BOS to decide fate of Tilden House preservation project

Update: At its meeting on June 26, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve a lease of the David Tilden House (Little Red House) at Pequitside Farm to the Canton Historical Society.

Selectmen will decide on June 12 whether to authorize the Canton Historical Society to lease and lead a major preservation project for the historic David Tilden House at Pequitside Farm. The society was the lone entity to apply for the 25-year lease at an annual rent of $1 with two five-year extension options.

The David Tilden House at Pequitside Farm is the subject of a major preservation project using CPA funds. (Moira Sweetland photo)

The project has already received $412,000 in Canton Community Preservation Act funding through a previous town meeting vote. The society has also applied for a state historical grant that could provide an additional $50,000 to $100,000. A decision on that grant is due June 12. In addition, state Representative Bill Galvin and state Senator Walter Timilty Jr. have been working to secure a budget amendment that would allocate $100,000 for the preservation of the Tilden House. To date, private donations and fundraising drives have netted over $23,000.

In a letter to selectmen, Canton Historical Society President Paul Mitcheroney noted that the society’s mission is closely aligned with the efforts of the preservation project. He said the society has a strong track record in caring for historic properties and buildings, citing the society’s own headquarters on Washington Street, built in 1911, and nearly 20 acres of land on Indian Lane, a portion of which has been under society care since the early 20th century.

“We have a demonstrated need of understanding insurance, bidding procedures, historical preservation standards and maintaining access to society properties for the public,” he said.

The society has a 14-member board of directors and more than 100 active dues-paying members. Since 1898, it has been protecting and preserving historical artifacts, records, photos, family histories, and textiles.

The society believes that the Tilden House, once preservation work is completed, could serve as a valuable educational resource, giving people of all ages the opportunity to learn about early settlement in Canton dating back to 1725. Mitcheroney and George Comeau, speaking to selectmen at Tuesday night’s meeting, agreed that all work would be done in conformity with federal Department of Interior standards for treatment of historic properties.

Most of the discussion between selectmen and Comeau focused on the total cost of the restoration. According to Selectman Chris Connolly, the town’s Building Renovations Committee has estimated that total restoration costs could approach $1 million. Comeau, however, disagreed with that figure and said the balance of the funding would come from grants, donations, and fundraising.

New Selectmen Chairman Mark Porter said the board will inquire with town counsel to determine the town’s responsibilities at the conclusion of the lease or if the project is not completed.

Comeau said the town, through the Community Preservation Committee and annual town meeting, have continued to support the project and he expressed confident that the Historical Society is the right group for the job and has the passion and commitment needed to see it through to completion. He estimated that the project would take about seven years to complete …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jun 2 2018. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.