2007 Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources

Campus of the University of

Massachusetts, Amherst
The 244-year-old campus was named because of the
university's failure to fund a professional
assessment of the historic campus's that could
inform planning decisions about its architecture.
The lack of appreciation for the significance of
early buildings associated with the University’s
origins as an agricultural college has led to
demolition and mothballing of key historic
structures. Post-WWII buildings by major architects should also be considered as part of the
preservation priorities plan

“As stewards of these historic buildings, the administration has an obligation to the
Commonwealth to preserve and protect them as they relate to the history of the university, the
campus and the town of Amherst,” said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. “The
campus’s architectural diversity is magnificent and should be embraced by the University. Older
buildings must be integrated into the growing campus.”

In May 2007, the UMass Amherst administration announced its intentions to demolish a number
of historic buildings, including South College - built in 1885 - and West Experiment Station,
built a year later. An organization called Preserve UMass, comprising current and retired faculty,
alumni and others, formed to pressure the college to protect its historic buildings. Twenty-three
buildings are listed on the Commonwealth’s Inventory of Historical and Archeological Assets
and still others may qualify, but no attempts have been made to pursue additional historic register
listings.

The Achmuty “Dainty Dot” Building,

Boston
The stately six-story Romanesque style structure stands at
the corner of Kingston and Essex streets, straddling
Chinatown and the Leather District. Developer Ori Ron has proposed building a 29-story luxury
condominium tower on the site, which would require demolishing the internal structure of the
building and half of each of the two remaining facades. The space behind the facades would
become a parking garage under the current plan.

"Even though a portion of this beautiful building was lost in the 1960's to make way for the
Central Artery, much of its Romanesque style, incredible brickwork and masonry detail
remains,” said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. “As a survivor of the Central
Artery construction era, the building is a compelling case for our Ten Endangered at a time when
massive new buildings threaten to encroach further on Boston neighborhoods.”

Built in 1889, the Dainty Dot building was part of a commercial construction boom that followed
a devastating 1972 fire. It was home to the Boston Real Estate Trust, a leading 19th century
investment firm, textile firm Brown, Durell & Company and eventually Dainty Dot Hosiery.

The Jensen Homestead, Granville

The historic farmhouse and three barns of the
Jensen Homestead date from the late 18th century
through the 20th century. The surrounding 150
acres were actively farmed for over 250 years.
Through land takings for aquifer protection in 1921
and 1999 the City of Westfield now owns the
property and is allowing the buildings to deteriorate.

“The taking of the property for aquifer protection is

understandable” states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. “However, allowing
these historic structures to decay because of negligence is unacceptable. The full value of this
wonderful Georgian home and barns and their ties to Granville and Western Massachusetts was
never fully appreciated by the City of Westfield”.

The Jensen farmhouse itself is the only remaining Georgian style in Granville and is an excellent
specimen of 18th century architecture in the western regions of the state.
This property represents the agrarian history of Western Massachusetts, a history that is all too
quickly disappearing.

“The Jensen Homestead is one of those rare remaining farm complexes that represents 300 years
of agricultural history”, says Bonnie Parsons of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
“Listing it as among the Ten Most Endangered Resources may prevent its quiet disappearance,
which would then be followed by the sad realization of what was lost simply for lack of
appreciation.”

The City of Westfield views the property as a natural resource only, with no recognition or
knowledge of the significance of the buildings. Though the house is heated, it is vacant with no
maintenance and concern is rising that eventually all of the buildings will be demolished.
Though there has been some re-use interest in the property in the past decade, including
establishing hiking trails with a visitor’s center, no actual plans have come to fruition.
 The Isaac Crocker Homestead,
Marstons Mills (Barnstable)

The Crocker house and barn sit on a 6.58 acre

parcel in Marstons Mills. Once part of a much
larger farmstead it been owned by only three
families during its 250 year history. The house
itself dates to 1750, a rare example of a bowed roof
house on Cape Cod. The property is currently on
the market and proposed for re-development.

“Preservation Massachusetts commends the Barnstable Historic Commission for its efforts to
preserve this rare 1750 Cape”, states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. “At a
time when high pressured development threatens to overtake our historic landscapes and homes,
we need to remember what makes our Cape Cod communities such special places. Our fond
memories are certainly not of new housing subdivisions”.

The ¾ Cape Cod house is in remarkably good condition, still retaining its massive granite
foundations and original setting. Isaac Crocker himself was descended from Barnstable’s
original settlers and the house is one of the thirty oldest remaining properties in the town.

The Crocker House was sold last year and slated for demolition. A six month demolition delay
expired earlier this year and the property was then put back on the market as a development
opportunity. With such historic integrity intact, the Crocker House stands as a testament to the
agrarian history of Cape Cod. Many historic properties like the Crocker house are vulnerable
due to high development pressures.

Both the Barnstable Historical Commission and Historical Society are seeking preservation
alternatives to demolition, including relocation of the house and re-sale to a preservation minded
buyer. The retention of this house and property will promote the importance of local history and
ensure that another piece of the Cape’s history will not be lost to the wrecking ball.

Castle Hill Farm, Northbridge

The 98 undeveloped and wooded acres of Castle Hill
Farm date back to the early 1870’s when John C.
Whitin used workers from his family’s machine shop
to clear land. A depression had caused production to
decline and rather than lay-off his employees, Whitin
opted to find them extra work. The stones the
workers cleared were made into massive stone walls
that still line the property today.

The open space of Castle Hill is appealing to potential developers. The property is now owned
by the Bernon Realty Trust, who is considering a residential development in the very heart of
this local landmark.
“Historic Castle Hill Farm and the preservation of its open space is important to many people at
a time when development threatens to consume every available acre within a community” states
Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. “If listing the property on our Ten Most
Endangered aids in the effort to keep this part of Northbridge’s history intact, then we will have
succeeded”.

Castle Hill Farm operated as a dairy farm. The Whitins brought a family from Holland to
Northbridge to aid in the growth and development of milk cattle. Many Dutch in the community
find their ancestry aligned with this local farm. The farm grew in production, providing milk to
local schools and businesses. A fire in 1957 destroyed the main barn and the farm ceased in
operation. The property was given a “high priority” rating by the Department of Conservation
and Recreation’s Heritage Landscape Inventory program.

The proposed development on Castle Hill farm would place (36/74) residential units on the
property. Bernon Realty Trust expressed interest in preserving as much of the property as
possible, yet the plans site construction in the center of the farms open space.
Northbridge has been working with DCR and the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor in efforts
to raise awareness about Castle Hill and its local significance.

Bentley-Gallo Property, Princeton

Bentley-Gallo makes up the very center of
Princeton’s Four Corners, a tract of land with
numerous historic structures, wildlife and scenic
vistas. These 168 acres make up the “missing
link” between two major greenways and is still
used for hay production.

The property was purchased in 2006 and

proposed for a 36 unit residential development.
Such an undertaking will drastically affect the
scenic vistas and the overall intact integrity of
the Four Corners area.

“Our organization has been witness to extraordinary and aggressive development that threatens
wonderfully historic and beautiful cultural landscapes. “The Four Corners” in Princeton is no
exception with some of the oldest farms in our Commonwealth. This tract of land must be
preserved; to lose it to housing development would be a devastating disaster for this pastoral
community. The partnerships forged and tremendous effort on behalf of concerned individuals is
to be applauded”.

The Bentley-Gallo property contributes to the overall historic significance of the Four Corners.
It’s characteristically 18th century New England appearance, participation in the Revolution,
Shay’s Rebellion and ongoing farming make Princeton’s history tangible.

Princeton’s Open Space Committee has dedicated years to crafting a plan for the property,
including conservation, recreation, limited development and agricultural use options. The town
has been working with the Trust for Public land, the Select and Advisory boards and local
residents in order to preserve this valuable part of their heritage.
It is clear that the town appreciates and understands its history and the importance of
preservation. Forging alliances and partnerships will aid the community in their quest to keep
their history intact.

Old First Church (First Church of Christ

Congregational), Springfield
Springfield’s Old First Church dates to 1818, a product of Captain
Isaac Damon who gave the community classical meetinghouse
with a steeple that could be viewed from miles around. The
congregation of the church dates to 1637, just one year after the
founding of Agawam (Springfield). The building was named a
Massachusetts Historic Landmark in 1971, the first building in
Western Massachusetts to receive such a designation.

As is the case in many communities today, the church faces rising

maintenance costs coupled with a dwindling congregation. The
congregation officially voted last week to cease all church
functions and close the building as of January 1, 2008.

Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts feels strongly about the future of the church.
“The Old First Church is clearly a special property and stands out as one of the most
architecturally and historically significant churches, not only in Western Massachusetts but the
entire state. The churches prime location in downtown Springfield unquestionably solidifies its
stance as a landmark for the city. Preservation Massachusetts will commit itself to working with
local organizations and individuals in efforts to keep this property in use and open for future
generations.”

The congregation went public with their financial plight, and though many have voiced concern
in keeping this landmark open, no plans for the building exist.

Constant repair and a major 2001 renovation of the exterior, steeple and parish house have kept
the church in remarkably good shape. It sits today as one of the cornerstones of Court Square in
downtown and it truly one of the city’s treasures. Issues of vagrancy in Court Square have
resulted in the city removing all benches and amenities, and the church’s front steps are blocked
by 8 foot iron gates. This present situation does little to encourage people visit the building.

Old First Church does have much re-use potential, from the rear parish house to partnerships
between the congregation and other entities for use of the space. This building is truly a jewel
for the city of Springfield and for the state of Massachusetts. Ensuring its continued use is
priority.
 Edward Hopper House &
Landscape, Truro
The Truro home of painter Edward Hopper
and the sweeping landscape that served as
Hopper’s muse have been named to the Ten
Most Endangered for 2007.

The “Hopper landscape” is a stretch of coastal

heathland encompassing nearly a half-mile of sandy beach and 30 acres of uplands. The quiet
beauty of the land is threatened by a proposed 6,500-square foot mansion that would be built
next door to Hopper’s former home, and sit on the property’s highest ridge.

“At a time when so many beautiful and significant vistas and landscapes are being lost to trophy
homes, the Edward Hopper home and landscape stand out as one of the most significant
anywhere in the United States,” said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. “Listing
this property on the 10 Most Endangered list underlines the local, state and national importance
of this landscape and a well respected artist's home.”

The proposed new home would be eight times larger than the Hopper house and substantially
alter its views. These views, which Hopper could see from his modest cottage’s large panoramic
window, inspired many of his works which now hang in major galleries around the world.

The other threat to the landscape is the possible development of a nearby drumlin, rising one
hundred feet above the Cape Cod Bay. A land court ruling has opened the door to possible
development of this 3.5 acre parcel as well.

Strathmore Mill, Tuners Falls

Situated on a narrow island between the
Connecticut River and an active power canal,
the Strathmore Mill is one of the most
significant industrial buildings remaining in
Turners Falls. Sitting unused since 2003 and
amidst controversy over non-payment of taxes
and copper wire salvage, a fire earlier this year
further endangered this important site.

“Tuner’s Falls should be commended for

understanding and preserving many of its architecturally and historically significant buildings”,
states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. “Strathmore Mill is yet one more
important yet challenging opportunity for this community. Coupled with its historic importance,
the mill has the potential to be economically important if saved and restored”.

The mill’s earliest structures date to 1873, built for the Keith Paper Company. The mill was just
one of many in Col. John Crocker’s planned industrial community of Turners Falls. Due to
waning industry in the mid-twentieth century, many other mills were demolished. These losses
encouraged the village to embrace the preservation of their industrial past, and take special
interest in the Strathmore Mill.

The town is concerned the owner will continue the demolition work that the fire started.
Increased clean-up and operation costs are a new complication in an already challenging
preservation project.

Though the fire at Strathmore damaged a significant mill building and left others open to the
elements, the town remains hopeful that it will be preserved. A developer was in agreement to
take ownership of the mill before the tragic fire struck. Optimism remains that this project will
still be viable and keep Turners Falls from loosing yet another piece of their past.

Tremont Nail Factory Complex,

Wareham
Much of the town’s history is tied to the historic nail
factory, at the heart of Wareham’s historic center.
Beginning in 1848, the factory buildings housed the
machines that specialized in steel cut nails, known for
their durability and historic authenticity.

“Preservation Massachusetts is pleased to list the

Tremont Nail Factory on our Ten Most Endangered
because it is imperative to re-enforce its significance
to the community, long manufacturing history and its
crucial location amongst Wareham’s most historic
buildings” says Jim Igoe, President of Preservation
Massachusetts. “We hope our support of the listing and the Wareham Historical Commission
will entice others to become interesting in preserving this property with a viable re-use plan”.

Making nails since the nineteenth century, Tremont Nail was the oldest continually operating cut
nail factory in the United States, until the company was purchased and production moved out of
town. Many generations of Wareham residents worked in the factory buildings along Elm Street.

In an effort to keep the property intact, the town utilized Community Preservation Act funds to
purchase it in 2004, with the hopes or creating an industrial history museum. Yet there are
currently no funds to properly maintain or stabilize the buildings. The complex’s proximity to
the Parker Mill Dam is a growing concern, since the dam was classified as hazardous in
condition.

The quest to find a viable re-use for Tremont is ongoing, and there is growing concern that the
property could be sold to alleviate growing funding issues. There are many in the town that
recognize the importance that Tremont Nail had and still has for the town of Wareham. Listing
the property is yet another affirmation that preservation can be utilized to create economic
opportunities while preserving the past for generations to come.
About the ‘10 Most Endangered’ List
Now in its 14th year, the list of ten most endangered resources has become an effective tool for
preservationists to focus statewide attention on the condition of individual historic properties and
their importance to communities. Of the more than 100 historic sites designated as endangered
since the list’s inception in 1993, fewer than a dozen have been lost.

This year’s list was culled from nominations submitted by preservation-minded groups and
individuals throughout the state. Submissions are judged by several criteria, including their
historic significance, the extent of the threat and the community’s commitment to preserving the
resource.

Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts (formerly known as Historic Massachusetts, Inc.)

is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth’s
historic and cultural heritage.

For more information on the Ten Most Endangered Program, please contact Erin Kelly at
ekelly@preservationmass.org or call 617-723-3383.