SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES .y fp / ✓?° ��/�iX � p 1 08-01
SALEM HISTORICAL COM14ISSION -- Minutes of Meeting -- Jan, 8, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met at the North Branch Library
on Jan, 8, 1975, at 7:30 p,m, Present were Messrs, Ahmed, Bishop,
Callahan, Chalifour and Savickey and Mesdames LeBlanc, Welch and
Hunt.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 by Mr, Chalifour,
Derby Street District: Mr, Savickey gave a brief outline of the
meeting at his house with Mr. McKinnon on Dec, 9, The vote at the
City. Council on Dec, 12 for second passage of the district was unan-
imous in favor of passage . There has been no publicity in the news-
papers about this. We should notify the Mass , Historical Comm, of
the official date and send them a copy of the final ordinance. We
should also get a copy of this ordinance for our files. Clerk will
check with City Clerk's office, City Clerk has map on file and will
send a copy to the Registry of Deeds.
Commission should notify all residents and property owners of
the new district, Chestnut Street letter read. First paragraph
should be changed. Can give names of current members of the Commis- Q
sion at the end of the letter, Substitute "Derby Street" for Chest-
nut Street, Tell when and where Commission holds its meetings.
Letter should also be sent to all Dept. Heads concerned, making
reference to new district as well as to Chestnut St,
• Mr, Ahmed suggested that the area should be shown on map at
City Hall,
City Council Order: Mr, Chalifour read order that all communications
to City Council have to be submitted to City Clerk 56 hours in
advance of Council Meeting,
Mass, Historical Commission: has asked us to host a meeting in the
Spring on a Saturday. We should reply in the affirmative and await
further details ,
National Reister Pro ert - Grants-In-Aid: This is something we
should publicize, T e District for Chestnut Street is quite large
(roughly bounded by Summer & North, Federal, Flint and Broad Sts, )
March 14, 1975, is the deadline for applications for 1976. Jan, 15
is the deadline for property to get onto National Register for next
year. We held off on the Common becuase at the time we were trying
to make it a local district and we were afraid it would confuse peo-
ple, The Mass , Historical Commission would also like to make Derby
Street a national historic district . They are more interested in
areas than in isolated houses, The. Grimshaw House, Charter St, Bury-
ing Ground and the Pickman House another district they are proposing..
Mr, Snell (of M,H,C, ) said we should xerox forms and distribute
to all people within boundary. These are matching funds, 40,%-are
distributed evenly, other 60% given out on basis of need, We ,have
;
to set priorities, "It
First step should be to publicize this in the local papers; .
Ask people who are interested to dome to our February meetings r
to write to Commission for further information,
r
1/8/75 2 ,
It was suggested that we print a map in the paper showing
boundaries of the district. Mr. Bishop will contact Bob Scagliotti
about getting a good map made. We should ask people to return forms
to us by March 1.
H. S. Z. Program: Mr. Chalifour told us about a forum Historic
Salem, Inc, is sponsoring on Jan, 9, at which representatives of
various community organizations and boards will speak briefly. He
will be telling about work of the Historical Commission,
Next Projects Discussion followed about what area Commission wants
to concentrate on for next district. Three areas suggested were
the Common, Federal Street and Downtown. Mr, Ahmed also mentioned
the Willows. We should find out how Washington Square Association
feels about the Common. Is this the right time to go back to that
area or should we wait? Mrs. Welch will talk to Federal Street
people and see how they feel about pushing that area.
Mrs. LeBlanc thinks we should let people absorb Derby Street before
going right after another district,
Re : Derby Street application forms . Clerk will check with House '
of Seven Gables Settlement House to see if they will keep some appli-
cation forms on hand for people who might need them (in addition to
having them at City Hall, ) This would provide a service for people
in their neighborhood. New district does not take effect until
March 12, 1975.
• Bicentennial Committee : Mr, Callahan reported that they are working
on the Bicentennia Ball.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Hunt, Clerk
The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Wednesday,
February 5, 1975. at 7:30 p.m, at the North Branch Library,
Please notify the Clerk if you are unable to attend,
• _ Q
+4.
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Nteeting Feb. 12, 1975
• The Salem Historical Commission met at the North Branch Library
on Wed. , Feb. 12, 1975 at 7: 30 P. m. Present were Messrs, Chalifour,
Callahan and Savickey and Mesdames LeBlanc and Hunt.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Chalifour who explained
The National Register District,
The first item on the agenda was a request from New England
Power Co, for our approval of a truck route to dispose of ash from
the Poorer Plant, NEPCO has a, temporary permit to burn coal and
must truck the ash residue to Middleton to disposal site , Mr.
Glick, the NEPCO representative explained that the truck route goes'
past a historic site (the National Maritime site on Derby St. ) so
the EPA requires our consent. There will be 6 truckloads per day.
Truck will pass historic site on return trip, This is a temporary
arrangement, Mr. Glick explained that the trucks will be covered
and the ashes will be damp, They (NEPCO) will be policing"the opera-
tion. They would like a letter from the Commission expressing .our
views, Mr. Chalifour stated the Commission wouldn't object if
other agencies involved don't, Mr. Callahan pointed out they should
restrict speed and hours, Hours will be restricted to between 8
a, m, and 6 p, m. Trucks will be 35 area and carry 200 tons per day,
National Grant Programs Despite the snow storm a good number
of people turned out to hear about the grant-in-aid program funded
by the National Park Service , The program was explained by Mr.
• Chalifour, He pointed out that last year Massachusetts received
$800, 000, The Mass, Historical Commission reviewed applications
and decided how much each city or town gets, The state would rather
give more to a few than a lesser amount to many, This is a yearly
procedure : can apply each year. The procedure for applying was
explained. There are two types of projects : acquisition and develop-
ment, We are principally concerned with the latter. If exterior
work can be seen from the public way, no covenants required. If
Interior work planned, owner must sign a covenant agreeing to show
Interior up to 12 days per year, This is the first year a National
District applying. We are the only district doing this ,
A National Register district is protected from Federal projects
(eg, highways, etc. ) People are encouraged to apply so state can get
maximum grants . Forms were distributed to all present,
The Mass, Historical Commission wants the Salem Commission to
review forms. We have no screening authority other than to certify
that applicants are within the designated area. All forms should be
returned to the Salem Historical Commission by March 1. Any house
within the National Register area may apply regardless of its age ,
Other Business:
William Shreve , 17 1/2 Chestnut St. , Salem, has filed an app-11-
cation for a certificate of appropriateness. He wishes to install
a chimney of 6" in diameter in the roof of his carriage house ,
The Commission reviewed the application and agreed to waive public
hearing since the proposed chimney is a very minor addition. Notice
of the waiver will be sent to abutters (same parties as last year) ,
(2/12/75) 2 .
The Commission must then wait 10 days before issuing the certificate,
• John Maloon, of the Salem Common and Custom House Assoc, came
to talk to use regarding the Salem Common District, The Board of
his organization is interested in pursuing the Common district,
The Commission would be glad to send a representative to their
meeting to discuss this . They will need to work on the 4 or 5
objectors to see if their objections can be eliminated, Mr. Ma.loon
asked if the area could be expanded to include side streets, Mr.
Chalifour said it could, but this would take more time , The Commission
would also want to have logical boundaries, Mr. Chalifour would
like to discuss the Common at the next Commission meeting when the
rest of our members are present. We could then set up e, joint
meeting with the Common Association, Other areas the Commission is
presently concerned with are the Federal St, area, and the Salem
Willows park, Re : the Common, 'If Commission decides to proceed,
could meet jointly to work out strategy, Neighborhood efforts
such as petitions , letters to councillors , etc, are helpful--
particularly as far as city council is concerned, Mr. Callahan
said he would check out feeling of the K. of C.
Old photographs: the Clerk received two old photographs in
the mail - no return address, so she does not know who sent them.
Pictures of Marblehead regiments at Fort Lee , Salem Willows,
Mr, Callahan suggested she contact the News : they might print
them and give us a little publicity. See if we can find out who
' sent them. Then we can donate them to H. S , I. for their archives ,
Meeting Room: Mr, Callahan suggested that the Historical
Commission consider asking for a room in one of the buildings the
city owns on Broad Street when some of the city agencies move out
into the new City Hall annex,
Re: NEPCO request (see p, 1, ) We should send written approval
on condition that other agencies concerned approve and if NEPCO
follows all necessary restrictions (speed, number of loads, policing,
etc, ) , We are approving this as a. temporary measure , through June
of 1975.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Hunt, Clerk
The next Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 5,
1975, at 7: 30 P. m, at the North Branch Library, Please notify
the Clerk if you are unable to attend,
Salem Historical Commission 11inutes of Meeting March 5, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met at 7 :30 p.m. at the
North Branch Library. Present were Messrs . Chalifour and Bishop
and 1jesdames VVelch,,116Blane and Hunt. Also attending the meeting
were Vlilliam F. hIcKinnon, Arthur Leblanc and 1,1arilyn naris.
Derby Street District. Mir. McKinnon said. he had. received the
letter mailed. out o Derby Street residents and had several ques-
tions . He wanted to know if fences were considered structures .
Yes. Changing a. fence would be of concern to the Commission; also
the erection of a new fence. Designwise we would. want to see what
he has in mind. He asked. if the Commission would. have any control
over anything erected prior to 10a.rch 12. No. He wants to erect
a fence along back of his property at rear of Kosciusko St. that
would be two feet higher than the Derby Vlha.rf fence. Mr. Chalifour
said. the Commission would. not want toan ahrupt change in type of
fence, material, height, etc . Anything similar to what is there
would probably be acceptable, but Commission would want to see.
Would be glad. to meet him to see what he has in mind. He wants
to put up stocka.d.e fencing. His property is about 2/3 of the way
.own--runs for 40 feet. Another lot beyond that, which is 80 ft.
long. He will probably put up fence before March 12, in which
case the Commission has no control over what he does.
• Grant forms : Mr. Chalifour plans to take forms into Boston
on 111on ay—d,so771 forms must be in by then. Nlarilyn Danis attended
our meeting to find out more about the Grant program. Mr. Chalifour
explained our role .
'e reviewed. a.11 the forms submitted so far. They are -
Fed. $ req.
Cook-Oliver House, 142 Federal St. (Dr. Timothy Clifford) ,
Stearns-Sprague House, 384 Essex St.
(Robert J. & Mary L. Powers , 4 Palmer Ave. , Swamps 't) 5,380.
Puncha.rd.-Daland House, 22 Beckford. St. (Vim. Russell Burns , 6,000.
jr.
139 Federal St. (Elizabeth Prescott) 31000.
Capt. Joseph Felt House, 113 Federal St.
(1, alter & Joyce Cook) 1,075.
Ichabod Tucker House, 28 Chestnut St.
(First Congregational Society, 316 Essex St. ) 22,000.
• Barthomew Brown House, 15 Beckford St. '
(Peter Copelas , 31 Broad. St. ) 111500:
Grace Church in Salem, 385 Essex St. 19,725.
3/5/75 2.
22 Chestnut St. (Front St. Trust, Richard. Carlson, 53300 .
Flarblehea_d.)
Smith Crosby Endicott House (Arthur Erron) 359 Essex St. 5,000.
Ropes Robinson House, 3 Cambridge St. ( John Kelley) 16,750.
Bowditch House, 1 1/2 Cambridge St. ( James Kearney) 52075.
Pickering House, 18 Broad St.
(Pickering Foundation, John Pickering) 500.
Total amount requested to date : 120,305.
Some other requests may be forthcoming!t
Other Business : Mr. Chalifour informed. Commission members that
the Mass . Historical Commission has accepted the Charter St. Burial
Ground, the Pickman House and the Grimshawe House as candidates
for the National Register.
Bay State Historical League: we received a notice from this
•
organization that our city can apply for an Archivist as CETA
funds are available for such a position. Essex Institute would
be logical institution to do this.
Fleeting Room: Angela LeBlanc reported. that she talked to the Iaa.yor
5T uTour using a room for our head.qua.rters and meetings in a city
owned. building. There is a room in the Veterans Administration
Building on Church St. He suggested. that she talk to Greg Senko.
Washington S uare: i,`r. Callahan conveyed. a message, since he
could not attend this evening due to a Bicentennial Fleeting, that
he feels we should hold off approaching the K. of C. until after
their election of new officers which is coming up soon.
Chestnut St . District: No abutters contested William Shreve 's
application for-Pcertificate of appropriateness to ad.d a, chimney
to his carriage house, so certificate granted on 2/24/75.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
at 9 P. M.
i
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Hunt, Clark
fl Z,cT M e cl 4 n5 :
lamed CL" P. M .
add�t i a�aD Rxc��j,,l.�e�aks • .
CI✓�LSfihAt51 51 . }�C5 SU CLa 'cS F. W elc,h , Piers'LJ(, )
Cahn, 3chCLZK—C-<- 3y 50MMQ) ter. 3�� .
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting April 2, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met on Wednesday, April 2,
• 1975 at 7: 30 P. m. at the North Branch Library. Present were Messrs .
Chalifour, Ahmed, Bishop, Callahan and Savickey, and Mesdames LeBlanc
and Hunt. Attending as guests were Mr. David Johnson and Mr. Robert
Scagliotti .
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Chalifour, Chairman.
Re: Department Heads . We notified heads of various city depart-
ments when the new Derby Street District went into effect. Mr.
Chalifour said he had received requests from two departments : the
Building Inspector and Board of Health for further information con-
cerning their role and ours . He read copies of letters mailed to
these departments . He checked out situation with Mass . Historical
Commission first. He advised them that it would be helpful in the
future when additional districts are created to have their permits
coincide with our deadline within the 3 month waiting period.
Mr. Savickey said he had to put in a fire escape as required by
the Building Inspector.:.:`ZtBia-:tiot visible from Der1gy St. as it is
located at the rear of the building.
The Board of Health had a question pertaining to the demolition of
a building at 22 Kosciusko St. They are making the request, not
the owner; therefore no application is necessary since they have
precedence over our board in matters of public safety. Building
in question is not of historic significance.
• Boundaries for Chestnut Street National Historic District : When
boundaries for this district were determined, River Street was ex-
cluded. The boundaries were drawn up two years ago by Mrs . Amadon
and Mrs . Welch. Some properties on River St . have since changed
hands and have been improved. Mr. Chalifour has heard from River
St. residents who want to be included. He talked with Mrs . Amadon
and she thought that if we felt properties qualified that the dis-
trict could be amended. Mr. Chalifour and John Carr, a resident
of River St. , surveyed the area. The residents would be willing
to do the research themselves . The Commission will pay for film
and printing of photographs . John Carr has sent a letter to
the Mass . Historical Commission, asking that the district be expan-
ded to include River St .
National Register: Mr. Chalifour told us that he assisted in getting
forms completed for Woodbridge House (Headquarters of the Children' s
Friend . . . Society) on Bridge St. We have been notified that the
property is eligible for the National Register (has been approved
by the state) . The C. F. Society was able to send in their appli-
cation for a grant.
Salem Common: The Common Association wants to get the Common on
the National Register. The state also wants us to pick up this5
project again. How far should the boundaries around the Common ex_,'
tend? The state has already established boundaries - buildings
surrounding the Common plus Hotel and Essex Institute property. Ys
• If we want to proceed, they can go right ahead. If we want to ex
pand the district, we will have to furnish photographs , history, etc.
f
4/2/75 2.
Bob Scagliotti asked the Commission to consider adding his house
(4 Andrew St . ) since it was the carriage house for house on Washing-
ton Sq. which is included. Other people may also want to be in-
cluded. We have to notify people either individually or publicly
if we expand district. It was agreed by Commission members present
that the Commission should take time to tour the area to determine
boundaries . Mr. Chalifour said he would call a meeting in a couple
of weeks--perhaps some Sunday--to walk through the area.
It was also suggested that we should have separate names for
National and local districts to avoid confusion.
Mass . Historical Commission Meeting - Tuesday, May 13. will be
held in Salem. Angela LeBlanc will be hostess and make necessary
arrangements . They expect about 20 people--will confirm number
later. Plan to arrive 10 :30 a. m. and will meet in front of the
Old Town Hall. Maybe we could get someone from the SRA to show them
around the renewal area. Bob Scagliotti said they were welcome to
visit his office . They want to have the morning free to look around
city. Should give them a map. Bob Scagliotti said to contact John
Barrett at SRA. 12 :30 - 1:45 lunch. Probably at Lyceum or Beef &
Oyster House . 2 to 4 p.m. meeting. They will need a room. Angela
will check out possibilities : Old Town Hall (Bob Scagliotti' s for-
mer office or SRA Board Room) , also Banks . Tabernacle Church another
possibility. Could direct wives to museums while their husbands
at meeting.
• Headquarters Angela LeBlanc contacted Greg Senko regarding
a room for our use . He is thinking about getting one area for
all groups - would like to allot us file space -- working on one
large room within the new City Hall annex. He needs to know how
much space we need. We need space for 2 file cabinets and five
drawers in a map filing cabinet ( five file) . Mrs . LeBlanc will
convey this information to him.
Bicentennial Committee : Mr. Callahan reported that the Ball was a
success . The committee is now working on getting churches to open
their buildings one or two days a week as hospitality centers for
tourists . Is getting good response .
Reappointments : Terms of two of our members have expired-- Mr.
Bishop and Mr. Chalifour. Clerk will notify Mayors office that
both gentlemen are willing to remain on the Commission. We should
submit several names of persons from Derby St. district to serve
as alternates . Delores Jordan and one of the Johnsons suggested .
Mr. Savickey has one or two persons in mind--he will check with
them and let clerk know.
Derby St. : Mr. Jaskill called Mr. Bishop regarding a cinder block.]
garage at the rear of his property which he wishes to remove . Mr. "*
Bishop will se him tomorrow morning and advise him of the proper
• application proceedure . Mr. Scagliotti asked if fences come under.;,
the jurisdiction of the Commission. Yes .
The meeting was adjourned at 9.05 P. m. Respectfully submitted,-
Next
ubmitted,Next meeting: May 7 , 1975 Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting May 7, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met at the North Branch
Library on May 7, 1975, at 7:30 P.M. Present were Messrs . Chalifour,
• Bishop, Callahan and Savickey and Mesdames LeBlanc, Welch and Hunt.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45. The minutes of the
previous meeting were approved.
Re-appointments . Mr. Chalifour talked to Mayor's secretary--
she had spoken with Mr. Bishop before receiving our letter. We
should let her know that Mr. Bishop is willing to be re-appointed.
Clerk will notify her.
Dr. Vorgeas- a resident of Salem- came to the meeting to tell
us about a proposal he has to operate a temporary commercial en-
terprise on Derby St. during the summer. He plans to operate a
food service for tourists out of a kitchen trailer that he owns.
The site he plans to use - Dave and Jack's Texaco Station - is
outside the historic district - so it does not fall within our
jurisdiction. He has the necessary permits from the Board of
health.
Correspondence: Clerk will send pertinent information to
Scituate and forward Northampton letter to S. R. A.
National Register: we have received notification of the
acceptance of Woodbridge House (Headquarters of the Children's
Friend and Family Service Society of the North Shore) on Bridge
• St. and of the Charter Street Historic District to be placed on
the National Register. We have received complete records from
the Mass . Historical Commission on each of these. The Clerk
will get acetate binders for records so they may be kept in our
archives .
Mr. Chalifour told us that Historic Salem, Inc. is researching
the area around the Salem Jail, the Bessie Monroe House and St.
Peter's Church to submit to the National Register.
Washington Square - Commission members walked the Common
area and its environs on Sunday, May 4. Boundaries that were
proposed for National Register District for this area were explained.
It was decided to include both sides of Essex St. to corner of
Bentley St. , back lot of East Branch Library to Forrester St. ,
including #s 14 and 11, then back to Washington Sq. to Boardman
St. 1 house on Boardman St. included, Washington Sq, to Briggs
St. , down 8 houses , over to Andrews St. - through #24. side streets
from Washington Sq. to Bridge St. from Winter St. through Williams
St. (might also include some of Howard St. ) , then back to
Essek Institute property.
Project will involve additional research. Does not have to r.
be as extensive as for local district. We should take pictures
of houses we wish to highlight and go into detail on significant
houses . Need an 8 x 10 streetscape plus 3x5 elevations of key
buildings . Mrs . Welch will take pictures . Mr. Callahan and Mr. ,,
• Bishop offered to help. Mr. Chalifour will get U.S.G.S, map
which is required.
May 7, 1975 2.
Also need a sketch map - showing buildings , dates and
addresses . Mr. Bishop will get blowup of section maps for area
from City Engineers office. Mr. Chalifour will check with Mass.
Historical Commission to get exact details. We can cite inventory
forms and preliminary report for Common which are already on
file with the state. We will also have to put notice in the
paper inviting interested people to come to meeting for further
information--do not need their approval but it is suggested by
state that they be informed.
Motion made (by E. Bishop) and seconded that peripheral
area surveyed by Commission members, in addition to Washington
Square, be included in the proposed National Register District.
Motion carried.
The Mass. Historical Commission wants a keyed map of the
Chestnut Street National Historic District. Mr. Chalifour will
find out requirements .
Bicentennial Committee: Mr. Callahan told us about the
Gloucester Experiment--the restoration of cemeteries by young
people in Gloucester, Mass. Mr. Nolan, a history teacher at
Salem High School, is interested in getting such a project going
in Salem,
Derby St. - no problems re: district.
• Chestnut St. - Mrs . Welch reported that there have been
2 problems regarding number of unrelated people living in single
family dwelling, both under absentee ownership--problem with
number of cars per dwelling and parking spaces. Chestnut St.
Associates to deal with this .
Historic District markers - Mrs. Hunt reported that Alan
Doksansky at Gables Settlement office would like to get a marker
for Derby St. indicating that it is an historic district. She
will call him and find out what is involved, proper channels,
etc. It was suggested that the National Maritime site might
be a good location for such a sign. Would have to get permission
from Dept. of Interior. We have some money in our budget for
a Bicentennial project--has to be spent before June 30. If we
do put up a sign, it should be well-done. Does Chestnut Street
want a sign also?
Mr. Bishop told us Salem one of the places cited as having
historic districts in the Antiques Digest. 4
We received a notice of Sheep Shearing Day - at the Merrimack;!w:
Valley Textile Museum on Sunday, May 18, 1 - 5 P. m. which will
feature demonstrations of shearing, spinning, etc.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. `
Respectfully submitted, y
Elizabeth S. Hunt, Clerk
Next meeting: Wed. , June 4
7 :30 P. m. North Branch Library
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting June 4, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met on Wednesday, June 4, 1975.
at 7:30 P. m. at the North Branch Library. Present were Messrs .
Chalifour, Bishop, Callahan and Savickey and Mesdames LeBlanc and
Hunt.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Chalifour.
A letter was read from Daniel Costa of Somerville, seeking a
position with the Commission. Clerk instructed to answer and to
tell him we do not have any positions oven.
National Register Districts -- as we work on new districts ,
the state wants a list of all buildings -- with names and addresses
of property owners and a keyed map. This information must be pro-
vided for Charter Street, Chestnut St. , Essex Institute, House of
Seven Gables and Old Town Hall Districts . This must be done before
the next grant period. Jack Wolfson will do additional information
as above for Charter St. and for district he is working on around
the old Salem Jail. John Carr will do same for River St. This
must be done on new districts as well.
Common Area - we should not draw maps and do final research on
properties until the state reviews and approves boundaries . They
are so busy that Judy Dobbs cannot come until riday, July 11th.
She will work with Jack Wolfson.
• Summer meetings -- motion made to adjourn formal meeting dates
for July and August with projects to continue and any meetings re-
quired to be called as necessary. Messrs . Chalifour, Callahan and
Bishop will meet with Judy Dobbs on July 11 -- after that we will
have an executive meeting.
Mr. Chalifour outlined requirements for establishing a National
Register District:
1. We have to notify property owners -- this can be done by
newspaper announcement or formal letter; former method better for
a large district.
2. Complete application forms .
3. Add 10 properties to what we have already done , re: photos .
Should be 8 x 10 inch glossy prints of facades . Also
should include some 8 x 10 street scapes . (We should
add 3 8 xlO' s from area already surveyed (Washington Sq. )
(Key buildings) other views to accompany 8 x 10' s can
be 3 x 5' s showing different angle of buildings . These
houses have to be mentioned in the writeup. Mr. Callahan
had information Mrs . Welch gave him.
We have access to the Historic District Study Committee Report
(written by Mrs . Reardon) owned by Sumner Raymond as long as we
want it. Should we have our own copy? Mr. Bishop will talk to
Sumner Raymond -- he has a full set plus one that is 3/4 complete;::
4. U . S . G. S . map
5. Sketch map
6. We should cite Inventory forms on file at Mass . Historical
Commission re : part of Common already done.
7. Describe surrounding entire area
6/4/75 P. 2.
Derby Street District: Alan Doksansky is interested in a sign
for the Derby St. District. Mr. Chalifour met with him, H.S .I . reps ,
• Councillor Nowak, Bob Murray, John Maloon. Various projects pro-
posed. One idea proposed was the placement of signs below present
street signs - telling former name of street - as historic markers .
Could we put an additional sign on Maritime property. If we could,
it would be most economical. We have $175. approved for signs--
has to be spent before June 30. Alan Doksansky will check with the
Maritime site and will have a meeting of the Derby St, residents to
present some ideas and costs and ask for suggestions . Once set
plan, would go to other organizations for funding.
Notices : we have received an order from City Clerk dated
May 8 - stating we have to report if we are represented by indepen-
dent counsel and if so, what compensation being paid.
Notification of extension of Chestnut St. district to include
River St. , etc. has been received. Mr. Chalifour will approve.
Court House district - old and new court houses being considered .
for National Register, Mr. Chalifour will get additional informa-
tion on this .
Common Area - Mrs . Welch has written up the description and
history of the Common. These will be incorporated into material
for National Register district.
• Common - as a local district -- where to go from here? Problem
of winning over those people who objected in the past. Having the
area on the National Register might make it easier to establish a
local district. Mr. Chalifour suggested that we have another public
meeting in the fall.
5 Broad St._: Can this be considered an historic building?
Alternative School wants to use building -- would National Register
Grant Funds be available? Mr. Chalifour says they might consider
this the city' s responsibility.
Bicentennial - Iair. Callahan told Commission members about open
house program being planned at Essex Institute and Peabody Museum,
for Salem residents , June 7 and 8. Also about the visitor hospi-
tality program -- local churches open certain days .
New Business : Mr. Bishop brought application for certificate
of appropriateness for a cafe on Derby St. which wants to build
an addition onto the outside for a ladies ' room--on side--visible
from street. We need more information on roof line -- need rough
sketches on front elevation. Need to know what materials he plans
to use . Mrs . LeBlanc suggested that we recommend that he use
cedar shakes on side facing the street. It is important for new
addition to look like. part of one unit . Mr. Bishop and Mr. Savickey
will check with owner.
• Photos : Mr. Callahan took pictures of 10 buildings (3 x 5's) .
We need black and white glossy prints (8 x 10) Mr. Savickey has
a friend whose hobby is photography -- he thinks he might do
3.
photos for us if we paid for materials . He should take 16
houses plus street scapes (aerial view and 2 other of Common;
4 of side streets (do not do Howard St. ) Mr. Savickey will have
him draw up a list of material he needs and clerk will buy it.
Mr. Chalifour will ask George Ahmed to get names of property
owners and their addresses , after we have boundaries established.
Mrs . LeBlanc will work on description of area as far as basic his-
tory -- how and why it came into being - incorporating material
Mrs . Welch has worked on. Mr. Chalifour gave her Chestnut St.
forms to use as a guide
Change in names of district: we should call the local
district "Washington Square District" and the National district -
"Salem Common National Historic District."
Mr. Callahan will wait until we have large pictures before
he takes more small photos--to get different views of same
buildings .
i
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20
Respectfully submitted,
• Elizabeth S . Hunt
t
Salem Historical Commission Minutes of Meeting July 23, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission held an executive meeting at
the home of Raymond Chalifour, 15 Buffum St. , Salem, at 8 p, m.
Present were Messrs . Chalifour, Ahmed, Bishop, Callahan and Savickey,
and Mesdames Welch and Hunt. Also attending as guests were Miss
Dolores Jordan and Mr. Jack Wolfson, who are helping the Commission
with reserach on National Register projects .
Mr. Chalifour showed commission members and guests a map outlining
new boundaries for the Common District. The area has been enlarged
to encompass more of the side streets -- down to Webb Street and Bridge
St and the east side of St. Peter St. , including the Essex Institute
and Armory property. Also on the south side of Essex Street, from
New Liberty St, to the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. We have to explain
the irregularity of the boundaries in some areas -- particularly on
the south side, because there is so much marginal property in this
area.
Commission members were also shown a map of proposed boundaries
for a proposed historic district in the Derby St, area. The Mass.
Historical Commission felt we should include all property along the
waterfront from Kosciusko St, to White St. Corrections were made to
some back lot lines. Mr. Bishop will make a new map. Mrs . Welch
suggested we go all the way down to the Power Plant along the water-
front. Others agreed. Mr. Savickey said there is an early building
in that section. According to Miss Jordan, Mr. Mackey wants to sell
his property and many people have been looking at it. Possibility
• of a marina going in that area. We should think of another name for
area so it will not become confused with local district. "Salem
Derby Waterfront District" suggested; (See addendum, p.. 3. )
Mr. Ahmed made a motion that we vote to accept the area presently
outlined as a local district (the Derby St. Historic District) , plus
the area east of Kosciusko St, along the water's edge in an easterly
direction to Blaney St., including property on both sides of Blaney
St, for the purpose of National Register Study. Motion seconded by
Mr. Callahan.
Public Notice requirements : if more than 10 properties in a
National Register District, we do not have to send individual notices
or invite people to a public meeting. Must post notice in a public
place (City Hall) and should have reference material in a public
place (such as Library) so people can see it, if they wish.
Jack Wolfson will refer to the three properties in the Register
already listed (Custom House, Derby House and House of Seven Gables) . .
We need three street stapes and should highlight three buildings
which have historic or architectural significance.
Guidelines for National Historic Districts distributed.
The next step is to get maps . Mr. Bishop will get more maps.
After he draws up accurate maps, we will get them copied. He should
add River St. area to Chestnut St. National Register District map.
Can get exact boundaries from John Carr.
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting July 23, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met for an executive meeting at
athe home of A
.y
4 .
e
2.
Mrs . Welch and Mrs . LeBlanc will work on filling out forms ,
using sample as a guide., They will need photographs and addresses
• of houses (Mr. Savickey will get from his friend who is doing
photography) .
Names of homeowners and addresses of houses -- Mr. Ahmed and
Mr. Callahan will get this information from the Assessors Office
(streets are listed alphabetically) . The map has to be keyed. Need
Historic name of house (if. one) date built (if available
Name of present owner(s) and street address . They will do Common
area. Dolores Jordan will do the same for the Derby Street area.
They will need maps , with back lot lines outlined.
Maps : we should have five copies of Common map: for Commission,
Mass. Hist. Commission, Palisades Committee, George Ahmed and
public library. For Derby St. we need six: one for ourselves , Mass .
Hist. Commission, Palisades, Jack Wolfson, Dolores Jordan and Jack
Wolfson, and library.
Photographs : should have pictures of additional buildings of
importance for Common districts Salem Jail, St. Peter's Church and
Armory. Jack Wolfson has already done some work on that area for
proposed Salem Jail district. (Mass . Historical Commission rejected
original district, but has included part of it in this new district.
Jack will add information to what he has and get it to Mrs . Welch.
The sheriffs house has never been documented as McIntire, so we should
not feature it.
• Copies of Court House forms on Federal St, have been sent to us
by Mass . Commission-- 3 court houses eligible for National Register.
Mr. Chalifour read a letter sent to Commission by William Salton-
stall regarding an Essex County Historic and Scenic District Planning
Commission. We have been invited to send a representative, who
would be appointed by the Mayor. Salem ought to be represented. We
will write to Mayor Levesque and ask him to appoint Dolores Jordan
(who said she is willing to serve) . Enclose copies of Saltonstall
correspondence.
A Mr. Cimon, who owns an old school building on Flint St. which
has been remodelled into apartments , contacted Mr. Chalifour to see .
if his building could be added to the Chestnut St. National Historic
District. Mr, G. does not feel enough of the old building remains
to merit adding it to the district. He checked with Boston and they
agree. Mass . Historical Comm. has notified Mr. Cimon to this effect
( copy of their letter sent to us) .
109 Derby St. - Mr. Jaskill is making some changes to his
property-- already has a building permit. We now have applications
on file and available from the Building Inspectors office.
Skerry House - 22 Conant St, ( last house on left) State is
doing an environmental study for connector road. The first house in
• Salem is supposed to have been located on this site . Not much
evidence, according to Mr. Chalifour. The house is listed in Boston ?
3,
but is not listed on the National Register. We are supposed to
send in a report to Boston. It was suggested by Mrs . Welch that
we should get some expert opinion on this ; there may be some original
framing inside. Mr. Chalifour will check with the state to see
what information they have on the house and will ask Stan Smith if
someone from S .P.N.E.A, can look at it.
Derby St. Historic District-- a sign is being designed and
the Commission has contributed to the cost of designing as a
Bicentennial project. According to Miss Jordan, residents of the
area are interested in beautification. They would like to restore
cobblestones in the street at crosswalks , put in some brick side-
walks and have flowers in baskets or planters . They plan to solicit
contributions from local businesses.
Everyone on Commission asked to work on own assigned project
during month of August, so we will be ready to proceed by our
September meeting. Our next meeting will be second Wednesday in
September (the 10th -- tentative date) .
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
• Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
Addendum:
Upon further consdieration, Mr. Chalifour realizes that no other
historic district is preceded by the name of the city. Because the
name of the proposed waterfront district is already long enough,
a new motion will be made at the next meeting to eliminate "Salem"
from the title . Therefore, in referring to this district, please
omit the word "Salem,"
2 .
an application for
McKinnon and ask him to fill out A certificate of appropriateness .
Mr. Chalifour read the letter he sent to Mr. McKinnon and Mr.
McKinnon's reply. Mr. McKinnon has filled out an application form.
Since three Commission members are absent, Mr. Chalifour felt they
should be consulted before the Commission takes action on this
matter. Mr. Chalifour will schedule an executive meeting of the
Commission at his home next week so that we can let Mr. McKinnon
know our decision on this matter. Mr. Ahmed asked Mr. McKinnon, Jr..
if his father knew he had to file with the Commission before he
put up the fence . His son says they were replacing a fence that
was taken down a year or so ago when they were working on the house .
He said the same type of fence was originally there. According to
Mr. Chalifour, however, when the district went into effect, there was
no fence there. The Commission would like to know about any changes
that come under our jurisdiction, no matter how minor they may seem.
Derby Street National Register Project: Jack Wolfson reported that
990 of the research has been done and photos have been taken. The
form is almost complete and the key map is finished. They have to
have blowups made of photos and run an ad in the newspaper. It was
decided that the East Branch Library would be the best place to
have material available for public viewing. George Ahmed said he
might be able to get some aerial views of the waterfront and the
common.
Essex County Historic and Scenic District: A committee has been set
up to study the feasibility of such a district and Mayor Levesque
has appointed Dolores Jordan to serve as the Salem representative.
• She would like to get a map showing all the historic sites and dis-
tricts in the city. It was suggested that she contact Stan Smith
of the Palisades committee and also that she could obtain a zoning
map of the city from the planning dept. We should have a map that
we could distribute outlining historic sites and districts . Miss
Jordan will go to the meeting and report back to us .
Federal Street: Liz Wheaton and Joyce Cook are working on material
hoping that Federal Street will become a local district. Mrs . Welch
has already done Federal St, from North to Flint Streets . They are
working on sides streets , including Federal Ct . , Andover St. , River
St. , Lynn St. , Carpenter St. , Monroe St . , Beckford St. -- would
use back lot lines of houses on these streets as well as those on
Federal St. They feel it is better to get support of people in area
first before contacting ward councillor. Commission members agree.
A petition would be helpful. They would like to hold a neighborhood
meeting at the Amvets on Beckford St . and have one or more members
of the Commission come to explain the purpose of a district, etc.
to people . This is an educational 'process--best to get strong
support before public hearing (also should have people who favor dis=*"
trict and who cannot attend hearing, write to their councillor. )
They will mail notices of the public meeting and follow up with
phone contact. They plan to have one person on each of the side
streets responsible to contact neighbors . Would like to do this i'
before election. A preliminary report will be submitted to the Mass .
• Historical Commission as soon as research and forms are completed..
National Register forms for Washington Square - Ray Chalifour has .�
material and review it.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 :20 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S . Hunt , Clerk
Salem Historical Commission Minutes of Meeting September 11, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission held an executive meeting on
Thursday, . September 11 at 8 p, m. at the home of Raymond L. Chalifour,
• 15 Buffum St. , Salem. Present were Messrs . Chalifour, Ahmed, Bishop,
Callahan and Savickey, and Mesdames Welch, LeBlanc and Hunt .
Mr. William Lundregan, attorney for Mr, and Mrs . David Johnson,
16 Kosciusko St . , was present. He gave Commission members background
information on the suit his clients have brought against Mr. William
McKinnon, owner of property at 14 Kosciusko St. , because the latter
erected a fence which extended onto the former' s property. The case is
due to come to trial on September 19. Discussion took place . The com-
mission's only concern is the fence ; not anything else which has taken
place previously, Mr. Chalifour pointed out. Mr. Lundregan said he
thought that if we determined there was a violation, we should ask the
City Solicitor to prosecute ; then decide what we should do about the
fence . There was a difference of opinion as to the date of the violation,
the day the fence was erected or the day the Commission was informed.
Mr. Lundregan is of the opinion it is the former; the fence was constructed
on June 22. He stated he and his clients do not feel it is sufficient
just to make Mr. McKinnon take the fence down.
Mr. Chalifour said he discussed the matter with Mrs . Amadon,
Executive Director of the Mass . Historical Commission and was advised
that there was no precedent for this case. They advised him to have Mr.
McKinnon fill out an application, which he has since done . Since we
gave him an out in our letter of August 11, we should issue a directive
and take it from there ; then if he does not comply, we have no alternative
but to prosecute. Mr. McKinnon knew he was in violation, but the Johnson's
should have come to us first; then the Commission could have handled the
• situation. Because Atty. Welch' s original letter was lost in the mail,
the Commission had no written notification until early August. The
Commission thanked Mr. Lundregan for coming and he left so members could
discuss the matter and vote.
Mr. Ahmed said he felt Commission members should not exchange ideas
or give opinions on a matter when an outside person is presenting one
side of an issue ; they should listen and ask questions without commenting
and save discussion for later when that person has left. Others conceded
this was a good point.
After further discussion, it was decided unanimously that the Com-
mission should reply to Mr. McKinnon's letter of August 18 and ask him
to take the fence down within 10 days (from the date of the letter) .
Commission should tell him that after review of the matter, the Commission
voted unanimously to take this action. Should he wish to erect a new
fence, he must file an application for a certificate of appropriateness ,
accompanied by the proper information (design of fence, dimensions , "4
material, color, etc . )
The Commission reviewd 3 other items on Mr. McKinnon's application for '
a certificate of appropriateness and agreed to approve the brick veneer
on the rear exterior steps ( item #2) , the painting of windows and trim
in French gray (#3) , and the use of white cedar shingles on three sides'
of the building (approximately 7" ) to weather. Since items 3 & 4 were
• in progress prior to the establishment of the district and since itemr
#2 is a change which does not materially affect the character of the � F
district, Commission members were in agreement to waive hearing. We
should notify abutters of this decision and wait 10 days before issuing
a certificate of appropriateness . A copy of our correspondence with Mr.
McKinnon should be send to Mr. Lundregan.
0
Minutes 9/11/75 (cont. ) 2 .
Common National Historic District: Mrs . Welch will finish
written material for forms and will review photographs and see if any
. additional ones are needed. Mr. Savickey will put addresses on the
backs of photos . We will also have to number photos to correspond to
map key. Mr. Chalifour read border description which he checked out
with the Mass . Historical Commission. They suggested that we justify
boundaries with an explanation, since they are irregular in shape . Mrs .
LeBlanc will type the description of boundaries and check the name of
the street next to the Armory with the City Engineer. The photographs
Mr. Savickey obtained are colored. Mr. Chalifour will check with the
Mass . Historical Commission to see if colored pictures are acceptable.
Change of address : the Mass . Historical Commission has notified
us of their new address : 294 Washington St. , Boston, Mass . 02108.
Derby Street Historic District: Clerk read material for legal
notice sent to her by Jack Wolfson. Changes in boundary wording were
made. Boundaries are as follows : Beginning at Derby Street, starting
.after the Pickering property and running in a southeasterly direction
along the Pickering property to the water's edge , then running along the
water' s edge in an easterly direction up to and not including the New
England Power Company, then turning and running in a northeasterly direc-
tion along the New England Power Company Property to Derby Street and
in an easterly direction along Derby Street up to and including Block
House Square, then turning in a westerly direction and following the
back lot lines of properties facing and abutting Derby Street up to and
including 27 Herbert Street and back to the point of beginning.
Federal Street: Notice of meeting to be sent to area residents
approved by Chairman who will represent Commission at that meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 : 30 P. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
Next meeting: our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1
Members will be notified of time and place (probably the Old Town
Hall if it is available) .
~ i
d
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting Oct . 1, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met at the Old Town Hall,
• 32 Derby Square, Salem, on Wednesday, October 1, 1975, at 7:30 P. m.
Present were Messrs . Chalifour, Bishop, Callahan, Ahmed, and
Mesdames LeBlanc, Welch and Hunt . Also present were Jack Wolfson,
Heath Aldridge , „. Richard McKinnon and Liz Wheaton.
The meeting was called to order. Heath Aldrid)gp ,Director of
the Salem East of the Palisades project for Historic Salem, Inc.
was introduced.
National Register District for Common: Mr. Chalifour reported
that he contacted Mass . Historical Commission re: photos of the
Common. We will have to take own photos because state does not have
any. Richard Savickey' s friend will do black and white photos .
Mr. Chalifour and Mr. Bishop have been working on keyed map. 268
properties have been inventoried in the district. Mrs . LeBlanc and
Mrs . Welch are working on forms . Mrs . LeBlanc reported that the
name of the street by the Armory is New Liberty Street.
Jack Wolfson said we can give the verbal boundary description
on a separate page, if no place for it on the form. The Mass .
Historical Commission has approved our verbal boundary description,
according to Mr. Chalifour. Later this month and again in January,
there will be sessions at the Mass . Historical Commission to dis-
cuss the Grant-in-aid program. Mr. Chalifour will attend and repre-
sent the Commission.
Derby Street: We received a letter signed by 8 persons on
• Kosciusko St. re: putting in a brick sidewalk on the district side
of that street. Commission will write the Street Department to
encourage the efforts of the residents . We should also ask the
Street Department to contact us if they plan• to do any further work
in the Derby St. area--see if they would consider using bricks .
We should ask the city to save old bricks they remove from other
areas . (Eg. : a doctor on Lafayette St . wants his brick sidewalk
removed because his patients have complained that it is slippery in
winter. )
Mr. McKinnon attended this meeting in regard to the fence he
was asked to remove from his property at 14 Kosciusko St. Mr.
Chalifour brought the Commission members up to date . He read the
letter sent to Mr. McKinnon after our last meeting. A certificate
of appropriateness was granted for the other 3 items , since the
abutters did not object . The Commission gave Mr. McKinnon 10 days
to remove the fence , which he did within the time limit, but he left
two posts in the ground. He said bad weather was partly the reason
why he had not removed the posts . Mr. Chalifour asked him to remove -
them, and he has since done so. At the time the Commission inventoried
the Derby St . district, there was a portion of the structure of a fence .
(Not the same fence: Mr. McKinnon said that fence and its posts
were removed prior to the establishment of the district . ) If Mr.
McKinnon intends to put up a new fence, he was told he should go
through the proper channels . He says he does not intend to make
• any further improvements to the building at 14 Kosciusko St.
Mr. Chalifour said Mr. Lundregan was notified that the Commission
was meeting to discuss this matter. We will notify him that the
matter of the fence has been taken care of.
S .H.C. 10/1/75 2 .
The Commission is keeping track of work at the V.F .W. Mr.
Savickey will check on that.
Mr. McKinnon said his son was of the impression that the fence
had to be taken down because it was put up without an application.
That was not stated as a reason in our letter and he feels if it
was the reason, it should have been. He says his fence did not
extend over the property line -- that because the houses on Kosciusko
St. are close to the street, the city sidewalk extends over the
owners ' property lines . He would like a letter from the Commission
stating that the reason the fence was removed was that he did not
file an application for a certificate of appropriateness with the
Commission before he erected the fence.
Federal St. - Residents have been invited to a meeting on
October to learn about a proposed district in that area (a local
historic district) . The forms are finished. Liz Wheaton has done
the map, photos of houses on side streets , streetscapes , and com-
pleted forms for the area. (Mrs . Welch had done original survey
of Federal St , only. 108 properties have been inventoried. Mrs .
Wheaton was commended for the excellent job she has done in pre-
paring all this material. She will do the preliminary report before
the meeting on Oct. 6.
Re : Common local district. Mr. Callahan is keeping in touch
with the Knights of Columbus . Clerk told Commission members that
the duplicate set of survey forms that were done of properties
• around the Common is missing--she asked if anyone knew of its where-
abouts--no one did. She will ask Mr. Swiniuch if he has forms .
The Mass . Historical Commission has the original set.
Derby St. Waterfront National Historic District: Jack Wolfson
has submitted all material to the Mass . Historical Commission.
They might not be able to get it onto the agenda at this month' s
meeting, but told him they would definitely take it up next month.
Annual Report: A draft copy was read, corrected and approved,
with changes as noted.
Map: Mr. Ahmed would like the Commission to contact the City
Engineer about outlining districts on a map of Salem. We could use
a standard zoning map for this purpose.
The meeting was adjourned at 9: 30 P. m.
Respectfully submitted,
}
Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
I •
Salem Historical Commission Federal St. October 6, 1975
Meeting
A meeting was held for residents of the Federal Street area
• to explain a proposal for a local historic district in that area.
The meeting, which was held at the Amvets Hall, 13 Beckford St. ,
was attended by over 65 residents and property owners in the area.
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 by Joyce Cook of 113
Federal St. She stated the reason for the meeting. Interest had
been shown by various neighbors in establishing an historic district
in the Federal St . neighborhood. She became interested and went to
the library and read the Historic District Study Committee Report,
compiled by the original Salem H. D. Study Committee . She said
Salem is original -- our concern is how to keep this historic
neighborhood in its present state. Neighborhood is part of a
National Historic District, but that does not give us any local
control. The City has to pass an ordinance . She then introduced
Raymond Chalifour, Chairman of the Salem Historical Commission.
Mr. Chalifour thanked the neighborhood members present for
their assistance. He explained that there has to be a public
hearing at a later date- first the Commission has to submit the
material to the state . There is then a 60 days waiting period
before the hearing can be held. After the hearing, changes may be
made to the proposal and a final report drawn up. He explained the
history of historic districts legislation. Read from the state
manual. He also explained the process of notifying the residents
after a district is established and the procedure for applying for
• various certificates if residents wish to make exterior changes to
their property. He read portions of the ordinance and explained
the various processes the Commission must follow as set forth in
Chapter 40C of Massachusetts General Laws--laws governing the time
period in which the Commission must act, public hearings , rights of
appeal, etc. To date, the Commission has not had to hold any public
hearings to review applications for certificates of appropriateness .
Most changes made in the established districts have not been of
the magnitude to effect significant changes in the district, and
with the approval of abutters , hearings in these cases have been
waived.
Mr. Chalifour was thanked and Commission members were introduced;
Mr. Bishop and Mr. Callahan present, as was the Clerk. Mrs . Wheaton
who did much of the work on the survey forms and map and report
was intruduced.
Questions : What is the advantage of a district? (Mr. Rasmussen)
It affords protection. The Commission also serves as an advisory ;
board and offers suggestions to property owners contemplating
changes on their property. Bill Wheaton, an economist and Federal, ,'
St. resident, also pointed out the economic benefits--being in a
historic district improves the value of property so included.
Does being a historic district keep the neighborhood residential?
The Commission does not have zoning control. That is governed by
• the Planning Board.
Boundaries : why does the district stop at Flint St. -- why not
go all the way down Federal St . to Boston St.? (Mr. John Connolly)
y ..
S . H. C. 10/6/75 2 ,
He thinks the oldest houses on Federal St. are between Boston
• and Federal Sts . Boundaries were established because you have to
begin somewhere . District can always be added to at a later date.
Joyce Cook said any people who wanted to work on that area would be
encouraged to do so.
Taxes-- won' t being in a district increase taxes . (Mr. Connolly)
Not unless property is sold. (Bill Wheaton)
Use of property: Commission has no control over what goes on in-
side a property. If residents have a concern about a problem, they
should go to the appropriate city agency.
Mr. Chalifour said that people in other districts seem pleased.
There have been no major problems .
Does being in a local district affect the grant program -- no .
Residents told they were eligible to apply for Grant-In-Aid program
for next year -- a meeting will be held next winter.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 and all who attended thanked
for coming. Petitions were available for all those wishing to
sign in favor of being included in an historic district. -
Respectfully submitted,
• Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
Salem Historical Commission
i ryt.
r
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting Nov. 6, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission met at the Old Town Hall on
Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7: 30 P. m. Present were Messrs . Chalifour,
• Ahmed, Bishop and Callahan and Mesdames Welch and Hunt.
We attended the introductory session of the meeting of the Essex
County Historic: .and Scenic District Planning Commission in the Old
Town Hall. Miss Dolores Jordan introduced the various speakers , who
talked of the importance of coordination of effort among the various
communities . Following remarks by Mayor Levesque, George Atkins and
Raymond Chalifour, the Salem Commission adjourned to hold its regular
monthly meeting in the Bicentennial Coordinator's office .
Mr. Chalifour told Commission members he had received a summons
to go to court as a witness re : Johnson vs . McKinnon. The case was
dismissed and Mr. McKinnon ordered to pay court costs .
A meeting was held at the Mass . Historical Commission re: the
Matching Grant program. Mr. Chalifour represented the Salem Commission.
By mid-December, the state will notify the cities and towns of their
allotment . They will need our help. He also reported that the Mass .
Historical Commission wants to hold a clinic in Salem for all local
people . Clerk will contact House of Seven Gables to see if Emmerton
Hall would be available in January.
Derby Street District: The VFW is buying a house at the corner
of Blaney St. to tear down for a parking lot . The present owner is
Casimir Szetela, 2 Blaney St . Mr. Chalifour spoke to a secretary at
• the Building Inspector's office . She will check and let us know. We
would have to hold a public hearing on this matter as demolition comes
under our jurisdiction.
Salem Common: Atty. Quinn is the new chairman of the Common and
Custom House Assn. He contacted Mr. Chalifour and wanted to know the
status of the Common local district . We sent him a copy of the
Chestnut St, and Derby St , ordinances .
Question raised -- how do we keep track of changes in ownership
in districts? Members who live in each district should serve as
watchdogs . If color of a house is changed, owner should file applica-
tion for a certificate of appropriateness . If it is repainted same
color, this would not be necessary as no change involved . We should
send copies of the ordinance to new owners .
We will invite Atty. Quinn to our next meeting and have some copies ,
of the ordinances to give him. We should suggest that Washington Square. .
residents circulate a petition just as Federal St. residents are doing, .
in support of the establishment of an historic district in their area:
National Register District - we are waiting to hear about photo-
graphs for omm n. Mr. Savi ggey is away and will not be back until
Nov. 11. �e s ould xerox a�l National Register forms before mailing;,"
h Derby St. has received money from the state for beautification - Y
• 30,000 grant. Jim Callahan attended a meeting there recently, on
Oct. 20. He reported that the money will be spent as follows :
residents voted to apply $15,000 for 7 cross walks made of red brick
and Belgian block. A ribbon of Belgian block will be installed in
the vicinity of Hodges Court. This , they hope , will slow down motorists
11/6/75 2 .
driving on Derby St. at start of historic district. It is hoped that
. this project can be started this fall. A larger width of brick and
Belgian block would be installed in front of the Custom House .
There was a discussion relative to brick sidewalks being installed
for those residents interested in having their present sidewalks re-
placed with brick. This could be a very expensive project and it
was hoped that installation of new cross walks could create more
interest with government agencies who could make more grant monies
available for brick sidewalks . Mr. Callahan also reported that Salem
has received an additional 80,000 for labor for various community
projects .
Some people have complained about cobblestones in market area, as they
are difficult to walk on.
Re: Derby St. district - we should write to owner of vacant lot at
the corner of Derby and Daniels Sts . and ask him to clean it up.
Jim Callahan will find out who owns it. We should send a copy to the
ward councillor.
Federal St. - Hearing date -- Dec. 8, if we can use the Amvets hall
on Beckford St. that evening. Preliminary report was submitted to
the Mass . Historical Commission on Oct. 7 . Residents are still working
on petitions -- to date , they have signatures of half of the houses
in the district in favor. Final report will be submitted to the City
Council after the first of the year.
• We discussed the role of the Historical Commission and study committee .
Both can exist at the same time. We have been using volunteers from
neighborhoods and HSI .
Mr. Ahmed suggested we write to Ward One Councillor and ask him to
get trees for Derby St.
It was reported that the Derby Waterfront has gained state approval
as a National Historic District. We are now awaiting to hear from
the Federal government.
The Mass . Historical Commission has acknowledged receipt of the
Federal Street Historic District Preliminary Report.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk
The next regular Commission meeting will be held on Wed. Dec . 3
at 7: 30 P. m. Place to be announced .
r
Salem Historical Commission Minutes of Meeting December 3. 1975
t
The Salem Historical Commission met at 7 : 30 P. m. in the first
floor conference room at City Hall. Present were Messrs . Callahan,
Chalifour, Bishop, and Savickey and Mesdames LeBlanc, Welch and Hunt.
Also attending were Dolores Jordan, Jack Wolfson and Bill Quinn.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ray Chalifour.
Mr. Chalifour read a request for funds to be used for stationery and
mailing expenses by the Essex County Historic and Scenic District
Planning Commission. The request was approved. Miss Jordan, our Salem
representative told us that the Commission is still in the process of
getting organized. She would like input from us re : our ideas on the
historic and scenic assets of Essex County. Communities should help
each other. Salem is far ahead of many places . Our greatest role
can be advisory. There are 33 cities and towns in Essex County. One
idea is the mapping of scenic routes . Miss Jordan read a letter from
Mr. O ' Leary outlining other suggestions .
Mr. Chalifour announced that the Mass . Historical Commission is
planning to hold a workshop on the Grant-in-aid program on Wed. , Jan,
21, 1976, at 8 p. m, at Emmerton Hall, 114 Derby St. , Salem. By that
time those being considered for grants who applied last year will have
been notified .
Jack Wolfson reported, re : the Derby Waterfront National District,
that the Mass . Historical Commission wants a new map of that district.
Everything is set to go to Washington except the map. He has obtained
• a new map and will take it to them.
Federal Street: We have received letters from the Mass . Histor-
ical Commission and the Planning Board approving our preliminary re-
port . The former also recommends creation of an Essex Street District .
A public hearing will be held on the Federal Street proposal on
Monday, December 8, 1975, at 8 p. m. at the Amvets Hall, 13 Beckford
St , Commission members are invited to attend . After the public
hearing the final report will be prepared and an ordinance drafted.
It was suggested that a demolition clause be included in the ordi-
nance .
rdinance . The report and ordinance will be presented to the City
Council after the first of the year.
Common - National Register District: We reviewed all the neces-
sary material that needs to be sent to the Mass . Historical Commission:
forms , photos (which need labels ) , USGS map (Ray has this) , large
keyed map (need form -- Jack Wolfson has some. Mr. Savickey will get
duplicate photos and label. Mr. Bishop has duplicates of forms -- he . ,
will keep coded lists and map and will add code numbers to form.
Common - as a local district . Mr. Chalifour checked with the
Mass . Historical Commission. They said we are not required to have
another public hearing. Hearing on that district was held on May 2,
1973 . We should check with city solicitor to see if he thinks we
need to hold another public hearing after 2 years have elapsed.
Bill Quinn, President of the Common Association, asked if there was
any possibility of expanding the district. Mr. Chalifour feels it
is better to pass a small local district first, then expand later,
if people want. If local people want to work on this , the Commission
will be glad to help. The process of establishing a district was
explained to Mr. Quinn.
SHC - 12/3/75 p• 2•
The photographs , forms and history already done on Washington Square .
Preliminary report already approved. All that remains to be done is
. final report. It would be helpful for neighborhood to circulate a
petition as residents of Derby St. and Federal St. neighborhoods did .
Mrs . Welch thinks this project should be well advertised. She feels
all people in area should be given an opportunity to be included.
It was therefore suggested that the Salem Common Association hold a
neighborhood meeting and see how people in the area feel. Give them
a chance because if we just do a local district for the Common, there
might be bad feelings among other residents of the area. Mr. Quinn
thought this was a good idea to have such a meeting after the first
of the year. Clerk will put Mr. Quinn on our mailing list so he will
receive notices of meetings .
Mr. Callahan reported on his report on the proposed historic
district ( local) at a recent Knight of Columbus meeting. William
Farrell is now Grand Knight. Mr. Callahan was disappointed at the
reception given by those present . Most of those opposed don' t live
in the area. The officers will discuss the matter and report back
to him. It was pointed out that the K. of C . building got the highest
rating in the Common area by Russell Wright and the Palisades team.
This should be mentioned to the K. of C .
The meeting was adjourned at 9: 30 P. m.
Respectfully submitted,
• Elizabeth S . Hunt , Clerk
The next meeting of the SHC will be held on Wednesday, January 7 ,
1976, at 7: 30 P. m, at City Hall (first floor meeting room) .
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Public Hearing December 8, 1975
The Salem Historical Commission held a public hearing on the
proposal for a local historic district for the Federal Street area
on Monday, December 8, 1975, at 8 p. m. at the Amvets Hall, 13 Beck-
ford St . , Salem.
The meeting was called to order by Commission Chairman Raymond
L. Chalifour. Other Commission members present were Mr. Callahan,
Mesdames LeBlanc and Welch and Clerk, Mrs . Hunt.
About 25 people attended the hearing, most of whom were residents
and owners of property in the district. Also present was Ward Four
City Councillor-Elect, Mrs . Frances Grace.
Mr. Chalifour explained that at the neighborhood meeting, held
on October 6, it was explained why the area had been chosen as a
prospective historic district. The present meeting, a legal ,public
hearing, is required by law. He expressed the feeling that perhaps
many people who had attended the previous meeting did not feel it
was necessary to come out for a second meeting.
Mr. Chalifour read letters from the Massachusetts Historical
Commission and the Salem Planning Board in support of the proposed
district. He also read portions of the Salem Ordinance outlining
items that are excluded from control of the Commission. He then
explained the application procedure .
• Discussion: Those in attendance were invited to ask questions .
It was pointed out that the commission has not had problems in other
districts . The commission has helped neighbors and has seen the
development of greater pride and evidence of what a neighborhood
means . Mr. Chalifour stated that each neighborhood is treated on an
individual basis--what would not be acceptable on Chestnut St.
might be on Derby St. The Commission is available to help and advise
The boundaries of the district were explained.
Byron Getchell, 5 Carpenter St. , asked why Gifford Court was
not included . It was because the people doing the research followed
the outlines of the original study committee ' s report for that area,
according to the Clerk. Mr. Chalifour said that it was not too
difficult to add that portion to the district if the owners of property
in that area so desire .
Captain Henry Nichols , 93 Federal St. , said that if the Commis-
sion added Gifford Court, they should also add Harrington Court i
and the brick house on Flint St, which is an important area histor-
ically because the brick building was originally a school which
was attended by Capt. William Driver. He spoke of the benefits to
residents and the community of protecting our historic areas .
John Carr, 7 River St. , spoke of the protective benefits .
Mrs . Leblanc said the Historic Commission wants to keep going and
encourage residents in their efforts .
• Mrs . Jerry Mario, 140 Federal St. , asked what a person could do
if they did not want to be included. Mr. Chalifour said she would
have to communicate this to the City Council. The Commission will
SHC - Hearing 12/8/75 P. 2.
• submit the final report to the City Council after the first of the
year. The Council sub-committee will study the matter. Mrs .
Newstetter, 89 Federal St, asked Mrs . Mario why she did not wish to
be included . She replied that she did not, for personal reasons .
It was pointed out that it was up to the city council to decide
whether they wished to accept the district in its entirety. It
would be difficult to eliminate someone in the middle of a district
and such a process would weaken the district . John Carr pointed
out that spot zoning is illegal.
Mrs . Donald Hunt, 138 Federal St . , spoke in favor of the dis-
trict as did Mrs . Roy Gelin, 882 Federal St.
Mr. Roger Nicholson, owner of property at 3 Lyhn St. , asked
if the commission would like a letter of support . He came from
Hartford, Conn, to. attend the meeting.
Another gentleman (unidentified) asked if this proposal came
under federal jurisdiction. Mr. Chalifour told him this was a
local district. The Federal Street area is already part of a
national historic district. He explained the difference briefly
and told the gentleman there would be a meeting regarding the
national grant program in January (January 21 at Emmerton Hall,
114 Derby St. , Salem, at 8 p, m. ) .
The hearing was adjourned at 9:05 P. m.
• Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S . Hunt, Clerk