CITY OF GLOUCESTER COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

BUDGET FORM

Project Name: Masonry and Palladian Window Preservation at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House Applicant: Historic

SOURCES OF FUNDING Source Amount Community Preservation Act Fund $10,000 (List other sources of funding) Private donations $4,000 Contribution $4,000

Total Project Funding $18,000

PROJECT EXPENSES* Expense Amount Please indicate which expenses will be funded by CPA Funds: Masonry Preservation $13,000 CPA and Private donations

Window Preservation $2,200 Historic New England

Project Subtotal $15,200

Contingency @10% $1,520 Private donations and Historic New England Project Management $1,280 Historic New England

Total Project Expenses $18,000

*Expenses Note: Masonry figure is based on a quote provided by a professional masonry company. Window figure is based on previous window preservation work done at Beauport by Historic New England’s Carpentry Crew. Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 1 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

Historic New England respectfully requests a $10,000 grant from the City of Gloucester Community Preservation Act to aid with an $18,000 project to conserve a portion of a masonry wall and a Palladian window at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, a National Historic Landmark.

Project Narrative Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, was the summer home of one of America’s first professional interior designers, (1878-1934). Sleeper began constructing Beauport in 1907 and expanded it repeatedly over the next twenty-seven years, working with Gloucester architect Halfdan M. Hanson (1884-1952).

Perched on a rock ledge overlooking Gloucester Harbor, Beauport became Sleeper’s retreat, backdrop for entertaining, a professional design showcase, and an inspiration to all who visited. After Sleeper’s death in 1934, Beauport was purchased by Charles and Helena Woolworth McCann, who left most of Sleeper’s arrangements and collections intact. The McCann’s children donated Beauport to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), now Historic New England, in 1942. The house has been in operation as a popular historic house museum with guided tours and special events since that time.

Fig. 1: Above, The exterior of Beauport, the Sleeper- McCann House.

The complex exterior footprint and massing of Beauport is a product of an intricate interior plan. Additions and alterations were inspired by themes such as a colonial kitchen, a glass collection, and salvaged architectural fragments from colonial homes. Sleeper and Hanson’s collaboration resulted in an eclectic and whimsical masterpiece comprised of over forty rooms with numerous motifs. Sleeper decorated every room to express his highly personal interpretation of a specific period of American life, from the time of Plymouth down through the Revolution and the early Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 2 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

Republic. The house is filled with Sleeper’s collections of glass, hooked rugs, toleware, redware, silhouettes, folk art, and memorabilia. Rooms are erected around whole sections of paneling or timbers taken from demolished colonial houses to continue the desired effect of an arrangement with the intent to evoke amazement in visitors. Beauport is a noted link in the development of the museum period room. An important example of this is Sleeper’s influence on the creation of Henry Francis du Pont’s Winterthur Museum in Delaware. Historic New England interprets the house and landscape today as it looked in Sleeper’s time, except for the China Trade Room, which preserves McCann-era alterations.

Beauport became a backdrop for entertaining. Sleeper and his Eastern Point neighbors were leading members of “Dabsville,” a social, artistic, and intellectual colony that flourished in the first third of the twentieth century and both shaped and publicized Beauport. Dabsville itself was named for Sleeper and his summer neighbors, Joanna Stewart Davidge, proprietor of a New York finishing school; Abram Piatt Andrew, Harvard economist; Cecilia Beaux, the acclaimed portrait painter; and Caroline Sinkler, Southern heiress and arts patron. The acknowledged reigning doyenne was . Prominent guests included John Singer Sargent, Henry James, George Arliss, Henry Lee Higginson, Paul Manship, Childe Hassam, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Helen Hayes, Ethel Barrymore, Stephen Vincent Benet, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry Francis du Pont, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mrs. William Howard Taft.

Today, Beauport, Historic New England’s most-visited house museum among thirty-seven preserved and shared in five states, is a popular travel destination in the City of Gloucester, a National Historic Landmark, and a unique educational and cultural resource. In 2018, Beauport hosted 6,580 visitors for tours, events, and programs. Admission for residents of the City of Gloucester is free of charge.

Historic New England Beauport is one of thirty-seven historic properties owned and operated by Historic New England, ranging from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. Founded in 1910 as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, Historic New England’s mission is to save and share New England’s past to engage and inform present and future generations. We engage diverse audiences in developing a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England home life by being the national leader in collecting, preserving, and using significant buildings, landscapes, archives, stories, and objects from the past to today. We offer historic house tours, education programs, public events, exhibitions, publications, and other forms of outreach through our website and social media. Historic New England offers five distinct yet interrelated program areas: homes, farms and landscapes; artifacts, archives and stories; preservation services, community engagement and leadership; and school and youth programs.

Project Description Because of the complex alterations and additions Sleeper made to Beauport as well as exposure to nature’s harsh elements at the ocean’s edge, exterior preservation work is nearly continual. Historic New England has completed preservation projects for several sections of the masonry façade and has now turned its attention to the section of the building with the Palladian window. The brick in this section is failing structurally and is causing stress to the Palladian window, Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 3 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

which is also in need of wood repairs. The proposed project in this application addresses these issues.

The exterior envelope of Beauport is comprised of a number of different finish materials including brick, stone, and wood shingles. Originally the building was finished with stucco but as the building evolved, brick became more fashionable and the stucco was removed. In its place a brick veneer was installed in 1912. Since the walls were only one brick thick, there were no stretcher bricks to provide a stable base. This makes the exterior wall vulnerable to separation and allows moisture to soak in and deteriorate the structural framing and house sill. A preservation campaign that began in 2003 included carefully labeling and removing bricks in problem areas; repairing the sills, frame, and sheathing; installing a new moisture barrier; and reinstalling the historic bricks. This has become the general methodology repeated elsewhere on the building however this latest section has been determined to be different.

Recently, it was observed that the section of masonry in this proposal is failing. Located on the southwest side of the house at the South Gallery gable end, this section of Beauport was completed sometime during 1920-1921. Alterations involving the South Gallery included extending the room to its current measurements and adding a Palladian window. Unlike the other masonry sections on the house that were only one wythe thick, this wall is believed to be constructed of at least two wythes due to the depth of the window casing. The use of any tie backs or structural supports is not known however.

Fig. 2: Above, The first floor plan of Beauport. Red Square indicates location of extension completed by Sleeper during 1920-1921. Red oval indicates location of the gable end where the brick wall is failing above the Palladian window.

This wall is exhibiting signs of deterioration through a visible step crack beginning at the course directly above the top left corner of the window. The crack continues northeast and spans a total of six courses. While the majority of the crack follows the mortar joints, two courses each have Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 4 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

one split brick. This significant crack and outward projection of the bricks indicates this wall is being supported by the wood window frame, which is pushing in under the weight of the wall. This area, if left unattended, will not only further damage the wood window, but also potentially pose a safety concern if the wall fails.

Fig. 3-4: Left, Exterior view of the gable end off the South Gallery. Right, Detail of detached brick.

In order to remediate this issue, the bricks will be labeled and removed, a proper window lintel will be installed above the window frame to provide support to the wall above, and the removed bricks will be re-installed in their original locations. Mortar analysis has already been completed and the formula will be matched. Spot pointing to areas below the window sill will also be done to further eliminate moisture infiltration.

Since movement of the masonry wall has impacted the wood window below, the project will also include window conservation. Cracks have formed in the wood due to the stress of the masonry wall, which has allowed moisture to deteriorate sections of the frame and the sill. The window is also showing signs of paint and glazing loss. The treatment plan for the window includes its temporary removal followed by shop repairs—wood dutchman repairs, spot glazing, and repainting. Historic New England will take this opportunity to apply ultraviolet film on the window panes in order to protect interior finishes and collection objects inside the museum from harmful ultraviolet rays. The restored window will then be reinstalled.

Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 5 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

Fig. 5: Above, Exterior view of Palladian window

Fig. 6-7: Below, Left, Detail of deteriorated sill due to cracking and moisture infiltration. Below, Right, Detail of paint failure exposing bare wood.

Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 6 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

Community Preservation Criteria The following General Evaluation Criteria are met by this proposal: • Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, as a “Historic Resource” is listed as a National Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, and is therefore eligible for CPA funding according to the requirements described in CPA legislation. It is also considered significant by the City of Gloucester, specifically mentioned on page 18 of the Community Preservation Plan (2010, updated 2013) as one of two unique homes that are preserved and are significant visitor destinations. • This project will help preserve and enhance the essential character of the city, and specifically the neighborhood of Eastern Point, by protecting this resource from further deterioration of the historic fabric. • This project will protect this historic resource that is threatened by moisture infiltration and further deterioration. Work will comply with CPA guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. • Historic New England’s Property Care Team has embarked on other projects of this size and scope in the past and has demonstrated ability to implement similar projects within budget and on schedule. • Completion of this work will produce an advantageous cost benefit by stopping further damage to the structure. Neglecting these issues could result in greater damage and cost more in the long run to repair. • CPA funding will provide leveraging for additional fundraising opportunities. • Endorsements: Letters of Support from Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director, Discover Gloucester; Pat Conant, Interim Director, Rocky Neck Art Colony; Jeanne Hennessey, Director of Communications, Beauport Hospitality Group.

The following Category Specific Criteria are met by this proposal: • Preservation efforts on the masonry and Palladian window will continue to protect the building frame as well as interior finishes and collection objects. Modifications to the historic fabric of the property will be minimal. • The project will benefit the public by providing a safer environment by repairing the cracking and failing masonry wall. If left unattended this could eventually be a potential safety concern because the brick is pulling away from the frame behind it. • While it is difficult to say any preservation efforts are “permanent,” the repairs/rebuilding to portions of the masonry will have long-term benefits by minimizing water infiltration that could deteriorate building framing as well as interior objects and finishes. The Massachusetts Historical Commission holds a Preservation Restriction on the property, which they hold in perpetuity, ensuring the long-term protection of Beauport.

Community Needs and Population Served Masonry work and window conservation will make it possible to continue to serve the volume of visitors with a better visitor experience.

Since 1942, Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House has operated as a historic house museum that helps to stimulate the creative economy in the City of Gloucester, Cape Ann, and the North of region. As one of two National Historic Landmarks in the city, Beauport has become a Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 7 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

destination for niche groups and general tourists alike. In 2018, Beauport welcomed 6,580 visitors during its open months of late May to mid-October, helping to establish the house as a tourism anchor in the community. Since 2005, Beauport’s visitation has increased 20%. Articles about the museum appeared in The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Magazine in 2019, and in previous years, World of Interiors, Martha Stewart Living, and Architectural Digest. The popular television program Antiques Roadshow featured Beauport in an episode in February 2013. More recently, Traditional Home magazine included Beauport in its list of the 25 Best Historic Houses in America, ranking it alongside Winterthur Museum and Monticello. Trip Advisor, the travel review website, ranks Beauport the number one Thing To Do in Gloucester.

Open from Tuesday through Saturday, May 25 to October 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Beauport welcomes the general public for tours, programs, and research. City of Gloucester residents are admitted to Beauport free of charge. Special programs offered at Beauport include extended Nooks and Crannies tours, Designing Beauport, Room by Room, Beauport Pride Tour, and lectures and workshops in partnership with local organizations.

Long-Term Preservation Historic New England follows an institutional preservation philosophy that emphasizes the retention of all historic fabric when possible. Diligent maintenance is the first step in preventing the loss of historic fabric, but if work is required, the condition is analyzed and evaluated to determine the proper approach to preserve the resource. When work is performed, all efforts are made to retain the historic fabric and, if repairs or replacement are necessary, Historic New England strives to match materials in-kind and to fully document the work that has been performed as prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Preservation of Historic Buildings. This particular project includes masonry work, which will also follow the guidelines as set forth by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Preservation of Historic Buildings. (See also Historic New England’s Preservation Philosophy document in the attachments.)

Community Support and Participation Beauport is a member of the Association of Eastern Point Residents, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Discover Gloucester DMO, North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, and New England Museum Association. Partners include the Cape Ann Museum, Rocky Neck Art Colony, seARTS, and several other organizations throughout the city. Beauport is also one of thirty-seven historic house museums owned and operated by Historic New England which has a membership base of 8,469 households locally and nationwide. Beauport is well-known and well- regarded throughout the region and has strong community support. This project will allow Historic New England to continue to serve visitors each year and help stimulate the Gloucester tourism and creative economy.

The following is a summary of Beauport highlights: • Beauport is one of two National Historic Landmarks in Gloucester. • Beauport is open free to Gloucester residents. • Beauport is ranked the #1 attraction in Gloucester. Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 8 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

• Beauport participates in Gloucester’s annual Schooner Festival with the fireworks program and Parade of Sail viewing. • Beauport is prominently featured on several web sites promoting Cape Ann, the North Shore, Essex County, and Massachusetts. • Beauport is on the cover of the Great Houses of New England, a prestigious Rizzoli publication featuring twenty-five extraordinary houses from all six New England states. • Beauport was listed by Traditional Home magazine as one of the 25 Best Historic Houses in America, alongside Winterthur Museum and Monticello. • The grounds at Beauport are available for wedding ceremonies. The house partners with and promotes on its website and in literature area businesses that offer wedding services. • Letters of support requested from Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director, Discover Gloucester; Pat Conant, Interim Director, Rocky Neck Art Colony; and Jeanne Hennessey, Director of Communications, Beauport Hospitality Group.

How Will Success be Measured This project addresses one of the most pressing issues affecting the building’s envelope. The success of this project will be evaluated through four measures. The primary measure of success will be the successful mitigation of the structural stresses and related step cracking with minimal loss of historic fabric. Projects, particularly ones that include eliminating water infiltration or visible movement or deterioration of a building envelope, are monitored regularly afterward by our Property Care Team. The elimination of water infiltration and discontinued movement of the masonry will be the second determination of success. Ensuring that the work aligns with internal standards as well as the guidelines set forth by the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties marks the third measure. Along with monitoring the quality of the work, the Property Care Team also makes sure the schedule and budget stay on track, marking the fourth measure of success.

At Historic New England we strive to meet the highest preservation standards and best practices in the field, often documenting and sharing our work at no charge through online Preservation White Papers available to all, and also sharing our experiences at professional conferences and in publications with the goal of being a national leader in historic preservation.

Ongoing Maintenance It is Historic New England’s philosophy and practice that long-term preservation is a result of good maintenance. The prevention of damage and the assurance of long-term maintenance are undeniably better for the preservation of the site than any repair or replacement of historic material. Historic New England budgets approximately $25,000 to $30,000 annually for basic maintenance practices at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, with additional project-specific funding applied through each budget.

Masonry is highly susceptible to deterioration from harsh sea air and strong northeasterly winds and storms. Staff performs inspections at least annually to review flashing, mortar joints, and overall wear to the masonry work at Beauport.

Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 9 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

Why This Is the Next Logical Step in Progress Towards the Completion of This Project The proposed project is the next logical step towards completion of this project because Historic New England has 1) identified the problem, 2) undertaken similar preservation campaigns which gives us an advantage to handle this project, and 3) sought advice from a masonry expert to develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as well as our own Preservation Philosophy (included in the attachments). The project is now ready to be implemented.

Project Budget and Budget Narrative See attached Project Budget form

Project Timeline See attached Project Timeline

Feasibility A Project Notification Form will be submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), which holds a preservation restriction on the property (a copy of which is included in the attachments). The MHC has approved the previous masonry preservation projects completed at the building, and we do not anticipated any problems with the proposed project being approved.

Historic New England maintains up-to-date condition assessments of its properties as an invaluable component of maintenance and project planning for all the historic properties and landscapes the organization operates. The properties are assessed by teams, generally made up of a preservation project manager, a preservation carpenter, a preservation manager, and the historic site manager. Property care staff has already implemented projects following a similar methodology at Beauport and are comfortable that the proposed project fits within the scale and abilities of our staff and contractors.

Applicant Qualifications This project will be managed by professional preservation staff members. The fifteen person property care team is led by Benjamin Haavik who has over twenty years of experience in preservation and has managed preservation and maintenance for Historic New England properties since 2004. Jodi Black, senior project manager, will provide professional oversight, management, and support. Ms. Black has worked as a project manager for Historic New England since 2008 and personally managed three previous projects supported through the Gloucester CPA. The project manager will be Christina Pokwatka who has worked for Historic New England since 2018 as the Preservation Manager of the Cape Ann properties. She holds a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston and a M.S. in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University.

Criteria for Contractor Selection: Historic New England hires only qualified firms that have experience with museum properties. Historic New England will seek three competitive bids before determining a contractor for the work. Currently, one bid has been received for estimating purposes, which became the basis for this grant request. Two more bids will be obtained before the contractor is selected.

Historic New England Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House CPA Narrative, Page 10 Masonry Wall and Palladian Window Repair

The criteria for selection are generally based on the following: • Depth of experience with similar projects and familiarity with buildings of similar architectural significance and construction; in particular, projects subject to State Historic Preservation Officer review and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation (within the last three years); • Documented experience with masonry in historic buildings, being sensitive to the historic fabric; • Demonstrated understanding of tasks to be performed and products to be utilized; • Training and educational background appropriate to the project described; • Quality of previous work on public and private projects; and • Price.

If objects, buildings, and landscapes from the past are to convey their full meanings to people in the present and the future, it is essential that their authenticity be protected and cherished. The preservation efforts at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, will ensure the survival and sharing with the public of this remarkable architectural achievement and witness to the beginnings of American interior design. Thank you for considering this proposal.

4. Attachments

• MACRIS Inventory Sheet indicating that the property is on the National Register, is a National Historic Landmark, and has a Preservation Restriction. • Names and addresses of Project Contractors Historic New England requires three competitive bids before determining a contractor for the work. Currently, one bid has been received for estimating purposes, which became the basis for this grant request. Two more bids will be obtained before the contractor is selected. • Historic New England’s Preservation Philosophy • Copy of Deed • Copy of Preservation Restriction • GIS Map of Beauport, indicating Zoning (RC-40, Coastal Residential) • Visual Materials: floor plans and elevations • Letters of support o Patricia Conant, Rocky Neck Art Colony, Inc. o Elizabeth Carey, Discover Gloucester o Jeanne Hennessey, Beauport Hotel

Inventory No: GLO.396 Historic Name: Beauport Common Name: Address: 75 Eastern Point Blvd

City/Town: Gloucester Village/Neighborhood: Eastern Point Local No: 302 Year Constructed: 1907 Architect(s): Sleeper, Henry Davis Architectural Style(s): English Revival Use(s): Museum; Single Family Dwelling House Significance: Architecture; Art Area(s): Nat'l Register Individual Property (04/26/1976); Nat'l Designation(s): Historic Landmark (05/27/2003); Preservation Restriction (07/16/2009) Wall: Brick; Cast Stone; Glass; Wood; Wood Shingle; Building Materials(s): Stone, Cut

The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) has converted this paper record to digital format as part of ongoing projects to scan records of the Inventory of Historic Assets of the Commonwealth and National Register of Historic Places nominations for Massachusetts. Efforts are ongoing and not all inventory or National Register records related to this resource may be available in digital format at this time.

The MACRIS database and scanned files are highly dynamic; new information is added daily and both database records and related scanned files may be updated as new information is incorporated into MHC files. Users should note that there may be a considerable lag time between the receipt of new or updated records by MHC and the appearance of related information in MACRIS. Users should also note that not all source materials for the MACRIS database are made available as scanned images. Users may consult the records, files and maps available in MHC's public research area at its offices at the State Archives Building, 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, open M-F, 9-5.

Users of this digital material acknowledge that they have read and understood the MACRIS Information and Disclaimer (http://mhc-macris.net/macrisdisclaimer.htm)

Data available via the MACRIS web interface, and associated scanned files are for information purposes only. THE ACT OF CHECKING THIS DATABASE AND ASSOCIATED SCANNED FILES DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS. IF YOU ARE REPRESENTING A DEVELOPER AND/OR A PROPOSED PROJECT THAT WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT, LICENSE OR FUNDING FROM ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY YOU MUST SUBMIT A PROJECT NOTIFICATION FORM TO MHC FOR MHC'S REVIEW AND COMMENT. You can obtain a copy of a PNF through the MHC web site (www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc) under the subject heading "MHC Forms."

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Massachusetts Historical Commission 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc

This file was accessed on: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 2:09: PM FORM B - BUILDING In Area no. Form no.

MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Office of the Secretary, State House, Boston GLOW

i Gloucester

ess Eastern Point Boulevard

e "Beauport" sent use museum.-H-OUSEL

ent owner SPNEA

|;ription:

1907

puree Registry of Deeds, Salem

• "Eclectic"

litect Henry Davis Sleeper

rior wall fabric stone/brick/shingle

(see National Register property Outbuildings (describe) 4 - garage, gatehouse, map) toolshed, caretaker's cottage Other features significant interior

assemblage of rooms decorated with

early American and European antiques

Altered interior - minor Date 1935-42

Moved Date

5. Lot size: One acre or less Over one acre X

Approximate frontage 135'

Approximate distance of building from street

100'

PO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE 6. Recorded by Andrea K. Calfee USGS Quadrant Organization__for SPNEA IMHC Photo no. RCCmVED" Date 10/75 (over) DEC 1 7 1975

MASS, HIST. COL u 5M-2-75-R061465 7. Original owner (if known) Henry D_ui,s__Sleeper

Original use summer residence

Subsequent uses (if any) and dates museum 1942 - present

8. Themes (check as many as applicable)

Aboriginal Conservation Recreation Agricultural Education Religion Architectural x Exploration/ Science/ The Arts, esp. interior __x settlement invention Commerce design Industry Social/ Communication Military humanitarian Community development Political Transportation

9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) Beauport comprises an important and early collection of American and European antiques housed within a unique architectural setting. Created over the first three decades of the 20th century, the property represents one of the earliest attempts in America to rescue architec• tural fragments and install them in new surroundings. It played a key role in the establishment of the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum and of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum. Owner- architect Henry Davis Sleeper has been recognized as a genius of American interior design and his influence on taste is felt even today. Beauport became his design showcase and Sleeper enjoyed using it as a summer center for his rather bohemian social set, which included numerous celebrated personages. At the outbreak of war in France in 1914, Sleeper and his Eastern Point neighbor and friend, A. Piatt Andrew, organized, then staffed and supplied the American Field Service, an ambulance corps working behind French front lines. For this work Sleeper was awarded the ribbon of the Legion of Honor by the French government.

10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records, early maps, etc.) Blanford, William B. and Elizabeth Clay. Beauport Impressions. Boston: S.P.N.E.A., 1965. Bohdan, Carol. "Beauport, in Gloucester, Massachusetts," Antiques (March, 1973), 520-531. Chamberlain, Samuel and Paul Hollister. Beauport at Gloucester. New York: Hastings House, 1951. Garland, Joseph E. Eastern Point. Peterborough, : Noone House, 1971. Certificate of Title no 14401; Registered December 21, 7^42, by the Society for the Preservation ofx England Antiquities: Souther^ tegistry District of Essex County, Massachusetts, Land Court Case no. 1498.

Preservation Philosophy

Historic New England is a museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present. It uses these resources to keep history alive and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the New England way of life and appreciation for its preservation. By serving as a role model for the stewardship of New England heritage, Historic New England utilizes its preservation philosophy to educate, to instill an appreciation and awareness of history, to share knowledge and leave a legacy for future generations, and to promote greater involvement on the part of individuals and communities in the preservation of the past.

Statement of Preservation Philosophy*

One of Historic New England's primary goals is the preservation of cultural resources.

Recognizing that the resources administered by Historic New England, including landscapes, buildings, structures, archeological resources, objects, and archival material, may have different preservation needs and ideologies, Historic New England's preservation philosophy is to:

 Research and document the history, evolution, features, materials, integrity, and areas of significance of resources prior to undertaking any repair or conservation work. Research should be considered a continuum that serves to direct the overall management approach for resources, and records Historic New England's contribution to their care and maintenance;  Monitor usage to prevent irreparable loss of historic fabric;  Choose maintenance and conservation treatments that reflect a commitment to retaining and preserving historic material;  Recognize and preserve the design and craftsmanship that has uniquely shaped a resource over time;  Disseminate the experiences and information associated with resources to internal and external audiences; and  Follow or exceed nationally-accepted professional standards and guidelines, as appropriate for each discipline, in order to ensure the longevity of resources and maintain a reputation for innovation and the highest quality of work.

* Approved by the Board of Trustees on September 24, 2008

Preservation Philosophy 1

Professional Standards Historic New England follows this institutional preservation philosophy and emphasizes the retention of all historic fabric understanding that any feature or part of the structure and site is valuable to the understanding of its evolution and history. Diligent maintenance is the first step in preventing the loss of historic fabric, but if work is required, the condition is analyzed and evaluated to determine the proper approach to preserve the resource. When work is performed, all efforts are made to retain the historic fabric and, if repairs or replacement are necessary, Historic New England strives to match materials in-kind and to fully document the work that has been performed as prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Preservation of Historic Buildings.

Use of Traditional Materials If objects, buildings, and landscapes from the past are to convey their full meanings to people in the present and the future, it is essential that their authenticity be protected and cherished. The patterns of wear, methods of construction, old materials, and irregularities of age communicate the use to which these things have been put, at the same time they document change. Because all this physical evidence is valuable, Historic New England believes that the buildings and collections in its care must be treated in the most conservative manner through stabilization and traditional maintenance rather than restoration and reconstruction. The goal is to assure that the collections are preserved unimpaired for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

At Historic New England, all preservation and conservation work strives to retain all original materials by the least intrusive methods possible. When old materials must be replaced either to safeguard the life of an object or building, or because they are beyond repair, the first priority is to replace them with the same kind of material. If, for some reason, this is not possible, the reasons for not doing so must be clearly articulated and existing treatment protocols followed. All conservation measures are thoroughly documented in order to record Historic New England’s contribution to the object’s or building’s history.

Replacement In-Kind

Historic New England strives to retain the historic fabric of its structures and landscapes features through proactive maintenance and conservative repairs and treatments. Some elements, like roofing or siding shingles, are sacrificial layers that need to be replaced as part of a maintenance cycle. Other elements might be subject to decay through inadvertent exposure to weather or even through natural aging processes.

When we need to replace an element, the preferred practice is to replace the material utilizing the same material type or species, dimension, texture, detailing, and compatibility, or shortened commonly to the phrase “replace in kind.” Historic New England recognizes that there may be situations where exact replacement in kind is impractical due to reasons of material durability or of repair location. (See additional in- kind replacement White Papers that attempt to identify these issues and the appropriateness of certain replacement materials.)

Preservation Philosophy 2

The following are the basic guidelines that we follow when thinking about our material replacements:

o Document the existing element, making sure to identify the material and any detailing or tooling that might be present. o Replace the material “in kind," matching extant or removed material in type or species, style, dimension, texture, and detailing. o If conditions warrant a change in material, the approved approach is noted in the appropriate white paper. Changes in material not noted in the appropriate white paper or the white paper has not been created require team leader review before proceeding. o Salvaged materials are generally not approved as material replacements because the age, weathering, and other details may confuse future researchers even if the “new” replacement element is labeled. o Most new material installed should be labeled with the date of installation and documented through photographs and project completion reports.

Preservation Philosophy 3

City of Gloucester, MA March 27, 2019 Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House, Historic New England

1" = 491 ft

Property Information

Property 136-10 ID Location 75 EASTERN POINT BV Owner SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF NEW ENGL MAP FOR REFERENCE ONLY NOT A LEGAL DOCUMENT

City of Gloucester, MA makes no claims and no warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the validity or accuracy of the GIS data presented on this map.

Geometry updated 07/01/2018 Data updated 07/01/2018 Map Theme Legends

Zoning

Updated: May 8, 2017

April 1, 2019

To Whom It May Concern

As Executive Director of the Destination Marketing Organization of Gloucester, Discover Gloucester, I fully support Historic New England’s application to the City of Gloucester Community Preservation Act for the preservation of the Palladian Window at Beauport.

Beauport, the Sleeper McCann House is one of Gloucester’s most prestigious tourism attractions, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area annually. A National Historic Landmark, Beauport is treasured both nationally and internationally for its distinctive contributions to American decorative arts, architecture, and New England history as a whole. Historic New England is an effective and vital partner with Discover Gloucester and who continually collaborates with other area businesses to promote the arts and culture here in Gloucester and Cape Ann.

As part of Historic New England’s charge to preserve and maintain its historic properties, this project has been identified as one of the most pressing needs at the site, critical to protecting the historic property from deterioration and allowing for its continued public use and enjoyment. Because of Beauport’s location on the ocean, its façade is bettered by harsh weather and sail air, particularly on the water-facing side of the building. This project will address a specific area that has been identified as needing immediate attention.

Please consider this letter as a strong endorsement to Historic New England’s application.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth Carey Executive Director Discover Gloucester 978-675-1818 [email protected]