APPROVED
Historic District Commission
Public Meeting
March 12, 2009
Members attending: John Fitzwilliam, Lottie Guild, Eileen McHugh, Reuel Walling and Carmen Yon, Selectmen’s representative.
CTO: 4:05 p.m.
Commissioners reviewed the minutes of the November 13, 2008 meeting. Guild moved, Walling seconded and the Commission voted to approve the minutes as written (minutes taken by Fitzwilliam).
They reviewed the work done to date regarding the inventory of pre-1900 homes. It was agreed that tax cards will be pulled for houses beginning with the oldest. Once completed, the inventory will form the basis of a catalog of all pre-1900 homes in Fitzwilliam. The commissioners decided not to evaluate each house and to include each one in the inventory, even if it has been substantially changed in the ensuing years. They reasoned that the changes are a part of the home’s history and therefore the house should be included. They would like to inventory historic barns as well.
Embarking on an inventory of all historic homes in Fitzwilliam accomplishes several goals. First, it allows the community to see that the whole town is historic, not only the designated historic district. We have historic resources that help define the town’s character in every part of town. Second, it supports education, preservation and awareness efforts about the historic resources throughout the town. And finally, having an inventory opens access to potential funding through the state and private foundations for preservation and education efforts by the community and by individuals.
Suggestions flew as Commissioners began to think about historic resources in Fitzwilliam – the Laurel Lake area, the quarries, Fleur de Lis camp, Elephant Rock, the Depot station and freight stations, cemetery, finding funding for historic plaques…..
The Commission will take part in the Master Plan revision by creating a new section of the Plan for Historic Resources. Guild volunteered to draft the background section; Fitzwilliam volunteered to draft the historic resources and past preservation efforts sections; and Walling will draft an overview section.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 PM.
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