[MassHistPres] Ownership of historic properties

[Carol Carlson]

Terry:
The Town of Bedford owns the Job Lane House Farm Museum (c. 1720), 295 
North Road, Bedford, MA.  The House and property was bought by a private 
citizen in the 1970's, then by a vote of Town Meeting, was bought by the 
town, and then "given" to the Historical Commission to maintain.  From 
there, The Friends of the Job Lane House, Inc. emerged, and this group 
refurbished the house with help from town organizations such as the 
Rotary Club, Historical Society, Women's Club, etc. who each took a room 
to refurbish.  This spread the cost of the work around, and the time 
involved was less for the Friends.  Job's old house has a room of Rufus 
Porter murals, a couple of old additions to the salt box, and continues 
to bring interest and membership to the Friends organization, as it's a 
wonderful old property steeped in local history.  

Once refurbished enough for occupancy, which included a bathroom tucked 
into an attached shed that was once a school room, the Friends began 
providing Open House tours with guides dressed in period clothing, a 
little old fashioned music, and refreshments.  Many holidays parties 
have been held there, along with a Colonial Wedding (renewal of vows), 
Barn Yard Sales, and this year with be the 9th for our big Craft Faire 
on September 8th, on the beautiful front lawns of the property.  Yes, we 
have heat and electricity in the House, but only period furnishings.    

In 1993 we constructed a post and beam Barn close to the House, similar 
to what we believe might have been on the property, to store many of the 
old farm tools collected.   The money was raised by the Friends, and all 
the construction was by volunteers. The Barn is now used for various 
activities, and has a gift shop plus another bathroom, and a small 
kitchen area.    Once finished, the Barn was deeded to the Town of 
Bedford.  The interior is an impressive work of huge beams, some curved, 
with a hay loft.  What a great barn raising week-end we had!

The Town - via the now Historic Preservation Commission, the Facilities 
Department, and the Department of Public Works, keep up with any major 
projects, plus cuts the vast lawns and provides minor landscaping 
needs.   The Friends plan events, clean the buildings, do the 
fundraising for maintenance and the Furnishing Committee's projects, 
plus many other details as they arise.  Each year the town's 3rd graders 
get a special tour, including a cute hand-made history book of the 
house, children's games, etc. provided by the Guides.  

There is much information available regarding this special historic 
property, and I'd be willing to send our brochure to anyone interested. 
 Just send me an email with your address.  Meanwhile, come visit us on 
Open House Sundays - the 2nd and 4th sunday of each month, 2-4 pm, 
beginning in May.

Carol M. Carlson
Chair, Board of Directors
Friends of the Job Lane House, Inc.
cmcarl at mindspring.com
or - 781-275-2564

Terry McDermott wrote:

>As many of you may know, the town of Wilmington recently (October 2006) acquired the William Butters Farmhouse, a small First Period half house in Wilmington.  I have corresponded with members of this list in the past and I always learn something interesting.
>
>My current question is this - does anyone know of any Massachusetts towns that have endeavored to own and rehabilitate historic residential property?  It is agreed by all that the Butters house is in need of some serious preservation work.  I know Chelmsford recently acquired and ultimately sold an historic property; I know Burlington owns and is still working on fundraising for the Grandview Farm, which I believe is large enough to ultimately serve as a function facility, should the rehab work be funded.  (I also believe that Burlington is finding the whole rehab process to be difficult)  But do any other towns own historic residential property?  I've been trying to look into this issue and it appears to me that town's often end up offloading this type of property to a private society or foundation, which is, perhaps, better positioned to manage a preservation project.  At the heart of the issue for us would be how do we best finance the necessary rehab work for the best, mo
> st historically sensitive outcome?  
>
>A related question is - does anyone know of any towns that own historic property which is rented out to residential tenants?
>
>Any thoughts/experiences that anyone can share would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thank you.
>
>Terry McDermott
>Curator
>Wilmington Town Museum at the
>Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern, c.1770
>430 Salem Street
>Wilmington, MA  01887
>978.658.5475
>htavern at townofwilmingtonma.com
>http://www.town.wilmington.ma.us/old/hist.htm
>
>The Wilmington Historical Commission can also be reached at the above 
> addresses and phone number.
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