Report of the Historical Commission 2008
During 2008, the Historical Commission was engaged in many activities as it carried out its role in the network of Commissions, Boards, and Committees that govern Southwick. The role of the Commission is defined as being responsible for maintaining the community wide cultural resources inventory, as well as providing local input on projects under review by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for their effects on historic resources. This inventory also provides the local planning agencies information about historic properties which should be considered in community planning.
Historical Commissions are mandated under Chapter40, Section 8D of the MGL, to identify historic resources that reflect the unique physical character of the entire community by completing a comprehensive survey and inventory. The survey is a gathering of detailed data on the historical, archaeological and architectural features of the entire community through field work and historical research. It includes individual buildings, structures, objects, landscape features, burial grounds, sites, and areas. Information is recorded on Massachusetts Historical Commission forms. Copies of local inventories are incorporated by the MHC into the statewide Inventory of Historical and Archeological Assets of the Commonwealth. They provide information with which the MHC can help to defend historic properties from potential adverse effect. In addition, the inventory provides the basis by which the Historical Commission can determine the priorities for suggesting properties to the MHC for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and what areas in the community should be considered as potential historic districts under chapter 40C MGL.
The Commission completed in July a year- long survey of Southwick’s Historical Resources creating over 100 new or updated sites which were added to the Southwick Historical Commission’s (SHC) inventory and also to the statewide Inventory of Historical and Archeological Assets of the Commonwealth.
The Historical Commission pursued and was pleased to be selected to participate in the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Heritage Landscape Inventory Program’s Connecticut Valley Reconnaissance Survey. This survey will be completed in November 2009.
Heritage landscapes are those special places and spaces, both natural and cultural, which help define the character of our community and reflect its past. The far-reaching goal of the Heritage Landscape Inventory Program of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is to lay the groundwork for an integrated planning approach to preservation of the overall cultural landscape: the historic, scenic, and environmental qualities that define each community and region. Through the identification of heritage landscapes, town officials and Southwick citizens will gain an understanding and appreciation of the broad range of historic and natural landscapes that are central to Southwick’s identity. The process of gathering and using the information will provide a framework for future conservation and preservation planning.
The Southwick Commission, along with five other communities, is continuing its work on the process leading to the placement of the Hampshire-Northampton Canal on the National Register. A pilot study undertaken in 2008, targeting two areas of the canal (one located in Southwick and the other in Westfield) was funded by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Completed in December of 2008, this pilot study will provide the methodology to be used for the documentation of the canal route.
Rebecca MacEwan and Robin Wichroski contributed many hours and invaluable research to the survey and inventory process undertaken in 2008. They also continued to work on cataloging using the Past Perfect program.
The Commission continued its work on the rehabilitation/restoration of the Old Library. A historic architect was commissioned to prepare concept plans envisioning that the building would be used as a studio for Ch15 and storage space for Town documents. The plans incorporated the historic aspects of the interior and exterior and provided for handicap accessibility. The design of the ramp for handicap accessibility is not intrusive but compliments the architectural character of the building. The concept plans and the needs assessment done earlier were presented to the Selectmen with a request to apply for CPC funds to undertake the rehabilitation/restoration of the Old Library. It is the Commission’s hope that the community not lose this historic building which lends such character to the intersection on which it stands.
The Commission has been active throughout 2008 in the saving from demolition of the Gillette Cigar Factory/Warehouse located at Gillette Corner (College Highway, Vining Hill Road intersection). The cigar factory building is on both the Southwick and the Massachusetts Historic Resources Inventories. The Gillette Cigar Factory/Warehouse was constructed in 1872 and served as a cigar shop and sorting warehouse for locally grown tobacco. C.J. Gillette was the single most important cigar maker in town, and his product was sold throughout the United States under the brand names as Ester Train, Old Iron King, Old States Prison, Queen Ann, Sporting Friends, and Gillette’s Standard Cigars. The building is a unique representation of the tobacco industry as no other one like it can be found in the Connecticut River Valley. It is hoped that 2009 finds that the Commission was successful in its preservation goal in respect to this historic treasure.
The Historical Commission also maintains representation on the Community Preservation Committee. Barbara MacEwan was designated by the SHC to represent historic preservation on the CPC. Ten percent of the monies raised is dedicated to historic preservation.
The Historical Commission meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 1pm in Conference Room 101 at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara MacEwan, Chair
Karen Brzezinski
Todd Shiveley
Rebecca MacEwan, Associate
Robin Wichroski, Associate