Vermont Division for Historic Preservation

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Memo To: Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation From: Jamie Duggan, Senior Historic Preservation Review Coordinator CC: Frank Spaulding, FPR, Laura Trieschmann, SHPO Date: February 16, 2018 Re: Dutton Pines State Park, Dummerston, Vermont

In consultation with the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, we have identified a project review subject to 22 VSA Chapter 14 that will result in Adverse Effects to Historic Resources at the Dutton Pines State Park in Dummerston, Vermont.

Please review the supporting materials provided for a full explanation of existing conditions, identification of historic resources and assessment of adverse effects. Working together in consultation, FPR and DHP have come to agreement on a list of proposed and recommended stipulations that we believe will serve as reasonable and appropriate mitigation, suitable to resolve the adverse effects identified. We are currently working on a rough draft of a Memorandum of Agreement that will reflect the final agreed-upon measures, once we have received your direction and approval. The following are the stipulations we jointly offer for your consideration and discussion at the upcoming ACHP meeting on February 23, 2018.

VDHP and Applicant agree as follows: 1. FPR will continue the discussion about the park’s future with local organizations, the community and other interested parties.

2. FPR shall complete A Maintenance Plan for Preservation for the complex within one (1) year from the date of this MOA.

a. FPR will utilize the expertise of appropriate subject craftspeople and technicians for the various material concerns (e.g. preservation mason for stone fireplaces and water fountains; log- building expert for Pavilion, roofer, etc.)

b. FPR will provide appropriate treatment recommendations (action/frequency/cost) for stabilization and short/long-term “mothballing” of resources until future use can be identified.

3. Within three (3) years from date of approval, FPR shall retain a qualified historic preservation consultant, as defined in 36 CFR Part 61, to prepare and submit to the National Park Service a Nomination form to the National Register of Historic Places for the Dutton Pines State Park complex.

1 State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2 Montpelier , VT 05620-3801 www.vtfpr.org Tel: (802) 522-0798 E-mail: [email protected]

February 16, 2018

Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Laura Trieschmann, State Historic Preservation Officer Division for Historic Preservation 1 National Life Drive Davis 6 Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

RE: Demolition of two structures at Dutton Pines State Park

It is with regret that Vermont State Parks, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation consult with and seek concurrence from the Advisory Council for removal of a pumphouse and CCC era toilet building structure at Dutton Pines State Park.

Dutton Pines State Park is a small wayside-type picnic area that operated in a day use capacity from the mid 1930’s until 1983. The park has not had staff or operating facilities since 1983. The park is largely of local significance for its recreational value.

The subject buildings have deteriorated to a point beyond recovery and there is no current or planned program for the property that would require reestablishment of the facilities. Local staff continue to explore options for the programmatic use for the property beyond what it is today.

As mediation for this removal, Vermont State Parks will execute the actions outlined in the proposal brought forth by the Division for Historic Preservation. We believe these actions will protect the remaining structures for the hopeful day when a program that uses and interprets these cultural resources will once again have a place at Dutton Pines.

Sincerely

Frank Spaulding, Parks Projects Coordinator

Regional Offices: Barre • Essex Junction • Rutland • Springfield • St. Johnsbury

State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2 Montpelier , VT 05620-3801 www.vtfpr.org

September 19, 2017

Jamie Duggan State Historic Preservation Review Coordinator One National Life Drive Deane C. Davis Building, 6th Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

RE: Dutton Pines State Park Toilet Building & Pump House Removal, Dummerston, Windsor County

Dear Jamie:

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is submitting the following project for review in accordance with 22V.S.A. 14 The Vermont Historic Preservation Act.

This accompanies the Historic Preservation Project Review Cover Form and attachments submitted via http://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation/review-compliance/checklist,

Description of the project and project goals: We plan to remove two severely deteriorated structures at Dutton Pines State Park. A toilet building and a pump house will be removed and the site restored. Both structures were mothballed when the park ceased formal operations in 1983. There are no longer utility services to either structure and no reasonable way to restore their use and no demand for the services they once provided. A structural analysis was undertaken by a Professional Engineer, and a Historic Preservation report was authored by Lyssa Papazian.

We are requesting concurrence with Ms. Papazian’s conclusion which states “Dutton Pines State Park has architectural resources significant in the context of the CCC collection of Vermont’s State Parks as well as local significance for its association with an early farm, reforestation effort and memorial plantation. The resources are worthy of preservation though two of them appear not to be salvageable.” We have established a good working relationship with the Dummerston Conservation Commission who has an active interest in the property and we are working to retain the two remaining structures on the property; the picnic shelter and caretaker’s cabin.

Sincerely,

Ethan Phelps, Parks Regional Manager

Regional Offices: Barre • Essex Junction • Rutland • Springfield • St. Johnsbury

T. R. FELLOWS ENGINEERING 134 County Road REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS 603.756.4811 Walpole, NH 03608 CIVIL – STRUCTURAL [email protected] PO Box 56 802.318.7853 Rochester, VT 05767 [email protected]

July 7, 2015

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Attn: Ethan Phelps Mineral Street Springfield, VT

Re: Toilet Building Structural Building Assessment Dutton Pines State Park, Dummerston, VT

Dear Ethan Phelps,

As requested, I performed an on-site review and assessment of the existing toilet building at Dutton Pines State Park in Dummerston, VT. The entire structure was investigated including the foundation, first floor structure, wall framing and the roof structure. No interior or exterior finishes were removed during the investigation which limited the assessment to immediately visible portions of the framing and foundations.

The general construction and overall condition of the ±10’ x ±27’ single story toilet building are well described and documented in the Dutton Pines State Park Historic Preservation Report prepared by Lyssa Papazian dated August 13, 2013. The building is separated into three distinct sections: a male toilet room space on one end, a utility room in the middle, and a female toilet room space on the opposite end. The following report should be utilized in conjunction with the aforementioned Historic Preservation report. This report provides additional detailed information on the overall structural condition and integrity of the building.

Foundation Existing Conditions: The building has a ±5’ deep cast-in-place concrete foundation. No structural cracks were observed in the foundation and there are no signs of cracking or displacement due to frost action in any locations. The existing foundation is structurally sound and in good shape at this time. The dirt floor basement is dry, indicating that the foundation is properly drained. There are full height 8” thick concrete walls at third points of the structure that extend across the full width of the structure, directly under the interior wood walls that separate the toilet and utility spaces above. These interior concrete foundation walls bear on 30” wide strip footings. The exterior wall footings appear to be 20” wide which is more than adequate for a structure this size. The exterior foundation wall thickness is unknown but appears to be more than adequate given the present condition of the walls.

Foundation Analysis and Recommendations: The foundation is structurally sound and does not require any repairs at this time.

First Floor System Existing Conditions: The first floor system is a reinforced concrete 5” thick suspended slab that is supported on the exterior walls and on the intermediate concrete bearing walls at third points of the structure described above. Although the reinforcing steel layout in the suspended slab is unknown, the slab appears to be in good shape with no

July 9, 2015 T.R. Fellows Engineering Page 1 of 3 compromising structural cracks. There is a small hatch in the middle section (utility room) that provides access to the basement area.

First Floor Analysis and Recommendations: The first floor slab does not require any repairs at this time and will likely remain in good condition in the future if it were to be loaded only by human traffic or similar.

Roof System Existing Conditions: The single gable roof is framed with double 2x4 rafters at 24" o.c. throughout the structure. There is a single 4x4 non-structural ridge member. At each rafter pair, there are 2x4 collar ties (at 24" o.c. to match the rafter spacing) which tie the building roof together to resist horizontal thrust. The collar ties are located approximately 1 ft above the wall top plate height and appear to be adequately fastened to the rafters.

The rafters and collar ties over the restroom spaces on each end of the building are in fair to good condition with no visible signs of decay and are sufficient to resist the code required roof snow load for this location. The middle third of the roof over the utility area has completely failed due to rot and decay of the wood framing and sheathing materials over the years. The roof shingles are cedar and in very poor condition. While the exact condition of the roof sheathing is not apparent in many places outside of the utility room, it is expected that the sheathing is also decayed and in poor condition throughout the structure.

Roof Analysis and Recommendations: If the structure were to be preserved, all framing in the middle third of the roof (over the utility room) would need to be completely replaced in-kind. The roof structure on the two ends of the building (over the toilet rooms) would need to be re-sheathed with 1” boards or 5/8” thick roof sheathing. All non-decayed roof rafters and collar ties over the toilet spaces in the two ends of the building could be retained. However, while there was no obvious evidence of any structurally compromising decay in the roof rafters and collar ties in the two end thirds of the building, some may exist in difficult-to-view locations or behind the paint finishes. If rot were to be discovered in any of the roof framing members in a subsequent inspection, or while doing future repairs, all decayed framing members would need to be replaced in-kind.

Exterior Wall System: The exterior walls are 2x4 construction. The spacing and condition of the wall studs is unknown in many locations because the inside faces of the walls are sheathed with boards in most locations. It is obvious that the failed roof system in the middle utility room area has led to significant rot, decay and fungal growth in the walls in this portion of the structure. It is expected that the framing and the subsiding in the wall systems in two ends of the structure also exhibit some decay based on the condition of the rest of the structure.

Exterior Wall System Analysis and Recommendations: If the structure were to be preserved, all wall framing around the utility room in the middle third of the building would need to be completely replaced in-kind. It is likely that portions of the wall framing in the two ends of the building, around the toilet spaces, would also need to be replaced due to rot and decay. All 2x4 wall studs (at 24” o.c. maximum) that are not decayed are adequate to support code-required loads and could remain.

General Conclusions: While the foundation is well constructed, in good condition, and salvageable, the wood portion of the structure is in poor condition in many locations, and completely failed in places. This failure is contributing to rapid decay of the building as a whole. If the structure were to be preserved, all wood framing in the walls and roof of the middle third of the building would need to be replaced. It appears that most of the wood roof

July 9, 2015 T.R. Fellows Engineering Page 2 of 3 and wall framing in the end thirds of the building could be retained, but this can only be confirmed from a more invasive structural investigation in which finishes are removed to view the framing.

From a structural standpoint, the wood portion of this toilet building is not worth repairing and restoring unless there is a distinct need for a building of this type in this location. For a structure of this size, a complete rebuild of the wood portion of the building (starting at the foundation) would be less expensive than trying to shore up, work around, and tie into the salvageable portions of the existing wood framing. It is also common during the repair process of structures in this condition that more rot and decay than was originally noticed is uncovered as finishes are removed. Such discoveries only lead to more expensive repairs than originally planned. The foundation, although well-constructed and in decent shape, does not serve much purpose in this location without a wood structure above. Based on the above analysis and experience with structures in similar condition, it would not be cost-effective or appropriate to repair and restore this building at this time unless there was a compelling reason.

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any additional comments or questions.

Sincerely,

Kristin F. McCusker P.E.

July 9, 2015 T.R. Fellows Engineering Page 3 of 3

LYSSA PAPAZIAN

H I S T O R I C P RESERVATION C ONSULTANT 1 3 DUSTY RIDGE ROAD ∼ P U T N E Y , VT 0 5 3 4 6 PHONE / FAX :(802)387-2878 [email protected]

Historic Preservation Report: Architectural Description, Significance & General Preservation Recommendations for

Dutton Pines State Park U.S. Route 5 ~ Dummerston, Vermont

March 13, 2014

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Table of Contents

List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………… 3

Introduction & Context ……………………………………………………………….. 4

Location maps ………………………………………………………………………… 5

Architectural Description with Photos ……………..………………………………… 7

Picnic Shelter ………………………………………………………………… 9 Caretaker’s Cabin ……………………………………………………………. 18 Toilet Building ……………………………………………………………….. 34 Pump House ………………………………………………………………….. 43 Stone Drinking Fountains ……………………………………………………. 46 Stone Fireplaces ……………………………………………………………… 48 Park Road ……………………………………………………………………. 58 Parking Lots …………………………………………………………………. 61 Walking Trails ………………………………………………………………. 64 Fechner Memorial Stone ……………………………………………………. 66 Gates …………………………………………………………………………. 66 Modern Water System ………………………………………………………. 67

Significance ………………………………………………………………..………….. 69

Historic Context – Comparable CCC Examples in Vermont State Parks …………… 74

Statewide CCC Architectural Context ……………………………………………….. 87

Inventory of Significant Architectural Features ………………………………………. 91

Preservation Discussion and Recommendations ……………………………………… 92

Conclusion & Recommendation for Future …………………………………………… 93

Appendix 1: “Historical Data” management files on Dutton Pines ………………….. 94

Appendix 2: Excerpts From: 2011 – Brattleboro Management Unit Long Range Management Plan………………………………………………………. 97

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

List of Figures

Fig. 1 Location Map: Detail of “Newfane” USGS quadrangle ……………….. 5

Fig. 2 Orthomap of Dutton Pines State Park (Long Range Management plan)... 6

Fig. 3 National Register Historic District Map …………………………………. 8

Fig. 4 Caretaker’s Cabin: Rough first floor plan ……………………………….. 29

Fig. 5 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” – Number 37-SP ……………… 30

Fig. 6 Inverted and reversed copy of plan in Fig. 5 ……………………………. 30

Fig. 7 Elevation details from 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” ………… 31

Fig. 8 Elevation detail above reversed to match Dutton Pines cabin ………….. 31

Fig. 9 Elevation detail from 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” ………….. 32

Fig. 10 Elevation details from 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” ………… 32

Fig. 11 Elevation detail above reversed to match Dutton Pines cabin ..………… 32

Fig. 12 Elevation detail above reversed to match Dutton Pines cabin ..………… 32

Fig. 13 Section detail from 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin”…………….. 33

Fig. 14 Detail of an annotated latrine plan from the maintenance files of FPR … 42

Fig. 15 Annotated version of a 1955 site plan of Dutton Pines …………………. 72

Fig. 16 Cultural Resources Map from BMU Long Range Management Plan ….. 73

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Introduction & Context

Dutton Pines State Park is 13 acres in Dummerston, located along the east side of U.S. Route 5 in a mixed residential and commercial area. It was acquired by the state in 1937 from the Dutton family and had been used as a local picnic spot. Its most prominent feature is the c. 1880-1920s plantation of white pines. The park also has several features constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s. It was opened as a park in 1940 and was formally closed to the public in 1982. However, it had not been in regular use as a picnic area since the mid-1960s when Interstate 91 was constructed and by-passed Route 5 as the main north-south corridor.

The Department of Forestry, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is planning for the future of the site and its resources which are no longer used as part of the state park recreation system. This Historic Preservation plan is a step in that process and is intended to document and provide preservation recommendations for the historic resources within the park. These include a picnic pavilion, ranger’s cabin, toilet building, and several stone fireplaces and water fountains, all constructed by the CCC. Presently there are several new water wells that have been developed on the site to serve a neighboring mobile home park.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Location Maps

Fig. 1. Detail of “Newfane” quadrangle USGS map (north is at top of map)

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 2. Orthomap of Dutton Pines State Park (Long Range Management plan) 6

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Architectural & Site Description Dutton Pines State Park, located in the town of Dummerston, Vermont, is a historic park which began as an 1887 plantation of white pines by a local farmer, Myron Dutton, and which was donated to the state as a memorial to him by his family in 1937. It was developed between 1938 and 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) into a small public state park. The park is located on the east side of U.S. Route 5 and is bordered on the north by Dummerston Station Road. It consists of a 13-acre forested site and has historic features which date from the CCC- era development between 1938 and 1940. These original 1940 facilities included a log picnic shelter, three rustic frame buildings serving as caretakers dwelling, toilet building, and water supply pump house, two stone drinking fountains, seven stone fireplaces at picnic sites, walking trails, and two parking lots. There is also a section of old road that was incorporated into the park. Presently, there is a c. 2000 non-historic well house, pumping station, and four wells near the park road which serve a residential cluster across Route 5.

The two parking areas include an upper one at the Route 5 entrance which is maintained and ringed by large boulders and lower one that is no longer maintained at the bottom of the hill on the park’s northern border which fronts on Dummerston Station Road. This northern access is not used except as a fire lane. There is a trail loop and seven remaining stone fire places though these are no longer maintained in former picnic clearings. Many are now overgrown. One fireplace is double sided. There are two stone water fountains. There is also a memorial stone alongside the trail loop.

The entire park is forested and the original plantation of white pines was started in 1887 by farmer Myron Dutton and augmented by his family with plantations in 1917 and 1925. The forest is now mature with a canopy of white pines, red oak, and black oak of approximately 70’-90’. The top section of the park near the Route 5 entrance is kept cleared under the trees. The rest has brush and lower growth throughout. The road which was the former north–south highway is maintained and has a 2012 gate at the Route 5 parking lot. The top section on which the picnic shelter sits had a view to the east at one time.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 3

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

1. Picnic Shelter, 1938-40, contributing

Picnic Shelter, looking southeast

This 1938-40 log structure is 24’ x 34’ with the solid rear log section containing a monumental stone fireplace. The entrance is by two open bays in the center on the north and south sides. The gable roof is supported by a shallow rear log structure and an open porch of seven, braced, 12” diameter log posts. The roof structure has log purlins which are exposed at the front gable which has a solid log gable pediment above the porch. Log rafters and sheathing boards complete the roof structure which is covered in asphalt shingles replaced in 2001.The porch posts start with engaged posts at the end of the rear wall section and have 12’ bays. The log porch railings which enclose the end bay and the front two bays are made of 8” diameter logs. It has a rustic zigzag design between two horizontal rails. The porch floor is concrete.

The rear log section is approximately 10’ deep and 24’ across with a large, approximately 14’ wide fireplace centered at the back. The log section has interlaced, exposed log ends at the corners. The stone fireplace of mortared, large river stones has a brick firebox and stone mantel and tapers symmetrically to a stone chimney of approximately 5’ width. There is a slate spark arrester/cap at the top. The chimney has metal flashing around it at the roof level.

Condition: The shelter is in good condition.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Significant Historic Features for the Picnic Shelter Log construction Three bay massing with one enclosed end, two open bays, and gable roof Monumental fireplace and chimney of mortared local stone Exposed roof structure of log trusses, log ridge pole, log purlins, and log rafters Log railings

Picnic Shelter, looking east

Picnic Shelter, looking northeast, with a bit of the former view suggested in the distance

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Picnic Shelter, looking south

Picnic Shelter, looking northwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Top: Picnic Shelter, looking southeast with view beyond

Left: Detail of Picnic Shelter porch

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of shelter porch, looking southwest

Detail of shelter porch, looking west toward Route 5 parking and entrance 13

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of shelter porch

Left: detail of rear wall and stone chimney; Right: Detail of logs at rear corner

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of shelter interior, looking east with fireplace

Detail of shelter roof with log purlins, log rafters and sheathing board including some recently replaced. ,

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of interior stone chimney at roof with main ridge beam supported in masonry.

Detail of stone fireplace, brick-lined arched fire box, and stone mantel

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of roof structure with purlins, ridgepole and rafters as well as west gable pediment

Detail of exterior stone chimney top and slate spark arrestor

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

2. Caretaker’s Cabin, 1938-1940, contributing

Caretaker’s Cabin, front (east) and south elevations, view looking north

Exterior The small, frame one story Caretaker’s Cabin is approximately 16’ by 18’ with a 10’ by 3’ ell on the north side and a large stone exterior chimney rising from a 7’ by 4’ base. The one-room building plus bathroom ell is set on a bank with a walk out concrete basement at the rear (west). The building is stick framed with wide clapboard siding of approximately 8’ exposure and flat corner boards of similar width. The shallow pitched gable roof with asphalt shingles overhangs the walls slightly with open eaves and exposed curved rafter and decorative (false) purlin tails of triple-board construction, spaced about 2’ apart. According to internal park documents, the original roof was cedar shingle. The front façade is the eastern gable end nearest the park road. The façade is dominated by a large, centered, external mortared stone chimney that tapers asymmetrically from the roughly 7’ by 4’ base to a vertical shaft of about 3’ by 2’. The door is on the south side of the chimney and is fronted by a stone entry pad about 5’ by 3’. The door is about 32” wide and currently covered by plywood. The chimney stones are rounded, irregular stones with deep set mortar joints so that the visual effect emphasizes the rustic texture of the stones. At the top of the chimney there is a stone cap which overhangs the shaft slightly on top of which is a stone spark arrester made of a large flat top stone resting on four stone pillars above the flue.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

The south eaves elevation has a paired casement wood window set asymmetrically just east of center. The window is covered on the outside with plywood but is intact on the interior. The concrete foundation has two small, rectangular vents.

The rear (west) gable elevation has a square window centered in the first floor while the hill falls away below to allow for w walk out basement entered by a narrow door on the northern corner. Dry laid stone retaining walls further keep the bank intact. There is an electric meter and hook up on the southern edge of this elevation.

The north eaves elevation has a roughly 3’ by 10’ ell on the eastern half with a shed roof extending the main gable. The main block north elevation has a window roughly centered between the western corner and the ell with a pair of sash protected by plywood. The ell has a small single window centered on its north elevation. There is a single rectangular vent in the concrete foundation under the ell. The ell which houses a bathroom has a metal vent stack.

Interior The cabin has one room with a small bathroom in the ell and one small closet. There are simple built in kitchen counters and cabinets in an “L”-shape in the northwest corner. A sink is set beneath the one window. On the southern wall there is a built in table beneath the window. The eastern wall has a closet and a stove pipe nipple. The bathroom contains a claw foot bathtub, toilet, and small wall mounted corner sink.

The floor is wood plank and the walls are wood vertical paneling in knotty pine and both are varnished. The kitchen area and the ceiling are also made of wood paneling and are both painted. The upper kitchen cabinets have a curving scroll sawn detail on the end above the counter. The bathroom and closet doors are simple plank doors made from the same pine paneling as the walls. There is an attic access hatch in the ceiling.

The basement area has concrete walls and a concrete floor and some crude wooden shelving.

Condition: The caretaker’s cabin is in good condition

Significant Historic Features for the Caretaker’s Cabin Massing and original floor plan Monumental chimney of mortared local stone Exposed curved rafter and decorative (false) purlin tails of three-board construction Wide board siding Wood plank doors Wood casement windows Interior woodwork – kitchen cabinets, folding table, doors

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Caretaker’s Cabin, south elevation, view looking north

Caretaker’s Cabin, rear (west, partial) and south elevations, view looking northeast with apparently real rafter tails on eave and decorative (false) purlin tails on gable

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Caretaker’s Cabin, rear (west) and north elevations, view looking southeast

Detail of rear elevation, stone retaining walls, and basement door, view looking east

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Caretaker’s Cabin, stone chimney, front (east, partial) and north elevations, view looking southwest

Detail of stone chimney and spark arrestor, note flashing in poor condition

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left: Detail of east elevation and door with stone chimney; Right: detail of stone chimney

Detail of raking eave with exposed decorative composite purlin tails (false)

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Cabin interior, kitchen and door to bathroom, view looking northwest

Cabin interior, kitchen, door to bathroom, and closet, view looking north

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Cabin interior, door and stove pipe connection, view looking southeast

Cabin interior, built-in folding table and paired window, view looking south

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Cabin interior, edge of kitchen and single window, view looking southwest

Left: Detail of closet; Right: Detail of original casement window

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left: Detail of bathroom, view looking west; Right: Detail of bathroom, view looking northeast

Left: Basement, view looking west at door;

Right: Basement, view looking southeast

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left: Basement, view looking east; Right: Basement, view looking southwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 4. Dutton Pines Caretaker’s Cabin - Rough first floor plan: Not to scale but listed measurements are accurate. (North is at top of plan)

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 5. 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” – Number 37-SP, Approved for use in the State Parks by C.A. Betts, Assistant Regional Forester on 8/19/1937. Design by R.G. Simon, Drawn by A.A. Ullman

Fig. 6. Plan above inverted and reversed – to match Dutton Pines cabin orientation. Dimensions match closely though not exactly.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 7. Elevation details from 1937 generic plan for “Rangers Cabin” – Number 37-SP

Fig. 8. Elevation detail above inverted and reversed – to match Dutton Pines cabin orientation

Reference views of Dutton cabin to match above

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Figs 9 & 10. Left & Right: Elevation details from 1937 generic plan

Figs. 11 & 12. Left & Right: Elevation details above inverted and reversed to match Dutton cabin

Left and Right: Reference views of Dutton cabin to match elevations above

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Figure 13. Section detail from 1937 generic plan showing the basic kitchen cabinets, table and bunks

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

3. Toilet Building, 1938-1940/1980, contributing

Toilet Building front (west) and south elevations, view looking northwest

Exterior This simple, one-story, frame, gable roofed toilet building is 27’ by 10’- 3.5”. It was modified in 1980 to convert parts of a former enclosed firewood shelter that connected the two toilet rooms into showers annexed to each toilet room. The basic two by four frame is exposed on the interior and sheathed on the exterior with “Novelty” type wood siding. Each end has a door for access to a toilet room. Each toilet room has a window on the front elevation and a long high slatted ventilation window on the rear elevation. There is a center door which provides access to a utility room and the shower plumbing. The utility room also has a slatted ventilator window on the rear elevation. The roof has exposed rafter tails and wood shingles that are approximately 30 years old1. The doors (now boarded with plywood) are vertical plank doors with CCC-era iron hardware. The foundation is concrete.

Interior The two toilet rooms have horizontal flush board walls and concrete floor with simple wooden stalls. The wood is all painted. There are toilets and a sink and a shower stall in each side. The central space is a utility area for storage and plumbing access.

1 Per observation by Ethan Phelps (FPR) that shingles are commercially sawn. A maintenance record included in the appendix suggests that the toilet building was renovated in 1980 with the addition of showers. Though it does not specify, it may have been re-roofed at that time as well. 34

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Condition The building is in poor condition with the roof caved in completely in the center section and starting to fail in other areas where rotten roof framing and sheathing has been observed. The wooden elements of the roof and throughout the interior of the center section exhibit much rot and fungal growth. The first floor interiors of the toilet ends are in better condition though the paint is failing due to moisture and rot may exist behind much of the paint. The siding is starting to exhibit rot.

Significant Historic Features for the Toilet Building (Note: May be too deteriorated to save) Long, narrow floor plan and massing with gable roof Wide board siding Windows Exposed wood framing in roof Plank doors and iron hardware

Detail of gable end showing purlin tails and narrow attic ventilator

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Toilet Building, front (east) and north elevations, view looking southwest

Toilet Building, rear (west) and south elevations, view looking northeast

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Toilet Building, rear (west) and north elevations, view looking southeast with tarp protecting roof

Toilet Building, rear (west) and north elevations, view looking southeast with roof damage 37

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Detail of collapsed center of roof

Left & Right Above: Typical interior views

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left & Right Above: Typical interior in one of two toilet rooms

Detail of toilet room roof in fair condition

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left and Right: Interior of center utility room with holes in rear wall, looking west

Left: Interior utility room rear of shower stall; Right: Detail of utility room

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Utility room ceiling (above) and walls (below) with fungal growth

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fig. 14. Detail of an annotated latrine plan from the maintenance files of FPR, likely dating to 1980 when showers were added

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

4. Pump House, 1938-1940, contributing

Small CCC pump house, looking southwest

Exterior This small, approximately 8’ by 12’ gable roofed, frame shed has a metal chimney stack. It is constructed similarly to the toilet building. There is one door and two window openings (one on each long side) and the foundation is concrete. The walls are sheathed in “Novelty” type wood siding and the roof is wood shingle. The door is a double leafed wood plank door and the window opening covered by a simple, solid wood shutter on a hinge. There is a concrete ramp leading up to the door.

Interior This is a basic utility structure but, like the toilet building, has painted, horizontal, wood flush board walls. There is a large water storage reservoir under the building with a drilled well within it which is unusual. There is a large galvanized pressurization tank and a pressure pump within the small room that likely date to an upgrade in 1971.

Condition: This structure has had roof failure and is in very poor condition

Significant Historic Features for the Toilet Building (Note: too deteriorated to save) Small footprint and floor plan with double leaf doors Wood siding & exposed roof structure

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Small CCC pump house, looking northwest

Small CCC pump house, looking west

Small CCC pump house, looking east

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Top left: Interior with pressure tank; Top right: Interior looking east with wall and roof failure

Bottom left: Detail of door Bottom Right: Detail of pump switch

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

5. Stone drinking fountains (5a & 5b), 1938-1940, contributing

Water fountain 5a, view looking south

The two stone water fountains are roughly 24’ by 28” by approximately 3’ to 3 ½’ high with a large stone laid step about 4” high matching the width and depth of the fountain. The structure is mortared local stone and has a round stone basin centered in the top. They are in fair to good condition but the plumbing is no longer connected.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left: Water Fountain 5a, looking east; Right: Water Fountain 5a detail of stone basin

Water Fountain 5b, view looking northeast

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

6. Stone Fireplaces (7); #s 6a – 6g, 1938-1940, contributing

Fireplace # 6b

Stone fireplaces 6b through 6f are each “U”-shaped and 4’ deep by 5 ½’ wide. They are flue-less with solid stone backs. The fire pit opening is about 2’ wide and 30” deep and is lined with one layer of white fire brick set into and flush with the stonework on three sides. The two front “arms” flanking the fire pit are about 18” high, 16” wide. The back of the fireplace is about 33” high and 66” wide tapering to 44” wide at the top. They are constructed of large, mortared, local stones including river stone and slate. They are set on a concrete foundation. Most of them still have iron rings with chain on one of the front arms and iron grill tabs on the fire brick side shelves but there are no grills extant. Stone fireplace 6a is a double flue-less fireplace and is otherwise the same in dimensions, style, materials to the singles but with an added fire box and two arms built onto the back of the shared center fire back.

The overall square shape is fairly geometric although as noted above, the top of the stone backs taper at the sides creating a trapezoidal shape. The edges of these fireplaces are relatively soft and reflect the rounded, irregular stones of which they are constructed. The taper at the top is a design feature that seems to be unique to Dutton Pines and is perhaps inspired by its local stone. This contrasts with CCC stone fireplaces in other parks where the local stone was granite (such as Wilgus and Ascutney), the edges are quite crisp, the shape more rectangular, and the edges perpendicular. 48

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Each fireplace was originally in a wooded picnic area near a foot path and had a picnic table. Now they are generally quite overgrown and there are no clearings or furniture. They are in good condition which is unusual for CCC era park stone fireplaces. The short, twenty year period of active use followed by little or no use in the last fifty years may have preserved them. In other parks where they are regularly used, loss or lack of fire brick has led to fire damage like cracked stones. In addition, poor–repointing with cement has led to stone cracking. Here the fireplaces have some missing or loose stones but the mortar is generally original and appropriate for the stone, the fire brick is intact and the stonework mostly in good shape.

Left: Typical Dutton Pines flue-less fireplace (#6g) with softer rounded edges; Right: Shape and style comparison: flue-less granite fireplace at Ascutney

Left: Detail of iron tabs on moss-covered firebrick shelf inside fire pit; Right: Detail of iron eyebolt with chain on front of fire pit arm

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6A – a double with particularly rounded stones

Fireplace # 6A – looking north

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace # 6A, detail of one side with missing stones at top corner

Fireplace #6B, looking northwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6B detail of fire pit – very good condition

Fireplace #6B detail of back – very good condition

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6C, looking northeast

Fireplace #6C – detail of rounded back, looking south

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6C, looking north

Fireplace #6D, looking southwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6D, looking southeast

Fireplace #6E, looking east

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6F looking southeast

Fireplace #6F, looking northwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Fireplace #6G, looking southeast, note missing stones on top of back

Fireplace #6G, looking northwest

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

7. Park Road (Old Route 5), 18th/19th century and 1938-1940, contributing

Park Road, looking north from near Caretaker’s Cottage

When the park was developed starting in 1937, a section of Old Route 5 ran through it. The state highway was re-routed to the west along the park border and the section of old Route 5 became the park road leading from the upper parking lot entrance at Route 5 down to the lower parking lot and entrance at Dummerston Station Road. The Rangers Cabin and Toilet Building are both located along this road which has been maintained by the state park service. Since about 2000 it has also serviced a water system installed for the neighboring mobile home development. It is maintained as a fire lane. A gate was installed at the lower end in 1980 and a newer one at the upper end in 2012.

The road is a graded gravel bed and there are both historic stone culverts and more modern metal culverts under it. According to a 2006 cultural resource study done by the University of Maine, there may be remnants of an 18th century road in this pathway.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Park Road looking south from near modern wells

Park Road, looking north from near modern wells

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Park Road (NR#7) and upper gate (NR #11a, 2012), looking north from upper parking lot with Caretaker’s Cabin

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

8. Parking lots: Upper lot (8a), 1938-1940/2012 & Lower lot (8b), 1938-1940/1980, contributing

Upper parking lot, looking south

The parking areas were established in the 1938 to 1940 development period – one at the lower level near Dummerston Station Road and one at the upper level near Route 5. Only the upper one has been maintained since 1982 when the park was closed though the clearing of the lower lot can still be discerned. There are remnants of road infrastructure in the lower area such as small stone culverts and raised road bed.

The upper parking lot has been maintained and serves visitors to the picnic pavilion and walking trails. It is defined by boulders and is arc-shaped around a small wooded island along Route 5. There are two outlets onto Route 5.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Upper parking lot (NR #8a), looking south towards gate (NR #11a) to Park Road (NR #7)

Gate (NR #11b, 1980) to lower access road, looking north

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Area of former lower parking lot (NR #8b), looking south

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

9. Walking trails, 1938-1940/2012, contributing

Trail along eastern slope, looking south

In addition to the gravel park road there are walking trails at both the upper level and along the back (east) of the ridge and lead from upper to lower. There are short branches off the main trail that lead to the several picnic areas defined by stone fireplaces. The short branches are not maintained but the main trail is kept open. On the upper level the short trail from the upper parking area to the picnic pavilion is kept open while short trails to the upper picnic areas are not. In the lower level the main trail comes out alongside the former parking area and leads to Dummerston Station Road at the point where the park road also comes out.

The main trail is about 8-10 feet wide and fairly rustic.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Left: Trail in lower, flat area in northeastern section of park, looking north;

Right: Stone header over a metal culvert under trail in lower, flat area

Path leading from upper parking lot to picnic shelter, looking west

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

10. Fechner Memorial Stone, c.1940, Contributing

This small stone memorial is about 2’ by 3’ and has carved lettering noting “Tree Planted in Memory of Robert Fechner, 1933-1939, CCC.” Robert Fechner (March 22, 1876 – December 31, 1939) was a national labor union leader and national director of the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933–39). The stone was likely erected in c. 1940 to honor Fechner who died during the construction of Dutton Pines State Park. There is no tree that is clearly associated with the stone and so it may have been removed.

11a. Upper Gate, 2012 – Non-contributing 11b. Lower Gate, 1980 – Non-Contributing These are both modern steel gates used to control vehicular access to the park road.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

12. Modern Water System (12a – 12g), c. 2000, non-contributing

Well Water System Cluster with Pump House building (12a) and underground storage reservoirs (12b and 12c), and well head (12d)

In 2000 a new, private water system was installed near the Park Road (NR #7) to serve a nearby mobile home park. Originally there were a pump house (NR #12a), an underground storage reservoir (NR #12b) and a well head (NR #12d) clustered in a clearing on the west side of the Park road about half way down the hill. There were two other well heads (NR #12f and 12g) in the valley east of the Park Road. In 2011 a fourth well head (NR #12e) was added in the Park Road itself near the Pump House cluster and in 2012 a second reservoir (NR #12c) was added near the pump house (NR #12a) and used a fill line from the upper gate (NR #11a).

The Pump House (NR #12a) is a square, concrete block, one story building about 12’ by 12’ with a steel hipped roof and a single steel door.

The underground storage reservoirs (NR #12b and 12c) are have circular concrete caps above ground approximately 6’ in diameter and 2’-3’ high as well as a PVC vent pipe adjacent to each reservoir.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

One of the four well heads (NR #12e) – this one from 2011 is in the road.

Another well head (NR #12f) in the valley below road

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Significance Dutton Pines State Park in Dummerston, Vermont, is a fine example of a small state park developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Its rustic architecture makes use of local building materials (wood and stones) and reflects the significant contributions the CCC made during the Depression in shaping the natural landscape of the United States for recreational use and making it accessible to the greater population. This park’s very simple landscape design introduced parking, a road and a trail enhancing a site that was already serving as an informal public picnic area for several years and was notable locally for its maturing white pine plantation. The structures added by the CCC at Dutton Pines State Park are good examples of CCC-era construction, architecture, and design with relatively few alterations. They are significant at the state level in the context of CCC park architecture throughout Vermont. The park is also locally significant as an example of early reforestation efforts by farmers, for being an early commemorative effort to honor a local family and as an informal public recreation facility. Dutton Pines State Park is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district under Criterion C as part of the “Historic Park Landscapes in National and State Parks” multiple property documentation form. On the 13 acre parcel there are a total of 28 resources of which 20 are contributing. These include 4 Rustic Style wood buildings, 2 stone water fountains, 7 stone fireplaces, a road, a trail and two parking lots, plus a memorial stone.

13-acre Dutton Pines State Park is small and simple in the context of Vermont’s State parks but nevertheless has several very good examples of CCC-designed park architecture including a fine log picnic pavilion with a monumental local stone fireplace and three structures that are simpler using the basic rustic style of seasonal buildings favored by the CCC in Vermont. These are the Caretaker’s Cabin, a Toilet Building, and a small Pump House. The Caretaker’s Cabin is one of the best preserved examples in the state of this small building type developed by the CCC using 1937 plans. Most of the cabins for rangers that are currently in use have been expanded. This one which ceased being used in 1982 has not been altered except to upgrade its electricity and plumbing. It has wide board siding, simple exposed rafter roofing and a massive stone chimney on a small, irregular footprint built into a bank to provide a walk-out basement level. The cabin has original siding and windows and an asphalt roof that replaced its original cedar shake roof in the 1970s. The Toilet Building, of a similar style and materials, is also fairly intact on the exterior though it has been altered on the interior in a typical fashion adding showers to the lavatory facilities. It is a fairly good example of this type of toilet building in the state but is compromised by its poor condition.

The landscape architecture that characterizes CCC-designed state parks is less prominent at Dutton than at other, larger Vermont parks, because it is so small and was already being used informally for picnics. Its most prominent feature has been the magnificent white pine plantation that includes an initial planting from the 1880s. As such, there was no need for an elaborate designed landscape to provide access to this amenity – only a park road developed from an older

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 highway section and a simple trail. Instead of road and trail design, the 1938-1940 landscape development at Dutton Pines focused on seven picnic areas featuring wonderful examples of CCC stone fireplaces and water fountains. This is one of the best preserved stonework collections in Vermont’s CCC parks and exhibits a unique fireplace design. Throughout the state the fireplaces of the CCC parks are some of the important hallmarks of the naturalistic approach to park design. They are generally alike across the state in overall size and layout but vary tremendously in details from region to region in the Vermont Park system. They always use local stone – which vary from slate and river stone in the south (i.e. Dutton and Townshend) to granites mid-state (i.e. Wilgus and Ascutney) to marbles and limestone in the northwest and granite and schist in the northeast (i.e. Maidstone and Groton). As each park was developed in a design-build kind of approach they also vary according to which CCC camp and crew constructed them. Unlike the buildings, the fireplaces were not based on adapted generic plans but were more often designed by the CCC crews. The type of stone would often dictate the design – from the crisp-edged geometric style of granite to the softer, rounded edged style using river stones. The Dutton Pines fireplaces are flue-less and use river stones and slate in a rounded edge style in which the fire backs have canted top corners. As some of the later fireplaces built at the end of the CCC construction period in Vermont, they used some of the improved techniques developed during the period through experience such as using a simpler, flue-less design and complete lining of the fire pit with firebricks rather than stone which did not resist the heat well. Heavy use and varied quality of repairs done over decades has compromised the condition of many of Vermont’s stone fireplaces but these (unused since 1982) are in remarkably good condition. The water fountains using the same rounded stone and softer edges are in a good state of preservation as well and are excellent examples of CCC landscape features.

Locally, the 1887 plantation of white pines at this site by local farmer, Myron Dutton, was a well-known amenity. Additional plantation was undertaken by the family in memory of Myron after his death in 1914. In the 1920s, the lovely small forest was used informally by the public for picnicking and became an important picnic waypoint on the main north-south highway of eastern Vermont – U.S. Route 5. It has local significance not only as a recreation spot but also as a place associated with local agricultural history and the movement to re-forest the hilly landscape left open by the heavy pasturage of the 19th century. It is also significant locally as an example of commemorative movements of the early 20th century – in this case through tree plantation. The parcel and small forest was purchased by the state in 1937 to further commemorate Myron Dutton.

Dutton Pines State Park has statewide significance for its wonderful collection of CCC-designed park features and buildings. It has local significance for its pine plantation and importance to local and regional recreation.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

The history of the park, according to a cultural resource report done by the Archaeology Research Center from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2006:

“Dutton Pines State Park was purchased by the state in 1937 from Edith Dutton to be developed into a park as a memorial to her father, Myron Dutton, who died in 1914. The 13-acre property was part of the Dutton Farm where Mr. Dutton had established a plantation of white pine trees in 1887. Additional trees were planted by the Dutton family in 1917 and 1925. According to Myron Dutton’s scrapbook as it appeared in Vermonter magazine in 1922, the Dutton family maintained this area as a public picnic and camping site even before the state acquired the property.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp #P54 based out of Bellows Falls, Vermont, completed development of a day use picnic area at this park between 1938 and 1940. Facilities included a large parking lot, log shelter, caretakers dwelling, toilet building, water supply system with two drinking fountains, walking trails and eight picnic sites complete with fire places and picnic tables. Dutton Pines State Park was dedicated as a state park on April 14, 1940, at a ceremony conducted by Governor George Aiken. Guests attending the ceremony included members of the Dutton family and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Dutton Pines was maintained and staffed by a ranger who lived on site during the summer in the caretaker’s cabin. Attendance at the park declined after the interstate was constructed and the Dutton Pines ranger position was eliminated in the late 1970s.

… An abandoned section of Route 5 passes through the park and was modified by the CCC for use as a walking trail.”2

2 From the Park Management Plan: Title & Deeds: Dutton Pines State Park Dutton Pines State Park was acquired in one transaction. Edith A. Dutton to State of Vermont, warranty deed, 7/10/1937. Book 26, Page 233.

Estate of Ruth J. Dutton to Edith A. Dutton, decree of distribution, 4/23/1937. Book 26, Page 211.

Estate of Myron J. Dutton to Edith A. and Ruth J. Dutton, decree of distribution, 8/22/1933. Book 26, Page 37. Ruth and Edith were daughters of Myron J. Dutton.

Hattie A. Miller to Myron J. Dutton, quit claim of all rights to property, 11/28/1914. Hattie and Myron were siblings who inherited the farm from their father Adin A. Dutton. Adin A. Dutton inherited the farm from his father Alonzo Dutton, Jr., though the transaction was not found to be recorded in the town land records. Alonzo Dutton, Jr. inherited the farm from his father Alonzo Dutton, though the transaction was not found to be recorded in the town land records.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Potential for Archaeology In the BMU Long Range Management Plan – Appendix D: “A detailed historical assessment of the Brattleboro Management Unit was prepared by staff from the Archaeology Research Center from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2006. …”

According to the University of Maine evaluation, “An archaeological pre-contact site sensitivity analysis has been conducted for the BMU. Terraces or areas of level ground located at the lower elevations and especially near waterways should be considered as sensitive areas.”

The Dutton Pines site was not flagged in particular as one likely to be sensitive for Native American archaeological resources but this potential should be re-evaluated more fully if significant ground disturbance is proposed. The abandoned section of Old Route 5 was noted as potentially sensitive archaeologically as it may contain remains of an 18th century road. In addition, the stone wall in the park was noted as a significant resource associated with the 19th century agricultural use of the site. Mention was made of a former gravel pit on the border of the park. All other resources noted by the University of Maine evaluation are the historic architecture within the park dating to the CCC-era.

Fig. 15. An annotated version of a 1955 site plan of Dutton Pines showing the paths, roads, and parking areas along with a few of the structures.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Figure 16. Map excerpted from BMU Long Range Management Plan – Appendix D, p. 99

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Historic Context – Comparable CCC examples in Vermont State Parks

Picnic Shelter

1. “Owl’s Head” Picnic Shelter (HD#38) in New Discovery SP, Peacham, Caledonia Co. – has a wooden modern ADA ramp attached.

NR Description: “38. Picnic shelter, circa 1934. On the west side of Owl's Head Mountain, an access road one mile in length leads from Vermont Route 232 to a circular parking area part of the way up the mountain. Just south of this parking area, approximately one-tenth of a mile from the summit of the mountain is a log frame picnic shelter built by the CCC, measuring 21 ' x 31'. This gable roof structure, facing south, has an asphalt shingled roof. A large fireplace of granite fieldstone anchors the south [sic] end of the building. In 1995, a new poured concrete foundation was installed under the shelter, and a handicapped accessible ramp was built on the west side of the building.”

2. Picnic Shelter (HD# 6), Thetford SP, Thetford, Orange Co. (Note: This shelter fell down in the winter of 2000-2001)

NR Description: “6. Picnic Shelter, circa 1930s. Perched on scenic Sunset Hill, the historic CCC log picnic shelter serves as the focal point of the park. Now accessed by a road, a simple footpath originally reached the area. The picnic shelter has a pitched roof. Wooden shingles, arranged in an evenly coursed pattern, top the rectangular two by three bay hewn-log structure. The shelter is set on a concrete foundation, raised one to four inches around the border above the floor, which consists of randomly patterned large, flat slate stones, set into the concrete. The plan maximizes the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, while sheltering from northerly weather with a closed in end wall. This entire north end is timbered with horizontally laid log construction, with flattened tops and bottoms, on the exterior until the gable level and measures 20 ~ feet in length. On both ends of the structure, the entire exterior roof gable wall is sheathed in hand split shingles. Although this construction material is probably original to the design, it appears the materials on the north end have been replaced in kind. The corner joints of the structure on this end are stacked with extending log ends that are cut to appear as if they are somewhat saddle notched. The interior of the north end is clad in circular sawn wooden sheathing in the gable area. The wall below this reflects the exterior log timbering method.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

The west facade faces the incline leading up Sunset Hill. It is three bays wide and measures 32 ~ feet in length. The northernmost bay is closed in with horizontally placed log sheathing while the remaining two bays are left open and are divided by rustic posts, which are splayed at the top for support. The southern end wall is open below the gabled roof, except for a waist level balustrade, constructed of two horizontal beams placed approximately two feet apart that stretches the length of the end wall. Three evenly spaced rustic support posts are also present. The east facade overlooks the mountains and echoes the design of the western side. Four post and beam trusses offer the main support for the structure. The two central interior trusses, with log crossties, struts and rafters, are constructed in a modified and inverted "w" Truss method of construction, while the end wall trusses are of the king-post design. There are numerous non- contributing picnic tables housed in the structure.”

3. Picnic Shelter (HD #I-8), Maidstone SP, Maidstone, Essex Co.

NR Description: “8. Picnic Shelter, 1938. The picnic shelter is located on a knoll overlooking Maidstone Lake. It is a gable-roofed, asphalt shingled structure on a concrete foundation. The southwest (gable and lake) side is open but the gable peak is boarded. The two southwestern bays of the northwest and southeast (eaves) sides are also open. The bays are delineated by large log posts, which have diagonal log trusses connecting them to the plate-logs. The roof truss system is king post and made of logs. The rafters and purlins are also log. There is low log fencing skirting all these open sides except the middle bay of the northwest side. The northeast (gable) side and the northeast bays of the northwest and southeast sides have log walls similar to those of the nature center (I-1). The northeast end also has a massive, irregularly- coursed, rough granite fireplace and chimney.”

4. Area C Picnic Shelter (HD #13), Underhill SP, Underhill, Chittenden Co.

NR Description: “Area C- Park Shelter, circa 1933 ( contributing): #13- Picnic shelter, circa 1933 The picnic shelter sits on a cleared knoll about 100 yards to the east of the parking lot. A new stairway of pressure treated limber and gravel treads leads to the grassy knoll and gabled log structure constructed by the CCC. The lot looks towards the west face of Mount Mansfield and

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 down slope towards Underhill. The building measures 30' long X 20' wide. The building is constructed with traditional log joinery, supplemented by steel fasteners and spikes. The gabled structure runs east to west with log posts at 10' intervals. The western third of the building is walled in with 8" logs squared on the top and bottoms and overlap at the corners with uneven lengths of overhang. The remaining two thirds of the shelter is open-walled with a log railing running the perimeter. The log railing is 3' high and supported by the main posts and a herringbone pattern of log spindles. The log posts rest on a full concrete foundation that also serves as the floor to the shelter. Beams rest in the saddle notches at the top of the posts. The beams are spliced along the north and south wall, and full-length logs on the gable ends. The posts are reinforced with knee-braces that are scribed and notched into the posts and beams. The roof is supported by a King-post truss system of full round logs that have been joined by full scribe saddles and spikes. Resting on the truss system are 6" diameter full round logs as purlins- they are saddle notched for the trusses top chord. A rafter system of 6" full round logs rest on the purlins with saddle notches and ends are left exposed to create a 2' eave overhang. The roof is decked with 1 "X4" boards and roofed with tan asphalt shingles. The east gable end wall is open up to the beam height and then the gable truss is in-filled with log sections. The west gable end is constructed similarly, except it hosts a huge uncoursed fieldstone fireplace. The fireplace is mortared fieldstone and spans 10' wide with a 5' wide arched firebox. The fireplace is 4' thick and extends 2' beyond the exterior wall. At the 5' height is a mantle constructed of slate. The fireplace tapers in width from bottom to top.”

Caretaker’s Cabin

1. Ranger’s Quarters, Ricker’s Pond SP, Groton, Caledonia Co.

NR Description: “#2 Ranger's Quarters, 1938 The CCC constructed this one story front gabled contributing structure with a poured concrete foundation in 1938. The tan asphalt shingle roof covers the original floor plan and a 12.5-ft x 16-ft bedroom addition, which was added on the rear facade 1968. The addition matches the brown shiplap siding originally found on the quarters and the other buildings within the park. There is a single door to the right of the exterior cut granite center chimney on the front fa9ade. An original 3-ft x 8.5-ft wing located on the side facade facing the entrance to the park, contains one three panel awning window on center about 1 foot below the roof line. To the left of the wing are two casement windows with faux muntins, the only remaining feature on this side before the addition. The sparsely detailed addition only accommodates one casement window at the center of the north facing facade. The

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 east facade (facing away from the entrance road) has a partially exposed basement with two windows on each side of the subgrade entrance, which is surrounded by field stone retaining walls.”

2. Ranger’s Quarter’s, (Loop A, HD# 1), Stillwater SP, Groton, Caledonia Co.

NR Description: “AI. Ranger's Quarters, 1938 This one story, gable-front cottage with an exterior gable wall stone chimney is representative of the rustic architecture developed for parks by NPS. To the right of the chimney is the entrance, a simple frame- paneled door with glazing in the upper half and a simple surround. There are two double casement windows along the eaves sides, with each sash divided into four lights. A 1985 inventory by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation shows that at that time the cottage had tongue and groove paneling on the walls and a homosote ceiling.

The structure is 827 square feet, with a 313 square foot basement, and a 200 square foot addition constructed in 1968. The exterior end chimney is built of field stone and is 7' 3" wide by 13' high, and has a single flue. Building materials are clapboards and asphalt shingles.”

3. Area B Ranger’s Quarters (HD #8), Underhill SP, Underhill, Chittenden Co. (Perhaps not good match?)

NR Description: “#8-Ranger's Quarters, circa 1933 contributing) The ranger's quarters was constructed by the CCC as the camp headquarters. The one story gable front building is 31' long X 16'6" wide. The brown wooden clapboard structure rests on a full concrete foundation. The wide clapboards have an 8" reveal and terminate at wide, white corner boards. The building is stick-frame construction and utilizes three 2x6's laminated together to form purlins and rafters. The ends of both the purlins and rafters are left exposed and painted white. The roof still retains cedar shingle sheathing with one modem skylight. The primary facade and front of the building is the west gable; it contains an entrance door in the comer and a large uncoursed fieldstone fireplace on the exterior wall. The fireplace is 2' deep on the exterior and tapers from a 4' wide base. The north and south facades have three bays and the east gable end has one bay. (The windows are boarded during the off season.)”

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

4. Coolidge S.P. Caretaker’s House 1939

Coolidge Caretaker’s House. Left: view looking west of east and south (front) facades with 1970s ell on left and small original section with stone chimney on right; Right: view looking east of west and south facades with 1970s addition on right

Coolidge Caretaker’s House NR description:

“10. Caretaker’s House, c. 1939, addition c. 1970 “Set back about 25 feet from the main road is the caretaker's house, a small one story, L-shaped wood-frame structure with a cross-gabled wood-shingled roof. Each section is two bays by two bays. The entrance is in the first bay of the south gable end wall, facing the contact station and the main road. The gable on the ell faces west. The house is clad with wide wood clapboards and corner boards and rests on a concrete foundation. It is painted dark brown with white six-by-six casement windows on each facade. A large, irregular coursed fieldstone chimney runs up the center of the south gable end wall next to the entrance. The one room entrance and chimney section was the original part of the house, completed in 1939. The ell was added in the 1970s. The CCC also ran power lines and a telephone lines to the house when it was first built.”

Toilet Building

1. Area B Toilet Building (HD # 12), New Discovery SP, Peacham, Caledonia Co.,

NR Description: “12. Toilet Building, c.1935. The Area B toilet structure is a gable roof building thirty-five feet long and ten feet wide with its main facade on the north side. It is sheathed in horizontal shiplap log siding, and roofed with asphalt shingles over split wood shakes. The building has two interior rooms, one for men and one for women, accessible by a pair of central entrances with vertical board wood doors. A six-pane hopper window flanks each entrance, and is flanked by side shutters. According to its 1934 blueprints, three pit toilets were located in each 78

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 room; the pits still remain accessible by hatches on the outside of the back of the building. The exterior of the building remains in its historic state, while the interior has been refurbished to include modern plumbing and shower facilities.”

2. Toilet Building (HD #12), Thetford SP, Thetford, Orange Co. (Note: This building has since fallen down)

NR Description: “12. Toilet Building, circa 1930s. The CCC constructed a small, one-story, side-gabled, rectangular toilet facility with a concrete foundation. The building is sheathed in wide horizontal ship-lapped wooden clapboards and has a hand split shingled pitched roof with a wooden ridge course that extends the length of the roof. The main facade is on the northeast side of the building, facing the forest area. A central side entrance, leading to a storage and mechanics room is constructed of rustic vertical planks, with two iron strap hinges stretching almost the entire width of the door. The door is flanked on each side by a small six-paned fixed sash wooden framed window, which provides light to the toilet areas. The end walls each have an off-center door to the toilet area. A slatted ventilation frame is located in the gable peaks. The overhanging eaves display the exposed roof rafters. The rear facade of the building is devoid of architectural features except for the clapboards and three evenly spaced ventilation frames, horizontally slatted, which are located just beneath the overhanging eave. Two, small, shed-roofed structures are adjacent to each toilet room on the ground level of the rear of the building and provide access beneath the building. The building has been out of commission since the 1960s.”

3. Area B Toilet Building (HD #10), Underhill SP, Underhill, Chittenden Co. (Maybe not good match?)

NR Description: “#10- toilet facility, circa 1933 (contributing): The men's and women's toilet facility was originally constructed by the CCC and measures 35'long x 10' wide. The building is divided in half - men on the east end, women on the west end. The one story gable building is sheathed horizontally in brown 10"shiplap siding. The facility rests on a full concrete foundation and has a tan asphalt shingle roof. However, evidence of an earlier wooden shake roof is seen on the' Greek Revival' returns at the comer of the rake and eave overhangs both measuring l' wide. The building is trimmed at the corners with boards on top of the siding, and flat stock 1"x 4" trims out the gable end and enclosed soffits. On the north side, there is one window per end and a middle double door constructed of vertical tongue and groove boards. The south facade has no windows, except the modem skylights on the roof at either end of the building. In addition, a 3' high shed projection

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 runs the length of the building from foundation height. Handicapped accessible ramps have been added to both entrances at either end of the building.”

Stone Fireplaces

Wilgus State Park

Left: c. 1935 photo by “Derrick Studio” of completed fireplace at Wilgus State Park (Gottfried collection of photos, FPR archives) Right: c. 1935 photo by “Derrick Studio” of fireplace during construction at Wilgus State Park (Gottfried collection of photos, FPR archives) Note: the firebrick and grate tabs that were then mortared into the surrounding stone structure

The Wilgus State Park National Register nomination states:

#8 CCC Fireplaces, 1935 Along with the CCC built water fountains are the stone flue-type fireplaces. They are among the most significant historic structures of Wilgus State Park. These fireplaces epitomize the rustic nature of the park and provide a high degree of historicism. The fireplaces are fifty-one inches wide, sixty-three inches deep and forty inches tall. The foundation of the fireplace is a white fire-

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 proof brick two to three layers thick, and on top of the brick is the random rubble stone construction. The stone are joined by a gray coarse grout. The fireplace also provides an iron grate for cooking. This grate is placed in a recessed portion of the base in front of the flue. The grate is attached to the fireplace by a steel chain secured to the left side of the fireplace by an embedded steel rod and bolt. The structural integrity of the fireplaces are in jeopardy, as most have loose stones, some are missing and the wear they receive during any given season should warrant a preservation initiative. Of the twelve stone flue-type fireplaces in Wilgus State Park seven are in need of major repointing, some need stones replaced while all need regular maintenance and cleaning.”

From a recent Historic Preservation Memo by L. Papazian: “In this case the local stone is granite and has a distinctive appearance. Many have been repaired and re-pointed with non-matching materials such as hard cement-based mortar and concrete foundations. Where the fire brick is damaged or missing, there is fire damage to the large arch stones of the chimney – almost all are cracked if directly exposed to heat and fire. There is similar deterioration to the side walls of the base where the brick is missing. The fireplaces in the camping areas north of the Ranger’s Quarters are in the poorest condition. The ones along the riverside trail to the north are in better condition but only two still have all their original components including clay or tile flue liner, iron cooking grate, chain and bolt, and fire brick lining.”

Maidstone State Park “9. Fireplaces, 1938. These are fourteen small stone fireplaces set on a stone hearth. The walls are about one foot thick. They are open in the front, the side walls are about one foot high, and the back wall is about two feet high. The fire pit area is surrounded by brick on the three walled sides.”

Ricker Pond State Park #17 stone fireplaces, 1938 All four of these rubble stone fireplaces constructed by the CCC have a back wall about 18 inches think. They are open in the front, the side walls are about 22 high and the back wall is about 30 inches high.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

New Discovery State Park “10. CCC Fireplaces, 1933. There are two CCC fireplace designs employed in Area B. Similarly to those in Area A, both types of fireplaces in Area B are approximately five feet square, three feet high at the back, and have walls one foot thick. The Area B fireplaces, however, are built up of granite fieldstones and shaped blocks, and have bricks lining the fire pit. One of the designs, used in less than half of the campsites in Area B, includes a flue which uses a hollow back wall of the fireplace as a short chimney. Blueprints on file in the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation office indicate design dates of 1935 for both types of these fireplaces.”

Underhill

“Fireplaces (contributing), circa 1933 - indicated by (*) on site map Each lean-to and campsites #5, #6, #7 contain fieldstone fireplaces constructed by the CCC. The fireplaces are fieldstones, laid up with mortar and were designed for cooking. They measure 5'wide X 4'deep X 3' high and contain a fire-bricked arch of approximately 2' X 2'. The arch is steel framed and lined with firebrick. The fireplaces are constructed on top of squared concrete foundations.”

Ascutney

(F) Stone Fireplaces (10) [actually 12], 1935-1938 Ten original granite fireplaces (F) remain in the park. Seven fireplaces lie at the first loop of the park, just north and perpendicular to the Mountain Road at the first picnic area. An access road leads to these fireplaces. Three [actually five] lie approximately one mile up the Mountain Road in the vicinity of the Stone Toilet Building and stone picnic shelter, about 1/8 mile off the Mountain Road. Each stone fireplace is 3’ long and 2 ½’ wide and is constructed of large granite stones. They are square in shape about 2’ high with 82

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

back wall of about 3’ high to control the flames and wind. Each fireplace and picnic area is surrounded by wooded areas.” …

From a recent Historic Preservation Memo by L. Papazian: There are stone CCC fireplaces (total of five) in the area of the picnic pavilion. These vary in that some appear to have originally had flues and some may not have - all flues are now filled and covered and the fireplaces are in a variety of conditions but almost all have cracks and missing stones. One is totally overgrown and unused and outside the central picnic clearing. In the lower CCC era tent loop near the park entrance, all the existing stone fireplaces were built without flues.”

Coolidge

Left: Example of abandoned fireplace in Lower Bradley loop; Right: Example of fireplace in upper Bradley Picnic area

From a recent Historic Preservation Memo by L. Papazian: “Built in c. 1938 along with the other CCC structures of the park, the fireplaces were built next to the lean-to shelters of Lower Bradley Hill “Shelter Village Loop”. They are made of mortared local stone on a concrete base formed into low cooking fireplaces that are approximately five feet wide, four feet deep and about two and a half feet high. The mortar was brownish tan and had a high content of local sand so that the color closely resembles the ground soil. Unlike some of the abandoned fireplaces at the base of the Park entrance road, these do not have a flue/chimney but a solid back often with a large stone centered in the back. They are in fair to poor condition with some missing stones and firebrick and some cracking and some inappropriately hard all-cement mortar repairs. Originally they had an imbedded iron ring to which a chain was attached and secured the iron cooking grates that rested on ledges created in the stonework. Some of these ledges have deteriorated and the grates were replaced or modified

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 to be free standing within the fireplace opening on iron legs. Typically, stones are scattered near the fireplaces that may once have been part of the masonry. … Over the past 75 years, the fireplaces have been repaired and have lost some stones and some have cracked and are in danger of collapse.”

Also from the NR nomination: “22. Historic Fireplaces. c. 1933-1940 Each campsite features a fireplace. The historic CCC fireplaces are built of irregular coursed fieldstone set in mortar, and are approximately 4' wide by 4-1/2' long. There is an opening in the center of the front, making the object look like a square armchair. The "arms" on the sides of the opening are about one foot thick and two feet high. The back is about three feet high. The openings are lined with tan fire bricks. Of the 26 historic lean-tos and tent sites, about 13 historic fireplaces remain. There are an additional 12 historic fireplaces scattered around the picnic area (#30) at the end of the park access road …

34. Fireplaces. c. 1938 There are at least twelve historic stone fireplaces in the picnic area. They are the same size and style as the fireplaces in the camping areas (#19, #21). One of the fireplaces in the picnic area is a double, featuring two fireplaces set back-to-back.”

Left and right: examples of fireplaces in upper Bradley Hill Picnic Area

Left and right: examples of one destroyed fireplace in upper Bradley Hill Picnic Area

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Top left & Top Right: current views of double fireplace in upper Bradley Hill Picnic Area; Left: 1999 photo of same double fireplace from NR nomination

Gifford Woods “3. Firep1aces: This structural type refers to an outside camp stove-type fireplace. There are fireplaces located in each camping/lean-to areas. The fireplaces feature 18" wide stone sidewalls and a two-foot chimney to the rear. These fireplaces epitomize the rustic nature of the park and provide a high degree of historicism. Fireplaces are fifty-one inches wide, sixty-three inches deep and forty inches tall. The foundation of the fireplace is a white fire proof brick two to three layers thick, and on top of the brick is the random rubble stone construction. The stones are joined by a gray coarse grout. The structural integrity of the fireplaces is in jeopardy, and most have loose stones.”

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Stillwater State Park “Masonry Fireplaces, 1938 There are twelve stone fireplaces in Loop A that were built by the CCC. They are found at sites 4, 6,8, 10-14,32,37,39, and 40. They are constructed of hand dressed, local granite. They measure four feet across, 41" high, and 60" deep, with arms 18" across and 21" high. About twenty similar fireplaces have survived their original use in the picnic area in what is now Loops C, which was converted into a camping area in the late 1960s and expanded to its current configuration in the 1970s. There are three new (non-contributing) stone fireplaces in Loop A.”

Stone water fountains Coolidge State Park From the NR nomination: “28. Stone Water Fountains. c. 1935 The park has four historic water fountains. Three are located in the Shelter Village, near the bath houses, and one is near a historic lean- to along the tent site loop. The fountains are constructed of irregular coursed stone in mortar and are approximately 3' tall and 1-1/2' by 1-1/2', with a small step projecting off one side. Each fountain is set in the middle of a 7' square of flat fieldstone flagging.”

New Discovery State Park From the NR nomination: “29. Water fountain, circa 1936. A stone water fountain is located on the path that connects the picnic pavilion to the parking area, which is anchored at the south end by the shelter. The water fountain is plumbed through a fieldstone pier approximately one foot square at its base and three feet tall.”

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Statewide CCC Architectural Context Caretaker’s Cabins The Dutton Pines Caretaker’s Cabin in particular very closely resembles the 1937 generic plans for a cabin that was used throughout the park system. Most of the other examples of this type of cabin have been altered. The generic plans show the small ell as a firewood storage area, suggesting that an outhouse was intended to serve the sanitary needs of the small house. Although it is not certain that the internal plumbed bathroom in the Dutton cabin was added later, the maintenance notes suggest modifications were made in the 1970s.3: Despite some interior modifications in the 1970s, the Dutton pines cabin is very well preserved and is one of the best examples of its type in the state. The 1938 Ricker’s Pond and Stillwater cabins (Groton S.P.) both had additions added in 1968. The Coolidge Caretaker’s House which was originally nearly identical to Dutton has had two large additions in the 1970s. The Underhill Ranger’s Quarters is similar in design but appears to be a simple rectangle in plan unlike the 1937 design and the Dutton Pines cabin. There may be other examples but these three are listed on the National Register and thus documented.

Toilet Buildings The Dutton Pines toilet building was modified on the interior but its toilet room ends are still fairly well preserved on the exterior. Most of it is in very poor condition though and may not be salvageable. Other examples of the same toilet facility in the state appear altered or added onto. Though the one at Underhill may still be intact on the exterior, it has a shed addition and access ramps added. The toilet facility at New Discovery S.P. (Area B) is similar in footprint but not in configuration. It was a pit toilet originally with doors on the front (eaves side) rather than the ends like at Dutton. It had also been internally altered to accommodate toilets and showers. The Thetford S.P, toilet building was closer in design and may have been a match for Dutton Pines but it no longer extant.

Picnic Shelters The Dutton Pines picnic shelter is also in near pristine condition architecturally and in good condition structurally and materially. This is less unusual as the picnic pavilions in the state were under less pressure to accommodate upgraded facilities or living situations. There were at least 4 other examples of this type of pavilion anchored on one side by a log shelter and fireplace and open on the other two bays. These include Owl’s Head in New Discovery S.P., Thetford S.P.(removed), Maidstone S.P., and Area C in Underhill S.P. Only three of these are still extant.

3 Maintenance notes state: “1971 - …Reworked house interior; new electric service on house…” and “1973 – Installed new pipe for entire water system; Installed new 500 gal. septic tank for house with new 100 block dry well.” This seems to suggest that in 1971 through 1973 the systems were upgraded and the house somewhat remodeled and the new septic tank in 1973 may have been the first plumbed bathroom in the house. 87

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Stone Fireplaces

c. 1935 photo of early Vermont State Park campsite in use with tent platform and stone fireplace. Photo by “Derrick Studios” in Gottlieb collection of FPR’s archives -

The stone fireplaces are one of the trademark CCC features that are common to most parks throughout the state. However, a brief review of several parks shows that of all the generic features used by the CCC, the execution of the fireplaces is the most idiosyncratic and differs according to the particular park or CCC base camp crew that built them. This is partly because the design variations are heavily influenced by the local stones available such as sharp-edged granite (as in the Wilgus example above) or irregular-shaped schist or rounded river stone or flatter, narrower slate pieces. Another factor was the CCC masons themselves who clearly varied in skills depending on the crew and base camp. Of the many typical CCC structures found in most parks such as the lean-to shelters and firewood shelters which had minor local variations from generic CCC plans, the fireplaces were clearly the items left most to the individual crews to design and execute. Even though the fireplaces are some of the most common CCC items in Vermont’s park system, they are in some ways the most unique to each locale. There are also examples of double fireplaces (like NR# 6a at Dutton Pines) in several parks but these are mixed in as one or two among many single fireplaces to give a picnic area variety.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Based on limited observation of several southern Vermont parks, it is apparent that the fireplaces that have continued in regular use over the years are in fair to poor condition generally and have been subject to erratic types of repair – some of which in fact altered the character of the structure or damaged the stones by using hard cement instead of softer sand-based mortar. Some have been recently or soon will be restored using qualified masons sensitive to the unique character and materials found in each park. In several parks there are a few examples of abandoned fireplaces (often hidden in brush) that are in better condition and can be used as models for the original design and style of that park’s fireplaces.

Based on observation and the National Register Descriptions, the dimensions of the fireplaces vary quite a bit. Some are wider than they are deep, others are narrower than they are deep, some are tall and some are short, some are as small as 2 ½’ wide and some as large as 5 ½’ wide (such as the ones at Dutton Pines). Overall, the fireplaces at Dutton Pines are some of the larger ones observed and researched and certainly have a distinctive feature of clipped corners of the back wall.

Another factor in the variation of the fireplaces is the development and experimentation with flues versus flue-less designs and different approaches to the fire pit. For example in Wilgus State Park, several original fireplaces used large granite arches at the back of the fire pits in front of the flues however these proved to be susceptible to heat damage and most failed, whereas those that used firebrick lining of the fire pits were much more successful and lasted well. Some fireplaces with flues were filled in to become flue-less, such as at the upper picnic grounds in Ascutney State Park. Interestingly the fireplaces at the lower camping loop in Ascutney were all built without flues and were in better condition. The flues created a weakness and potential for more water infiltration and may have contributed to greater deterioration. Many other fireplaces in regular simply have stones missing and edges crumbling.

A further variation in fireplaces statewide is the hardware they had – much of which is missing today. The most typical hardware items are metal cooking grates affixed by iron chain to the masonry. Some have been modified to be free-standing with metal legs attached where the iron tabs and/or inner lining of firebrick or stone that had formed a grate ledge has deteriorated. In a few cases such as at Wilgus, metal damper plates for flues also affixed by iron chain have been found.

At Dutton Pines State Park, the fireplaces’ large size, rounded stone and clipped corners of the back wall is fairly unusual but is similar to the examples at Underhill State Park. What is most unusual and notable about the Dutton Pines Fireplaces is that, like the few abandoned fireplaces in various parks, the entire collection is in fair to good condition and look to be largely original (not restored or repaired heavily).

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Stone Water Fountains It is not known how many parks have CCC stone water fountains. However, the two examples found in the National Register nominations for Coolidge and New Discovery State Parks appear much smaller (only 1’ square) than the two at Dutton Pines which are closer to 2’ square. The two Dutton Pines examples are in fairly good condition.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Inventory of Significant Architectural Features at Dutton Pines State Park

Site Road Paths Defined parking areas Mortared local stone fireplaces and water fountains

Picnic Shelter Log construction Three bay massing with one enclosed end, two open bays, and gable roof Monumental fireplace and chimney of mortared local stone Exposed roof structure of log trusses, log ridge pole, log purlins, and log rafters Log railings

Caretakers’ Cabin Massing and original floor plan Monumental chimney of mortared local stone Exposed curved tails of 3-board purlins (fake?) Wide board siding Wood plank doors Wood casement windows Interior woodwork – kitchen cabinets, folding table, doors

Toilet Building (Note: May be too deteriorated to save) Long, narrow floor plan and massing with gable roof Wide board siding Windows Exposed wood framing in roof Plank doors and iron hardware

Pump House (Note: too deteriorated to save) Small footprint and floor plan with double leaf doors Wood siding & exposed roof structure

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Preservation Discussion and Recommendations The biggest challenge for Dutton Pines State Park is its future use. Without a defined use and a clearly defined user group, the former park remains in limbo for the state and for the local community.

There are numerous historic resources worth preserving such as the fireplaces, water fountains, picnic shelter, and cabin and some that are more challenging if not impossible to preserve such as the toilet building, pump house and lower parking lot. The key will be working with the local community to identify what entity or entities may be willing to undertake responsibility for the park and its structures. Ideally the historic structures would all be left in place and a new owner be found for them that would appropriately use and preserve them. If continued or renewed park use is not feasible, some adaptive re-use should be considered as long as it is sensitively done. Finally as a last resort to preserving the frame structures, re-location may be considered.

The picnic shelter, fireplaces, and trails may most easily be incorporated into a park amenity that could serve the local town and/or school. However, there are also private camping facilities not too far away that may have some interest in the site or resources.

The cabin is more of a challenge to preserve as is because it is so small and rustic a house and is not winterized. However, there may be an opportunity to coordinate with the mobile home park across the road or with another affordable housing entity. A summer program for children using the picnic shelter and cabin may be a possibility worth pursuing. However, the rarity of the original small, simple floor plan makes preservation through adaptive re-use challenging. An addition would seriously compromise its present high level of architectural integrity. Re-location could be considered if it cannot be utilized in its present form in place.

The stone fireplaces and water fountains along with management of the pine plantation should be maintained and used if possible. They cannot easily be re-located or moved and are well-worth preserving. They have very high historic integrity in comparison to the regularly used fireplaces throughout the park system and are a wonderful collection of CCC stone work.

The Question of Demolition The toilet building and pump house are in poor condition. The pump house is clearly so deteriorated it is beyond repair. The toilet building has many sections in very poor condition which is compromising the parts which are still in fair condition. At present, the lack of any use makes investing the considerable resources it would take to salvage the structure and rebuild it most likely infeasible. In the context of the remaining resources onsite, demolition of these two structures would be reasonable and, in the case of the pump house, a necessary step to securing the site for public access.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Conclusion In summary, the Dutton Pines State Park has architectural resources significant in the context of the CCC collection of Vermont’s State Parks as well as local significance for its association with an early farm, reforestation effort and memorial plantation. The resources are worthy of preservation though two of them appear not to be salvageable. Finding a new use and caretaker is the biggest challenge the site and its resources now face. The state is working with the local community to determine the future for the former park. Preservation in place is recommended for the stone features and structures but re-location or minor adaptation should be considered as well if the only viable preservation alternative.

Recommendations for the Future This study should be part of the dialog that the state has started with the local community about the future of Dutton Pines. I suggest that interested local parties be identified who may want to be a part of the discussions or have an interest in use of the resources. I recommend that discussions be continued with interested local parties. Other parties that may be useful to contact and involve in the discussions include the staff of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (DHP), the staff of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Vermont Land Trust, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.

A recommended follow up to this preservation plan is to prepare a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places for the Dutton Pines State Park.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Appendix 1

Transcript of maintenance file notes, FPR

HISTORICAL DATA Dutton Pines State Park

1969 Ran electric line from house to toilet - underground, 10-2

1970 Routine

1971 Set up 15 new picnic tables Reworked house interior New electric service on house Installed new 1/2 HP submersible water pump - Note: 2" gal. pipe from old sucker rod pump lost in well. (approx. 170' pipe). Well has 8" casing. New pump installed on plastic beside old 2" pipe - no problems New 220 gal. water tank installed

1972 Pumped toilet septic tank - August 28, 1972 Re-roofed (cedar shingles) on one side of house

1973 Installed new pipe for entire water system Installed new 500 gal. septic tank for house with new 100 block dry well

1974 Routine

1975 Repaired wire damage in pump house (insulation eaten off by animal) Stained house and toilet

1976 Routine

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

1977 Stained picnic shelter Stained house Stained all tables Cut out ice damaged trees Painted inside toilet building

1978 Routine

1979 Re-graded lawn around house, seeded and set up decorative fence Re-roofed one side of house roof

1980 Modified toilet building for 2 showers, 82 gal. hot water tank, fans, etc. Ran new 10/2 wire from house for hot water tank Installed new drinking fountain in lower area Built and installed gate for lower camp entrance Installed 30 gal. hot water tank in Ranger's quarters (used tank from Lowell Lake)

1981 Replaced property line fence - north half Repaired southern half of property line fence Laid out and graded 8 campsites near old parking area - lower level Added one new flag pole

1982 Closed park - removed tables, free-standing fireplaces, etc. Removed all furniture from house Set up pit toilet behind picnic shelter

1983 Checked park periodically

1984 Park checked periodically

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

1985 Park checked periodically

1986 Park checked periodically

1987 Park checked periodically

1988 Park checked periodically

1989 Park checked periodically

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Appendix 2

Excerpts from: 2011 - Brattleboro Management Unit Long Range Management Plan

–Dutton Pines is 13 acres in Dummerston

Some of the more interesting features and constraints include: Dutton Pines State Park • An easement and restrictions for four water wells and infrastructure owned and operated by Housing Foundation, Inc. to provide water to a nearby mobile home community.

• CCC-era buildings and infrastructure in reasonably good condition.

• A history of being considered ‘surplus property’.

Management Highlights The Long Range Management Plan (LRMP) is designed for a 25-year period. Changing conditions and/or FPR goals in that period could result in amendments or additions to the LRMP.

Dutton Pines State Park • The Parks Division would prefer to transfer ownership in a way that maintains the parcel for public use but doesn’t require management or Parks Division time or funds.

• The infrastructure and use for water wells is expected to continue. A gate will be installed and the road graveled.

• A general thinning of the parcel is proposed to remove unhealthy trees and promote pine and oak seedlings, featured species of the rare natural community here.

• A Preservation Plan will be developed for the CCC facilities to find appropriate local use in place or a suitable location on a different parcel if a use can’t be found on site.

Acquisition History and Legal Constraints Dutton Pines State Park Acquisition History: Purchased 1937 from Edith Dutton to be developed as a park in memory of her father, Myron Dutton.

Legal Constraints: Housing Foundation, Inc. has rights to four water wells, buffers, infrastructure, and access to the sites. Management activities should be planned and implemented to protect Housing Foundation rights.

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

Background Dutton Pines State Park Before the construction of I-91, Dutton Pines State Park served as a well-used rest area, picnic spot, and walking break for locals and tourists traveling along Route 5. It opened in 1940 and closed in 1982. Currently the parcel has limited purpose in the context of state ownership.

Summary of Ecological and Wildlife Habitat Assessment Dutton Pines State Park Dutton Pines State Park is too small to serve any significant habitat function. However, it is occupied by a rare natural community: White Pine-Red Oak-Black Oak Forest. While its ecological condition is not ideal, it is important due to the rarity of the community type. Invasive shrubs and tree seedlings are present but in low numbers.

Summary of Timber Management Assessment Dutton Pines State Park Due to structures, state roads, electrical wires, and historical buildings, the parcel has received limited management. A small but well stocked stand of white pine and other species exists here. There is evidence of decay in pine due to older age and higher density stocking levels. Regeneration is abundant consisting of sapling sized hardwood and white pine. The ground well drained and flat, is excellent for forestry operations.

Summary of Recreational Assessment Dutton Pines State Park This is a day use area in a residential area. The primary recreational use is local residents walking the old roads and trails and perhaps travelers taking a break off Route 5. Three CCC structures remain. An easement for four wells and associated structures as well as the small parcel size and lack of recreational attributes limits potential for recreational use.

Relationship to Town, Regional, and other Pertinent Planning Efforts Dutton Pines State Park and Fort Dummer State Park Both parcels are located in areas where local zoning and planning places limited emphasis on conservation. Local and regional planning supports a number of outcomes at Dutton Pines State Park including use as a day use park, natural area or affordable housing. At Fort Dummer State Park, town plans are more supportive of continued use as a park and managed natural area.

Relationship to the Region The long-range management plan for all four units of the Brattleboro Management Unit is consistent with the rural lands, natural resources, and community resources policies within the current Regional Plan developed by the Regional Planning Commission.

Dutton Pines State Park – Dummerston Goals and policies within the Dummerston Town Plan support both the continuation of the status quo at Dutton Pines, its conversion to a town recreational parcel or its use for affordable housing. While an overriding goal is to “promote a land use pattern…that maintains a rural character”, the

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 plan speaks to providing housing for all income levels and focusing development on already developed areas. Important points in the Dummerston Town Plan as related to Dutton Pines State Park include: • support for forestry and the forestry economy • protection of public investments • limits to development in “wellhead protection” areas • improvement of existing recreational areas, including Dutton Pines State Park

Future Acquisition/Disposition Dutton Pines State Park has been identified by FPR staff as surplus property several times in the past. The parcel serves little purpose within the State Park system due to a lack of facilities or attributes to attract the public. The Town of Dummerston approached FPR in 2008 with a proposal to acquire the parcel for mixed use but withdrew the proposal due to the constraints on the parcel associated with Housing Foundation, Inc.’s water wells and infrastructure. Input received from the Town of Dummerston in April of 2011 indicates the Town is very interested in the park remaining in public ownership for recreation and historic preservation (Appendix Q).

Public Input A public input meeting was held in Brattleboro, Vermont for the Brattleboro Management Unit (BMU) on March 24, 2011. An extensive mailing list was used to notify the public that included user groups, town officials, neighbors, regional planners, and people known to have a local interest in the BMU. Approximately 35 people attended the meeting.

The subject of the planned drawdown of Sweet Pond and uncertain future of the dam dominated the public comment and question portion, the written comments received, and the local news coverage of the meetings and subsequent public reaction.

Resulting adjustments to the LRMP and/or the direction of work by local staff include:

The Town of Dummerston strongly supports the continued management of Dutton Pines State Park for local recreation (page 205) and the preservation of historic CCC buildings and infrastructures. The draft was amended to reflect the desire to maintain the parcel as a state or town park and to maintain the historical features in place.

Management Strategies and Actions Four categories of management have been identified for the lands administered by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). These categories indicate where different levels of use or types of management will be emphasized on the land. In this section of the plan, the recommended levels of use or types of management will be shown for all the land area in each parcel. This section also describes generally how the land will be managed so that the activities occurring on the land are compatible with the category assigned. The four categories are: (1) Highly Sensitive Management; (2) Special Management;

Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014

(3) General Management; and (4) Intensive Management. As part of the planning process, the lands, resources, and facilities held by the ANR are evaluated and assigned to the appropriate land management category. Assignment of management categories for the Brattleboro Management Unit is based on a thorough understanding of the resources identified and the application of the over-arching lands management standards presented in the introduction section of the plan. The resources include natural communities, plants and wildlife as well as recreation, historic, timber and water resources. The 11 lands management standards or principles include maintaining biodiversity and involving the public, as well as implementing legal constraints, such as easements, wherever they are applicable.

Definitions of Land Management Categories (Classification) 1) Highly Sensitive Management – An area with uncommon or outstanding biological (including wildlife habitat), ecological, geological, scenic, cultural, or historic significance where protection of these resources is the primary consideration for management. Human activities and uses should not compromise the exceptional feature(s) identified.

2) Special Management – An area with unique or special resources where protection and/or enhancement of those resources is an important consideration for management. These areas do not require the same level of protection given to highly sensitive areas and may be intensively managed for timber and wildlife habitat. Roads and recreational activities should not compromise the unique or special resource(s) identified.

3) General Management – An area where the dominant uses are vegetative management for timber and wildlife habitat, concentrated trail networks, dispersed recreation, or other general land uses. In these areas, a primary management consideration is minimizing conflict between the activities, as well as with lands categorized as more sensitive where they are adjacent to a general management area. In addition, more sensitive resources that occur within these areas may require special attention.

4) Intensive Management – An area that is easily accessible and characterized by a high level of human activity and high intensity development on or adjacent to state land. Aesthetics and safety are the primary management considerations in these areas. However, more sensitive resources that occur within these areas may require special attention.

Three of the parks within the Brattleboro Management Unit (excluding Dutton Pines State Park) along with Townshend State Park, serve as the “Southeastern Vermont Gateway” parks. These parks, for the most part, provide unique experiences that will be preserved, enhanced, and promoted.

Dutton Pines State Park Dutton Pines has not provided recreational value of statewide significance since the 1960s. However, it does have value to the local community. The property is best suited for being turned over to the municipality or other suitable organization if there is support for local ownership.

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Determine best course of action cooperatively with Town of Dummerston. Work with Town of Dummerston and Division of Historic Preservation to protect historic features of Dutton Pines State Park in place if possible.

Dutton Pines State Park

A. Special Management (13 acres)

2.7 Wellhead Protection Area (3 acres): Four wells for an adjacent trailer park, a 125’ buffer (for each well), two small utility buildings, and water and power lines are protected by easement for use of “The Housing Foundation Incorporated” (HFI). Infrastructure here includes well casings, pump houses, storage tank, electrical source, and road access to the pump houses.

Management Issues and Strategies: A previously closed road is opened and plowed and offers an opportunity for some vandalism. A gate was to have been installed by The Housing Foundation Incorporated that has yet to be installed. Structures will pose some difficulty during timber harvest activities and will require highly skilled contractors to execute. Management activities will focus on protection of the infrastructure, adherence to easement rights of HFI, and vegetative management of surrounding trees to maximize individual tree health and stability, and minimize threats to visitors and structures from hazard trees.

Implementation: Adhere to easement designated buffers. Remove hazard trees that threaten infrastructure while conducting normal forestry operations. Thin adjacent stands to promote health and stability of surrounding trees Install gate on access road using HFI funds, preferably a design in keeping with the history of the park. Any soil disturbance activities on slopes 8% will require additional archeological review.

2.9 Special Recreation Area (10 acres): The remainder of the parcel is classed as a special recreation area due to the myriad of trails in that small area and the frequency of local use. In addition, the presence of CCC structures and a relatively rich history warrants careful management.

Management Issues and Strategies: The rare natural community, White Pine-Red Oak-Black Oak, is in danger of being replaced over time by black birch and eastern hemlock. Vegetative management will incorporate recruitment of pine and oak species in the seedling/sapling layer. Shrinking stem to crown ratios are creating low vigor in many trees. A number of trees in the plantations exhibit signs of rot that make them unsafe to recreational users. Thinnings will be designed to develop more vigorous and wind resistant trees in the main canopy. CCC structures here are likely to fail over time due to lack of use and lack of resources to maintain unused structures. These could also pose a safety hazard as they deteriorate.

Implementation:

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Develop a Preservation Plan for the CCC structures that outlines a process for finding a use for them on site with a partner organization or moving them to another location where they will be ensured sufficient use and maintenance. Forestry thinning to remove hazard trees, improve tree spacing, and improve vigor of residual trees by providing room for tree crowns to expand. Conduct brushsaw thinning of the understory to promote oak and pine – important components of the rare natural community here. Focus control efforts on invasive trees and shrubs. Any soil disturbance activities on slopes 8% will require additional archeological review. Work with the Town of Dummerston to develop a program of shared management or a possible transfer to the Town of Dummerston that protects recreational, historic, ecological, and long- term forest management.

White Pine-Red Oak-Black Oak Forest This pine-oak association is restricted in Vermont to areas of deep, well-drained sands. The entire 13- Dutton Pines State Park was mapped as this community type, based partly on existing vegetation and partly on fact that the parcel features a terrace of deep, coarse, extremely well drained sands of the Quonset and Warwick soil series. Both of these soils are flat or sloping, deep, excessively drained glacial outwash sands and gravels, and in Vermont they are not mapped separately. Quonset soils are described by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service as being coarser and more excessively drained than Warwick; Quonset slopes range from 0-70%, while those of the Warwick series range from level to 45% slope (NRCS 2000). Soils of the prominent level terrace at the elevation of adjacent Route 5 were observed to be much drier than the gently sloping to level soils on the east side of the parcel and along Dummerston Station Road. The former are closer to the description of Quonset, the latter closer to Warwick. The forest structure currently encountered at Dutton Pines is somewhat different from a healthy white pine-red oak-black oak forest due to a long history of management and use by people. A (super) canopy of tall (85-95’) white pines (Pinus strobus) dominate many areas of the parcel, especially the level terrace described above. A few scattered red oak (Quercus rubra) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) also reach these heights. Red oak is common in the 60-70’ main tree canopy; other common trees are American beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple, red maple (Acer rubrum), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red pine (Pinus resinosa), and white oak (Quercus alba). Black oak (Quercus velutina) may be present. This main canopy averages 65% cover. A variable (50-85% cover) subcanopy at 20-30’ features American beech, red oak, eastern hemlock, sweet birch (Betula nigra), and bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis). The tall shrub layer has 15% cover; the most common member of this stratum is glossy false buckthorn (Frangula alnus), an invasive exotic plant. Other tall shrubs include witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and advanced regeneration of many of the above-mentioned tree species. A 20-30% ground cover of short shrubs consists mainly of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium); maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), red oak, white oak, and American beech are also present. Herb cover also depends on light penetration through the various tree strata; common herbs are Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), partridge berry (Mitchella repens), bristly dewberry (Rubus hispidus), poverty grass (Danthonia spicata), hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), periwinkle (Vinca minor), intermediate woodfern (Dryopteris intermedia), interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana), and various sedges (Carex species). Large old grape vines (Vitis species) are a prominent feature of the more mesic forest areas. Drought tolerant lichens and mosses are common.

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White pine-red oak-black oak forest is a rare natural community in Vermont, due both to its restriction to sandy terrace landscapes and the value of those lands for agriculture and timber harvest. Dutton Pines was also the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps development project, the sheltered picnic area being one remnant of that time. This forest type was probably disturbed historically by periodic fires, which would encourage its most common tree species. In the absence of such gap-producing disturbance, hemlock and beech will become much more dominant trees here over time.

Issues/concerns: If possible, this area should be managed to perpetuate the forest type. The forest will slowly transition to a hemlock stand without natural or other disturbances. Management activities that would probably be ecologically appropriate include controlled burning and removal of selected trees that compete with the canopy dominants of this community type.

Core Forest Core forest is a concept used to describe the interior, undisturbed forest habitats and natural communities required by many species of animals and plants (e.g., many species of migrant songbirds, a variety of insects, small mammals such as fisher cat, and some larger predators) for some or all of their life cycles. The edge between forest and openings is detrimental to many of the same species, so fragmentation of blocks of core forest can result in a significant increase in poor forest habitat for those organisms. For mapping purposes, core forest has been defined as forested areas more than 100 meters away from canopy openings, whether they are hay fields, residential areas, roads, or open wetlands. Southeastern Vermont has a high density of roads and a significant amount of dispersed residential development; core forest block size is consequently low, and fragmentation relatively high. Fort Dummer State Park, Sweet Pond State Park, and Molly Stark State Park all contribute to the acreage of core forests, and are thus important sources of habitat for interior forest species.

The values of core forest should not be read to imply that other forests, including forest edges and younger forests, are not valuable habitat for wildlife. For example, Dutton Pines State Park is too small to function as significant core forest habitat, but it does support a wide variety of birds, mammals, and other organisms.

Special Constraints and Title History for the Brattleboro Management Unit Lands comprising all properties in the Brattleboro Management Unit are owned in fee simple by the State of Vermont.

There are a few legal constraints on the properties in the Brattleboro Management Unit. Most of those are in the form of utility line right-of-way leases and a mountaintop communications facility.

Summary of Major Legal Constraints: 1. Dutton Pines State Park a. An agreement dated May 12, 1953 between Edward Simeon and Charles E. Simeon and the State of Vermont states that each party agrees to maintain 413.5 feet of four-strand barbed wire

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Historic Preservation Report for Dutton Pines State Park, March 13, 2014 fence along the park’s eastern boundary. This agreement is no longer valid because the Simeons no longer own the adjacent property and no animals are grazed there. b. A quit claim deed granted to the Housing Foundation, Inc. for 125 foot-radius buffers around four water wells, associated infrastructure (a building, power and water lines) and road access to the facilities. c. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) restrictions do not apply to DPSP.

Excerpts from Long Range Management Plan Appendix D:

Historical Resource Assessment and Maps (with Legal Constraints)

A detailed historical assessment of the Brattleboro Management Unit was prepared by staff from the Archaeology Research Center from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2006. Summary tables from this report listing the historic resources within or in close proximity to each of the four parks are included in this plan.

Native American Context According to the report from UMaine, no Native American sites have been identified within the parks which make up the Brattleboro Management Unit. Because Native American sites have been documented along the Connecticut and West Rivers and Broad Brook in the general vicinity of Fort Dummer and Dutton Pines State Parks, UMaine believes that given favorable environmental settings, BMU can be expected to have, or have the potential of having, unrecorded sites within the boundaries of each of the parks. An archaeological pre-contact site sensitivity analysis has been conducted for the BMU. Terraces or areas of level ground located at the lower elevations and especially near waterways should be considered as sensitive areas.

Historic Euro-American Context The earliest European settlement in Vermont is believed to have occurred in this southeastern corner of the state in 1724 as settlers pushed northward from Massachusetts along the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Settlement expanded rapidly after the conclusion of the French and Indian wars in the early 1760s.

All four state parks of the BMU contain significant historic Euro-American sites. Along the western margin of Fort Dummer State Park is the old Guilford Road (laid out in 1774) which follows the early 18th century trail known as the Scout Path – a military road utilized by Fort Dummer. Also adjacent to Fort Dummer State Park is the Broad Brook Road, a route well known by Native Americans and the earliest migratory route for settlers entering the town of Guilford. Fort Dummer State Park contains one of Vermont’s earliest slate quarries. Water-powered sawmill sites are found within Sweet Pond and possibly Fort Dummer State Parks. Dutton Pines and portions of Molly Stark State Parks were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

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Dutton Pines State Park was purchased by the state in 1937 from Edith Dutton to be developed into a park as a memorial to her father, Myron Dutton, who died in 1914. The 13-acre property was part of the Dutton Farm where Mr. Dutton had established a plantation of white pine trees in 1887. Additional trees were planted by the Dutton family in 1917 and 1925. According to Myron Dutton’s scrapbook as it appeared in Vermonter magazine in 1922, the Dutton family maintained this area as a public picnic and camping site even before the state acquired the property.

Two historic roads are located within the park. An abandoned section of Route 5 passes through the park and was modified by the CCC for use as a walking trail. Depot Street is a town road located on the northern side of the park that leads to a historic ferry crossing and a former railroad depot east of Interstate 91.

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