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	<title>Beautiful Buildings &#187; Historic Preservation</title>
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	<description>We are inspired by beautiful buildings. We create them, preserve them &#38; love them. We would love to connect with other people who care about historic preservation, architecture, or building aesthetics.</description>
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		<title>Beautiful Buildings &#187; Historic Preservation</title>
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		<title>Johnie&#8217;s rises from the ashes</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/harveys-becomes-johnies-becomes-bobs-big-boy-broiler/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/harveys-becomes-johnies-becomes-bobs-big-boy-broiler/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:23:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
About the Broiler
[From LA Conservancy and Roadside Peek]
Designed by Paul B. Clayton, Johnie&#8217;s Broiler opened in 1958 as Harvey&#8217;s Broiler. It is a great example of the Googie style that lent itself so well to the design of restaurants, with a lighted boomerang-shaped drive-in canopy that could accommodate 100 cars, and flamboyant signage visible to [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=325&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/sign-only.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-337" title="sign only" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/sign-only.jpg?w=408&#038;h=163" alt="sign only" width="408" height="163" /></a></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 230px"><img style="margin:7px;" src="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/preserv/2002/johniesbroiler/harvey2.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="220" height="159" align="right" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The crowd pulls in</p></div>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 230px"><img style="margin:7px;" src="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/johniesbroil1.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="220" height="165" align="right" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Johnie&#39;s at night</p></div>
<p><big><strong>About the Broiler</strong></big></p>
<p><em>[From <a title="LA Conservancy" href="http://www.laconservancy.org/issues/issues_johnies.php4" target="_blank">LA Conservancy</a> and <a title="Roadside Peek" href="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/johniesbroiler/johnies50th/index.htm" target="_blank">Roadside Peek</a>]</em></p>
<p>Designed by Paul B. Clayton, <strong>Johnie&#8217;s Broiler</strong> opened in 1958 as <strong>Harvey&#8217;s Broiler</strong>. It is a great example of the <a title="Googie Style" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie_architecture" target="_blank"><strong>Googie style</strong></a> that lent itself so well to the design of restaurants, with a lighted boomerang-shaped drive-in canopy that could accommodate 100 cars, and flamboyant signage visible to drivers traveling along Firestone Boulevard.</p>
<p><strong>In 2001, the coffee shop/car hop closed down and proceeded to become a used car lot a year later.</strong> When the changeover occurred, much of the interior of Johnie&#8217;s was destroyed. But the building, carhop area, and signage remained.</p>
<p>After tremendous support from the <em>Friends of Johnie&#8217;s</em> and the <em>Los Angeles Conservancy&#8217;s Modern Committee</em>, the <em>California Historic Resources Commission</em> voted unanimously to include<strong> Johnie&#8217;s Broiler</strong> in the <em>Register of Historic Places</em>. Placement is contingent on the property owner&#8217;s support and agreement, which was not received from Smyrniotis.</p>
<div id="attachment_338" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 487px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/rollerskates.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-338" title="Rollerskates" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/rollerskates.jpg?w=477&#038;h=382" alt="Johnie's waitress on rollerskates" width="477" height="382" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Johnie&#39;s waitress on rollerskates</p></div>
<p>According to the <a href="The neon lit up during happier times" target="_blank">January 8, 2007 issue</a> of the <em>Long Beach Press-Telegram</em>,  Smyrniotis&#8217; lessee filed a request in October 2006 to tear down the building with plans for a small retail strip center. The request was denied due to deficiencies, including the lack of an environmental impact report.</p>
<p><strong>2007 began on a sour note.</strong> On January 7, 2007, a couple of bulldozers suddenly appeared on site and started razing the carhop area and structure. By the time concerned citizens contacted the authorities, it was too late. The carhop and a good portion of the restaurant area had already been demolished.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 370px"><img style="margin:7px;" src="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/preserv/2002/johniesbroiler/johniesdemo-3.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="360" height="240" align="left" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Johnie&#39;s, partially demolished on January 7, 2007</p></div>
<p>The police stopped the demolition due to lack of permit.</p>
<p>For those who stood by the remains of Johnie&#8217;s the evening of January 7, 2007, the smell of the demo was undeniable and unforgettable. The sign still stood, strong as ever as it faced Firestone Blvd defiantly. But the aura of sadness permeated the air, as residents, fans of Johnie&#8217;s, and onlookers stared at the what was left, trying to understand and determine whether this was now farewell.</p>
<p><strong>Memories</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_342" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/johniesbroiler2dwnyca-4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-342 " title="johniesbroiler2dwnyca-4" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/johniesbroiler2dwnyca-4.jpg?w=240&#038;h=159" alt="Interior shot" width="240" height="159" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Interior shot</p></div>
<p>Many current and former residents remember both Harvey&#8217;s and Johnie&#8217;s Broiler fondly. One patron remembers cruising Harvey&#8217;s in 1960-1963 after graduating from Lynwood High in &#8216;63 and tasting the hot chocolate on a cold night and even the gravy fries. She remembers doing &#8220;the cruise&#8221; which was a roundabout from Long Beach Blvd and Compton Blvd, taking them from Jerry&#8217;s BBQ north to South Gate &#8220;where we would end up at the donut shop on Tweedy Blvd.&#8221;  They would then make their way to A&amp;W at Tweedy and Atlantic. Then everybody headed for Harvey&#8217;s.</p>
<p><strong>Salvation</strong></p>
<p><strong>04.10.2008 </strong> &#8211; The news is official that Johnie&#8217;s Broiler in Downey will now be replaced by Bob&#8217;s Big Boy.  A long term lease has been agreed upon between Bob&#8217;s Big Boy and Johnie&#8217;s owner Smyrniotis, 15 months after a saga that began when Johnie&#8217;s was illegally partially demolished by a lessee. A historic preservation consultant has been hired to determine what pieces of Johnie&#8217;s are still salvageable, including the fat boy sign. <a href="http://www2.presstelegram.com/news/ci_8857848" target="_parent"></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<div id="attachment_334" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 486px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/coalition_7001.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-334" title="coalition_700" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/coalition_7001.jpg?w=476&#038;h=318" alt="Coalition members (l-r) Kevin Preciado, George Redfox and son Jake, Analisa Ridenour and son Holden, John Biondo, Adriene Biondo, and Marcello Vavala. Photo by John Eng. " width="476" height="318" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Coalition members (l-r) Kevin Preciado, George Redfox and son Jake, Analisa Ridenour and son Holden, John Biondo, Adriene Biondo, and Marcello Vavala. Photo by John Eng. </p></div>
<p>Good news and many thanks from all Harvey&#8217;s and Johnie&#8217;s Broiler fans to those who helped make this happen and keep the spirit of Johnie&#8217;s alive, including the <em>Friends of Johnie&#8217;s, </em> the <em>Coalition to Rebuild Harvey&#8217;s</em>, and the <em>Modern Committee</em> of the Los Angeles Conservancy.</p>
<p>Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for the alert to this update as well as her tireless efforts working with the local preservation groups, city officials, and the public towards this successful outcome.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 290px"><img src="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/johniesbroiler/bobsbroiler/bobsroofdowneyca_04.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="210" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Work progresses on the new Bob&#39;s Big Boy Broiler in Downey</p></div>
<p><strong>06.25.09: Downey, CA:</strong> Bob has arrived! The 12 foot vintage Bob is hoisted up on the roof of the Broiler as the 3rd generation takes shape.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/johniesbroiler/johniesaward.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="240" height="160" align="right" /></p>
<p><strong>05.05.08: Torrance, CA</strong> &#8211; Congratulations to Adriene Biondo, Analisa, and Kevin Preciado for winning the <a href="http://www.californiapreservation.orghttp//www.californiapreservation.org" target="_blank">California Preservation  Foundation</a> President&#8217;s Award at the foundation&#8217;s conference in Napa in late April for their tireless work on Johnie&#8217;s Broiler. Well deserved!</p>
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			<media:title type="html">preservation</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/sign-only.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">sign only</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/johniesbroil1.jpg" medium="image" />

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			<media:title type="html">Rollerskates</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/preserv/2002/johniesbroiler/johniesdemo-3.jpg" medium="image" />

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			<media:title type="html">johniesbroiler2dwnyca-4</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/coalition_7001.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">coalition_700</media:title>
		</media:content>

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	</item>
		<item>
		<title>This place matters</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/this-place-matters/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/this-place-matters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:34:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[this place matters]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=306</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Help The National Trust for Historic Preservation build a new photo mosaic of their new headquarters building in Washington, DC by uploading a photo today! Each picture uploaded contributes.
View the mosaic!
This Place Matters showcases the diverse places that matter to all of us. People from across the country are honoring their favorite places, making a call [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=306&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><div id="attachment_308" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 385px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/national-trust-building.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-308 " title="national trust building" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3881504085_2ab48dbfae.jpg" alt="The New National Trust Headquarters, Washington, D.C." width="375" height="500" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The New National Trust Headquarters, Washington, D.C.</p></div>
<p>Help The National Trust for Historic Preservation build a new photo mosaic of their new headquarters building in Washington, DC by uploading a photo today! Each picture uploaded contributes.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a title="View the Mosaic!" href="http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/this-place-matters/NTHP-mosaic.html"><big>View the mosaic!</big></a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_307" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 487px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/this-place-matters.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-307" title="This place matters" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/this-place-matters.jpg?w=477&#038;h=187" alt="Upload a photo of a place that matters to you!" width="477" height="187" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text"> </p></div>
<p>This Place Matters showcases the diverse places that matter to all of us. People from across the country are honoring their favorite places, making a call to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to all of us.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a title="Upload a photo of a place that matters to you TODAY to contribute to this mosaic." href="http://my.preservationnation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=thisplacematters_submit_flickr">Upload a photo of a place that matters to you TODAY to contribute to this mosaic.</a></strong></p>
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			<media:title type="html">national trust building</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">This place matters</media:title>
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		<title>Ghost Signs</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/ghost-signs/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/ghost-signs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 21:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fading ads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ghost ads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ghost signs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trademarks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=291</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Description: Ghost signs are faded, painted signs, at least 50 years old, on an exterior building wall heralding an product, trademark or a clue to the building&#8217;s history.
Also called fading ads, or ghost ads, these works of art have often been preserved by being hidden by a neighboring building. When the neighboring building is torn [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=291&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>Description: <strong>Ghost signs</strong> are faded, painted signs, at least 50 years old, on an exterior building wall heralding an product, trademark or a clue to the building&#8217;s history.</p>
<div id="attachment_316" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 439px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/capital-cafe-platteville-wi1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-316" title="capital-cafe-platteville-wi" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/capital-cafe-platteville-wi1.jpg?w=429&#038;h=314" alt="Capital Cafe sign, Platteville, WI" width="429" height="314" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Capital Cafe sign, Platteville, WI</p></div>
<p>Also called <strong>fading ads</strong>, or <strong>ghost ads</strong>, these works of art have often been preserved by being hidden by a neighboring building. When the neighboring building is torn down, ghost signs are often found on the side of the remaining building.</p>
<div id="attachment_293" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/maxwell-house.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-293" title="maxwell-house" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/maxwell-house.jpg?w=320&#038;h=218" alt="Restored Maxwell House ad - Pennington Grocery Co., Pauls Valley, OK" width="320" height="218" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Maxwell House ad - Pennington Grocery Co., Pauls Valley, OK</p></div>
<p>Some towns have tried to preserve their ghost signs, while others have merely not destroyed them. They provide a window into the past, not only for advertisers, but historic preservationists.</p>
<div id="attachment_297" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 487px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kennedy-biscuit-lofts.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-297" title="kennedy-biscuit-lofts" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kennedy-biscuit-lofts.jpg?w=477&#038;h=406" alt="Kennedy Biscuit Lofts, Cambridge, MA" width="477" height="406" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kennedy Biscuit Lofts, Cambridge, MA</p></div>
<p>I actually had the pleasure of living in a building with 2 ghost signs. The Kennedy Biscuit Lofts in Cambridge, MA was once home to the famous Fig Newton cookie. In fact, upon moving in, we were presented with a tin of Fig Newtons as a housewarming gift. Most exciting of all, however, was the &#8220;Kennedy Biscuit Works&#8221; and &#8220;Kennedy Steam Bakery&#8221; ghost signs on the building.</p>
<div id="attachment_295" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 466px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kennedy-steam-bakery.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-295" title="kennedy-steam-bakery" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kennedy-steam-bakery.jpg?w=456&#038;h=343" alt="Kennedy Steam Bakery Ghost Sign, Cambridge, MA" width="456" height="343" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kennedy Steam Bakery Ghost Sign, Cambridge, MA</p></div>
<p>Fig Newtons were first produced in 1891 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Nabisco. They have a long and interesting history. Nabisco states that these cookies were named after the town of Newton, MA. Neither the taste, shape, or size of Fig Newtons has changed in over 100 years.</p>
<div id="attachment_296" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/old-tins.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-296" title="old-tins" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/old-tins.jpg?w=400&#038;h=266" alt="Vintage Product Tins" width="400" height="266" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Vintage Product Tins</p></div>
<p>The town of Newton celebrated the 100th anniversary of Fig Newtons April 10th, 1991: &#8220;The 100th anniversary of a cookie may not be considered a milestone for the history books, but residents of Newton believe the Fig Newton&#8217;s first century is something to celebrate.  Newton is an all-American city, and the Fig Newton is an all-American cookie,&#8221; said Linda Plaut, the city&#8217;s director of cultural affairs. &#8220;We&#8217;re all proud of that.&#8221; &#8230;The Newton, as it was originally called, was created in 1891 at the <strong>Kennedy Biscuit Works</strong> in Cambridgeport, now known as Cambridge, said Mark Gutsche, a Nabisco spokesman.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Forney House falls, and 150 years of history is replaced by a bank</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/forney-house-falls-and-150-years-of-history-is-replaced-by-a-bank/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/forney-house-falls-and-150-years-of-history-is-replaced-by-a-bank/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:51:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["Dr. Norman Forney"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["John Evans"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["national register"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["new jersey"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["section 106"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["Valley National Bank"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Demolition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[milltown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preservation today]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torn down]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[victorian]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[MILLTOWN, NEW JERSEY: Last Friday marked the end of the fight to save The Forney House (circa 1860&#8217;s) in Milltown, NJ. And why was this old beauty torn down? To build a Valley National Bank.
Just what we need. A bank.
Even scarier is that the exact same thing happened to the Victorian across the street ~ [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=241&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><div id="attachment_257" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 360px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/forney-house-crop1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-257" title="forney-house-crop1" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/forney-house-crop1.jpg?w=350&#038;h=240" alt="The Forney House, prior to demolition, Milltown, NJ" width="350" height="240" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Forney House, prior to demolition, Milltown, NJ</p></div>
<p>MILLTOWN, NEW JERSEY: Last Friday marked the end of the fight to save The Forney House (circa 1860&#8217;s) in Milltown, NJ. And why was this old beauty torn down? To build a Valley National Bank.</p>
<p>Just what we need. A bank.</p>
<p>Even scarier is that the exact same thing happened to the Victorian across the street ~ which was demolished to build ~ you guessed it ~ a bank. In a town of 7,500 residents, it would seem that 4 banks are enough.</p>
<p>HISTORY: In 1907 Dr. Norman Forney Sr. came to Milltown with   his horse and carriage and began practicing medicine. The home where he lived and practiced was built in the 1860s by   John Evans, father of Milltown’s first Mayor, John C. Evans.</p>
<p>Dr. Forney Sr. was later joined by his sons, Norman Jr. and Charles. They owned and operated the clinic in this building until 1980. The house was then sold to Dr. Sharma, who continued to practice there and rented the house to tenants as recently as 2007.</p>
<p>The building was found “Eligible” for listing on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Office, which also deemed it eminently &#8220;rehabbable&#8221; in 2008.</p>
<p><em>[From the Milltown Voice]</em> &#8220;Resident Michael Shakarjian, president of the citizens&#8217; group, said the demolition of the house could have been prevented if there had been greater scrutiny of the process on the part of elected officials.</p>
<p>Shakarjian particularly called out<em> [Mayor Gloria]</em> Bradford, saying she did not do anything to help matters during the process when he sent her a letter outlining what he, and 400 others who signed the letter, perceived as a failure to follow protocols on the part of the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), whose approval was necessary before the bank could move forward.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;She does not think it&#8217;s a serious situation,&#8221; Shakarjian said of Bradford. <strong>&#8220;That&#8217;s what the problem is — none of these people think it&#8217;s serious.&#8221;</strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px"><img title="The Forney House comes down" src="http://ebs.gmnews.com/news/2009/0129/front_page/003p1_lg.jpg" alt="A work crew begins the demolition of the Forney House last Friday" width="250" height="158" /><p class="wp-caption-text">A work crew begins the demolition of the Forney House last Friday</p></div>
<p>&#8220;It was definitely sad to see it come down,&#8221; said Harto, a member of the town&#8217;s Historic Preservation Committee. &#8220;If we stepped in on that, we would just be opening ourselves to a lawsuit,&#8221; Harto said. &#8220;It wouldn&#8217;t have helped at this point, but it would have helped 20 years ago when Dr. [Bhudev] Sharma started neglecting the property.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>&#8220;Since Valley National Bank (VNB) is a nationally chartered bank, it required approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and also was required to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This review approval process was required since the Forney House was eligible for the National Register. Unfortunately, the bank and the property owner did not approach this consultation in a manner befitting a public process and sought to force its demands on those involved.&#8221; <em>[<a title="Preservation NJ" href="http://www.preservationnj.org/ten_most/ten_most_property_detail.asp?COUNTY=Middlesex+County&amp;PropID=150" target="_blank">Preservation NJ website</a>]</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>What can we do about this?<br />
</em></strong></p>
<p><a title="Email the whitehouse" href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/" target="_blank">Email the whitehouse</a> to ask that we strengthen the Section 106 Laws, so that this doesn&#8217;t happen again. Better yet, ask that Historic Preservation Ordinances be mandatory.</p>
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		<title>The Wellesley Inn ~ The Original</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/the-wellesley-inn-the-original/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/the-wellesley-inn-the-original/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:40:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[53 grove street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[576 washington street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[henry fowle durant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[historical landmark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preservation today]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the tavern at the wellesley inn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the tea room]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the wellesley inn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[twitter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wellesley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wellesley college]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wellesley country clubhouse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=157</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS:  Little did I know when I snapped this picture in 2005, it would be the last one I ever took of the Wellesley Inn.
This is a little like reminiscing about the horses, after the barn door has been opened&#8230;..but I feel I must, for my own peace of mind, blog about this. Maybe [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=157&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><div id="attachment_159" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 439px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/the-wellesley-inn-3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-159" title="The Wellesley Inn, Wellesley, MA" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/the-wellesley-inn-3.jpg?w=429&#038;h=290" alt="The Wellesley Inn, in all its former glory (Wellesley, MA)" width="429" height="290" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Wellesley Inn, in all its former glory (photo credit: Jennifer Emmer)</p></div>
<p>WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS:  Little did I know when I snapped this picture in 2005, it would be the last one I ever took of the Wellesley Inn.</p>
<p>This is a little like reminiscing about the horses, after the barn door has been opened&#8230;..but I feel I must, for my own peace of mind, blog about this. Maybe it&#8217;s because I&#8217;m 3,000 miles away, so I didn&#8217;t get to hear any grass-roots rumblings on this, but it seems like <strong>The Wellesley Inn  was torn down with nary a whimper from any of her gentle townsfolk</strong>. In researching this debacle, however, I now discover that the <a title="Going … going … almost gone !" href="http://blogs.townonline.com/wellesley/?p=9031" target="_blank">Wellesley Country Clubhouse/Original Town Hall/Poor Farm building</a> has gone the way of the buffalo too?</p>
<p><strong>Good Lord, people! Wake up!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Wellesley Inn History:</strong> Built by Boston lawyer <a title="Henry Fowle Durant" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fowle_Durant" target="_blank">Henry Fowle Durant</a>, the stately white Colonial inn has overlooked downtown Wellesley since 1860. Durant used it as a summer home for his wife and 5 year old son.  After his son died of diptheria a few years later, a devastated Durant left his law practice to become an evangelist. He ultimately founded Wellesley Female Seminary in 1870, which later become <a title="Wellesley College" href="http://www.wellesley.edu/" target="_blank">Wellesley College</a>.</p>
<p>Durant also founded the literary society of Phi Sigma, designed to promote social and academic development. Tea parties were a favorite social event of the society, and students rented part of the inn for their gatherings.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 439px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/the-wellesley-inn.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-160" title="The Wellesley Inn, Wellesley, MA, in an old postcard" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/the-wellesley-inn.jpg?w=429&#038;h=277" alt="The Wellesley Inn, in an old postcard (Wellesley, MA)" width="429" height="277" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Wellesley Inn, in an old postcard</p></div>
<p>Activities in the Tea Toom eventually become an &#8220;informal club&#8221; of sorts. Tea Room manager, Mary Esther Chase said the &#8220;college girls flocked for &#8216;afternoon tea&#8217;, &#8216;ice cream and spreads&#8217; of various kinds. When out-of-town friends came to visit, they were taken to &#8216;The Tea Room&#8217; for their meals.&#8221;</p>
<p>Chase and her business partner, Clara Hathorne Shaw, put together a design plan for &#8220;The Wellesley Team Room Corporation&#8221; and by selling shares of stock for $5,  they had enough money to purchase the house itself in 1901. That same year they began taking in lodgers.</p>
<p>The public side included a &#8220;cozy reception room, hall, toilet room, and dining room&#8221; where they served &#8220;luscious griddle cakes and fudge ice cream&#8221;.</p>
<p>By the way, many stories claim that fudge was invented at either Vassar, Smith or Wellesley. <a title="Original Fudge Recipe, Vassar College" href="http://www.countryfudge.com/index2.htm" target="_blank">Here is an original 1886 Fudge Recipe from Emelyn B. Hartridge of Vassar College.</a></p>
<p>The student half of the inn, on the right, included a reception hall, living room and dining room with Flemish oak paneling, arts and crafts tables, and &#8221;big palms&#8221;. In 1914, the inn was sold to Jeremiah Bransfield, whose family managed it for 50 years. They also added the distinctive pillars along the front porch, according to the <a title="Wellesley Historical Society" href="http://www.wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">Wellesley Historical Society</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_196" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 226px"><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/dani-at-the-wellesley-inn-s1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-196" title="Inside the Wellesley Inn, Wellesley, MA" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/dani-at-the-wellesley-inn-s1.jpg?w=216&#038;h=320" alt="My friend Danielle, inside the Wellesley Inn, 2005" width="216" height="320" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">My friend Danielle, inside the Wellesley Inn, 2005</p></div>
<p>In 1960, the Bransfields sold the inn to William W. White, who refurbished the building, added a motel wing, and opened a tavern near the back. On a personal note, I spent many a happy evening with my high school chums in that old tavern. It was dark as a tomb, and the wooden paneling and low ceilings made it feel like you had just stepped into a pub in England.</p>
<p>The Treadway Corp. managed the property for years, before White sold it in 2005. Unbeknownst to me (until it was too late), 146 years of history went up in the puff of smoke in 2006.</p>
<p>I could rant on about this, but the damage is done. It seems some other folks are just as bent out of shape as I am about this:</p>
<p><a title="How and why we need to preserve for the generations to come" href="http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/archive/x1817196510" target="_blank">Buffum: How and why we need to preserve for the generations to come</a></p>
<p><a title="Where's the outcry? Where's the protection?" href="http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/archive/x1817194442" target="_blank">Letter: Where&#8217;s the outcry? Where&#8217;s the protection?</a></p>
<p>Oh, and next on the chopping block? My old alma mater, Wellesley High School. Art Deco. Built in 1938. &#8220;Perfectly good&#8221; as my dad would say.</p>
<p>Have at it:</p>
<p><a title="Save Wellesley High School" href="http://savewhs.org/" target="_blank">Save Wellesley High School</a></p>
<p>If you know of any historic buildings in imminent danger, please let me know by email at <a href="mailto:preservation@usa.com">preservation@usa.com</a> or on Twitter at: <a title="Preservation on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/preservation" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/preservation</a>.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">The Wellesley Inn, Wellesley, MA, in an old postcard</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Inside the Wellesley Inn, Wellesley, MA</media:title>
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		<title>&#8220;The Old Way of Seeing ~ How Architecture lost its magic &#8211; and how to get it back&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/the-old-way-of-seeing/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:31:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["the old way of seeing"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design aesthetic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Hale]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[A Book Recommendation

This manifesto by Jonathan Hale is a must-read for Architecture students, and building lovers. It describes an aesthetic sense that cannot easily be defined.
Almost intangible, it is &#8220;the old way of seeing&#8221; &#8211; which has been lost for quite awhile now, resulting in nameless, shapeless, gutless buildings, that we have the unfortunate pleasure of [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=133&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p><em>A Book Recommendation</em></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039574010X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=fengshuistyle-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=039574010X"><img style="border:0 none;" title="The Old Way of Seeing by Jonathan Hale" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/51n0fhkk3fl_bo2204203200_pisitb-sticker-arrow-clicktopright35-76_aa240_sh20_ou01_2.jpg?w=240&#038;h=240" border="0" alt="" width="240" height="240" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Old Way of Seeing by Jonathan Hale</p></div>
<p><img style="border:none!important;margin:0!important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fengshuistyle-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=039574010X" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>This manifesto by Jonathan Hale is a must-read for Architecture students, and building lovers. It describes an aesthetic sense that cannot easily be defined.</p>
<p>Almost intangible, it is &#8220;the old way of seeing&#8221; &#8211; which has been lost for quite awhile now, resulting in nameless, shapeless, gutless buildings, that we have the unfortunate pleasure of having to view. Hale shows how contemporary architecture slaps on &#8220;symbols&#8221; of what it&#8217;s trying to emulate, without really understanding the mathematics of it.</p>
<p>For example, a Victorian commerical building can look beautiful with minimal adornment, if the proportions are correct. Meanwhile, a modern builder trying to make something look &#8220;Victorian&#8221; will slap a bunch of faux gingerbread on his building, figuring &#8220;that ought to do it&#8221;.</p>
<p>But the builder misses the point. There is a sophisticated system of geometry to beautiful buildings. Hale points out that Audrey Hepburn&#8217;s face is beautiful, largely because it is perfectly symmetrical. He uses her face to illustrate &#8220;The Golden Section&#8221; proportion to the accuracy of 1/1000 of a decimal. This book will definitely fascinate the reader, and it covers a lot of ground. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Perhaps we can convince the publisher to produce another run!</p>
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			<media:title type="html">preservation</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">The Old Way of Seeing by Jonathan Hale</media:title>
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		<title>Even the Grand Dames have fallen on hard times</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/even-the-grand-dames-have-fallen-on-hard-times/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/even-the-grand-dames-have-fallen-on-hard-times/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:58:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victorian Stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["national register of historic places"]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["watsonville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Central Coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hirahara family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James Harden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pajaro Valley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preservation today]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Redman House]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[victorian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Willian H. Weeks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=129</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[[From "The Redman House"]
WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA: The Redman-Hirahara House is a prime example of a West Coast Victorian farm estate home situated on almost 14 acres of farmland clearly visible from Scenic Highway 1 in the Pajaro Valley on California&#8217;s Central Coast.
She greets passersby like a grand lady who has fallen on hard times, just a [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=129&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><div id="attachment_130" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 392px"><img class="size-full wp-image-130" title="The Redman House, Watsonville, CA" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/redmanhouse01a.jpg?w=382&#038;h=253" alt="The Redman House, in happier times" width="382" height="253" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Redman House, in happier times</p></div>
<p><em>[From "</em><a title="The Redman House" href="http://redmanhouse.com/index.shtml" target="_blank"><em>The Redman House</em></a><em>"]</em></p>
<p>WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA: The Redman-Hirahara House is a prime example of a West Coast Victorian farm estate home situated on almost 14 acres of farmland clearly visible from Scenic Highway 1 in the Pajaro Valley on California&#8217;s Central Coast.</p>
<p>She greets passersby like a grand lady who has fallen on hard times, just a faint relic of the noble and gracious beauty that commanded the views of the river and valley from her perch on West Beach Road.</p>
<p>Driving through the Pajaro Valley, travelers cannot miss the stately Queen Anne Victorian which stands in the middle of a farm field as a symbol of history.</p>
<p>The house was built for James Redman in 1897; designed by renowned architect William H. Weeks. The building contract was let to the local firm of Lamborn and Uren, at a negotiated cost of $3,368. The interior of the home was finished in eastern oak, birds eye maple and natural hardwoods. It was outfitted with all the conveniences for modern housekeeping.</p>
<div id="attachment_131" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 392px"><img class="size-full wp-image-131" title="The Redman House, Watsonville, CA" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/redmanhouse02.jpg?w=382&#038;h=253" alt="The Redman House waits patiently to be restored" width="382" height="253" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Redman House waits patiently to be restored</p></div>
<p>When the James Redman family died out in the 1930s, the house and property were sold to the Hirahara family, one of the first Japanese-American families to own farmland in the nation. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Hirahara family, along with the other Japanese families across the state, were removed and delivered to internment camps. The Hirahara family managed to maintain ownership of the house and land, with the often-anonymous assistance from the Watsonville community. After the war they returned home and made the house and converted barn into an interim home for several other Japanese families while they reestablished themselves in the community.</p>
<p>After the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, the house and land was sold to Green Farm, a partnership of investors. The land was leased for commercial strawberry farming and the house left to deteriorate. There were &#8220;profitable development plans&#8221; at that time, much to the dismay of locals.</p>
<p>In 1998, a group of Pajaro Valley residents formed <a title="The Redman House Committee" href="http://www.redmanhouse.com/history.shtml" target="_blank">The Redman House Committee</a> to determine what could be done to save the neglected and vacant 100-year old Victorian house. The Committee added the house to the <a title="National Register of Historic Places" href="http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/welcome.html" target="_blank">National Registry of Historic Places</a> to prohibit demolition, leased the now pallid land and abandoned farmstead, and designed a conceptual master plan to transform the site into a landmark Visitor and Cultural Education center.</p>
<p>In February of 2005, the property was purchased by The Redman-Hirahara Foundation with borrowed funds for $1.9 million. The surrounding 10 acres of farmland now produces colorful organic crops year-round.</p>
<p>To help restore this beloved jewel, go to: <a title="Save the Redman Huose" href="http://redmanhouse.com/history.shtml" target="_blank">Save the Redman House</a>.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">The Redman House, Watsonville, CA</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">The Redman House, Watsonville, CA</media:title>
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		<title>Comstock Ferre Seed Co up for sale</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2009/01/01/comstock-ferre-seed-co-up-for-sale/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:57:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comstock ferre seed co]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ct]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preservation today]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wethersfield]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Old Wethersfield is a charming, historic Connecticut River town founded in 1634. Along Main Street the homes are more than 200 years old, as well as the white-steepled Congregational Church that George Washington occasionally attended. This area is richly endowed with deep, fertile soil, a legacy from the glaciers and the annual flooding of the Connecticut River.  [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=117&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3093853076_cb0224debd.jpg"><img title="Comstock Ferre Seed Co [Photo by Jennifer A. Emmer]" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3093853076_cb0224debd.jpg" alt="Comstock Ferre Seed Co, Wethersfield, CT" width="400" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Comstock Ferre Seed Co, Wethersfield, CT ~ Photo by Jennifer Emmer</p></div><a title="Town of Wethersfield Website" href="http://wethersfieldct.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Old </strong><strong>Wethersfield</strong></a><strong> is a charming, historic </strong><strong>Connecticut River</strong><strong> town founded in 1634. </strong>Along Main Street the homes are more than 200 years old, as well as the white-steepled Congregational Church that George Washington occasionally attended. This area is richly endowed with deep, fertile soil, a legacy from the glaciers and the annual flooding of the Connecticut River.  As a result of these agricultural benefits, the Wethersfield area has always produced an abundance of seeds.</p>
<p>As you come off I-91, into Wethersfield town center, Comstock Ferre Seed Company is front and center in the middle of the downtown fabric.  Located in a cluster of antique buildings in the Historic District, Comstock Ferre is the oldest continuously operating seed company in the country. Established in 1820 by James Lockwood Belden as the Wethersfield Seed Company, the original tin signs still adorn the buildings to this day. The company has seen several transitions during its century and a half operation. For the full story, see the <a title="Comstock Ferre History" href="http://www.comstockferre.com/history.htm" target="_blank">history page</a> at the Comstock Ferre Seed Company website.</p>
<p><strong><em>&#8220;Here is the finest ride in </em></strong><strong><em>America</em></strong><strong><em>.  A gentleman told me that there is not such another street in </em></strong><strong><em>America</em></strong><strong><em> as this one in </em></strong><strong><em>Wethersfield</em></strong><strong><em>&#8230; We went up the steeple of </em></strong><strong><em>Wethersfield</em></strong><strong><em> Meeting House from whence is the most grand and beautiful prospect in the world.&#8221;</em></strong></p>
<p align="right"><em>From John Adam&#8217;s Diary, </em><em>August 15, 1774</em> .</p>
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			<media:title type="html">Comstock Ferre Seed Co [Photo by Jennifer A. Emmer]</media:title>
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		<title>America&#8217;s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places 2008</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/americas-eleven-most-endangered-historic-places-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/americas-eleven-most-endangered-historic-places-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:18:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[11 most endangered historic places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boyd theater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buffalo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[california state parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity hospital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chicago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dallas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[great falls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hangar one]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lower east side]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michigan avenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moffett field]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new orleans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace bridge neighborhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[philadelphia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[statler hilton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sumner elementary school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[topeka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vizcaya and bonnet house]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[[From the National Trust website] 
Every year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation releases a list of America&#8217;s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Since 1988 the list has drawn attention to such landmarks as Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and the TWA Terminal at New York City&#8217;s JFK International Airport. The following highlights this year&#8217;s [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=37&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p><a title="National Trust for Historic Preservation" href="http://www.preservationnation.org/" target="_blank"><em>[From the National Trust website]</em> </a></p>
<p>Every year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation releases a list of America&#8217;s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Since 1988 the list has drawn attention to such landmarks as Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and the TWA Terminal at New York City&#8217;s JFK International Airport. The following highlights this year&#8217;s &#8220;11 Most&#8221;—the beloved and significant sites across the country in serious jeopardy.</p>
<p><strong>Vizcaya and Bonnet House, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL</strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><strong><strong><img title="Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House" src="http://www.preservationnation.org/assets/photos-images/preservation-magazine/2008/july-august/11-most.jpg" alt="Bonnet House Museum &amp; Gardens is fighting construction of an 18-story hotel that would forever mar views from the estate. " width="300" height="252" /></strong></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">Bonnet House Museum &amp; Gardens is fighting construction of an 18-story hotel that would forever mar views from the estate.</p></div>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p>Though separated by just 30 miles, Miami&#8217;s Vizcaya and Fort Lauderdale&#8217;s Bonnet House are both threatened by encroaching development.</p>
<p>A proposed high-rise condominium project would mar Vizcaya&#8217;s view, spoil the estate gardens, and adversely affect the single-family neighborhoods nearby. At Bonnet House, massive buildings already intrude upon view corridors. Now a developer has received permission to build an 18-story hotel less than 200 feet away.</p>
<p>Both homes are historic treasures. Industrialist James Deering built Vizcaya between 1914 and 1916 as a winter residence. His Renaissance villa is a National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its palatial Italianate main house, 10 acres of formal gardens, and native hardwood forest. The property includes a bamboo bar, a shell museum, and an aviary, as well as gardens that are home to monkeys, swans, and the occasional manatee.</p>
<p><strong>Michigan Avenue Streetwall, Chicago, IL</strong></p>
<p>The west side of central <a title="Michigan Avenue, Chicago" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Avenue_(Chicago)" target="_blank">Michigan Avenue</a> is home to  structures so visible and iconic that residents call the stretch Chicago&#8217;s front door. The &#8220;streetwall&#8217;s&#8221; historic character is now threatened by the inappropriate addition of large towers that would retain only small portions of the original buildings or their facades.</p>
<div id="attachment_46" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 212px"><strong><strong><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ristorantepuglialowereastside-s.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-46" title="Ristorante Puglia, 1919. Lower East Side. New York City." src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ristorantepuglialowereastside-s.jpg?w=202&#038;h=300" alt="Ristorante Puglia, Lower East Side. Photo by Jennifer Emmer." width="202" height="300" /></a></strong></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">Ristorante Puglia, 1919. Lower East Side. Photo credit: Jennifer Emmer.</p></div>
<p><strong>The Lower East Side, New York City</strong></p>
<p>This storied enclave below Delancey Street, once home to thousands of immigrant families, retains a remarkable collection of historic buildings and landmarks. In recent years, an influx of high-rises has threatened the district&#8217;s distinctive streetscapes, known for their unusual mix of Federal row houses, tenements, and bodegas. New York City officials will have to designate the <a title="Lower East Side Improvement District" href="http://www.lowereastsideny.com/" target="_blank">Lower East Side</a> a city landmark to prevent further losses and destruction.</p>
<p><strong>Charity Hospital and the adjacent neighborhood, New Orleans, LA</strong></p>
<p>A 1939 art deco landmark, <a title="Lawsuit filed to reopen Charity Hospital" href="http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/lawsuit_filed_to_reopen_charit.html" target="_blank">Charity Hospital</a> has been shuttered since Hurricane Katrina, when levees failed and floodwaters inundated New Orleans. The Louisiana State University medical system deemed the hospital unsafe and endorsed the construction of a new facility alongside a proposed VA hospital. (That would require the demolition of countless historic houses in the neighborhood.) But preservationists argue that Charity can be repaired and reopened to provide services for the poor.</p>
<p><strong>The Statler Hilton, Dallas, TX</strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 280px"><strong><strong><img title="The Statler Hilton, Dallas, TX" src="http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/080521endangered/thumb.jpg" alt="The interior of the Statler Hilton Hotel in Dallas, Texas, is falling into disrepair." width="270" height="275" /></strong></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">The interior of the Statler Hilton Hotel in Dallas, Texas, is falling into disrepair.</p></div>
<p>A midcentury modern landmark, <a title="Statler Hilton ~ Nostalgic Glass" href="http://nostalgicglass.org/display.php?pn=18#" target="_blank">the 1956 Statler</a> was the first glass-and-metal hotel in the nation. The building has been vacant since 2001, and no buyers have come forward—in part because of a $20 million price tag and extensive asbestos contamination. Barring an innovative proposal for reuse, the hotel will likely be demolished.</p>
<p><strong>Sumner Elementary School, Topeka, KS</strong></p>
<p>In 1950, Oliver Brown walked the seven blocks from his home to <a title="Sumner Grade School, Topeka" href="http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/208673" target="_blank">Sumner Elementary School</a> and attempted to enroll his eight-year-old daughter, Linda. Because Topeka&#8217;s schools were segregated, Brown was turned away; he then became lead plaintiff in the 1954 Supreme Court decision <em>Brown v. Board of Education</em>. Today, the vacant school building, a National Historic Landmark, has fallen into serious disrepair despite the city&#8217;s pledge to protect it. Topeka&#8217;s city council has already authorized its demolition.</p>
<p><strong>Great Falls Portage, Great Falls, MT</strong></p>
<p>The site of Lewis and Clark&#8217;s portage at Great Falls—one of the most difficult ordeals on their westward journey—has remained largely unchanged since 1805. Now the construction of an enormous coal-fired power plant threatens this National Historic Landmark. (See the story in <a title="Big Sky Bypass" href="http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2007/july-august/big-sky-bypass.html" target="_blank">Preservation&#8217;s July/August 2007 issue</a>.) The new generating facility, which will likely include a 400-foot smokestack and several 26-story wind turbines, would alter one of the best-preserved landscapes on the Lewis and Clark Trail.</p>
<p><strong>Boyd Theatre, Philadelphia, PA</strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 314px"><strong><strong><img title="The Boyd Theater, 1928, Philadelphia" src="http://www.preservationalliance.com/img/news_uptown.jpg" alt="The last real movie theater was built the year before the great stock market crash of 1929" width="304" height="216" /></strong></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">The last &quot;real&quot; movie theater was built the year before the great stock market crash of 1929</p></div>
<p>The 1928 art deco theater, built with a towering vertical sign and dramatic mirrored lobby, is the last surviving motion picture palace in downtown Philadelphia. Once host to premieres with Grace Kelly and Tom Hanks, the Boyd has remained vacant since 2002. Unless a sympathetic buyer renovates this landmark, it will remain vulnerable to demolition. To help save it, go to <a title="Friends of the Boyd" href="http://friendsoftheboyd.org/" target="_blank">Friends of the Boyd</a>.</p>
<p><strong>California State Parks, CA<br />
</strong></p>
<p><a title="Your Voice for Parks" href="http://www.calparks.org/" target="_blank">California&#8217;s state park system</a> is one of the country&#8217;s largest and most successful. Unfortunately, the system remains drastically underfunded and at risk of deterioration—a result of more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger&#8217;s  proposal to increase user fees for park visitors would do little to remedy this dire situation.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Empire State Future" href="http://www.rpa.org/empirestatefuture/2008/07/buffalo-peace-bridge-plaza-pro.html" target="_blank">Peace Bridge Neighborhood</a>, Buffalo, NY</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_43" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><strong><strong><a href="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/peace_bridge_nieghborhood_buffalo.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-43" title="Peace Bridge Neighborhood, Buffalo, NY" src="http://beautifulbuildings.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/peace_bridge_nieghborhood_buffalo.jpg?w=320&#038;h=214" alt="Peace Bridge Neighborhood, Buffalo, NY" width="320" height="214" /></a></strong></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">Peace Bridge Neighborhood, Buffalo, NY</p></div>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p>More than 100 houses in a community with parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and buildings dating to the 1850&#8217;s &#8212; may be razed to expand the Peace Bridge complex. (The span connects Buffalo to Canada.) Preservationists argue that existing bridges could accommodate traffic, and a truck plaza, without destroying historic neighborhoods.</p>
<p><strong>Hangar One, Moffett Field, Santa Clara County, CA</strong></p>
<p>Built by the U.S. Navy in 1932 to house dirigibles, <a title="Moffett Field Museum" href="http://www.moffettfieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Hangar One</a> remains one of the largest aircraft hangars in the world. However, Hangar One&#8217;s outdated siding and other materials are leaking toxic PCBs, rendering the dome-shaped structure unusable unless current owner NASA undertakes a rehab effort to remove the environmental pollutants.</p>
<p><strong>Know of a place that needs saving? <a title="Nominate an endangered historic place" href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/nomination-information/2009-americas-11-most.html" target="_blank">Nominate it! </a></strong></p>
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			<media:title type="html">Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Ristorante Puglia, 1919. Lower East Side. New York City.</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">The Statler Hilton, Dallas, TX</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">The Boyd Theater, 1928, Philadelphia</media:title>
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		<title>Teardowns and McMansions</title>
		<link>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/teardowns-and-mcmansions/</link>
		<comments>http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/teardowns-and-mcmansions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 18:43:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>preservation</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Historic Preservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[continuity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ct]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mcmansion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teardown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[westport]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com/?p=32</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Across the nation a teardown epidemic is wiping out historic neighborhoods one house at a time. As older homes are demolished and replaced with dramatically larger, out-of-scale new structures, the historic character of the existing neighborhood is changed forever. Neighborhood livability is diminished as trees are removed, backyards are [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=beautifulbuildings.wordpress.com&blog=293730&post=32&subd=beautifulbuildings&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p><img class="alignleft" style="float:left;width:307px;height:231px;" src="http://fengshuistyle.tripod.com/teardown-w.jpg" alt="Teardowns in Westport" width="307" height="231" align="left" /><em>From <a title="The National Trust for Historic Preservation" href="http://www.preservationnation.org/" target="_blank">The National Trust for Historic Preservation</a></em></p>
<p>Across the nation a teardown epidemic is wiping out historic neighborhoods one house at a time. As older homes are demolished and replaced with dramatically larger, out-of-scale new structures, the historic character of the existing neighborhood is changed forever. Neighborhood livability is diminished as trees are removed, backyards are eliminated, and sunlight is blocked by towering new structures built up to the property lines. Community economic and social diversity is reduced as new mansions replace affordable homes. House by house, neighborhoods are losing a part of their historic fabric and much of their character.</p>
<p>&#8220;From 19th-century Victorian to 1920s bungalows, the architecture of America&#8217;s historic neighborhoods reflects the character of our communities,&#8221; said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. &#8220;Teardowns radically change the fabric of a community. Without proper safeguards, historic neighborhoods will lose the identities that drew residents to put down roots in the first place.&#8221; To date, the National Trust has documented more than 300 communities in 33 states that are experiencing significant numbers of teardowns, and that number is climbing fast. Click here for an interactive map and listing of <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/additional-resources/teardowns_states_and_communities.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Teardowns by State and Community</span></a>.</p>
<p>In 2002, the National Trust began work to draw attention to this growing trend by placing &#8220;Teardowns in Historic Neighborhoods&#8221; on its list of <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">America&#8217;s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places</span></a>. To help arm neighborhood residents, preservationists and local government leaders, the National Trust has published <a href="http://www.preservationbooks.org/Bookstore.asp?Item=1245" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Protecting America&#8217;s Historic Neighborhoods: Taming the Teardown Trend</span></a> to address the origins and impact of teardowns.</p>
<p>Historic neighborhoods can be protected from teardowns, through a variety of tools and approaches that manage this type of growth. Because there is no &#8220;one-size-fits-all&#8221; solution or &#8220;magic bullet&#8221; that will stop teardowns, communities should expect to use a combination of tools. To help with this process, the National Trust is working to show models and profile communities that have developed innovative strategies through the online <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/resource-guide.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Teardowns Resource Guide</span></a>.</p>
<h3>Resources: Teardowns and McMansions</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/resource-guide.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Teardowns Resource Guide</span></a> Advice on a variety of tools and approaches community leaders can use to manage teardowns, providing technical assistance and resources to facilitate the preservation of historic neighborhoods.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.preservationbooks.org/Bookstore.asp?Item=1245" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Protecting America’s Historic Neighborhoods: Taming the Teardown Trend</span></a> Discusses the impact of teardowns&#8211;the practice of demolishing an existing house to make way for a much larger structure&#8211;on historic places and suggests tools for curbing this disturbing trend. Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/additional-resources/teardowns_executive_summary.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Protecting America&#8217;s Historic Neighborhoods: Taming the Teardown Trend (pdf)</span></a> Summarizes the full report. Reprinted from the July/August 2002 <em>Forum News</em>. Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.</li>
<li><em><a href="http://www.planning.org/bookservice/description.htm?BCODE=P528" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Too Big, Boring, or Ugly: Planning and Design Tools to Combat Monotony, the too-big House, and Teardowns</span></a> </em>Offers planning and design tools to tame the too-big house, shake free of monotonous development, and negotiate the political minefield of teardowns. Published by the American Planning Association.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/additional-resources/demolition_review.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Protecting Potential Landmarks Through Demolition Review (pdf)</span></a> Explores the use of demolition review, different types, multiple approaches and examples of ordinances. Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/additional-resources/npr_teardown_trend_26sept06.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#8d2104;">Teardown Trend Altering Historic Neighborhoods (pdf)</span></a> Transcript of interview with Richard Moe on National Public Radio Morning Edition, September 26, 2006</li>
</ul>
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