Meeting Dates
Nov. 17 '05
Minutes for Nov. 17, 2005
The minutes of October 27 were approved with corrections. The Treasurer's report was received, $2,687.42 the current balance $2689.11, with $1.69 in interest (a total of $6.69 for the first four four months of 2006); $25.00 in dues, with a $5.00 donation.
Rose-Marie Ballard Boak presented findings from her inventory of Edgecomb's historic structures. When she completes her work, the master copy of her report will be housed in the Maine State Archives. Sue Carlson asked if, besides a full-set copy for EHS, could the State make full-set copies available to the Edgecomb Selectmen and the Edgecomb Planning Board, for use in conjunction with the up-dating of the Comprehensive Plan. This might be very expensive -- the Copy Shop in Wiscasset cites $190/single volume! -- as the forms are on card stock, and must be hand-fed at any photocopy shop; perhaps volunteers can take the time to hover over the work of making copies. The State has assisted the project by enhancing many of the photographs, although it takes a long time to accomplish.
Rose-Marie displayed a blown-up copy of the 1857 map (made by Sue) and sections of US geodetic survey maps with her notations of structures recorded. She also passed around sample survey cards with glossy photographs attached, as well as sheets from Nick Dean's 1979 survey. She showed us two lists, the master list arranged by address, with architectural style and approximate building date; the other is arranged by Edgecomb tax map parcel and lot number.
Of the 193 properties surveyed so far, 56 have barns, four have carriage houses. This is similar to Bristol's inventory. Besides these, six cemeteries have been surveyed, and one blacksmith's shop, complete with original bellows. On Shore Road she has found stretches of stone causeway. It was suggested that this might have served the brickyard nearby. Among Edgecomb buildings on the National Historic Register are the homes of Phil Goggins and John Stephen Parsons, now the residence of Madine Nichols.
Edgecomb's pattern of settlement, as often in New England, starts with variants on the Cape Cod Cottage as the earliest style, interspersed with architectural styles from later eras, such as Federal, Queen Anne, Arts & Crafts, and late 19th century-early 20th century reproductions of earlier styles. Clifford Road provides a cluster of styles from the first decade of the 20th century. The Cape was an excellent response to colonial conditions of New England climate, as well as being inexpensive to build.
On Old Fort Road she found homes belonging to Moses Davis, although it has been renovated, and to Moses Davis' son. Moses Davis' and his wife's graves are nearby.
Many buildings have been added to and modified over the years, as for instance the Edgecomb Town Hall, original building 1794, rebuilt in Greek Revival style in the 1850s. Or the Merry house on the River Road, built in 1824, side-gabled, converted to a hip roof around 1905.
Several buildings have been moved, either from other Edgecomb sites, or from outside the town. Of particular sociological interest is the town's response to tourism: Race's cabins, now owned by the Cod Cove Inn; the Pine Crest Motor Court, at one time, noted Rebecca Townsend, called the Wagon Wheel. There are a few endangered buildings, needing extensive restoration.
Sue Carlson observed that often, many major changes have been made after wars. Any wars. We speculated if this represented a release from tension, freeing up of funds, what it might show about a community's history.
Rose-Marie's talk was met with a round of applause. Sue suggested looking into a change-order increasing the scope of her work, as there may be 20 or 30 buildings beyond the 200 contracted for.
In other business, Sue noted the many queries and responses to the EHS website. Since officers' e-mail addresses are a part of this site, she fields many queries, as do Bruce Cameron the webmaster and Jo through her local column. It was observed that a most valuable resource for historical insights is Lee Smith, Edgecomb's tax collector!
Jo Cameron reported on the state of Fort Edgecomb. Wood conservator Molly Carlson of Head Tide has told her the blockhouse is in worse shape than realized: the roof shingles inadequate, blown or worn off in places, badly installed. Thus, a major beam in the lower part of the structure is showing signs of damp, although it appears to be still sound. The basement shows an infestation by pine post beetles.
This information started a discussion of the urgency for a serious all-out fund-raising campaign, to attempt to effect repairs before the Bicentennial year, 2008. We must get together with Molly Carlson, Tom Desjardins of the Historic Sites Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands, and others, to come up with a realistic sum as a fund-raising goal, and several specific projects designed to appeal to donors' interests.
Rose-Marie cautioned that there are state guidelines for historic integrity. The Fort is not on the National Historic Register, so at present there are no requirements, but if it is the intention to nominate it for the Register, then stipulations must be imposed that any repair conforms to the NHR's standards. A private non-profit can more readily achieve such work than a fund-strapped state agency. David Cole recommended that funds should also be collected for a kitty for routine maintenance.
Jo and others suggested letters should go to such interest groups as the real estate community, and the several military organizations. Jo reported that Molly Carlson would be happy to speak to the EHS, although it would have to be an evening meeting. It was suggested that such a meeting be planned for February, to jump-start EHS's spring season.
The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Thursday, March 23, 2006, in the Edgecomb Eddy School's conference room
Respectfully submitted,
Joanna M. Cameron
Secretary