1997 Historical Commission minutesCITY HALL
William Fenno Pratt
Architect, 1849
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
+------------------ - - - - -+
DATE: Monday, January 6, 1997 ;If you will be unable
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ;to attend, please call ;
PLACE: Council on Aging, ;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
Memorial Hall ;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
S. Approval of minutes of two previous meetings.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. Brief reports from our Liaisons.
6. Downtown Local Historic District.
7. Memorial Hall.
8. Retention schedules.
9. Revised ordinance.
10. Plaques - New Form ?
11. Early nominations for 1997 Awards.
12. Possible future projects for NHC - Comments from two
previous chairs, etc.
13. Today's additional items:
14. Next meeting: Date and time =
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
JANUARY 6, 1997 - 5:30 p.m.
Present: Sally Evans, Chair, Reuthe Leuenberger, Tristam
Metcalfe, Susan Well.
Absent (Excused): Louise Bloomberg, Rodney Kunath, George
Snook, Patricia Wright.
Absent (Not excused): Gary Cadette, Richard Marquis.
1. Attendance. Due to lack of a quorum, no votes were taken.
2. Announcements. S. Evans announced dates for 1997
meetings. Council on Aging meeting room has been reserved
for all these dates. Evans received a call from a
Cambridge architect working on the Manhan /Norwottuck
railtrail through Northampton for historical information
about the area along the north /south railroad tracks
through which the trail will pass. Caller was referred to
Elise Feeley at Forbes (Lilly) and to Richard Garvey.
Chesterfield has received and made available at their
library their historical video made by the local firm that
was in touch with us. Can one or more of us get out there
and look at it? Historical Massachusetts, Inc. is holding
an open meeting 1/15/97 at the State House on preservation
in New England.
3. Downtown Local Historic District. Failed to pass in
December. ( Reuthe Leuenberger read a statement from us at
the Ordinance Committee meeting 12/10/96, and S. Evans did
likewise at the 12/19/96 City Council meeting.)
Discussion of what more can now be done to protect our
downtown.
4. Memorial Hall. R. Leuenberger reported that Brett Jacobus
will have what he feels are his portions of the ,grant
proposal completed before our February meeting.
5. Retention schedules. S. Evans has received a file of
state- sponsored (mandated ?) schedules from the office of
the state archivist. She will forward same to the Mayor.
6. Plaques. We will hold off this discussion until L.
Bloomberg is with us in February.
Respectfully submitted
-�vrtA
Sally Evans, Acting Secretary
NO N STR NORTHAM HISTORICAL �sES�Oo 0
CITY HALL
William Fenno Pratt
Architect, 1849
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, February 3, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ - - - - -+
;If you will be unable ;
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584- 0769).;
;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3. Approval of minutes of two previous meetings.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. Brief reports from our Liaisons.
6. Downtown historic district.
7. Memorial Hall.
8. Retention schedules.
9. Revised ordinance.
10. Plaques - New Form ?
11. Early nominations for 1997 Awards.
12. Possible future projects for NHC - Comments from two
previous chairs, etc_
13. Today's additional items:
14_ Next meeting: Date and time =
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 3, 1997
Present: Louise Bloomberg, Sally Evans, Chair, Rodney Kunath, Reuthe Leuenberger,
Tristam Metcalfe, George Snook, Susan Well.
Absent (Not excused): Patricia Wright, Richard Marquis
S. Evans indicated that Richard Marquis will probably leave the Northampton Historical
Commission. She will call the mayor about Richard's status.
Change in January minutes: Delete Gary Cadette from absent list
1. S. Evans Announced:
A. The Massachusetts Historical commission requests nominations for outstanding
individuals, organizations or projects completed during the time period of Jan - Dec. 1996.
All entries must be submitted by Fri., Feb. 28th.
T. Metcalfe pointed out that the City Hall turrets have to be repainted, and if
completed before the Feb. 28th deadline, could be considered. He added, however, that no
money has been allocated for this job.
B. Several Continuing Education opportunities were reported including:
Oral History, Feb. 4th, Waltham, MA
Annual Historical Restoration meeting, October, Chicago
�) C. At a Dec. City Council meeting, an owner occupied funeral home received
special zoning permission to open in URB.
2. Downtown Local Historic District
One example of our inability to insure the architectural integrity of downtown is the
cracked cornice which was removed from Thorne's Marketplace. Apparently, it will never
be repaired and reattached to the building. It rests on the ground behind Thornes.
3. Memorial Hall Grant
A. R. Leuenberger reported that the deadline is Feb. 28th. She gave the 1996
application to Brett who is using it as a guideline. S. Evans has the 1997 pre- application
which she will review.
B. A few years ago, the Mayor received a list of potential Memorial Hall committee
members from former Historical Commission Chair, Allison Lockwood. The Mayor never
convened this committee.
4. Revised Ordinance
Wayne requested that we wait on this until after the downtown district project is
completed.
5. Plaques
A. Evans contacted "Sam" at Porcupine Signs and was given an estimate of $25 - 30 per
construction of wooden plaques commemorating historic buildings. There is an
example at 185 No. Maple Street of this vendor's work. She will contact Sam about
size and wording. R. Leuenberger suggested investigating ceramic tile for our plaques.
She will contact a local ceramics artist, Debbie Todd, for more information. Brass
- plaques would be nice, but very costly.
G. Snook suggested using small bronze plaques with identifiable icons which are described
in associated printed material. This seems like a viable alternative to wooden plaques. If
such a medium is used, all historic buildings in Northampton might be identified and a
plaque provided for it. Perhaps the cost of the plaque would be absorbed by the building's
owner. Walking tours of designated historic edifices similar to those designed in the past
for Northampton, but covering larger areas, might be considered.
6. 1997 Awards
S. Evans will compile a list for our consideration at the next meeting.
A "Best of Last 10 Years" award was proposed. That would allow us to review the
Depot Restaurant as a possible recipient. T. Metcalfe suggested that over the next two
years we invite public nominations for awards for the year 2000. This might create greater
interest in protecting Northampton's architectural treasures.
7. Retention Schedules
S. Evans contacted the Mayor, the City Clerk and Ruth Wilber about this issue
8. Smith College's Long Term Planning
L. Bloomberg will contact Bill Brandt concerning future architectural projects
planned for the Smith College campus buildings.
6l
� �l
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
William Fenno Pratt
Architect, 1849
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, March 3, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ - - - - -+
;If you will be unable
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584- 0769).;
;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging 1 .
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences_
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3_ Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5_ Brief reports from our Liaisons.
6. Memorial Hall.
7. 1997 Awards_
8. Miss Flo.
9_ Plaques - New Form ?
10_ Possible future projects for NHC - Comments from two
previous chairs, etc_
11_ Today's additional items:
12_ Next meeting: Date and time =
Minutes of the Northampton Historical Commission
March 3, 1997
Attendance: S. Evans, R. Kunath, R. Leuenburger, T. Metcalfe, G.
Snook, S. Well.
Excused Absence: L. Bloomberg, P. Wright
S. Evans reported that Richard Marquis will probably leave the
Commission. She will contact the mayor's office about Richard's
status. If there is a position to fill, she will suggest that
Susan Well be moved from "associate" to "full" membership.
Announcements: The chair distributed various catalogs and
correspondence that the Commission received this month. One
letter was from MHC to DCPO Re: the State Hospital after MHC had
reviewed the RFP. She also gave copies of the summary of
legislation proposed by Historic Massachusetts, and state and
local politicians phone numbers.
Historic Preservation Week begins May 11 and Commission agreed to
try to hold our annual awards ceremony that week.
The chair reported that she attended one meeting of the city
capital improvements committee. It meets on Tuesday at 3:30' pm.
Well volunteered to attend a meeting if Evans could not.
The state highway department is holding a hearing Wednesday,
March 4 at 7:00 pm on various Northampton projects including some
bridge replacements.
Discussion that NHC needs visibility if we are to be included on
the police station renovation committee or the Old Fire Station
reuse committee.
Minutes: Correction to the February 3rd meeting.
3B should read, "A few years ago, the NHC Chair received a list
of potential Memorial Hall committee members from Mayor Ford.
Memorial Hall: Leuenburger spoke to both Joe Cooke and the
department secretary and never heard from Brett Jacobus. The
deadline for applying for the grant has passed. A planning grant
may be more appropriate but that deadline is also passed. Evans
reported that in going through the Commission's archives she
found that there may have been a grant for Memorial Hall at the
time the roof was redone.
1997 Preservation Awards: The preliminary list was pared down
and other suggestions were added. Evans will send a revised list
to members so they can drive by candidates before the next
meeting.
�, Giving special Millennium Awards in 2000 or 2001 was discussed.
Plaques: Evans and Leuenburger
from possible sign makers. Bot h
being considered but expense is
that we rethink the purpose of
could be uniform so costs might
Next meeting: April 7, 5:30 pm.
presented information gathered
- ceramic -and metal signs are
a consideration. Well suggested
the sign to see if the wording
be lower.
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
+------------------ - - - - -+
DATE: Monday, April 7, 1997 ;If you will be unable ;
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ;to attend, please call ;
PLACE: Council Aging, ;Sally Evans (584 - 0769)_;
Memorial Hall ;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
rte)
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. Brief reports from our liaisons.
6. 1997 Awards.
7. Plaques - New Form ?
8. Today's additional items:
9. Next meeting: Date and time =
,. 1
Northampton Historical Commission minutes; April 7,1997; 5:30 PM - 7:30 cr Council on Aging.
Present: L. Bloomberg, S. Evans, T. Metcalfe, G. Snook, S. Well,
Absent: G. Cadette, R. Kunath, R. Luenenberger,
1. The Awards ceremony was discussed;
Ia. It was suggested that next year we get more public input on the selection of candidates, since
our eyes alone may miss some appropriate projects.
lb.The final awards list reviewed. The sites to review are; 41 Washington, 88 Massasoit, 47
High, 30 Prospect, 46 Franklin.
lc. The ceremony will be a Forbes Library. George Snook will check with Look restaurant for
refreshments, Sally Evans will do publicity.
4. Announcements; June 13th Historic Northampton Inc. will hold a meeting at the Hotel
Northampton on the issue of: "Downtowns ".
�i 5. Sally will attend the 4/26/97 meeting of the Historical Commission chairs.
6. Next meeting will be June 2nd.
Minutes respectfully submitted by T.M.
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, May 5, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ - - - - -+
;If you will be unable ;
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584- 0769).;
,Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary'& Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3. Approval of minutes of meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. 1997 Awards.
6. South Street issues.
7. Preservation week.
8. Plaques - New Form ?
9. Today's,additional items:
10. Next meeting: Date and time
i 1
1 MINUTES
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MAY 5, 1997
Present: S. Evans, Chair; G. Snook, L Bloomberg, S. Well, R.
Luenberger, R. Kunath. Excused: T. Metcalf
Minutes of previous meeting not available.
Letter from Vanessa Oquend forwarded from Wayne Feiden about
facilities for data storage. Was concerned about historical
restrictions. None noted, no action taken.
June 13th meeting of Historic Massachusetts Inc will be held in
Hotel Northampton. Cost is $20 to members. The meeting will be the
third program on "Downtown" which has been produced twice before in
selected cities. Brochures will be forthcoming and mailed to
members in the near future.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission in combination with the
National Memorial Trust is conducting a survey of outdoor sculpture
and wish an inventory of same in Northampton. Susan Well and Louise
Bloomberg will do this.
Frames were approved for the Preservation Awards. The remainder of
the meeting was spent in discussing the upcoming Award Ceremony.
The Mayor will present a proclamation on National Preservation
Month. Sally Evans will handle publicity.
Next meeting will be on June 3, 1997
Respectfully submitted
George A. Snook M.D.
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
William Fenno Pratt Official Meeting Notice
Architect, 1849
Northampton Historical Commission
+------------------ - - - - -+
DATE: Monday, June 2, 1997 ;If will be unable
TIME: 5:30 P.M. ;to attend, please call
PLACE: Council on Aging, ;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
Memorial Hall ;'Or leave a message with;
;the Council on,Aging ;
a ------------------- - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. 1997 Awards (Recap)
6. Membership.
7. Miss Flo". `
8. Plaques - New Form ?
9. Today's additional items:
10. Next meeting: Date and time =
i
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 2, 1997
Present: Louise Bloomberg, Sally Evans, Chair, , Tristam Metcalfe, George Snook,
Susan Well.
Absent: Rodney Kunath, Reuthe Leuenberger
Minutes of April 7th and May 5th, 1997 meetings approved.
Questions concerning the location of Northampton city records as well as the Northampton
Historical Commission records were raised. They are located in various areas including the
City Hall attic, but everyone present agreed that there is no organized storage area where
these records reside or can be reviewed.
Sally Evans described the 20 hour Hatfield Video Survey which she considered of good
quality and wondered if such a survey of Northampton might be useful. Susan Well will
call the DPW for information concerning Northampton roads.
Sally Evans reported that Ruth Simmons, Smith College President, indicated that a study is
in progress to determine an appropriate location for a Smith Campus Center. Two possible
locations were mentioned - -near the new gym on the lower level of the campus or along Elm
i ) Street perhaps connected to John M. Greene.
Sally Evan's letter concerning the South Street six family suburban town house proposal
was read at the Planning Board meeting and she was not encouraged by the response.
Louise Bloomberg suggested that a compromise might be worked out between the South
Street home owners and the developers.
All present agreed that the May awards ceremony was a success thanks in great part to
Sally's thoughtful attention to all the many details which she took care of including the
mailing of 60 invitations to various city officials. It was agreed that in the future, sending
an invitation to City Hall and chairs of committees would suffice. Tris Metcalfe urged that
the Commission connect with the general public during the summer to solicit nominations
for awards.
Presently the Commission has 6 members and suggestions were made to increase this
number.
The topic of historic, plaques was revisited and the possibility of using ceramic tiles was
considered. Leslie Ferrin of Pinch Pottery will be consulted about this possibility.
Our next meeting will be July 7th, followed by meetings on August 4th and October 6th.
There will be no September meeting.
Respectively submitted,
Louise Bloomberg
Acting Secretary
CITY HALL
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Monday, July 7, 1997 ;If you will be unable
5:30 p.m. ;to attend, please call ;
Council on Aging, ;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
Memorial Hall ;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
AGENDA i
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any)
3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. HMI's Downtown conference 6/13/97.
6. South Street.
7. Membership.
B. National Register nominations.
9. Videos.
10. Plaques - New Form ? j
11. Today's additional items:
12. Next meeting: Date and time = j
i
I
I
I
- I
Northampton Historical Commission
Minutes July 7"', 1997
Present: S. Well, S. Evans, R. Leuenberger, T. Metcalfe, G. Snook.
Guests: Winston, Parsons, Averswell, Pricella
The minutes of the June 2, 1997 meeting were approved.
Announcement: The next meeting of the Historical Commission will be on Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
The Historic Downtown Conference tools place at the Hotel Northampton. Discussion of
downtowns across the Country was the focus. All of downtown Northampton is listed in the
National Register as a district, however individual buildings are not protected from owner
renovation or demolition.
South Street - The C.D.C. will be buying the land and building two affordable houses. The rest
of the space will be sold to the neighbors bordering the property.
Spring Award Ceremony:
P.R. to go out earlier - ideas: WHMP public services announcements. S. Well to draft press
release.
Florence Diner - National Register nominations on hold till Tom Alexander contacts Historical
Commission. S. Evans received a call from Laurel Park resident to inquire about getting Laurel
Park on Register as a district.
Video record of Northampton:
Discussed usefulness and cost. Cost is prohibitive currently.
Plaques: Discussed tiles - A tile with Northampton Flag was brought in as an example.
Discussed not putting name of architect and information about building and moving to a more
simple idea of a logo with data. No decisions made.
Membership - Potential new members attended 7/7 meeting as guests. S. Evans and L.
Bloomberg have made calls to try and increase membership.
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON H AMPTON ]H[IS`I'ORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, August 4, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ -- - --+
;If you will be unable ;
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
-------------------------
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any).
Planning head search.
Laurel Park.
High School renovations.
NHC & municipal records.
Capital Improvements Program Committee (CIPC)
3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Note any "last minute" agenda items.
5. September meeting of NHC_
6. (ca. 6:00 pm) Brett Jacobus: Space plan development
project for City Hall, the Municipal Building, and
Memorial Hall. (See enclosed material)
7. Press releases for 1998 awards. (SW)
8. Chronos video survey. (See enclosed material)
9. Membership.
10. Plaques - Form.
11. Today's additional items:
12. Next meeting: Date and time =
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 4, 1997
Present: Evans, Well, Bloomberg, Snook, Metcalfe
Absent: Kunath, Leuenberger
Guests: Stenson, Dolloff, Winston, Jacobus
Announcements
Evans gave questions for the search committee to ask candidates
for head of the Planning Department to the Mayor's Office. A
committee of 6 -7 people has been formed.
After a call from Fred Brown, Evans discovered that Laurel Park
is on'the state listing but not on the National Register.
Elevations for the proposed high school renovation were not
available about ten days ago. Evans will ask that Tris Metcalfe
be notified when they are ready.
We are still exploring the relationship between the Northampton
Historical Commission and municipal records, if any. We will
discuss our role more at the next meeting.
We have been contacted by Tom Minor of the Connecticut River
Watershed Council about his concerns about the look of the
Coolidge Bridge when the proposed project is complete. Evans
will contact him.
Because the Academy of Music has received a federal grant there
are some forms to be filled out. Evans will contact Mary Kasper
or Duane Robinson.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were approved with spelling
changes to two guests names. They should read Auerswald and
Dolloff.
Agenda
Outdoor Sculpture Survey - Bloomberg and Well to report at next
meeting.
Well to draft press release about 1998 Awards to be sent in the
Fall to increase interest and year -round attention.
i�
n Addresses to watch for possible awards:
1 Old felt mill to become a brew pub
Bridge Street house
Washington Avenue
Coolidge Bridge
City buildings - Report by Brett Jacobus
Brett Jacobus, Head of Central Services for the city, described a
2 -year plan to redesign space within city buildings to utilize it
better. Very little will be done to the exteriors. Departments
that the public might use together will be housed near each
other.
The foyer of Memorial Hall was discussed at length. The Veterans
Administration may be willing to subsidize part of the cost..
Jacobus feels his workers can do a creditable job restoring the
floor and patching and painting the walls and ceiling. He would
like our input on the color scheme. Lighting''inust be addressed
and could be expensive. Evans brought up the status of the
skylight but there are no plans to uncover it at this time.
A security system and fire alarm will be installed in phase one.
Ideas for New Members
Jim Bridgeman
Plaques
The town of Longmeadow was consulted about what they do. It was
suggested to contact Old Deerfield.
Evans has talked to Dick Unsworth about contacting'81-nith College
about the signs at the same time as he approaches them about
signs for the Elm Street Historic District.
i ��
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
+------------------ - - - - -+
DATE: Tuesday, September 2,1997 ;If you will be unable ;
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ;to attend, please call ;
PLACE: Council on Aging, ;Sally Evans (584- 0769)_;
Memorial Hall ;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Announcements. Hand out material (if any).
Status of: National Register work_
Status of High School renovations.
Plaques - Form.
Sculpture survey_
�J NHC & historical records.
Inviting head of Smith College planning comet_
Academy of Music_
Calvin Coolidge Bridge_
3. Add, below, any "last minute" agenda items.
4. Press releases for 1998 awards_ (SW)
5. Chronos video survey.
6. Plaques - Form.
7. Memorial Hall "Hall" - City's renovation plan.
8. Last minute agenda items:
9. Next meeting: Date and time =
i
Northampton Historical Commission
Minutes Sept. -2, 1997
Present: S. Evans, S. Well, L. Bloomberg, G. Snook, T. Metcalfe
Absent: R. Leuenberger, R. Kunath
Guests: P. Dolloff, N. Winston, S, Stenson, J. Bridgeman
Previous Minutes by S. Well accepted.
Evans presented the steps for acceptance by National Register
1) The subjct in question must be on the city inventory. Form
B is filled out and sent to Boston. It is approved and returned
with copies to Boston, City Hall, Forbes Library. The property is
now on the inventory.
2) The MHC is asked to evaluate. They ask us for imput and if
they approve a application form is sent to us which we fill out and
return. Their review board meets 4 times a year and they approve
it.
3) The application is then sent to the National Park Service
who reviews and passes on it. They have the final say. Process
takes up to one year.
Being listed on the National Register is only of use if Fed or
State money is used for a project. Then the Nat Regis is required
to review the project.
O The only protection for a property is if it is in a local
designated area. Example is the Elm Street Designated Historical
District. Then the local commission must approve any changes in the
area or its structures.
At the present time we have only two projects; Miss Flo's
Diner which is inactive, and Laurel Park which is ongoing.
Plaques - Still concerned with materials. Questions raised as
whether Smith College will help with metal plaques. The Elm St
Commission must ask the BPW for permission to use signs in the Elm
Street area.
High School Renovations - T. Metcalfe will call Larry Fink about
the interior renovations to NHS.
outdoor Sculpture - Nothing to report as yet. Committee would like
imput from members as to our opinions re what is sculpture and how
big a project should we do. The state committee has expanded the
deadline.
Historical records - postponed
Smith College - The planning commission will be invited to one of
our meetings.
Academy of Music - no discussion
Coolidge Bridge - Tom Miner's concerns about the bridge including
adequate warning for concerned citizens, signage,- detours because
of construction, adequacy and appeal of new lighting, appearance of
renovated bridge and enviromental considerations. T. Metcalfe will
call T. Miner re developments.
A letter- dated August 29 was received by S. Evans today from a
state Committee on African - American History wanting any information
about structures related to Afro - American history. They wanted the
rather lengthy questionaire filled out and returned by Sept 8. The
general consensus is that we have no definite structures that are
known with certainty. L Bloomberg will answer the questionaire.
A press release for the 1998 awards is being prepared by S. Well
for publication. It is hoped that this will stimulate more interest
in the awards.
Chronos Project - Considered to be a good idea but too expensive.
A cheaper method should be discussed.
A committee will be formed to assist Brett Jacobus on the decision
about the color of the refurbishing the entrance of the Memorial
Hall.
Respectfully submitted
C
George A. Snook M.D.
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
+------------------ - - - - -+
DATE: Monday, October 6, 1997 ;If you will be unable ;
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ;to attend, please call ;
PLACE: Council on Aging, ;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
Memorial Hall ;Or leave•,.a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
111 f.
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences_
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
3. Announcements. Hand out material (if any).
Status of: National Register work.
Status of High School renovations_
Plaques - Form.
Sculpture survey.
NHC & municipal records.
Inviting head of Smith College planning comet.
Calvin Coolidge Bridge.
Memorial Hall hall - Brett Jacobus in
November.
4. Add, below, any "last minute" agenda items_
5. 1998 awards.
6. Survey of Northampton - Other ways to accomplish?
8. Last minute agenda items:
9. Next meeting: Date and time =
Northampton Historical Commission minutes; October 6,1997; 5:30 PM - 7:30 @Council on Aging.
'1 Present: S. Evans, R. Leunenberger, T. Metcalfe, S. Well,
- Absent: L. Bloomberg, R. Kunath, G. Snook,
Guests: J. Bridgeman, P. Dolloff, N. Winston, S. Stenson,
1. Fred Brown will be contacted on the Laurel Park designation project.
2. The latest High school renovation project progress drawings will be reviewed by Tris Metcalfe.
3. S. Well will call Denny Nolan to inquire about building plaques.
4. Mary Kasper at the Arts Council will mail their list of sculpture concerning the "Save our outdoor
sculpture" project by the Smithsonian. They have done a survey and Form'C's are said to exist on
their work. There still needs to be a delineation of what is on or off the list of outdoor sculpture, the
Bas relief art on the railroad bridge is more a sculpture than a 2 dimensional mural, and both murals
East and West make the bridge itself an important part of the art itself as in a 31) sculpture. Do
architectural motifs, such as the museum's roof gargoyle apply? The "mother of the arts "is said to be
architecture, so the realm of outdoor sculpture is sure to include the full spectrum of architectural
enrichment 'that stands enough apart from buildings to be identifiable as discrete without within
buildings in the larger sense of
5. Municipal records preservation; we have no authority to control them.
~ l 6. L. Bloomberg will contact Helen Searing on the visit from head of Smith College planning comm.
7. Calvin C. bridge, Tom Minor said no N'ton resident review, Engnr. Broderick could be invited.
8. Mem. Hall meeting w. Brett Jacobus Nov. 3rd 6:OOpm, grants, & factional design mediary.
9. Press release on awards should get a Jan and later announcement. Preservation workshop idea?
10. Nov. 8th @ Harvard U. Historic Mass. on "zoning ".
11. S. Well will ask @ League of Women Voters on new Council poss. votes on Historic Districts.
12. G. Snook resigning
13. S. Evans will check Hist. Pres. booklet "Information" from Nat.Trust for Hist. Pres. to have as
resource here in Planning office.
14. Next meeting will be Nov. 3rd.
Minutes respectfully submitted by T.M.
r�
y i
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, November 3, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m_
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ - - - - -+
;If you will be unable
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584 - 0769).;
;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
3. Announcements. Hand out material (if any).
Status of: National Register work. (SE)
Status of High School renovations. (TN)
Plaques - Form. (SE)
Sculpture survey. (LB & SW)
Invite Smith College Planning Committee (LB)
4. Add, below, any "last minute" agenda items_
5. 6:00 - Brett Jacobus /Memorial Hall.
6. Calvin Coolidge Bridge (Outside visitor ?)
7. 1998 awards.
8. NHC membership.
9. Survey of Northampton - Other ways to accomplish?
10. Last minute agenda items:
11. Next meeting: Monday, December 1, 5:30 p_m.
1
Minutes of Northampton Historical Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Voting Members Present: Louise Bloomberg, Sally Evans, Reuthe Leunenberger, Tris
Metcalfe, Susan Well
Associate Members Present: Priscilla Dolloff, Norman Winston,
Associate members Absent: John Bridgman, Sten Stenson
Memorial Hall Lobby:
Brett Jacobus reviewed the Memorial Hall lobby renovations situation. No money is
available to strip woodwork back to its original appearance. Tris offered to find a vendor
who would give an estimate on the cost of stripping all woodwork in the lobby.
Sally will contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission, SPNEA and Old Deerfield
about a paint analysis of the lobby walls. Meanwhile, Brett indicated he'd investigate the
original color of the walls.
Wayne Feiden's Visit:
Wayne introduced Michael Owens who is Northampton's Community Development Block
Grant Administer. Michael is the primary support person for both the Northampton
Historical Commission and the Elm Street District. We are to alert him about Commission
n membership openings and suggestions for new members. Michael is aware that we are
down two voting members which leaves us with a total of 5. We will discuss potential
members at our next meeting, and when a decision is made, we will contact Michael who
will give the names to the Mayor for confirmation.
Wayne asked that we consider the merging of the Elm Street District and the Northampton
Historical Commission. They would become a subcommittee of the Commission and
perhaps could meet after our regular monthly meeting. Wayne indicated that the Elm Street
group wasn't enthusiastic about such a merger, and if the Historical Committee felt
likewise, he'd withdraw the proposal.
Wayne asked that we consider giving up (selling) the West Farms Chapel restriction rights.
It was agreed that this suggestion plus the Elm Street District merger be discussed at our
next meeting.
Tom Minor's Report:
Tom Minor of the Connecticut River Watershed Council outlined his concern about the
design of the new Connecticut River bridge. The plans as they appeared last July revealed
that the bridge lights and railings are not nearly what they look like now. Tom urged the
Boston planners respect the historic integrity of the bridge and try to find the fittings which
were original to the bridge. He was told, however, that since federal money is involved in
the project, federal design standards must be respected. Tom urged us to request that a set
of the 75% plans be placed in a regional office so that we can review them. A letter to Tom
Broderick will be sent with this request.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission has statutory authority to review these plans.
We should talk with the MA Historical Commissioner about this. Also, we will write _
Senator Stan Rosenberg's office and ask that they look at the bridge plans.
Tom indicated that the pylons will be cut in half and 4 feet in the center will be removed
before cementing the outer halves together again. Thus the reliefs on the pylons will be
preserved.
A letter of support of having the Connecticut River become a Heritage River will be sent to
the Watershed Council.
The minutes of the November 3rd meeting were approved.
Brett gave us a list of the Memorial Hall Committee. We reviewed it and added Tris
Metcalfe's name.
Respectively submitted,
Louise Bloomberg
Acting Secretary
�1
NORTHAMPTON H[ISTORICA]L COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, December 1, 1997
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging,
Memorial Hall
+------------------ - - - - -+
;If you will be unable
;to attend, please call ;
;Sally Evans (584- 0769).;
;Or leave a message with;
;the Council on Aging ;
+------------------ - - - - -+
AGENDA
1. Designation of secretary & Notice of excused absences.
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
3. Announcements. Hand out material (if any).
Status of: National Register work. (SE)
High School renovations. (TM) Plaques -Form.
Plaques - Creation (SE)
Sculpture survey. (LB & SW)
Invite Smith College Planning Committee (LB)
Booklets for the public (SE)
Meeting of Frank /Hamp HC's (SW & SE)
Mass. Archaeology week (SE)
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act (SE)
4. Add, below, any "last minute" agenda items.
5. Memorial Hall - Paint (SE); Woodwork (TM); Grant appl.?
6. Calvin Coolidge Bridge.
7. NHC membership, leadership, etc._
8. 1998 Awards.
9. Preservation restrictions - Discuss (MO ?)
10. Survey of Northampton - Other ways to accomplish?
11. Last minute agenda items:
12. Next meeting: Monday, January 5, 1998, 5:30 p.m.
Minutes
Northampton Historical Commission -
December 1, 1997
Present: Louise Bloomberg, Sally Evans, Susan Well, Norman Winston, Tris Metcalfe, Re
Leuenberger.
Guests: Joan Cinadella, Michael Owens.
L e Minutes from the November meeting were approved with one change: Clarification on
Wayne Feiden's statement - He was not suggesting giving up The West Farms Chapel restriction
rights but wants to consider other mstriir .ions similar to what's on West Farms Chapel.
The next meeting will be January 5 at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will include public sculpture -
including Memorial - Leeds Memorial Park: - bell, rock, bench - Susan will do research.
Joan will look for Mary Kasper's list of Northampton public art.
Michael Owens reported that Mass. Historic Commission has money for planning. The City is
seeking an inventory of other historic properties mapping for GIS - matching funds 10,000.
Sally Evans would like the Commission to pick a new Chair in January at the next meeting.
Memorial Hall paint analysis - Sally made a few calls to SPNEA members and was given two
estimated costs: one 1,000 the other $333.00. She will give the information to Brett Jacobus.
Memorial Hall matching grant application for January is too late. Michael Owens will talk with
� rett Jacobus about May I' Round 5 grant application and project focus possibly many projects
ombined, i.e. skylight, stone work.
Calvin Coolidge Bridge:
Ann Booth from cultural resource section of Mass. Highway Dept. called Sally Evans and
discussed Bridge repair and historic considerations.
Sally will make calls to see if Bridge Plans can be in Northampton.
i