[MassHistPres] Two Historic Homes Threatened

[Emelie Bonin]

The Foxborough Historical Commission is about to see demolished one of its
most endearing historical homes.

 A downtown landmark, built in 1865, the home of Erastus P. Carpenter, a
prominent industrialist and benefactor, will be demolished to make way for a
CVS store unless we can reach every one in Foxborough and the surrounding
areas with open land or available lots, and interested parties to move the
house. Due to an oversight made by the Commission, stalling the inevitable
through our demolition delay by-law has just about run its course.

 There is also another house in the way of the same wrecking ball, an 1874
mansard roof mansion built by L.P. Faught, a leader in the then
world-recognized straw hat industry in Foxborough.

 Each of these houses has exceptional woodwork, staircases, and in the
Carpenter house, a wonderful array of stained glass windows.  Each is
solidly built and should withstand moving.

 Obviously, our goal would have been to dissuade the current owners from
selling the houses and value the structures in their historical setting.
Failing that we must now strive to keep these houses in Foxborough.  We are
about to lose a precious neighborhood setting and valuable historical homes.

 Please, contact your friends, neighbors, relatives, anyone with a tie to
Foxborough.  Any help putting the word out would be appreciated.  Please
contact Carl Kusch, Chairman of the Foxborough Historical Commission, at
508-543-1204 if you have an interest in saving these houses.

 Emelie Bonin

Foxborough Historical Commission