The Town of Washington established the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) more than 15 years ago to help conserve our area's architectural beauty and history.
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David Greenwood, town historian and CAC member, spoke to the Town of Washington/Village of Millbrook Historical Society about the work the CAC has initiated, preserving the history and a record of structures built before 1940.
With more than 20 people braving a small snow squall, Stan Morse, president of the Historical Society, thanked everyone who came out for making the trip.
He then introduced Greenwood, saying he has known him for a couple of decades, adding they were delighted to have him back at the society for another historical presentation.
Greenwood opened the meeting letting everyone know about the significant day the meeting was being held on, George Washington's birthday. He showed different antiques relating to Washington, before moving on to the historical properties surveys.
He said the project started with Mary Ellen Fiore, a founding member of the CAC and the first chairperson. She felt strongly that the area's architectural history was just as important as the natural environment.
The original survey was conducted by a broad base of community volunteers and underwritten by a $2,500 grant from the Preservation League of New York, which was matched by Tribute Gardens. Greenwood has chaired the project since then, exploring and documenting over 500 structures built in the town and village.
He said the survey began with blue forms, simple windshield surveys, which highlight homes that look old, and get backed up by deeds, interviews, maps, and other information. He said when they first started they thought they would only have around 100 structures, but was very happy to have documented more than 500, noting that most were built in 1900 or earlier.
"We have to go beyond even the obvious," said Greenwood.
Greenwood talked about the people involved from the beginning, as well as how the town bicentennial had an influence on the survey.
Showing town hall, Greenwood said the structure was once a school. He continued showing slides of the CAC and assessors offices, currently on the second floor of town hall. He said it's a little messy up there and it's been a great place for people to come and to learn about the local historic structures.
He said it is important for people to recognize the old buildings in the area, explaining that sometimes they are not easily identifiable because some have been refaced. He said the survey found Shaker houses that look like they are from the 1970s, but are really from 1840s.
"We can't always rely on what we see," said Greenwood.
Greenwood noted that early documentation was key in finding the Shaker houses, adding early documentation also helps to restore current structures to their old style. One example is Jack Neubauer's Gallery on Front Street.
Stonework usually survives, Greenwood said showing slides of Halcyon Hall, which he believes there is a need to save that work.
"It would be a disservice to the community," said Greenwood.
He then showed slides of the Tripp-Haight house, modest, but just as important as other historic structures.
He said hopefully the work on houses like the Tripp-Haight house and others will help create historic districts.
Greenwood enjoyed the discussion. These events are important to him because he believes the information brings awareness, shows the service the CAC provides, and lets people know they are a repository for historical data.
He hopes to return for more discussions, adding that he will update people as the survey continues. He said if anyone has any information or wants information, they can visit town hall on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., or make an appointment. To contact Greenwood, call town hall at 677-3419. "
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