~ CT·TRUST Connecticut FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION Preservation News September / October 2004 Volume XXVII, No. 5 The Most Important Threatened Historic Places in Connecticut – 2004

sing nominations submitted by members, leads from an infor- Umal poll of preservationists across the state, and the observations of our Connecticut Circuit Riders, the Connecticut Trust has compiled a list of the most impor- tant threatened historic places in the state. Our aim is to call attention to especially important historic sites that are under threat or to common dangers that imperil a num- ber of historic places in Connecticut. As we looked around the state this year, three recurring themes emerged. One is the need for sources of funding to close the “appraisal gap” — the difference between the cost of renovating a building and its expected value once renovation is complete. Even when there is recognition of signifi- cance, local support, and a willing developer, commercial lenders will not lend more than their appraisals indicate a property is worth. Convinced of the long-term viability of many preservation projects that cannot obtain short-term financing, the Trust is investigating ways of closing this gap. A second theme is demolition by neglect. From inner cities to expensive This dam, which powered the American Thread Company mills in neighborhoods, important historic buildings are allowed to Willimantic, is one of many across the state that are threatened with deteriorate. “The building fell into disrepair,” owners say, as if demolition. Since this photo was taken in 1968, the brick mill has been demolished and the stone one renovated. their role in the process was entirely passive. “We have no choice but to take it down.” Sometimes the owner truly doesn’t have the resources to maintain the structure, but all too often neglect is a deliberate first step in demolition, intended to forestall preserva- tionists’ opposition. In This Issue A third theme is the offer to let an historical society or some- one else move a building to make room for new development. Around the State 4 While moving is sometimes the only satisfactory solution, it is Technical Assistance Grants 11 always difficult and expensive. The majority of buildings offered for moving end up being destroyed, and all that’s saved is the Archaeological Perspectives 16 continued page 7

The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, non-profit organization. ISSN 1084-189X AT THE TRUST

he Board of Trustees and staff were The new conference table, matching chairs deeply saddened to learn that board and mahogany bookcases will be in place The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is T a nonprofit statewide membership organization es- member Robert Harper, FAIA, died sud- by September. We especially thank Leroy tablished by a special act of the State Legislature in 1975. Working with local preservation groups and denly on July 31 of a massive heart attack. Diggs, Manager, Facilities and Site Ser- individuals as well as with statewide organizations, He was 65 years old. A truly unpretentious vices, Union Carbide Corporation, a sub- it encourages, advocates and facilitates historic pres- person, Bob graduated from Amherst and sidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. ervation throughout Connecticut. received his Master of Architecture from We are pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees Columbia University School of Architec- Trust has received a $5,000 grant from the Officers ture and Planning. He was a founder and Connecticut Humanities Council to per- Theodore F. Ells, Chairman, Branford David H. Barkin, Vice Chairman, Woodbridge partner of Moore Grover form a preliminary study of Susan U. Lawrence, Secretary, Darien and Harper in 1975, which historic barns in the state. Stanley G. Fullwood, Treasurer, Canton John T. Kahler, Assistant Treasurer, Norwalk became Centerbrook Archi- Architectural historian tects and Planners in 1984. James Sexton will undertake Gubernatorial Appointees Theodore F. Ells, Branford In 1997 Bob founded Rob- the research. The project, The Hon. Arthur Lathrop, Norwich ert L. Harper, FAIA, Archi- jointly sponsored by the Jeffry Muthersbaugh, Bethel

tect. Among his major build- State Historic Preservation Additional Members of the ings are the Amherst College Office, is one of many ini- Board of Trustees Dawn Adiletta, Woodstock Life Sciences Building; the tiatives associated with the Martha Alexander, New Haven Williams College Museum Connecticut opening of the Mary Anderson, Noank Joan Carty, Bridgeport of Art; Williams Hall, Cold Smithsonian’s traveling ex- J. Barclay Collins, Sharon Spring Harbor Laboratories, hibit Barn Again! Celebrat- Ron Cooper, New Haven New York; the Sharon, Con- ing an American Icon in Inger McCabe Elliott, Stonington Robert Harper Walter Fiederowicz, Litchfield necticut, Country Club; and Spring 2005. For more Glenn Geathers, Hartford more than 50 single-family information on activities Lisa Holmes, Hadlyme Adrienne Farrar Houel, Bridgeport houses, both new and renovated. One of planned around the exhibit, visit the Kenneth Johnson, Hartford Bob’s great contributions to the Trust was Connecticut Humanities Council’s web Clare Meade, Wethersfield Judith Miller, Bridgeport his service on the Building, Grounds and site, www.ctheritage.org. Guido Petra, Guilford Easements Committee where, in the words We would like once again to thank FiFi Sheridan, Greenwich Gary J. Singer, Ridgefield of that committee’s chairman, David Cesar Pelli & Associates Architects, who Myron Stachiw, Woodstock Barkin, he shared his incredible “wealth of for more than ten years have underwritten Adele Strelchun, Waterbury, North Canaan Jane Talamini, Fairfield knowledge as a practitioner,” particularly our much-referenced Historic Properties The Hon. Patricia Widlitz, Guilford in reviewing plans for alterations to build- Exchange. The Exchange appears in every Staff ings on which we hold easements. issue of Connecticut Preservation News and Helen Higgins, Executive Director One of Bob’s special interests at the online at www.cttrust.org. Christopher Wigren, Deputy Director Trust was the Eli Whitney Boarding- We are also pleased to announce that Cathyann Plumer, Membership Manager Brad Schide, Connecticut Circuit Rider house, the Trust’s office. The building was Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company Nina E. Harkrader, Connecticut Circuit Rider restored in 1989 but continues to have will become a lead sponsor of our preser- Elizabeth Hart Malloy, Content Manager, www.cttrust.org restoration, maintenance and decorating vation portal, www.cttrust.org. The Trust needs. In July, board members Ted Ells, has had a longstanding relationship with Connecticut Preservation News Editor: Christopher Wigren Stan Fullwood and Jeff Muthersbaugh Middlesex, working with them as they Editor, Historic Properties Exchange: Anne Stillman joined Membership Manager Cathyann produced and refined their special antique Graphic Design: J.M. Communications Plumer for an all-day scrape-and-paint homeowners insurance program, The Printing: Kramer Printing party. The impetus to paint the conference Restorationist. Middlesex generously un- Affiliate Organizations Merritt Parkway Conservancy room, front porch posts, cellar hatch and derwrote the Trust’s popular Restoration Residents for Rural Roads back door on a hot and humid summer Services Directory in the late 1990s — now Connecticut Preservation News is published bimonthly by the Connecti- day came from the offer of conference available online on the portal. The Trust cut Trust for Historic Preservation, 940 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06517-4002. Publication is made possible by the support room furniture from Dow Chemical’s and Middlesex will be partnering on sev- of the members of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and by a matching grant-in-aid from the U.S. Department of the Inte- Union Carbide Corporation in Danbury. eral initiatives in the next year. rior, National Park Service, through the Connecticut Historical Com- mission under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The contents and opinions stated herein do not necessarily re- flect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior. The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation assumes no responsibility “On the Green, Bolton, CT.” 1775 and 1800 Federal for the advertisements. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and center hall, former bed and breakfast, Jared Cone House, protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. living room, dining room, older kitchen, 5 bedrooms with fire- Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or handicap in its federally assisted pro- places, 3 full baths, new wiring, newer post and beam barn/ grams. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any pro- gram, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further garage with 2 and 1/2 bays & finished 2nd floor & workshop, information, please write to the Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. De- newer septic, A.G. pool, 2 acres, Nat. Hist. Register. Offered partment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. © 2004, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. All rights reserved. at $380,000. Call Doug Smith, owner, at(860) 649-5678. ISSN 1084-189X

2 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 AT THE TRUST

the case for preserving and adapting older Trust Adopts Strategic Plan buildings for new uses. We can do this by working more closely with those who t its July meeting the Board of public hearing. A small portion of this are grappling with these challenges, by A Trustees unanimously adopted audience formalizes its relationship to the sharing models and data from across the a new strategic plan. Working with Laura Trust by becoming members. The Trust country, and by creating new investment Roberts of Roberts Consulting in Cam- needs to expand its audience, both by mechanisms. bridge, Massachusetts, an ad hoc Board serving more people who are already com- Increase the capacity of the Trust to committee spent nine months clarifying mitted to preservation and by bringing the accomplish its work. While this plan goals and strategies that will guide the persuasive argument for preservation to does not envision dramatic growth of the Trust for the next five years. The plan is new audiences including a wider circle of Trust, absorbing into the operating budget organized around six goals: public officials, residents of urban areas, the cost of programs that were begun with Be the first and best source of exper- and developers of commercial properties. grant funding will require new sources of tise and information about historic Be the voice for the place of historic revenue. Recognizing that the most sig- preservation in Connecticut. Working preservation in public policy debates nificant source of funds for nonprofit or- together, the Circuit Rider program, about the future of Connecticut’s built ganizations remains private philanthropy, which provides on-site, specific advice environment. With the creation of the we need to build our development capac- and support, and the Internet portal Connecticut Commission on Culture and ity. We believe that this plan is the founda- www.cttrust.org, which provides informa- Tourism (CCT), merging the Connecticut tion of a strong case for private, corporate tion that the general public can navigate Historical Commission with other state and public support; we need to make that and customize, have transformed the edu- agencies, the Trust’s role as an advocate for case more professionally and persuasively. cational services of the Trust. These preservation has become even more criti- Attend to critical infrastructure projects, which were launched with grant cal. The partnership between the Trust and needs. The Trust is, itself, the steward of funds, are now part of core operations, the CCT is strong and can be strength- an historic building. The Eli Whitney significantly increasing the operating bud- ened even more, building on the shared Boardinghouse, built in 1827 and on the get. Knitting the two together more goals of the two agencies. National Register of Historic Places, has closely, combined with Connecticut Preser- Advocacy, however, extends to every served as the Trust’s headquarters since vation News and other public information level of government, as cities and towns 1989. There are, as expected, continuing and marketing efforts, will secure the deal with critical issues of managing their maintenance and capital needs. In addi- Trust’s place as a valued, reliable and growth while preserving the important tion, the financing must be renegotiated, responsive source of information. historic and natural resources that make given the changing real estate and financial Build the community of preserva- the state distinctive and an attractive place markets. And while the Boardinghouse tionists in Connecticut. The Trust’s pri- to live, work and visit. meets most of the Trust’s office needs well, mary audience is a diverse group that has Demonstrate the economic value of increased activity in the state’s capital in common support of historic preserva- historic preservation in Connecticut. would be easier with a small workspace for tion, including public and private stewards Critical to the success of historic preserva- staff while they are in Hartford. of historic properties, public officials, and tion is the understanding that preservation As with any small nonprofit organiza- professionals in the field of preservation. is not incompatible with development, but tion, when faced with the choice of deliv- Secondary audiences include people who that it in fact makes economic sense. As ering services and taking care of itself, the find information on the portal, read the the state recovers from the recent recession mission of the organization usually wins. “Place” section in the Hartford Courant, and continues to work to turn around its There are a handful of management issues or hear a presentation by Trust staff at a urban neighborhoods, we need to make that need attention in the next two years.

3 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 AROUND THE STATE

FAIRFIELD COUNTY. The Merritt Park- way Conservancy has published a new O __ Ioa-a guide to the parkway, a brochure that .1_..-._- O A..._ ...... ·_- .. o...- ...... ~ 1_--..,...... proclaims itself “the first map for drivers ...... ~ _-- _- --.... ft.--.---.. _____.. ~ -- ..... - r..-...... - of the Merritt Parkway in 50 years” (see ~ ...... - ...... ~ ..... ~ --_- I'YIIkpot-..._- --­ t _ ... --. sample panels at right). One side contains ~ - ....- ~"-~~1"1100:11~ ...... a brief history of the parkway, a discus- ~NaI""''''''''~"-:"IIf""""-- -~.._-T-.I~_-- .'l'Ibn'i..~ ...... ""- "' ---~I-' sion of its design — including its Art :::..--­ e Deco bridges and its naturalistic land- ._ ... I .'Q scape — and thumbnail biographies of - the major figures who made it a reality. The other side is a detailed map that shows exits, rest areas and bridges, as well as notable landscape features, fleshed out with snippets of parkway lore. In addition to the parkway itself, the map shows other nearby attractions, including golf courses, parks, arts and science centers and what the brochure calls “off-beat historic places.” Copies of the guide are available at ';'''..-:-':-::t'1-..-:-":::.r :\\ , Parkway service areas, thanks to a -_.-~- ...... -- - • grant from Mobil Oil, which runs the I. 1_ ..- •a ,-- service stations. - '-­-- The Conservancy was founded in """",,,"110 __ .~..,-. 2001 under the sponsorship of the --­ - '-"J_ Connecticut Trust. Its mission is to .-----..­"_~J_--.... _. “revitalize and celebrate” the Parkway. The Trust also funded part of the de- - velopment of the brochure with an Historic Preservation Technical Assis- tance Grant in 2003. For more information, call the .. Merritt Parkway Conservancy at -- .. (203) 661-3255 or visit them online - at www.merrittparkway.org.

BERLIN. A group of residents has peti- tioned for a referendum on whether to the district would harm the neighborhood. buildings that has been a local historic dis- abolish or continue the Worthington Worthington Ridge is the oldest settled trict for 30 years. The area is also listed on Ridge local historic district. According to section of Berlin, a long string of historic the National Register. the Hartford Courant, more than 70 per- cent of the district’s homeowners have signed the petition. They complain that Historic Restoration Grants Available the historic district commission’s rulings The Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is offering have been arbitrary, overly restrictive and grants for the restoration of historic buildings owned by municipalities or even historically inaccurate. nonprofit organizations. These grants are the only source in Connecticut of Abolishing the district involves more funding for bricks-and-mortar restoration. In its 2004 session the General than a petition, however. Since the district Assembly authorized $600,000 for grants in fiscal year 2005. Although there is is written into the town’s charter, repealing no set limit for grant awards, it is expected that most will not be higher than it would require amending the charter, $60,000. There is a $60,000 first-preference set-aside for archaeological something that town officials are reluctant investigations or projects that includes substantial archaeological work. to do. Phase I applications are due December 10. The due date for Phase II has not Members of the historic district com- yet been set, but it will probably be in early May, 2005. General information on mission say that the petitioners are over- application requirements and guidelines can be found on the SHPO’s website at reacting. They are willing to discuss spe- www.chc.state.ct.us or can be obtained by calling (860) 566-3005. cific complaints, but argue that abolishing

4 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 AROUND THE STATE

New Ordinances for the proposed ordinance gives the Plan- chair of the Planning and Zoning Com- ning and Zoning Commission a great deal mission, expects public hearing on the Preservation in New of discretion to encourage preservation of preservation ordinance in September with Canaan modern houses (see sidebar). Lazlo Papp, adoption to follow in October. n order to protect its historic Draft Ordinance for Preserving Important Modern Houses Iresources, the Town of New Canaan in New Canaan has passed one new ordinance and is con- sidering two others. The first is an amend- Preservation of “Modern Houses” ment to the zoning regulations adopted 1. In order to encourage the preservation and architectural integrity of “modern by the Planning and Zoning Commission houses,” the Commission may, by Special Permit, modify the lot coverage regula- on June 29 and effective July 9. The new tion and any other dimensional standard of these Regulations provided that: amendment allows the Commission to a. the New Canaan Historical Society or other source acceptable to the grant special permits that “modify the Commission shall have recognized the principal structure on the prop- maximum allowable lot coverage and/or erty as a “modern house” worthy of continued preservation, any other dimensional standard…in order b. the “modern house” shall be preserved, to allow for the preservation of historic c. the New Canaan Historical Society or other source acceptable to the structures that are found to enhance Commission shall have determined that any proposed improvement shall community character.” The amendment retain the architectural integrity of the “modern house,” applies to structures that are at least 75 d. the regulatory modifications shall be clearly identified on the application years old. When a permit is granted, any presented to the Commission, and modifications to the structures must be e. any regulatory modification approved by the Commission shall only be approved, and the structures must be the minimum amount and geographical extent required to authorize the properly maintained. If these conditions improvements approved by the Commission. are not met, the town may withdraw the 2. Any regulatory modification granted by the Commission shall only remain effective so long as the “modern house” is preserved and maintained as the prin- special permit. cipal use of the property. The amendment was passed as a result (Draft, June 1, 2004) of efforts to save two barns on a property that had been subdivided, making the barns exceed the allowable lot coverage (see CPN, May/June 2004). The property CONN on SpecialSpcciali5lS owners submitted suggested language, -- which the town modified and approved. The second provision, currently under consideration, is a delay of demolition ordinance. As proposed, the ordinance applies to any to any building 50 years old or older. Applicants who wish to de- molish a building must publish a public notice. If anyone files a written objection within 21 days, demolition is delayed for 90 days from the initial application. This means that preservationists will have to follow demolition applications and be prepared to move quickly when necessary to seek alternatives. The third proposal relates to New Canaan’s crop of historic Modern Move- ment houses, included in the Trust’s 1999 edition of The Most Important Threat- ened Historic Places. Part of an overall revision of the town’s zoning regulations recommended by the planning firm Planimetrics, this provision would add a new section encouraging preservation of the modern houses. Very similar in word- ing to the historic building amendment,

5 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 AROUND THE STATE

POSSIBLY SAFE tenant will be allowed to stay for the The RWA Houses: John Norton house, Guilford: The time being. RWA is expected to resume Guilford Preservation Alliance has the effort to have the barn moved or An Update been looking for a way to move it, but demolished when he leaves. Moderately as of press time the high cost of land important. wo months after the deadline and RWA’s demanding requirements Tfor proposals for moving houses, are complicating plans. Most important. FACING DEMOLITION the South Central Connecticut Regional House, 501 Derby Avenue, Orange: Isaac Doolittle house, Bethany: A proposal Water Authority is still in negotiations RWA is looking into moving the house to move it to has fallen through. Highly with potential takers for only a handful of to nearby non-watershed land. Most important. the sixteen historic buildings that the au- important. House, 233 Skiff Street, Hamden: No thority wants removed from its lands. House, 1029 Johnson Road, Woodbridge: proposals for moving. Moderately Most of the buildings are still in danger of Negotiations are underway with a po- important. needless demolition (see House, 752 Summer Hill Road, Madison: CPN, May/June 2004). No proposals for moving. Important. Speaking to Angelo Forte house and gas station, North

Woodbridge’s Board of Nancy Polk Branford: A proposal from the Totoket Selectmen in August, Historical Society to move the gas sta- CEO David Silverstone tion has fallen through. No proposals stressed RWA’s determi- for moving. Most important. nation never to sell DiSanti house, North Branford: No watershed land under proposals for moving. Moderately any circumstances and important. noted that language in Hanan Palmer house, North Branford: the authority’s land use No proposals for moving. Highly plan calling for preser- important. vation of historic re- Henry Reed house, North Branford: sources was conditional, No proposals for moving. Important. using qualifiers like Fred Harrison house, North Branford: No The New Haven Water Company built this bungalow in Woodbridge “wherever possible.” in the early 20th century. It now faces demolition by the Regional proposals for moving. Most important. Silverstone reported Water Authority. New Haven Water Company house, that the authority is Woodbridge: No proposals for moving. pursuing approvals needed to raze the tential taker who wants to move the Highly important. buildings, but he does not expect any house out of state. Important. Willis Doolittle house, Woodbridge: No demolition to begin before March, 2005. House, 115 Sperry Road, Woodbridge: accepted proposal, but the Amity and In the meantime, RWA is still willing to Negotiations are underway with a po- Woodbridge Historical Society and the consider any reasonable proposal, includ- tential taker who wants to move the Town of Woodbridge are considering ing proposals to keep the buildings on house out of state. Important. the possibility of moving the house to their original sites for non-residential use, nearby town-owned land. Highly if local zoning permits. SAFE FOR THE MOMENT important. The listing below includes ratings Barn, Amity Rd., Bethany: The current (“most important,” etc.) that were part of an architectural and historical evaluation of the buildings that the Connecticut Prudential Trust did for RWA. The Trust considers Connecticut Realty those rated “most important” and “highly 98 Park Street New Canaan, CT 06840 important” to be among the most impor- 203 322-1400 tant threatened historic places in Con- 203-966-7970 x4036 necticut this year (see page 8). 800 778-6228 x4036 Fax 203 972-6157 APPARENTLY SAFE [email protected] “I know Elam Ives house, Hamden: RWA is near- antique Tom Nissley ing an agreement with the town of houses, Sales Executive Hamden and the Hamden Historical and others, (Member, CT Trust) Society to allow the house to remain too!”

on its site for non-residential use. Most An independently owned and operated Member of the Prudential important. Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

6 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

Most Important, cont’d maintenance costs. Several historic dams be a program to help with maintenance in Connecticut currently face threats. The and restoration, perhaps through an developer’s conscience. On the other hand, Nature Conservancy wants to breach the expansion of the State Historic Preserva- recent experience in East Haven confirms 140-year-old dam that forms Parke Pond tion Office’s Historic Restoration Fund. that with imagination historic buildings in North Stonington after an earlier Dams to be breached or removed should can often be fitted into new plans. proposal for installing a fish ladder was be documented and, where possible, New listings begin below, and on page rejected in light of needed repairs. In interpreted on site. 14 is a summary of sites listed in previous Stamford, the Army Corps of Engineers years. has recommended removing a dam from Uriah Hosmer still house, the Mill River to reduce flooding and Norwich Historic Dams, Statewide clean up an unsightly area. The first dam Significance: Built about 1741 as a brewery Significance: Connecticut residents have on the site was built for a gristmill in and distillery, this is a very rare surviving been building dams since the earliest days 1642; the current structure dates from 18th-century building in a downtown of European settlement, first to operate 1922. In Willimantic, a nonprofit group location. It is a contributing resource in grist- or sawmills, later for the state’s of kayakers and canoers wants to remove the Downtown Norwich National Register burgeoning factories. Located in cities, four 19th-century dams built for the city’s district. small towns and the countryside, these massive textile mills in order to create a Threat: The still house, long home to the dams and their associated waterways help whitewater park. The group suggests Chelsea Landing Pub, was condemned in us understand industrial processes and the saving half of one dam as a nod to history. April because of structural problems. never-ending search for reliable and What’s needed: First, determine which Repairs will probably exceed the building’s inexpensive power. The ponds formed by dams are historically important and assess value. The City is looking into foreclosing the dams have become distinctive features their condition. Then, get environmental- on a public utilities lien to take control. of the landscape, characterized by their ists and preservationists together to deter- What’s needed: A new owner. Gap funding own flora and fauna. mine the best treatment for each one: will probably be needed for repairs. Threat: There is a growing environmental- preservation, breaching, or removal. For continued page 8 ist movement to remove dams in order to dams that are to be preserved, there should restore streams’ natural flow, control flooding, provide for recreation, or reduce Upcoming Meetings of the Connecticut Historic Help us hit the side Preservation Council of a Barn! ERIC JACKSON CHIMNEY October 6, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. SINCE 1982 November 3, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. The Connecticut Trust is preparing ◆ to conduct an important survey of State Historic barns across Connecticut. Let us Preservation Board know what the significant barns are October 14, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in your town (definition: big enough ◆ to shelter crops and/or animals). All meetings take place at the South Congregational Church Email: [email protected] Chimney Relining Experts 277 Main Street, Hartford Telephone: (203) 562-6312 Repair and Restoration Specialists Fax: (203) 773-0107 Complete Chimney Service For more information: (860) 566-3005.

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO OLD CHIMNEYS Located high on a hill in Middlebury, CT this beautiful circa 1742 salt box FEATURING Smoketite®, an efficient, cost- colonial proudly stands on one acre effective sprayable cement system for enhancing of land. The living room features the the safety of old, unlined chimneys. When main center chimney fireplace and applied properly, 1/2" of this product has the hearth, wide floor boards and some insulation and protective value of a 3-1/2" brick. ® barnboard wainscotting. A second Smoketite has a 20-year warranty, and a life fireplace is located on a rear addition expectancy of 50 years. Recent jobs include The with stone foundation which requires Elton Brown Tavern (Burlington) and The Griswold House (Old Lyme). finish work. There are several out- buildings located on the property including one crafted from the field 35 Smith Lane • Burlington, CT 06013 For further information on purchasing stones. Phone/Fax: (860) 404-8853 this property contact David Myjak at or (800) 518-9982 Price: Under $300,000 860-628-8685

7 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

Most Important, cont’d immediately kicked out. Officials now their communities (see CPN, November/ say rehabbing the house would be uneco- December 2003). Three houses, Yale University, nomical. The Eaton house, owned by the Threat: Despite a special act allowing it to New Haven University since 1971, contained faculty sell the houses with restrictions to protect Significance: Yale owns a number of offices until recently, but maintenance has the water supply, RWA decided last year buildings constructed for other uses and been minimal for years. Long-term plans that they must be moved or demolished. subsequently acquired either for academics reportedly call for new academic buildings After months of marketing, only a fraction or as income property. Among them are on both sites. The Woolsey house, which of the buildings have potential takers (see three significant houses: 88 Prospect Yale acquired in 1936, had shops in its page 6). The rest continue to face demoli- Street is a Greek Revival residence probably ground floor until last summer, when their tion. The Connecticut Trust considers the built about 1830 next to the Farmington leases were not renewed. Offices continue following to be of highest priority: Canal. Nearby is the Daniel Cady Eaton to occupy the upper levels, but university • Isaac Doolittle house, Bethany house, a handsome Victorian Gothic officials are talking about enlarging the • Angelo Forte house and gas station, dwelling built about 1865 for a Yale profes- small parking lot behind the house. North Branford sor and pioneering botanist. In downtown What’s needed: Yale’s wealth and influence • Hanan Palmer house, North Branford New Haven is the home of Yale president insulate it from much preservation pres- • Fred Harrison house, North Branford Theodore Dwight Woolsey, built about sure, but the university sometimes responds • New Haven Water Company house, 1840. The house has a distinguished to intense publicity. Woodbridge Colonial Revival façade, added around • Willis Doolittle house, Woodbridge 1906 by Woolsey’s son, another prominent RWA houses, New Haven (Note: The Amity and Woodbridge Yale professor. County Historical Society and the Town of Threat: All three seem to be undergoing Significance: The South Central Con- Woodbridge are considering the feasi- demolition by neglect. While not the only necticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) bility of moving this house to nearby property owner to do so, Yale has fre- owns a number of buildings that the property.) quently sought to justify demolishing authority rented out for decades. Dating What’s needed: As a regulated utility, RWA historic buildings by first letting them fall from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, is largely immune to public pressure, but into disrepair and then claiming that repairs these buildings contribute to the history of perhaps state legislators could convince

were too expensive. After Yale bought 88 James Sexton Prospect Street in 1999, tenants were C. Wigren C. Nina E. Harkrader HSTG

Clockwise from above: Daniel Cady Eaton house, New Haven. Thomas Lyon house, Greenwich. Saint John’s Rectory, Bridgeport. 77 Sherwood Place, Greenwich (center).

8 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

the authority to focus on properties that K. Ohno have a significant effect on the water supply, rather than relying on a blanket policy never to sell any watershed land. There also remains the possibility of allowing some of the houses to remain on their original sites for non-residential use. 77, 81 and 85 Sherwood Place, Greenwich Significance: These vernacular houses, built around 1900, are contributing resources in the Fourth Ward National Register district. The neighborhood was one of the earliest modest subdivisions in Greenwich and the center of the town’s Irish and African American populations, a segment of the town’s population that is often overlooked. Wheeler Memorial Fountain, Bridgeport, in 1983. Threat: Developers want to replace the three with new two-family dwellings. They backed out some time ago) and the town Wheeler Memorial Fountain, point to the houses’ loss of original detail are no longer interested in maintaining the Bridgeport and the neotraditional design of the house, which is vacant and in poor condi- Significance: Built in memory of Nathaniel proposed replacements as justification. tion. If a new use is not found, it will Wheeler, a leading 19th-century inventor Broader issues: Greenwich preservationists likely face demolition again. and industrialist, this fountain is the work say these are only the latest in a rash of What’s needed: A viable new use. With a of Gutzon Borglum. Unlike his better- teardowns driven by astronomical real grant from the Connecticut Trust (see known monumental figures, this is expres- estate prices; two buildings in the Green- page 12), as well as other private resources, sionistic, even playful, with mermaids, wich Avenue National Register district are the Historical Society of the Town of seahorses, and leaping fish that provide a also threatened. Another issue is the Greenwich is studying possible reuse of spot of delight in the middle of a busy gradual erosion of historic districts repre- the house as housing. If the Town ap- intersection. The fountain is individually sented by projects like this. Greenwich proves the results of the study, it will then listed on the National Register. historian Nils Kerschus said, “Not every be necessary to raise the funds needed. Threat: Restored about 20 years ago, the house in a historic district has to be first fountain is once again neglected and no rate as far as architecture or integrity…In Sanford House (Saint John’s longer operating. Its basins have been other words, the district is greater than the rectory), Bridgeport filled with soil, and the bollards that once sum of its parts. Once you start tearing Significance: Completed in 1903 as the protected it from traffic have disappeared. down two here, three here, pretty soon, rectory for Saint John’s Episcopal Church, What’s needed: Maintenance and unobtru- you’ll have no neighborhood.” this stone building echoes the church’s sive protection from vehicles. The City of What’s needed: Greenwich’s Historic Gothic Revival style and is one of dwin- Bridgeport is apparently responsible for District Commission has urged the devel- dling number of original structures on a the fountain, but perhaps a nonprofit or opers to apply for historic overlay zoning, once-elegant stretch of Park Avenue. The “friends of” group could help. which would provide an economic incen- rectory is listed on the National Register tive by allowing greater density in ex- along with the church. 9-11, 13-17, 25 and 33 Colony change for keeping the houses. Threat: The house has suffered water Street, Meriden damage and needs code updates, which Significance: These four buildings, con- Thomas Lyon house, the church estimates would cost $1.5 tributing resources to the Colony Street- Greenwich million. Efforts to find another party to West Main Street National Register district, Significance: Erected around 1690, the lease and repair the rectory have been are significant examples of late-19th-century Thomas Lyon House is representative of unsuccessful so far. If no one can be commercial architecture and integral parts the dwellings built by the region’s earliest found, the church plans to level the house. of a larger downtown streetscape. settlers. In 1926 the Lions and Rotary The Tudor Revival parish house was torn Threat: All four are vacant and need clubs moved the house to a nearby park to down for parking in the 1990s. repairs. After unsuccessfully marketing the save it from demolition and rented it to What’s needed: A tenant or buyer with a buildings for rehabilitation, the City has community groups. The house is individu- new use and money for repairs. A for- proposed demolishing them. The city ally listed on the National Register. profit owner could qualify for federal claims that the cost of rehabbing the Threat: The Lions Club (the Rotarians rehabilitation tax credits. continued page 10

9 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

R. Podolsky George Seyms house, Hartford Significance: Built in 1880 and probably C. Wigren C. designed by Hartford architect George Keller, the Seyms house is, according to Hartford preservationists David Ransom and Gregory Andrews, “a High Victorian confection…with brick walls, terra-cotta embellishments, and fish-scale shingles.” It is a contributing resource in the Asylum Hill National Register district. Threat: Damaged by fire in December 2002, the house is now vacant and only partially boarded up, leaving it vulnerable to vandalism and decay. What’s needed: More secure mothballing, William H. Mason house, Thompson. George Seyms house, Hartford. then a renovation plan. Gap financing may also be needed. Most Important, cont’d William H. Mason house, Thompson Josiah Twitchell house, Oxford buildings, $2.1 million, exceeds their Significance: William H. Mason, a partner Significance: Built around 1755, this likely value after renovation, only $1.2 in the textile mills of Masonville (now Colonial farmhouse was associated with million. The Connecticut Historic Preser- North Grosvenordale), built this Gothic Oxford’s agricultural history for more than vation Council voted on July 7 to request Revival house facing the common in two centuries and still boasts fine original the assistance of the Attorney General in Thompson Hill in about 1845, using a woodwork. A State Register nomination is blocking demolition under the Connecti- design published in Andrew Jackson in process. cut Environmental Protection Act, but it Downing’s Cottage Residences (1842). The Threat: A developer plans to demolish the is not certain that the AG’s office will house and its matching outbuildings are house for construction of a gated adult agree to take action. part of the Thompson Hill National continued page 13 Broader issues: In deteriorated neighbor- Register district and a local preservation hoods, the cost of rehabilitation often zone. exceeds the expected value of the com- Threat: Mario Buatta, a prominent inte- pleted building, a situation known as an rior designer from New York bought the “appraisal gap.” Once other buildings are house several years ago and began exten- rehabbed and the area begins to have a sive renovations but then stopped work better reputation, this gap can disappear, abruptly. The house is vacant and over- but that takes time and a broader approach grown. The heat has apparently been off than just fixing up one building. for years, and there are reports of water What’s needed: Financing to close the damage from broken pipes. appraisal gap and a plan, with funding, to What’s needed: The owner should take care revitalize the entire street. of the house or sell it to someone who will. PRODUCING CUSTOM MILLWORK FOR CONNECTICUT CONTRACTORS AND Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, Inc., founded in Years of successful projects and satisfied clients are 1946, is a three-generation firm specializing in the a testament to that goal. HOMEOWNERS FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS restoration, preservation and adaptive re-use of Our clients have included museums, municipalities, period structures. architects, historical societies and homeowners. SPECIALIZING IN PERIOD WOODWORK We are craftspeople, with the knowledge, skills As varied as our clients, so are their projects. They and experience to return usability to older structures have included barns, carriage houses, covered WINDOWS • DOORS • ENTRANCES while helping them meet the bridges, churches, town halls MOLDINGS • BALUSTRADES • PANELING requirements of the 21st Century. and a vast array of period homes It has been our goal to balance and out buildings. TURNING • CARVING passionate interest in historic For history in the remaking preservation with level-headed call us, toll-free in Connecticut 222 QUARRY HILL ROAD professionalism. 1-800-255-0089. HADDAM NECK Home Improvement Contractor #552121 EAST HAMPTON, CT 06424 PHONE: 860 267-4693 FAX: 860 267-1611 WWW.JOHNSONMILLWORK.COM

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10 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Trust Awards Grants for Historic Preservation

etween July of 2003 and June of EAST HAVEN: $300: The East Haven Historical Society, the Martha Parsons B 2004 the Connecticut Trust Land Trust acted as the sponsoring agency Trust and House Museum, and the Hazard- awarded $55,040 in Historic Preservation for the newly formed East Haven Preserva- ville Institute Conservancy, received funds Technical Assistance Grants (HPTAG). tion Trust in requesting a mini-grant to to hire a consultant to expand the bound- The grants, made in collaboration with help create architectural drawings that aries of the existing Bigelow-Hartford Car- the Connecticut Humanities Council, would demonstrate the adaptive reuse po- pet Mills National Register district. The support preservation initiatives that help tential of two houses in the East Haven overall goal is to stabilize Thompsonville communities plan for the preservation, Green National Register district that were through preservation and restoration. restoration and rehabilitation of historic threatened by new development (see CPN, buildings and neighborhoods. The 16 July/August 2004). Thanks to the drawings GLASTONBURY: $4,400: The Historical grants leveraged an additional $320,660 in and the East Haven Trust, one house will Society of Glastonbury has expanded its preservation funding. remain and be included in the development. mission to be more active in preservation issues in the town. With the support of BRISTOL: $2,500: The City of Bristol COVENTRY: $7,500: The Antiquarian the Rocky Hill Historical Society, the served as a sponsoring organization for and Landmarks Society received funds for Connecticut River Ferry Preservation As- four local community groups, the Bristol an Historic Structure Report on the Hale sociation, the River Front Preservation Historical Society, the Greater Bristol Homestead in Coventry. This is part of a Society of Rocky Hill and local residents, Chamber of Commerce, the Bristol Fed- multi-year, multi-million dollar restora- the society will hire a consultant to pre- eral Hill Association and the American tion and reinterpretation project to en- pare a National Register nomination for Clock and Watch Museum. The grant will hance the property as a tourist destination. the area around the Glastonbury-Rocky pay for a consultant to update and make Hill Ferry, the state’s oldest continuously digital Bristol’s historic resource inventory, ENFIELD: $3,500: The town of Enfield, operating ferry. a key tool for municipal planning. acting in consort with the Enfield Local Historic District Commission, the Enfield GREENWICH: $5,000: The Historical LINTON For a num- Society of the Town of Greenwich, which

C : $850: NINA ber of years, the Clinton His- in 2003 received a HPTAG to incorporate torical Society has wanted to historic preservation into its strategic plan, be more active in the commu- received funding for two consultants to nity and use its expertise to study the feasibility of re-using the Tho- bring awareness of the heri- mas Lyon house (c.1690). Working with tage of Clinton to residents the town of Greenwich, especially its and visitors alike. Urged on by Housing Authority, the Society hopes the the Chamber of Commerce, study will leverage federal funds to reno- the Society used HPTAG vate the house as a single- or two-family funds to produce a walking dwelling. See also page 9. tour brochure of downtown continued page 12 Clinton. Antiquarian & Landmarks Society Buildings of Connecticut

Top: 47 Sigourney Street, Hartford, en route to its new location. Above: The Hale Homestead in Coventry will be the subject of an Historic Structure Report Left: Workers’ housing in Thompsonville will be included in an expansion of a National Register district.

11 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Mary Dunne Mary James Sexton

Left: A new town survey in Madison includes this house on Middle Beach Road. Right: Manchester’s Cheney Homestead will receive a new climate control system.

Trust Awards Grants, cont’d MANCHESTER: $3,500: The Manchester group, who worked for two years to save Historic Society owns four buildings, in- the barn. HARTFORD: $5,000: The newly formed cluding the Cheney Homestead, a contrib- Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alli- uting structure to the Cheney Brothers WETHERSFIELD: $1,000: Wethersfield’s ance (NINA), a nonprofit corporation National Historic Landmark District. The Historic District Commission received organized to further revitalization of Society will use HPTAG grant funds to HPTAG funds in 2003 to transfer mate- Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood, hire a professional preservation architect to rial generated by a survey of 1,100 historic received funds to plan for moving a brick develop specifications and plans for a cli- buildings into a web-based data system. house, listed on the National Register of mate control system designed to protect This year’s grant supplemented the first to Historic Places and in danger of demoli- the building and its contents, as recom- allow for completion of the project. tion at its original location. Though small mended by an Historic Structures Report To apply for Historic Preservation in light of the total cost of the move, the for the house. Technical Assistance Grants, call (203) HPTAG grant represented the first funds 562-6312 or visit www.cttrust.org. committed to this project. In July, NINA NORTH BRANFORD: $390: The Totoket successfully moved the house several Historical Society received funds to docu- blocks to a site where it will be renovated ment three houses listed on the National as part of a larger redevelopment plan. Register of Historic Places. The houses will be demolished as a part of a Depart- FAIRFIELD COUNTY: $1,500 AND $5,000: ment of Transportation road reconstruc- Formed in 2003, the Fairfield County tion project. l~C Preservation Trust (FCPT) counts among MONUMENT CONSERVATION its supporters preservation and history NORWICH: $4,600: The Greenville COLLABORATIVE LLC groups from 23 towns. The FCPT re- Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) ceived a grant to hire a consultant to lead group, established by the City of Norwich specifically addresses the academic, artistic, scientific, a one-day retreat to identify common con- in 2001, asked the City to apply for funds mechanical and practical aspects cerns and develop a mission and overall to prepare a National Register nomination of monument conseroation. strategy for development. Building on the for their neighborhood. The NRZ consid- retreat, the FCPT received additional ers the preservation of the neighborhood’s MCC works in all areas of graveyard conservation to provide: funds to develop a strategic plan for build- historic and cultural assets a high priority. ing its capacity to serve as an advocate and National Register listing will also assist the Condition assessment resource for the preservation of historic city in executing its overall historic preser- reports structures and landscapes in Fairfield vation goals and allow homeowners to Reports include aescriptiol1s of specific conditio1ls, photographs, and criteria used County. qualify for Connecticut’s Historic Home- to prioritize conservation work owners’ Tax Credit. MADISON: $5,000: The Madison His- Recommendations for stone torical Society received a grant to hire a SUFFIELD: $5,000: The Friends of the conservation Details of the most appropriate materials consultant to update the town’s historic Farm at Hilltop received funds to hire a and metnods are presented for each stone resources inventory, originally completed consultant to prepare a nomination of in 1980. Considerable support for the ini- the massive barn at Hilltop Farm to the Execution of treatments tiative comes from other heritage groups National Register (see CPN, November/ IRVING SLAVID COllservator in town. The updated survey will pave the December 2003). The Friends hold a 99- PROF. NORMAN R. WEISS COllsllltallt way for further protection of Madison’s year lease on the structure, where they will P.O. BOX 6, COLEBROOK,CT 06021 historic assets, especially the development ultimately offer community programs. 8603792462 of a proposed local historic district. This was the first grant received by the

12 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Mary Dunne Mary Most Important, cont’d Threat: The school is not threatened at present; in fact, there is widespread con- community. He has offered the house to sensus in Manchester that the buildings the Oxford Historical Society if they will are worth preserving, but a strong contin- move it. The small society is trying to find gent in town wants to build a new middle a nearby site and money for the move, but school, in which case a new use would it’s uncertain that they will succeed. have to be found for the existing struc- What’s needed: With a bit of creativity, tures. Most discussions of reuse call for the house might be incorporated into the demolishing the Cheney Building, which developer’s project as residential units, is historically important for its ties to the offices or a community center. town’s textile industry. The Manchester Cheney Building, Bennet Middle School, Manchester. Historical Society and the Historic Dis- AND ONE TO WATCH… trict Commission are urging the Board of What’s needed: Careful planning and Education to keep the buildings’ historic serious consideration of how best to use Elisabeth M. Bennet Middle and architectural importance in mind the school, either as a school or for some School, Manchester when making plans for them. other purpose. Significance: The school comprises three buildings by the New York firm of Carrère & Hastings erected in 1914, plus the Traprock Ridge, cont’d location where hunting equipment was Cheney Building, constructed about 1925 repaired. All of the sites were positioned as a trade school to train students for the use the game trail. Due its local abun- only a few meters away from West Rock’s textile industry. All four are contributing dance near the area of the site, quartz cliff face and subsequently provided an resources in the Cheney Brothers National pebbles represented an almost unlimited extraordinary vantage point for viewing a Historic Landmark district. supply of raw materials, allowing hunters large expanse of the West River Valley be- to continue to make points as long as nec- low. I believe the proximity of these sites essary. This type of strategy may well have to the cliff’s edge may indicate that the been used at Wintergreen Notch where sites were used as observation points where Are your old wood WHEN ONLY windows drafty, rattly, nearly a hundred quartz spear points and information may have been gathered about sticky, single-pane fragments had accumulated in one small game movements in the West River Valley. THE ORIGINAL and inefficient- sample area involving only ten one-meter The survey included only a 200 meter But you like their section along the top of West Rock, which original look ? square excavation units. WILL DO! Another Late Archaic site near Konolds is many miles long, and may therefore Pond was a stone tool making station cov- suggest that other similarly located sites ering approximately 2,000 square meters. may remain undiscovered wherever a par- The Konolds Pond site was located on a ticularly good vantage points of the West level and well-drained area along the top River Valley would have been available. of a glacial outwash terrace, which in turn I believe that my research at West Rock rested against the base of West Rock Ridge. Ridge has allowed me access to sites Finally, a survey along the summit of uncovering unique aspects of the lifeways West Rock produced three archaeological of South-Central Connecticut’s prehistoric sites: the Kietan Lookout, Blakesly Quarry inhabitants, which may not be available and West Rock Ridge sites. Each of these through studying prehistoric villages or RESTORE YOUR ORIGINAL sites seemed to represent a temporarily used cemeteries. WOOD WINDOWS

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13 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

Hartford Frog Hollow, 1993: status mixed The Most Important Threatened Goodwin Estate, 1994: restoration underway G. Fox building, 1995: rehabbed as community Historic Places: A Status Report college Hartford, 1997: many threats ongoing Mortson Street and Putnam Heights, 1999: ince 1990, the Connecticut Trust Colchester some houses renovated has listed nearly 125 Connecticut CVS site, 1997: one building saved, one still Ann Street (parking), 1999: status unknown S threatened 410 Asylum Avenue, 1999: renovation planned places as important and threatened. We Colt Armory, 2001: restoration underway Colebrook periodically publish updates as certain sites 2nd North District School, 2001: still threatened Barn, 1992: saved are in the news, but here is the entire list Capewell Horse Nail Co., 2001: renovation through 2003, by town, with a brief nota- Cornwall planned, but financing still uncertain Rumsey Hall, 1990, 1991, 1992: status unknown 307-311 Franklin Avenue (drugstore site): tion of the status of each. Broad thematic demolished listings are included at the end. We welcome Danbury Hearthstone Castle, 1993: still threatened Killingly information on the “status unknowns.” Marian Anderson’s studio, 1996: saved Peep Toad Road bridge, 1994: status unknown If you can fill us in, please call the Trust Derby Ledyard at (203) 562-6312 or send an email to Sterling Opera House, 1994: restoration Route 2 Corridor, 1992: traffic pressures remain [email protected]. underway Litchfield Main Street, 1999: demolition underway Ansonia Litchfield High School, 2003: still not decided Durham Opera House, 1994: still threatened Manchester Main Street, 1997: status unknown Bloomfield Great Lawn, 1990: saved Cigna campus, 2000: Emhart Building East Hartford Bunce house, 1995: status unknown CVS site, 1997: status unknown demolished; Wilde Building still threatened Middletown Branford Enfield Wadsworth Estate (Cenacle), 1991: saved Wyllys Russell house and barn, 2003: saved Shaker compound, 1993: status unknown Waterfront (Route 9), 1992: status unknown CVS site, 1997: status unknown Connecticut Valley Hospital, 1994: still Bridgeport threatened Fairfield County Crescent Building, 1991, 1992: renovated as Hubbard Farm, 2002: barn dismantled Merritt Parkway, 1990, 1991: widening proposal housing Old Woodward and Weeks Halls, Connecticut abandoned, declared state scenic road, Palace and Majestic Theaters, 1991, 1992, 1994: Valley Hospital, 2002: still threatened enhancements underway still threatened Seth Wetmore house, 2003: still threatened Deacon’s Point HD, 1992, 1993: status unknown Fairfield Milford Dewhirst Farm, 1992: demolished Unquowa Hotel, 1992: demolished John Downs house, 1999: saved Freeman houses, 1992: still threatened Burrwood, 1997: house and part of gardens Pembroke City HD, 1993: status unknown preserved Naugatuck Seaside Park, 1997: bath house restored Building 25, 2003: status unknown Downtown Historic Districts, 2000: still Greenwich threatened Cos Cob Power Station, 1990, 1991: demolished New Britain Tomes-Higgins house, 1994: restored 77 Lexington Street, 1999: status unknown Bristol Mead homestead, 2001: demolished Trinity United Methodist Church, 2001: reuse Rockwell Park lagoon, 2000: status unknown plans in process Messier Building, 2001: saved Guilford Four houses in Forestville, 2002: saved Faulkner’s Island Light, 1994: saved, restored New Canaan International Style houses, 1999: town Memorial Boulevard, 2003: saved Hamden considering zoning regulations to encourage Hamden High School, 1993: saved Brooklyn preservation (see page 5) Green, 1992, 1996: highway project completed, Ghost Parking Lot, 2001: demolished mixed results JOIN THE CONNECTICUT TRUST! Name ❏ Mr. ❏ Mrs. ❏ Ms. ❏ Miss Preservation Circle Street ❏ Chairman’s Circle $1,000 ❏ Preservation Patron $ 500 City State Zip ❏ Town Green Sponsor $ 250 Telephone ( ) ❏ Circuit Rider Sponsor $ 250 Employer (for matching gift programs) ❏ Heritage Partner $ 100 ❏ Check enclosed (payable to “Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation”) Basic Membership Charge my ❏ MasterCard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express ❏ Business $ 100 Mail to: 940 Whitney Avenue ❏ Nonprofit/Municipal $ 75 Card Number Hamden, CT 06517-4002 Telephone: (203) 562-6312 ❏ Family $ 50 Exp. Date / Signature ❏ All contributions are tax deductible. Individual $ 40 You can join the Connecticut Trust online, too, at www.cttrust.org.

14 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 THE MOST IMPORTANT THREATENED HISTORIC PLACES

Main Street School, 2001: being Thompson renovated Thompson Hill, 2000: status unknown William Tully house, 2002: not C. Wigren C. Tolland demolished Old Town Hall, 1993: restored Plainfield Torrington Lawtown Mill, 1997: half demolished; Wetmore School, 1993: status unknown remainder still threatened Fire House, 1996: still threatened Portland Old Depot, 1999: still threatened Brownstone Quarry, 1993: status Migeon house, 2001: still threatened unknown Washington Preston St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Marbledale, Route 2 Corridor, 1992: traffic 1994: repaired pressures continue Red House, 1996: saved Norwich Hospital, 1994: still threatened The Palace and Majestic Theaters in Bridgeport are still Waterbury Poquetanuck Village and Hallville, 1995: threatened with demolition. Palace Theater, 1991: restored traffic pressures continue Scoville Brass Works, 1993: demolished, except Redding one building New Haven Gilbert & Bennett factory, Georgetown, Liberty Street houses, 1992: status unknown Davies Mansion, 1990, 1991, 1993: restored 1995: planning for reuse underway Willis Bristol house, 1990, 1991: restored Waterford Ninth Square, 1991: redeveloped Scotland Seaside, 1994: still threatened Phoenix Building, 1992: demolished Samuel Huntington house, 1994, 1995: saved John B. Palmer house, 2002: demolished Quinnipiac River bridge, 1992: expansion underway; Simsbury West Hartford stakeholders’ recommendations ignored Belden house, 1996: demolished Revolutionary War campsite, 1999: still threatened Lincoln Street School, 1993, 1994: demolished YMCA/Liberty Building, 1994: renovated Southbury Westport Yale Divinity School, 1995: renovated, mixed Southbury Training School, 1994: status unknown Long Shore Cabin No. 4, 1994: status unknown Eno Mansion, 1996: demolished results Southington Yale Boathouse, 1997: to be demolished Lake Compounce Carousel, 1990: status unknown Wethersfield 110 Crown Street (parking), 1999: demolished Town Center, 1993: status unknown Silas Robbins house, 1999: saved School sites, 2000: mixed results Upper Congress and Davenport avenues Sprague Town Unknown neighborhood, 2002: demolished; a few Baltic Mill, 1996: burned Mather homestead, 1991: status unknown Beecher house, 2001: site found for re-erection buildings saved Stamford Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 2002: still Burdick School, 1992: burned Thematic listings threatened Industrial sites, 1998 Stratford 11 Orange Street, 2003: still threatened Downtowns, 1998 Gen. Matthias Nicoll house, 1993: status unknown New London Demolition for parking, 1999 Winslow Ames house, 1990: saved Stonington Trees, 2000 Capitol Theater, 1991, 1994, 1996: still Trumbull Iron Works/Monsanto site, 1993, 1999: Stone walls, 2002 threatened burned; site redevelopment underway History museums, 2003 Bank Street, 1996: threat abated Fort Trumbull neighborhood, 2000: mostly demolished; rest still threatened Hopson and Chapin Manufacturing Co., 2002: still threatened Newington Hartford Drive-In, 1997: still threatened Newtown Fairfield Hills Hospital, 1994: partial demolition likely North Stonington Route 2 Corridor, 1992: traffic pressures continue Norwalk Old City Hall, 1993: saved Remington Rand Laboratory, 2003: status uncertain Norwich Ponemah Mill, 1990: on the market Downtown, 1991: overall preservation atmosphere much improved Beit Brothers Market, 1992: saved Edgerton house, 2001: saved Norwich Hospital, 1994: still threatened Old Saybrook George Beach house (Castle Inn), 1999: part demolished, rest renovated

15 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION NEWS, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation 940 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517-4002 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Phone: (203) 562-6312 PAID Fax: (203) 773-0107 NEW HAVEN, CT Email: [email protected] PERMIT NO. 72 Web: www.cttrust.org

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Archaeological Research Upon a Traprock Ridge in South-Central Connecticut By Cosimo Sgarlata, City University of New York

have spent the past four summers, since 2001, investigating If this interpretation is correct, then the Wintergreen Notch archaeological sites along West Rock Ridge in New Haven site could be described as an ambush hunting location. An ambush County, Connecticut. West Rock represents a difficult area site would be a spot at which hunters would intercept game for archaeological research due to its rugged, uneven and animals because having observed their movements they under- Irocky topography. But the rough topography doesn’t mean that stand that patiently waiting at such a spot should reward them important sites can’t be found there. Since there seemed to be less with a close shot at a desired game animal. archaeological interest in this type of I would like to make an observa- landform than other landscape features tion about the usage of quartz such as river valleys, coastal plains and ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES pebbles at the Wintergreen Notch lakeshores I decided to make my study Edited by Harold Juli site as raw material for the manufac- of the prehistoric usage of one of Con- ture of projectile points (that quartz necticut’s several prominent traprock ridges the subject of my dis- pebbles were used is obvious due to the great many points having sertation as a Ph.D. candidate at the Graduate Center of the City the smooth exterior of a river rolled quartz cobble still adhering to University of New York. their bases). Quartz pebbles seemed to have provided an ideal A particularly interesting site was the Wintergreen Notch site, source of raw material at Wintergreen Notch due to the nature of located within a narrow gap that seems to have been a natural the hunting activity conducted there. Let me explain. game trail over the top of West Rock Ridge. Numerous artifacts, The most likely game animals that the hunters at Wintergreen including thousands of waste flakes and 113 projectile points — Notch would have been pursuing were White Tailed Deer. Since mostly narrow-stemmed and side-notched points probably repre- White Tailed Deer aren’t migratory species, they don’t often travel senting a Late Archaic occupation — were found there. The site in large herds. Because of this the hunters at Wintergreen Notch was located on a slope and above the game trail. A very large could have expected their prey to pass by in trickles of small number of broken spear point tip fragments were recovered. I’ve groups. In this case the greatest number of game animals could interpreted this to mean that spears were actually thrown and tip only be taken if hunters quickly cleaned up and repaired broken fragments lost at the site as hunters at- hunting equipment after ambushing the first group while waiting tempted to take game animals pass- for the next animal or animals to approach. This type of activity ing through Wintergreen Notch. could potentially continue until no more deer were expected to

continued on page 13

Archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have used this site on West Rock Ridge to repair hunting equipment and scan the valley below for game.

Photo: C. Sgarlata