[MassHistPres] Archaeological By laws or Ordinances

[Osprey Design Inc.]

Ann, 
This has become an front-page issue in Sandwich. I am attemping to preserve/protect a site here and my concerns fell upon deaf ears. I've attached a letter if concerns written to Sandwich Old Kings Highway Historic District:  

Dear Committee Members:
I am John MacDonald, a lifelong resident of Bourne. I grew up in Sagamore and was taught to have reverence in regards to our local history. Sandwich's history is Bourne's history. I was shocked to recently discover that the power company was planning on locating a solar farm on the site of Edmond Freeman's homestead. I implore the committee to take pause and scrutinize the proposed plan.
I hope to attend the meeting but may have a conflict with my work schedule.
My concerns include:
1. I consider the site closest to the road where we know Freeman Farm structures were located likely include archaeological resources dating back to Freeman's original home. Any loss of the material culture preserved in situ of this original settler would be a a great detriment to our current and future understanding of our history.   
2. Saying and the "old house is long gone" due to fire is a misconception. The original 1637 structure and the later one built after the fire is still there-well preserved in the ground. They burn, there artifacts get deposited into the cellar holes, they get a nice insulating layer of charred remains and then get covered over. It is a potential treasure trove of artifacts preserved and only now threatened  by the grading and digging of hundreds of post holes proposed by this project.
3. Perhaps the exact location of the historic structures is not known at this time and a full archaeological survey should be completed before any loss of the resource. Files at the Sandwich Archives exist but as you may know the Archives has so MUCH information under there care donated by the Freeman's it has not been thoroughly cataloged. There are records there that refer to the original home's cellar hole being visible in the 1930's.
4. There are more existing walls and historic features on the property than the plan on file with your committee shows. It it imperative all such historic structures be documented prior to construction. 
5. I contacted the MA Historic Commission who stated that they did NOT review this project to to overwhelming caseload and that their default was NOT an endorsement of this project, rather an inability to respond to a 30 day deadline. They encouraged me to relate my concerns to this committee and to copy them with any and all correspondence.
6. The historical record shows that the second generation house that was there in my childhood was demolished by neglect on the part of Canal Electric Company, despite the best efforts of local preservationists of the time, I implore you to allow for a reexamination of what remains.  

I advocate for a full archaeological survey and relocating the solar cells that would encroach on the Edmond Freeman Farm Homesite.  

Sincerely,
John MacDonald

> On May 12, 2016, at 8:38 PM, Ann Chapdelaine <designer1446 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> <image001.gif>
> Hello,
>  
> The North Attleborough Historical Commission would like to know of Towns that have an Archaeological By Law .  We need to develop one for our town and would appreciate any suggestions or direction you can give us.
>  
> Thank You,
>  
> Ann
>  
> Ann J. Chapdelaine, Chairperson
> North Attleborough Historical Commission
> Town Hall
> 43 South Washington Street
> North Attleborough, MA. 02760
> Direct Line : 508-789-4466
> 
>  
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