Preservation

and
People

ur

PHOTO: MARILYN FENOLLOSA

y o
l d be ter!
s c ou s l et 1
Thi st new Page 1
la See

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

In this issue
From the Executive Director ................ 2 Law Suit Over Beacon Hill Property ... 10
“Fundamentals” ............ Technical Insert Mark Your Calendar!
Endangered Update ............................ 9 Upcoming Events ................. Back Cover
Photo: Crocker Bulding, Turners Falls, after renovations. For details, see “Miracle” article on page 4.
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002

From the Executive Director

HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS

I
am honored, excited and feeling Directors by meeting on a monthly BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2002
very challenged to be your new basis. We are creating numerous Officers
Clarissa Rowe, Chair of the Board
Executive Director. For more than committees to take advantage of the Otile McManus, Vice Chair
fifteen years, I have worked with and expertise we have on our Board as well Samuel B. Knight, Jr., Esq., Treasurer
Claudia Sauermann Wu, Clerk
admired the good efforts of Historic as on our Board of Advisors. HMI
Board of Directors
Massachusetts. It is an absolute thrill to must energize everyone involved to Katherine F. Abbott
James Alexander, FAIA
actually be working for become better focused on Barbara Bashevkin
you! As many of you know, our mission, create a stronger John F. Bok, Esq.
Carol Bratley
I have been involved in source of funding and grow Maurice Childs, FAIA
Vin Cipolla
historic preservation as the our membership. We need Anthony Consigli
Katherine D. Flynn Coughlin
Deputy Secretary of State your help! Assist us in Paul A. Faraca
overseeing the Massachu- promoting HMI. Help us Joan E. Goody, FAIA
Robert H. Kuehn, Jr.
setts Historical Commis- bring your friends into the Richard Lundgren
Allen F. Johnson
sion and as Executive organization as new mem- Frank Keefe
David Leach
Director of Preservation bers. Please become members Paul J. Martini
Worcester, a local non- James Igoe, Exec. Dir. of our various committees. Paul J. McGinley, AICP
Marion Pressley, FASLA
profit. I have learned a You may think that others Thomas H. Schwartz
Victor J. Walker, FASLA
great deal over a twenty-year period in will do all of this and you don’t have to,
both arenas and I feel confident that I but that’s simply not the case. Call me
can use my knowledge and under- and let me explain how YOU can make COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
standing of historic preservation as well a real difference to our important ADVISORS, 2002
as my many contacts and colleagues to statewide preservation nonprofit. Katherine F. Abbott, Chair
Eleanor G. Ames
benefit Historic Massachusetts, Inc. for HMI’s vision for the future is to Peter J. Aucella
the future. become better acquainted with our Ann Beha, FAIA
Arthur and Jean Bennett
Many of us involved with Historic communities statewide. We anticipate Shary Page Berg
Charles Beveridge
Massachusetts believe that the organi- spending more time in the cities and Richard Candee
Marcia M. Cini, Esq.
zation is very much at a crossroads. towns throughout the Common- Rolf Diamant
There is a partially completed strategic wealth and we expect to learn more Grace Friary
John F. Furlong, FASLA
plan detailing a vision for the future of about the types of services we can Ruth Geoffroy
Martha D. Hamilton
the organization; this will be com- provide that will be beneficial to you, Gary R. Hilderbrand, ASLA
Robin Karson
pleted by the spring. We are in the our partners. And HMI needs to David R. Keller
process of evaluating our newsletter grow, both financially and with Patrick A. T. Lee
Arleyn Levee
and the cost per issue. We are com- increased staff. The strategic plan, Barbara Levy
Ellen J. Lipsey
mitted to providing you with a which focuses our vision, should Wendy Nicholas
Julia B. O’Brien
quarterly periodical that will be determine the professional staff Bruce Polishook
meaningful and pertinent to you as necessary to accomplish our impor- Christine Rinaldo
Michael Roberts
members of HMI. Our staff is tant mission-based work over the next Gretchen G. Schuler
S. Christopher Scott
committed to providing the informa- several years. We must take a leader- Stanley M. Smith
Antone G. Souza, Jr.
tion and services that will encourage ship role in areas such as preservation
PHOTO: JOEY LIBBY PHOTOGRAPHY

you to continue supporting HMI!
Preservation Worcester’s theme is:
“Preserving Neighborhoods for
People”. Here at HMI, our newsletter
is Preservation and People. Historic
preservation and Historic Massachu-
setts are all about people. We are
Jane Stirgwolt
legislation and in developing coali- Charles M. Sullivan
Wesley T. Ward
tions with our preservation partners. Patricia L. Weslowski
Tobias Yarmolinsky
HMI cannot simply survive; we must Sally Zimmerman
build and develop in a way that truly
STAFF
serves the entire Commonwealth of James W. Igoe, Executive Director
Katheyn Coggeshall, Program Manager
Massachusetts for the future. Please Kate Ranweiler, Office Manager
join us! We really need you! Sarah DiSano, Program Assistant/Intern

working to better involve our Board of

2
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002

2002 HMI Annual Meeting

O
n Saturday, January 26, 2002, Historic Massa-
chusetts held its annual meeting and public
program at the historic Omni Parker House,
located on School Street in Boston. Nearly 100 partici-
pants came to the event, which featured keynote speaker
Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, Coordinator of the National
Park Service’s Historic Landscape Initiative program and
remarks by Justine Liff, Commissioner of the Boston Parks
and Recreation Department.
The public program began with welcomes by HMI
Chair of the Board Clarissa Rowe and Executive Director

PHOTOS: JOEY LIBBY PHOTOGRAPHY

James W. Igoe. Cynthia Smith, President of the Boston
Society of Landscape Architects, introduced Mr. Birnbaum,
whose speech was followed by remarks from Ms. Liff. The
key topics addressed in Mr. Birnbaum’s lecture were the loss
and modification of modern works of landscape architec-
ture and the importance of preserving post-World War II
landscapes. Mr. Birnbaum cited several well-known parks
as examples, including our own Christopher Columbus
Waterfront Park (CCWP) here in Boston. Ms. Liff com-
mented on how Mr. Birnbaum’s speech is indicative of a
growing sophistication and importance of modern land-
scape architecture from a professional standpoint. She
stated that while preservation is important there are often,
as in the case of CCWP, practical reasons why landscapes
are changed—notably the need for well-functioning parks
and a better understanding of the public’s interest in these
resources.
At the business meeting several topics were addressed.
HMI voted in two new board members, Anthony Consigli
and Dick Lundgren (please see article on p 9 for more
information about our newest board members.) Cara Metz
of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) gave
the State Historic Preservation Officer’s report in which she
addressed 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 Executive
Director, gave his initial thoughts about the organization.
Mr. Igoe discussed the fact that financial support from the
MHC is in jeopardy due to budget cuts and donations from
a very generous family have been reduced considerably.
However, he went on to say that while the current situation
requires that HMI reevaluate and restructure some of its
priorities and activities, it also presents a tremendous
opportunity to make this organization the highly respected
preservation statewide that it should be. To achieve these
goals, he asked that the Board of Directors be active
3
participants
in the
organization
and assist the
staff in
making HMI
a more
l to r: Cynthia Smith, BSLA Pres., Charles
dynamic and Birnbaum, FASLA, Clarissa Rowe, HMI Chair,
revenue- and James Igoe, HMI Exec. Dir.
producing
organization. Clarissa Rowe, Chair of the Board, also gave
a report at the meeting. Ms. Rowe encouraged Board
members to read and contribute to HMI’s Strategic Plan.
She also discussed the status of the Turner’s Falls and Baker
Chocolate Building projects (for details about the successful
completion of the Turner’s Falls project, please see article on
p 4).
HMI would like to thank everyone who attended the
public program and business meeting. Your participation
helped to make this year’s annual meeting a successful event
and a great way to begin the new year.
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 a
weeks to a worthy group and have fun in the process,
please contact Jim Igoe, Executive Director at
617-723-3383 or email: jigoe@historicmass.org.
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002
“Miracle” in Turners Falls
by Marilyn Fenollosa
Everyone agreed it was a miracle.
In March, 1998, Historic Massachusetts received a call:
the historic Crocker Building, an 1880 brick and granite
cornerstone building in historic Turners Falls, was slated for
demolition. The previous June a fire damaged the building,
destroying the roof and most of the third floor. Although a
town engineer determined that the building was structurally
sound, the structure’s long exposure to the elements posed
health and safety hazards, and the local board of health had
now condemned the building. Could HMI help save this
key component of the National Register-listed downtown?
Working in partnership with the Franklin County
Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(FCRHA), HMI agreed to receive title to the building and
seek emergency Massachusetts Preservation Project Funds
(MPPF) to stabilize the structure. FCRHA would develop
the property in conjunction with the acquisition and
development of the Cutlery Block, a neighboring complex
of 19th century brick townhouses, to provide eight units of
badly needed affordable housing for this Berkshire hill
community.
The transfer closed on June 30, 1998. As HMI sought
MPPF funding and the requisite regulatory approvals for
the structure, FCRHA arranged the necessary funding to
complete the project using funds from the syndication of
affordable housing tax credits from the Massachusetts
Department of Housing and Community Development,
and loans and grants from the Massachusetts Housing
Partnership, Massachusetts Equity Fund, Property and
Casualty Insurance Initiative, Massachusetts Housing
Investment Corporation, Community Economic Develop-
ment Assistance Corporation, and other state and local
sources. Studio One Architects, of Springfield, provided
the design for eight apartment units on the upper floors,
and commercial space on the first floor, using state of the
art materials while being respectful to the historic fabric and
Ads Wanted!
Starting with the Summer 2002 issue, Historic Massachusetts newsletters will
showcase paid advertisements for preservation-related businesses and
services.
Rates and conditions are as follows:
$100 for 1/8 page (business card size)
$140 for 1/6 page
$175 for 1/4 page
4
PHOTO: MARILYN FENOLLOSA
Crocker Building, Turners Fall, MA before renovation.
important surviving features of the former bank building.
A key element of the design would be to replace the tower
on the northeastern corner of the building, a feature that
was removed long before the fire but was important to the
streetscape of this “village of steeples”.
And then, on January 7, 2002, the miracle was com-
pleted: the United States Fish and Wildlife Services, newly
designated long-term tenants of the Crocker commercial
space, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their
opening and new role as stewards of the historic building.
The event showcased their offices, which preserve an
original fireplace and the vault, mahogany paneling, and tile
floors, as well as the long-shuttered corner entrance of the
historic bank. The event also brought together federal and
state legislators, town officials, local merchants and grateful
residents to celebrate this key element in the revitalization
of downtown Turners Falls.
The building is almost fully tenanted, and a subsequent
celebration will occur later in the spring when full occu-
pancy is achieved.
Marilyn Fenollosa is the Senior Program Officer and
Regional Attorney for the North East Regional Office of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Payment for an advertisement must be made in full and enclosed with the
ad in the form of a check or money order. Please make checks payable to
Historic Massachusetts. Submitted ads should be camera-ready. If only
copy is enclosed, layout and design costs for the ad are extra and will be
billed accordingly.
For more information, please contact us at:
Historic Massachusetts
Old City Hall, 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
tel. 617-723-3383, fax. 617-523-3782
email: sdisano@historicmass.org
 F u n d a m e n t a l s : r e s e r v a tand
PPRESERVATION i o PEOPLE
n To o l s Yo u C a n U s e
SPRING 2002
Practical information and strategies from Historic Massachusetts for preservationists

The Truth about Windows . . .

By Sarah DiSano

T
his technical insert focuses
on the issue of the retention
and restoration versus
replacement of wood windows in
residential buildings. The topic of
historic window preservation is so
broad and technical that Historic
Massachusetts thought it would be
more realistic and helpful to tackle
one key aspect of this subject and
provide readers with solid, useful
information that can apply to their
own home projects, rather than
trying to take on the entire genre
all at once. However, because
windows are so vital to the charac-
ter and fabric of all historic build-
ings and because they are one of
the most frequently replaced
elements of a building, it is impor-
tant to recognize that this issue
does not end or begin with resi-
dential wood windows.
Commercial, industrial, munici-
pal and institutional buildings also
face similar issues regarding their
historic windows, which encom-
pass a variety of materials and
types, including wood, steel,
stained glass and plate glass—to
name just a few. That being said,
Historic Massachusetts encourages
its members who are interested in
exploring this topic further to
Image courtesy of Old-House Journal, 1000 Potomac St. NW,
refer to the additional sources of Ste. 102, Washington, D.C. 20007, www.oldhousejournal.com
information referenced at the end
of this article. In particular, we sources. Historic Massachusetts
a building’s age. In the Fall 2002
encourage you to contact the would also like to acknowledge
issue, the MHC plans on exploring
Massachusetts Historical Com- Cara Metz, Executive Director, Ann
these issues in greater depth. The
mission as they are currently Lattinville, Director of Architec-
MHC can be contacted at (617)
doing a series of “Technical Assis- tural Review, and Carol DiNinno,
727-8470. Historic Massachusetts
tance Tips” articles regarding Preservation Consultant, of the
wishes to thank Michael Cannizzo,
windows in their newsletter, the Massachusetts Historical Commis-
Staff Architect of the Boston
Preservation Advocate. sion, for their willingness to
Landmarks Commission, who so
The Fall 2001 Preservation generously allowed us to use the partner with us on publicizing this
Advocate article dealt with the wealth of information he has issue, in the hopes that our com-
historic window’s important compiled about windows, as most bined efforts will result in this
contribution to a building’s distinct of the information contained in information reaching and inform-
character and authenticity and this article was derived from those ing as many people, businesses
how windows can be indicative of and organizations as possible.

15
 F u n d a m e n t a l s :
W
e live in an age when
“new and improved” is
the catch phrase of a
consumer society. Records gave
way to tapes, which have since
given way to CDs. Computers are
rendered obsolete shortly after
they’re placed in stores. It is no
surprise then, in this climate of
continuous improvement and
replacement of everyday products,
that the value of historic house
windows is a heated issue (no pun
intended!). Those who believe
that old wood windows have little
or no worth will urge a home-
owner to replace them as quickly
as possible with new and
oftentimes expensive replacement
windows. Those who have experi-
ence with window rehabilitation
will recommend that the home-
owner save a tremendous amount
of money and, in the process,
retain as much of their historic
fabric as possible, by retaining and
rehabilitating their historic
window sash. These conflicting
pieces of advice can be daunting
to the preservation-minded
homeowner who seeks a balance
between maintaining the historic
character of their house, maximiz-
ing energy efficiency, and not
spending a lot of time or money to
achieve this goal.
In this issue of “Fundamentals”
Historic Massachusetts will dispel
some of the misconceptions
regarding wood windows in
historic homes; and provide
readers with straight forward facts
and information that will help
them evaluate their present
window situation. This article will
also present a number of appropri-
ate solutions to common window
problems, along with a list of
resources to consult for additional
information.
r e s e r v a tand
PPRESERVATION i o PEOPLE
n To o l s
SPRING 2002
Old Windows
are Worth
$aving
B
ecause of issues like energy
efficiency, lead paint, and
the maintenance require-
ments of the various mechanical
parts that make wood windows
function properly, old windows are
the most vulnerable architectural
components of a historic house.
Unfortunately, the replacement of
old windows, in many cases, is not
only unnecessary, but is an expen-
sive endeavor for a homeowner,
who may have been able to
achieve the desired energy effi-
ciency and operability by repairing
those old windows for less money
than it would cost to replace them.
Oftentimes a homeowner does
not realize that those old windows
are valuable and an investment in
their repair and maintenance over
time is usually worth more in the
long run than replacing them with
new windows. Why? To begin
with, old windows were usually
milled from old-growth wood, and
often the most durable heartwood
portion of the log. This means they
are more dense in their cellular
structure than the wood milled for
use in windows today. In fact,
according to a representative at
WindowRepair.com, part of the
reason window manufacturers
ceased making wood windows in
the traditional manner found on
historic buildings is not because
they developed a “new and im-
proved” product, but because, in
the wake of rising material and
labor costs, the traditional window
became too expensive to produce
as the standard type. To have a
26
Yo u C a n U s e
new window made that is identical
in quality and appearance to a
historic window is beyond the
budget of the average homeowner
and, in most cases, an unnecessary
expense because well maintained,
historic wood windows can last for
centuries. Furthermore, the nu-
ances of an old window—the wavy,
single pane glass, the molded wood
mullions and the reflective patterns
of a multi-paned sash are essential
contributors to the design and
character of a house that are costly
and time-consuming features to try
and replicate through modern
means.
The following are
several common
misconceptions about
wood window
conditions, repair and
replacement:
• “Vinyl is Final”
Some vinyl window manufac-
turers claim that vinyl replacement
windows are “virtually mainte-
nance free” and provide the
homeowner with energy efficient,
functional windows for years to
come. Theoretically, many prod-
ucts will last for several years so
long as nothing breaks or goes
wrong. But what is the likelihood
that NOTHING will ever break or
come loose or disintegrate in a
product that is subject to seasonal
temperature fluctuations, noise
 F u n d a m e n t a l s :
and traffic vibrations, sunlight,
wind, opening and closing and so
on? Many supposedly mainte-
nance free replacement windows
are made of stock parts that
become outmoded within ten to
twenty years. Repairing the
complicated combinations of
springs and other various plastic
suspension components (used in
place of the traditional rope and
pulley system found in historic
windows) requires special training
and replacement parts that are
usually only available from the
window manufacturer. Old wood
windows have an advantage in the
fact that they can always be
repaired and the tools and materi-
als needed to repair them can be
found in most hardware stores.
• “Old windows are drafty
and force a homeowner
to pay astronomical heat-
ing bills.”
When replacement window
companies claim that their prod-
ucts provide a substantial energy
savings in comparison with origi-
nal windows, they may be rooting
such assertions in a comparison of
the efficiency of a replacement
window versus an original,
unrestored wood window with a
poor quality storm window (or no
storm window at all). Yes, any
window that is worn or loose
fitting in its track, has deteriorated
caulking and loose sash joints, and
is paired with a poor quality, leaky
storm window or non-existent
storm window will allow large
amounts of cold air into a build-
ing. However, according to win-
dow restoration professionals and
experienced homeowners, a
restored, tight-fitting, properly
functioning original wood window
paired with a quality storm win-
dow has the same R-value (the
term used to describe the resis-
tance to heat conductivity) as a
double insulated replacement
window.
r e s e r v a tand
PPRESERVATION i o PEOPLE
n To o l s
SPRING 2002
• “Old windows often do
not meet Massachusetts
State Energy Codes.”
Yes, old windows often do not
meet State Energy Codes, but they
are not required to meet them.
According to David Weitz, Staff
Liaison to the Energy Advisory
Committee of the Massachusetts
Board of Building Regulations and
Standards (BBRS), the Massachu-
setts Energy Code contains a
“blanket exemption” for normal
repairs to existing wood windows.
This means that performing repairs
such as the replacement of broken
window glass, caulking and
tightening joints, and replacement
of worn or broken sash cords are
exempt from having to meet
energy codes. Furthermore, if it is
necessary to replace a true divided,
single glaze window and the
homeowner wishes to replace it in-
kind, as in with a window that is
identical in terms of materials and
design to the original, that win-
dow does not have to meet energy
codes, but it is required that it be
paired with an integral, exterior,
or interior storm window. For
more information about the BBSR
energy codes, please refer to their
contact information in the Bibliog-
raphy.
• “Old windows pose a lead
paint hazard and there-
fore should be removed
to comply with lead paint
laws.”
Lead poisoning is a serious
issue. Young children are particu-
larly susceptible to the harmful
effects of lead poisoning, which
can cause serious harm to the
brain, kidneys, nervous system and
red blood cells. High levels of lead
can also cause health problems for
adults in the form of high blood
pressure, headaches, memory
problems, kidney damage, mood
changes, sleep problems and
muscle or joint pain. Homes built
37
Yo u C a n U s e
before 1978 may contain lead
paint. Lead is most hazardous in
dust form, therefore anything
done to disturb potential lead
paint surfaces such as old windows
is cause for concern, but not
necessarily cause for despair.
Historic features such as windows
can be retained without compro-
mising the health of those who
live there, so long as proper
precautions and safety measures
are taken. The Massachusetts
Department of Public Health can
provide the owners of old houses
with information on lead poison-
ing, inspections, and ways to
renovate and maintain your home
safely. Please see the Bibliography
section for their contact informa-
tion.
• “Old wood windows are
highly susceptible to rot.”
Rot occurs less often in historic
wood windows than one might
expect. Because of the quality of
craftsmanship and materials, old
windows are extremely durable,
even when they’ve been neglected
for a long period of time.
Oftentimes a window may appear
to have rot, but it’s actually just
badly weathered. To confirm that
a window does have rot, test it
with a knife. If parts of the
window do contain rot, in most
cases those deteriorated sections
can be replaced by a skilled car-
penter for significantly less money
than it would cost to replace the
entire window. To help avoid
recurrence of rot, inspect your
windows for signs of water pen-
etration and moisture problems.
One of the common ways that
water enters a window is through
cracked glass or deteriorated
putty. A professional carpenter or
a practiced homeowner can
reglaze such windows. This
treatment not only helps eliminate
water and moisture issues, but also
improves the energy efficiency and
appearance of wood windows.
 F u n d a m e n t a l s :
PPRESERVATION
Retrofitting Options
The following are additional
retrofitting and energy saving
measures that can help increase
the thermal efficiency of both
wood windows and an old house
overall. These recommendations
are adapted from the Technical
Preservation Services Center (TPSC)
Common Bond newsletter, Spring
1988 issue. To receive a copy of
Common Bond, please refer to
TPSC’s contact information in the
Bibliography.
One of the most practical
methods of making windows
energy efficient is weather-
stripping. Weather-stripping is
installed around the edges of a
window frame and is made of
metal, plastic, felt, foam, rubber or
cloth. Depending on the type of
product, the weather-stripping can
be either hidden or visible. These
products block air penetration
while still allowing the window to
be opened and closed. Some types
of weather-stripping can be
installed by the homeowner, while
others need to be installed by an
experienced professional.
Among the “hidden” options
that can be installed by the home-
owner are spring metal and plastic
stock. Spring metal is nailed into
position along all four sides and
the meeting rail of the window.
Plastic stock is less expensive than
spring metal, but is used in the
same manner. However, it is
attached with pressure sensitive
adhesive as opposed to nails, and
therefore requires that the window
surface be clean in order for the
adhesive to establish a secure bond.
In terms of products that
require professional installation,
A portion of this information has been financed with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Massachusetts
Historical Commission, William Francis Galvin, Chair. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of
the Interior or the MHC. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits the discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender or handicap
in its federally-assisted programs. To report discrimination or for information, write to Office of Equal Opportunity, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street
NW, Room 1324 Washington, D.C. 20240
r e s e r v a tand
i o PEOPLE
n To o l s
SPRING 2002
Bibliography, Contact Information and Suggested Reading
“Ask the Technical Preservation Services
Center”. Common Bond, Technical
Preservation 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 may
not be necessary”. The Boston Sunday
Globe, 21 August 1988, B27.
Howley, Kathleen, “Renovators take pains
to preserve old windowpanes”. The
Boston Globe, 16 September 1999, G1.
Liberty, David, “Think Twice Before Getting
Rid of Old Windows”. The Beacon Hill
Paper, 6 October 1998, 11.
McConkey, James, “Rotten Window Sills”.
The Old House Journal, January 1980, 7.
McNeely, James, AIA, “Windows:
Maintenance and Replacement”. The
Beacon Hill Paper, 20 October 1998, 9.
Meyers, John H., “Preservation Briefs: 9,
The Repair of Historic Wooden Win-
dows”. Washington, D.C. Technical
Preservation Services, National Park
Service, U.S. Department of the Interior,
1981.
O’Donnell, Bill, “Troubleshooting Old
Windows: What to do with neglected
one of the most effective and long-
lasting types of weather-stripping is
a shaped metal strip that is fitted
to grooves in the sash. This is the
least visible form of weather-
stripping, but it is also one of the
most costly because grooves must
be installed in the sides of the sash
in order for it to be installed.
Among the visible forms of
insulation, curtains and shades
offer some of the most attractive
and oldest forms of conserving
energy. To be an effective insula-
8
Yo u C a n U s e
double-hung windows”. The Old House
Journal, February 1986, 16-23.
“Renovating Your Home Safely”. Massa-
chusetts Department of Public Health,
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program (CLPPP), February 1998. For
information 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 Conservation
and Recreation Service, National Park
Service, U.S. Department of the Interior,
1978.
Spigelmyer, Richard “Historic Windows:
Common Window Problems”. Traditional
Building, March/April 2000, 117-124.
For more information on energy codes,
please contact: The Energy Advisory
Committee of the Massachusetts Board of
Building Regulations and Standards. One
Ashburton Place, Room 1301, Boston, MA
02108, (617) 727-7532. www.state.ma.us/
bbrs.
“Windows”. The Old House Journal, April
1982, entire issue.
www.windowrepair.com
Wise, Christopher T., AIA. “Saving Energy II:
Storm Windows”. New Bedford Soundings,
Fall 1985, 13-15.
tor, a curtain or shade must have a
tight seal at the bottom, top and
sides of the window frame, which
can be achieved by using weights,
tacks, Velcro, magnetic fastening
strips and high valences. The
curtain or shade needs to be
composed of multiple layers of
tightly woven fabric to provide
sufficient insulation. Most of the
fabrics made today for use in
energy efficient curtains and
shades have a fiberfill layer or
layer of reflective foil to improve
their insulation qualities.
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002
HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS’ 2001 • TEN MOST ENDANGERED RESOURCES UPDATE:
Whalom Park Ballroom Destroyed by Fire
By Allyson Bowen fight to Save Whalom Park is still going strong. There are
35 acres and 110 years of memories worth fighting for.
On Saturday night, March 2, 2002, a four-alarm fire Hopefully the loss of the ballroom will push people to act
destroyed the Depression-era ballroom at Whalom Park in before we lose the rest of
Lunenburg. When built in 1933, the ballroom boasted the Whalom to the same fate –
largest dance floor in New England, and for the next three literally or figuratively.
decades, it resonated with the sounds of the biggest bands Allyson Bowen is the
of the day from Bill Haley and the Comets to the Dorsey leader of Save
Brothers. Nightly dances were last held there in the Whalom Park.
summer of 1996. If you would like
The firefighters did an amazing job containing the to find out more
blaze. They hosed down the Flyer Comet Roller Coaster, about the effort
which is a short 25-feet from the ballroom, saving it from to Save Whalom
catching on fire. Trees literally within two feet of the Park, please log
structure still stand uncharred, and a transformer hangs, on to the website
gleaming white and untouched, on a charred pole contigu- www.savewhalom Top: Historic photo of ballroom, Bottom: The
ous to the ballroom. Only a single tree was lost. park.com or call remains of the Ballroom the morning after it
was destroyed by fire. PHOTOS COURTESY OF
The ballroom was one of the most significant historic 978-874-0544.
ALLYSON BOWEN
structures at the Park, but it wasn’t the whole Park. The

Historic Massachusetts Welcomes Two New Directors!

Historic Massachusetts approved two new Directors at its
Annual Meeting in January. We are honored and excited to
have 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 has
received several awards for preservation construction
projects, including a 1998 Massachusetts Historical Com-
toric Preservation, Preservation Action, the Boston Preser-
vation Alliance and, of course, Historic Massachusetts. He
is also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society
and the Boston Athenaeum, and is listed in Marquis
“Who’s Who in America” (2001) as a Real Estate Executive/
City Planner.
Year End Gifts

u
mission (MHC) Preservation Award for the extensive James G. Alexander William B. King
Joan M. Angelosanto Sam & Anna Knight
exterior restoration of the Samuel Phillips Hall at Phillips

o
Peter J. Aucella Arleyn & Newt Levee
Academy in Andover; two 1999 MHC Preservation Awards Lawrence C. Bauer Barbara Levy

Y
for the renovation and reconstruction of four National Thomas F. Birmingham Richard J. Lundgren
John K. Bullard Waldo “Archie” Lyon
Register buildings at the MDC Blue Hill Observatory in Douglas P. Butler Judy Markland

k
Milton and the restoration and rebuilding of the Old Susan McDaniel Ceccacci Wendy Nicholas Dorsey
Don Cecich & Gail Fenske Marion Pressley

n
Chapel Tower at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Bruce Cohen Tom Schwartz
and a 2001 MHC Preservation Award for the restoration of Don Corey Peter W. Smith

a
Daniel F. Coughlin & Katherine Frederick A. Stahl, FAIA
the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers.

h
Flynn Coughlin Marcia Starkey
Dick Lundgren is the senior vice president of Edward Dwyer Lise & Myles Striar

T
Elizabeth B. Friedberg
Hunneman Commercial Company, and former vice Robert H. Friedman, M.D.
president of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He is a Joanne & Chuck Gibson
Anne A. Grady
trustee for The Trustees of Reservations and a member of Betsy Shure Gross
the Board of Advisors of the Emerald Necklace Conser- Craig Halvorson
vancy. City Boston. Dick is a member of several preserva- John D. Hamilton, Jr.
Elizabeth T. Harling
tion organizations, including the National Trust for His-
9
David & Christina Sullivan
Victor J. Walker
Mr. & Mrs. Bradford Wetherell
Claudia Sauermann Wu
Tobias Yarmolinsky
Nancy Yeaw
Sally Zimmerman
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002

Potential Precedent-Setting Lawsuit in Boston over Beacon Hill Property

By Shantia Anderheggen

A current and possibly precedent-setting lawsuit in
Boston should be of interest to many in the Massachusetts
preservation community and more specifically to organiza-
tions in the Commonwealth that use preservation restric-
tions to protect historic properties. In 1958, the Society for
the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA)
accepted the donation of preservation restrictions on the
Third Harrison Gray Otis House, located at 45 Beacon
Street in Boston, directly across from Boston Common and
down the street from the State House. 45 Beacon Street is a
Federal brick house with an original attached stable, both of
which date to ca.1805, and is the third property to be
designed by Charles Bulfinch for Otis, Boston’s third mayor
and one of the primary real estate developers of Beacon
Hill. Bulfinch had earlier completed work on the nearby
State House, as well as two earlier houses for Otis, located
at 141 Cambridge Street (SPNEA’s headquarters since
1916; ca.1796) and 89 Mount Vernon Street (ca.1800/02).
The preservation restrictions granted to SPNEA in 1958
protect all of the exterior architectural elements at the main
house, its rear ell, and the stable, in addition to ensuring
that certain interior architectural features and arrangements
of the main house were preserved as well. These restric-
tions, which were granted just four years after the Historic
Beacon Hill District was established, also provide for public
access to the house’s interior, an activity which is monitored
by SPNEA as well.
For over forty years, SPNEA and the property’s owner,
had confirmed both the high degree of significance and
integrity of this building fabric. Because SPNEA had not
granted approval for the removal or alteration of these
exterior architectural elements, and as the holder of preser-
vation restrictions that were granted to ensure the preserva-
tion of character-defining architectural features, SPNEA
was left no option but to ask the Land Court of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts to find the owner in violation
of the 1958 agreement and compel the return of the stable’s
original and intact doors. There is little precedent in the
Commonwealth regarding violations of preservation
restrictions, which constitute interests in real property. The
outcome of this case could be important to those preserving
historic 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 to
preserve historic properties using what has since become a
commonplace mechanism of preservation.
For more information about SPNEA’s commitment to
enforce its preservation restrictions, or about this specific court
case, please contact Shantia Anderheggen, SPNEA’s Director of
Stewardship, at sanderheggen@spnea.org or (781) 891-4882
ext.225.
New and Renewed Memberships
January 1 to March 1, 2002

u
the American Meteorological Society (AMS), enjoyed an
Mr. & Mrs. Charlton H. Ames Michael Maddigan

o
uneventful working relationship. SPNEA’s oversight of the Barbara Bashevkin Dee Mann
building ensured that original details remained intact and in Patricia Beckett Marlborough Historical Commission

Y
Nancy L. Bradbury Paul Martini/A.J. Martini, Inc.
good repair, including the exterior architectural features Janice Brocklehurst Joseph Massik
found at the original Charles Bulfinch stable, with its large Lisa Burcham Otile McManus

k
Richard M. Candee Heli Meltsner
center entry doors secured by original wrought iron strap Sarah Carothers Cara & John Metz

n
hinges. The stable at the Third Harrison Gray Otis House Maurice F. Childs, FAIA/Childs Middleborough Historical
Bertman Tseckares Commission

a
is not a rare survivor on Beacon Hill, but rather a unique Anthony Consigli/Consigli Wendy Nicholas/National Trust for
one: there are no others known to exist from Beacon Hill’s

h
Construction Co. Inc. Historic Preservation
Mary Campbell Cooper & James R. Swinton Oatman, R.A.
earliest years as a new residential neighborhood.

T
Nicoll Cooper Timothy T. Orwig
Seeing little use during the 20th century, the two- Elsa N. Fitzgerald Antonia Pollak
hundred year old mortise-and-tenon doors and hayloft wall Ruth Geoffroy Marion Pressley
Phebe S. Goodman Clarissa Rowe
remained in excellent condition. That is, until late last year Edward W. Gordon Gretchen G. Schuler
summer, when during a major interior rehabilitation of the John K. Grondalski Jill Shiel
Allen F. Johnson Antone G. Souza, Jr./Waterfront
stable to accommodate more offices, the property owner Audrey Klein-Leach & David Leach Historic Area League
removed the well-preserved original doors as well as all of Arthur Krim Tofias, P.C.
Pauline Lombardi Sandy Schaefer Ung
the surrounding structural framework and the semi-circular Martha H. Lyon, ASLA Ventfort Hall Association, Inc.
hayloft wall. Prior to the removal of these features, SPNEA

10
 PRESERVATION and PEOPLE
SPRING 2002
This could be your last issue
of Preservation & People!
In an effort to better serve commu-
nities and individuals throughout the
Join HISTORIC
MASSACHUSETTS!
Please indicate your choice of
Membership Category.
❏ Preservation Leader: $2500 or more ❏ Sponsor: $250 or more
Commonwealth, Historic Massachu- ❏ Donor: $100 or more
setts is instituting a policy of mailing Our strength lies in
❏ Family / Organization: $50 or more ❏ Individual: $35
our newsletter to members only. the working partner- ❏ Seniors and Students: $15
Having Preservation & People arrive in ship we have forged
❏ I would like to give a gift membership to the individual(s) listed below.
with people through-
your mailbox is a membership benefit, Please make checks payable to Historic Massachusetts and mail to:
out Massachusetts.
however there are many individuals We welcome all Historic Massachusetts, Old City Hall,
and organizations who receive our people and organiza- 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
newsletter even though they are not tions who care about
currently members. Unfortunately, the Name _______________________________________________
the preservation of
substantial costs involved in producing our historic and From _______________________________________________
and mailing our newsletter mean that cultural resources.
we can no longer subsidize the distri- Our goal is to Address _____________________________________________
bution of copies to non-members. encourage the
City ______________________ State _______ Zip __________
Starting with the Summer 2002 issue, weaving of these
resources into the Phone ______________________________________________
Preservation & People will no longer
social and economic
be mailed to non-members of HMI. fabric of Massachu- e-mail ______________________________________________
We don’t want to lose you! We hope setts life in this new Historic Massachusetts is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Membership
that the information you get out of this contributions are fully tax deductible.
century.
04/2002
newsletter is valuable to you in your life
and work and, if you are not currently a PRESERVATION and PEOPLE is a membership benefit of Historic Massachusetts.
member, you will consider joining HMI For additional membership information please call 617-723-3383. Historic Massa-
so you may continue to benefit from the chusetts can also be reached over the Internet. Check our website address for e-mail
newsletter and our other programs and addresses, information and upcoming events: www.historicmass.org
activities. Please complete the member-
ship application and send it in today!
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on
PILLAR HOUSE STRUCTURE FOR SALE (To be MOVED)
any exciting news and information still Newton, Massachusetts Sealed Bid
to come!
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS:
If you have any questions or would like Technical proposals for the purchase, removal
PHOTO: COURTESY OF FRANK VALLARELLI

more information about HMI, please and preservation of the historic PILLAR HOUSE
contact us at 617-723-3383. structure, at the junction of Route 128 and Route
16, in Newton, Massachusetts, will be received by
MassHighway, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, Room 5441
Do you have an ENDANGERED until 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 28, 2002, and read
aloud immediately thereafter. To qualify, all
historic property for sale in interested parties must attend an open house on
Massachusetts? Tuesday, April 23, 2002 between the hours of 11:00
In a continual effort to partner with the AM and 2:00 PM to inspect the property. Technical
proposals must include a moving plan and
preservation community across Massachu- schedule, and a plan for preserving the historic portions of the structure in its new location.
setts, Historic Massachusetts is now A list of historically significant features that must be included in the proposal will be
accepting advertisements for ENDAN- provided at the open house.
GERED historic properties that must be Sealed bids must be submitted on Right of Way Forms: 042, 610, 612. THE DEPARTMENT
RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS. A CERTIFIED CHECK, CASHIER’S CHECK
sold (and in some last resort cases, moved) OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO: Mass Highway for 10% of the bid amount or
in order to be saved. For information on $100.00, whichever is greater, must accompany the sealed bid.
how to place an Endangered Historic BIDDERS ARE CAUTIONED TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ENSURE THAT BIDS WILL BE
Property sale advertisement in our RECEIVED BEFORE THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED.
It is the responsibility of the bidders to determine if local and state authorities will grant
newsletter, please contact us at: a permit to move the structure to the bidder’s new location. Sealed bid forms will be
Historic Massachusetts, Old City Hall available on this date or by contacting the Massachusetts Highway Department, Right of
45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108 Way Bureau, 10 Park Plaza, Room 6160, Boston, MA 02116-3973 or by calling Frank Vallarelli
tel. 617-723-3383 fax. 617-523-3782 at 617-973-8406.
email: sdisano@historicmass.org John Cogliano, Acting Commissioner

11
 HISTORIC MASSACHUSETTS NONPROFIT ORG.
Old City Hall, 45 School Street U.S. POSTAGE
Boston, MA 02108 PAID
617-723-3383 • Fax 617-523-3782
BOSTON, MA
www.historicmass.org
PERMIT NO. 52216

MARK YOUR Auction, Boston Preservation Alliance

Wednesday, May 1, 2002
CALENDAR! For more information, contact the Boston Preservation Alliance at
617-367-2458 or visit their website at www.bostonpreservation.org

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Historic Massachusetts Preservation Awards

125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA.
Tuesday, April 23, 2002, 7:00-9:30 PM
Lecture 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 by
Carter Wilkie
Events are free, but advance registration is requested. For more
information, call 617-524-1718 x. 175 or email:
icls@arnab.harvard.edu
Dinner
Wednesday, May 8, 2002, Reception at
6:00 PM, Dinner at 7:30 PM
Grand Ballroom, Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA
Corporate Friend ($1,500) Reserved dinner table for ten
Individual Friend ($150) Reserved dinner ticket for one
Additional Contributions at Benefactor ($500) or Patron ($250)
level are welcome.
For more information, please contact Historic Massachusetts at
617-723-3383

Preservation Worcester, National Preservation Week

10 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA. Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18th
Sunday, May 5, 2002 12:00-5:00 PM.
Tour of Gracious Homes The Lenox Garden Club
Saturday, July 13, 2002
Saturday, June 8, 2002
12th annual Tour of Gardens and Houses in southern Berkshire
All America City Bus Tour Kick-Off Event
County. For more information, contact Mary Howard at
Thursday, June 27, 2002 5:00-7:00 PM. 413-232-0202 or email: hcadesign@aol.com.
Summer on the Porch, Member Event
For more information, call 508-754-8760 or visit their website: Historic Massachusetts, Ten Most Endangered
www.preservationworcester.org Announcement Event
Fall, 2002
Date, time and location to be announced