G. Clark now. complete their many years of
invaluable service.
The next meeting of NHC is on Monday, November 2, 1992 at 4:15 p.m.
in City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
l /
Marj6�Eleth Murdock
O
3
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON -HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date: November 2, 1992
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal
Building, 212 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review October Meeting Minutes
2. Chair report: responses to membership invitations; notice in
Gazette. Street lamps.
3. Business: New members. Renewed appointments.
.Distribution of individual copies of new
Historic Properties Survey Manual.
Distribution of November pages for our ongoing
review of Northampton Historic Properties.
Project reports:
South Street numbering: QQ
Hospital registering: MP
Walking tour: LB
Schools: JK
Washington numbering /writing project: AL
Minutes /publicity: MM
Review draft of 1991 -92 Annual Report.
a2
Quentin Quesnell
c
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING -- NOVEMBER 2, 1992
Present: Bloomberg, Kiteley, Lockwood, Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker,
Quesnell
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
1. Minutes: The 5 October Minutes were approved with one
correction: Washington Avenue not Washington Street.
2. Chair Report:
a. Response to membership invitations
Quesnell's 2 -3 -92 letter to Mayor Ford outlines the
responsibilities of NHC members. Since NHC is now
actively seeking new members, Quesnell sent
invitation letters to NHC's 1990 and 1992 "Award of
Merit" recipients (list of winners distributed) .
He also placed a recruitment notice in the Daily
Hampshire Gazette H. Fitzgerald accepted; H. and
M. Gintis and K. Knapp may be able to join NHC
later on.
b. Street Lamps.
Massachusetts Electric wants to replace the
downtown street lamps with new wood ones because
some of the present equipment needs repairs. The
City can purchase new lamps identical to the
current ones for about $3,000 per lamp. The cost
of 32 such lamps would be approximately $96,000.
Parker will supply catalogs containing many styles
of suitable lamps and their cost.
3. Business:
a. (1) New Members.
Harold Fitzgerald and Gary Cadet (present at the
meeting) decided to join NHC as Associate members.
Quesnell will submit their names to the Mayor for
approval.
Members then suggested other possible candidates
for Associate member status: F. Heston, K. Howes,
L.E. Lincoln, S. Moulton, E. Weiss. There is no
limitation on the number of associate members who
1
H
may join NHC. The
nominations however.
(2) Renewed appointments.
Mayor must approve the
Bloomberg is now officially a regular voting member
of NHC. Other renewals: Kiteley, Lockwood,
Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker, Quesnell.
b. Members received individual copies of the new HISTORIC
PROPERTIES SURVEY MANUAL (Massachusetts Historical
Commission, July 1992 pp. iii - 187). Chapter IV "MHC
Requirements for Completing Inventory Forms" should prove
useful to members' continuing efforts to correct and
update Northampton's HISTORIC PROPERTIES SURVEY MANUAL
(1979- 1982). Our plan is to review a total of about 70
pp. each month -- checking current owner names,
statistics and numbers on the assessor's map.
corrections are to be made on old forms (keep Xerox
copies) ; OPD will then enter changes on new forms and
send updated information to MHC.
C. Quesnell then distributed revisions to the 2d. edition of
PRESERVATION PLANNING MANUAL. Chapter V ( "Preservation
and the Media ") is new and well worth reading, he said.
d. Project reports:
(1) South Street numbering: no report.
(2) Northampton State Hospital registering: Parker has
sent this information to Boston.
(3) Walking tour: According to Bloomberg, the 24
wooden historic marker signs downtown are in
"serious disrepair." She advocates redesigning
them -- but who would pay for this costly project?
Moreover, what information should each sign
contain? And where should signs be placed on each
site?
Cadet might be able to make the signs; perhaps
calligrapher, P. Shaughnessy could letter them.
Finally, Bloomberg noted that it is not clear where
the downtown walking tour begins and ends. Kiteley
said that Marcia Burick would know, so Bloomberg
will telephone her.
Other historic markers:
Lockwood revealed that Jonathan Edwards' house
marker now lies unprotected on the 3d. floor of
Memorial Hall. Members agreed that it should be
2
preserved and installed properly at the most
suitable site. one possibility is St. Valentines
Church (127 King Street) where Edwards' house once
stood. To be continued.
(4) Schools: Kiteley is eager to introduce a house -
dating course at Northampton High School. Since
initial reaction is favorable, she will have house
dating brochures sent to NHS. The history of
institutions is another possibility, e.g., how law
developed -- or the school system. She believes
that it is important for students to see a
progression in the history of the City. Kiteley
wonders also if there are old files of students'
historic papers anywhere.
(5) Washington Avenue numbering /writing project:
Lockwood is eager to undertake this project.
Kiteley and E. Weiss commented on how to proceed.
(6) "Minutes " /publicity: Murdock prepared "Minutes"
monthly. Lockwood will oversee publicity for now,
since Murdock is very often away on academic
assignments.
3. Review draft of 1991 -92 Annual Report.
Members approved the draft subject to minor changes in
content, errors and style. Telephone Quesnell if other
ideas occur.
The next meeting of Northampton Historical Commission is on Monday,
7 December 1992 at 4:15 P.M. in City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary- lizabeth Murdock
3
N
CITY HALL
I
- NORTH PTON _ HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
r
Date:
Time:
Monday, December 7, 1992
4:30 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Building, 212
Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review November Meeting Minutes
2. Chair report: State -City meeting; Woodlawn development;
Metcalfe article; Elise Feeley; further developments in
membership outreach.
Review of SURVEY OF HISTORICAL PROPERTIES
November updating of properties #1 -70. Success?
Problems? Questions? Suggestions?
Distribution of December pages for ongoing review
3. REGULAR BUSINESS
REPORTS ON
State plans for NHS property (and meeting)
(MP)
Downtown (plaques) (LB and GC)
South Street (QQ)
Washington Avenue (AL)
4. NEW BUSINESS: Preservation /Restoration Awards
5. SPECIAL BUSINESS: Commission Chair
61 V ISDU
Quentin Quesnell
1 of 3
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
- - - - - - MINUTES OF MEETING -
December 7, 1992
Present: Bloomberg, Heston, Kiteley Lockwood, Metcalfe, Murdock,
Parker, Quesnell, Weiss
Absent: Cadet, Feeley (adjunct), Fitzgerald, Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
1. Minutes: The 2 November Minutes were approved as presented.
2. Chair Report:
a. State - City Meeting
Parker reported that the meeting sought to ease the
fears of local officials regarding the Commonwealth's
plan for listing NSH in the National Register of
Historic Sites It wants to include the entire NSH
complex -- not just some areas and buildings as
Northampton would prefer. The state, however, has
the power to accomplish its objective whether the
city agrees with it or not. Massachusetts Historical
Society must review the state's plan and respond to
it within ninety (90) days. Parker noted that had..
Northampton kept its Historic District plans, it also
could have reviewed Boston's decisions.
b. Woodlawn development
Some Woodlawn Avenue residents asked Quesnell about
possibly making the Woodlawn area a "special historic
district" as a way to avoid recently proposed new
traffic lights and other alterations. Quesnell sent
historic district criteria. Because the proposed
changes have been vetoed for now, NHC members tabled
the issue.
c. Citing two recent articles, Quesnell complimented
Bloomberg for her major involvement in documenting
the national AIDS quilt and Metcalfe for his architec-
tural philosophy and projects.
d. Forbes reference librarian, Elise Feeley, is now freeier
to attend NHC meetings.
e. Having conferred with Northampton High School teachers
who now have house dating materials, Kiteley hopes that
her house dating project will soon be approved for
appropriate classes.
f. Membership outreach efforts continue. Frank Heston,
.Henry Fitzgerald and Ellen Weiss will soon become
Associate members of NHC.: Mayor Ford's committee is
screening other candidates as well. (Gary Cadet, present
at the November meeting, has yet to submit an application).
2 of 3
3. Regular Business:
Review of Survey of Historical Properties
a. Updating of property sheets Nos. 1 -70 (NOVEMBER)
Assignments (as reported):
Quesnell Nos. 1 -5; 12 -20
Parker it 7 -11
Metcalfe if 34 6
Lockwood ? will find at home)
Weiss " 58 - 66
Bloomberg " 60 -70
[absent members have some sheets as well)
b. Problems, questions, suggestions:
Metcalfe asked -ahout how to find current owners' names.
Parker stated that books listing properties by street
and owners' names are available in the Assessor's Office.
She also said that it is important to actually look
at each house in order to detect any changes in it.
Finally, Parker noted,�A'. that each reporter should initial
a completed sheet3on the LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER.
e. Distribution of December pages Nos. 71 -100
Heston Nos. 71 -75
Metcalfe' 76 -80
Weiss ° 81-85
Parker it 86 -90
Bloomberg " 91 -100
Date Due: February 1, 1993 (January meeting cancelled)
Weiss will keep all completed sheets for now. OPD
director, P. Kim, will send them to Boston eventually.
Reports
at State plans for NHS property (and meeting)
See p. 1 2. a.
b. Downtown Plaques
Bloomberg presented several possible designs for the
24 proposed new downtown plaques. (Cadet has volunteered
to make them if NHC can supply the template). Bloomberg
also discussed various lettering styles, vAiJ, whether or
not texts will be on the signs and ways to preserve the
plaques. Members agreed to leave text contents to Bloom-
berg -- but she prefers to submit draft texts for NHC
approval.
c. South Street
Quesnell hopes that by award time in May, more houses
will be labelled. He has sent a letter and card enclosure
to South Street residents explaining the project. Recip-
ients may indicate whether or not they will participate
in the project, and make suggestions as well. Quesnell
stated that NHC could purchase signs for newly marked
houses.
3 of 3
d. Washington Avenue
Lockwood will report later.
4. New Business: Preservation /Restoration Awards
Tabled -- but members should bring recommendations to 1
February meeting.
5. Special Business: Commission Chair
Because of ongoing research and writing commitments,as well
as his early retirement status at Smith College, Quesnell
will soon submit his letter of resignation as chairman and
member of NHC. Members truly regret his departure.
Parker has agreed to replace him through . , 1 993•
The next meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission is on
Monday, 1 February 1993 at 4:15 P.M. in City Council Chambers.
( January meeting is cancelled) .
Respectfully submitted,
Mary-Elizabeth Murdock
Secretary