[MassHistPres] Princeton, MA

Mon Mar 28 20:32:45 EDT 2011

The Chelmsford Historical Commission wrestled with the issues that Richard Casella discussed below back in 2003, but settled on a web presentation approach similar to what Ellen St. Sure proposed. We posted all the State Inventory material that would be of interest to the public, especially the age and Historical Significance information, plus deed records going back to the beginning, relevant news paper articles, backup research and old and new photos. We did not make any effort to purge current ownership information if there were no changes since the inventory was completed, but removed any information related to recent valuations and any photos other than street views for security. We were prepared to remove any material on receipt of a complaint, but there have been zero complaints since going on-line in 2003. We have received positive feedback from owners who take pride in and appreciate knowing the history of their own home and other assets in the town such as monuments and public buildings. Several real estate professionals also mentioned that the information was helpful in making a sale of an inventoried property. You can find the site easily with a Google search if you want to check it out.

Fred Merriam
Chelmsford Historical Commission (and site webmaster)
From: Ellen St. Sure 
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 3:48 PM
To: Richard Casella 
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu 
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Princeton, MA

Why not just post for the public the street address, photos old and ne, and whatever information (always interesting if well researched and well written) that you have on the original owners/builders/occupants and perhaps a few subsequent (early) owners/occupants, but omit current and recent ownership altogether?  Would anybody object to A House With a History, if properly explained?  Surely the current owners would enjoy knowing more about their houses, and a documented history could actually increase the value of the property, if they should ever want to sell.  

Ellen St. Sure
Brewster Historical Commission

On Mar 27, 2011, at 11:34 AM, Richard Casella wrote:

  Ms. Wermiel's important points bring two caveats to this discussion: "For every action there is a reaction" and "Just because something can be done does not mean it should be done."  As a consultant who conducts field surveys (and a former member of a Historic District Commission), I can attest to the fact that a significant and vocal segment of the population continues to question how much historic preservation regulation we need. Bad feelings toward preservation activities can spread harder and faster than the good ones. Whether Princeton HC might somehow be subject to a lawsuit - baseless or not - is beside the point; if someone is sufficiently "annoyed or alienated" they will speak out and letters and editorials will follow. Since the idea is already meeting resistance, perhaps a reasonable compromise for now might be a news post on the PHC website stating that the information has been compiled and will be made available to researchers who submit a written request with their name, address and purpose. 

  Richard Casella
  Portsmouth, RI

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  From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of SARA WERMIEL
  Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2011 6:42 PM
  To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
  Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Princeton, MA

  From what you write, it seems that the information consists, for each building, of the names of owners and one or more photos. Apparently there is nothing about the buildings: dates, materials, style, etc.
  If my understanding of this is correct, I would ask, what is the purpose of putting this online? How do you imagine someone would use the information? What research value does it have?
  Unless you have compelling reasons to put it online (i.e., the information can answer certain questions and you can envision how people would benefit from having it), why annoy or alienate people by doing it? But if there’s a good reason, you should be able to make a case to the doubters and win them over.
  The fact that protecting one’s privacy these days is difficult is no reason to abet the process.

  Sara Wermiel
  Historic Preservation Consultant
  Jamaica Plain, MA

  From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Joyce Anderson
  Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2011 8:27 AM
  To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
  Cc: Alex Fiandaca; Lindberg, Matt; 'Lee, Joe'; Sheila Dubman
  Subject: [MassHistPres] Princeton, MA

  The Princeton Historical Commission has in its possession a collection of index cards with each card listing the former owners of the houses.  This has been known historically  as ‘The Princeton House File’. The collection of approximately 300 index cards were compiled by two former members who were assessors for the Town of Princeton in the 1950’s. Most of the cards have been kept up to date with the current owners names on them. One member of our commission has transcribed the cards into a word document while another member has inserted current (2006) photographs of the houses, as well as historic photographs to correspond with the information. We would like to put this information on the PHC webpage for the town, however there has been concern from others in town that this should not be allowed because of the potential  for robberies and the invasion of privacy.  I would like to know if anyone on our mailing list has any comments or suggestions.
  Thank you in advance.
  Joyce Anderson
  Princeton Historical Commission
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