Loading...
WASHINGTON SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT ��"-' - ``�` 6.1�'ash i Y.Atay. cSQ cd4ae I12�((� I�sTo V iU.. til<-+'ti• �'+' l k� _ _ _ __ __ �. -t- G � ' �G S Q �' A 74 Was Square, East Saleml Massachusetts 01970 March .23, 1976 Mrs. Elizabeth S. Hunt, Clerk Salem Historical Commission City Hall } Salem, Massachusetts 01970 " "! r` Dear Mrs. Hunts � ke� d �s ( F } s:�wr r May I please be recorded in favor of the creation of the Washington Square Historical ,District? Furthermore for purposes of record I am the owner of two parcels, #72 and #74 Washington Square, East. Such action would serve to protect the area.in general and the individual property owners in particular. Yours truly, t i i r MEM)RANDUM TO: THE SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION, CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970 ATTENTIONt MR. CHALIFOUR, CHAIRMAN The statement contained in this Memorandum was uttered to the Chairman and Members of the Salem Historical Commission on Saint Patrick's Day, March 17, 1976 at an 8:00 P.M. Public Hearing called by the Salem Historical Commission on that day. STATEMENT Ny name is William J. Toomey Yq wife's name is Emma G. Toomey We own the land and buildings situated at 96 Washington Square-East, here in Salem. We also reside at that address. We are opposed to the creation of a Local Historic District, namely, the Washington Square Historic District as outlined in a letter signed by Elizabeth S. Hunt, dated March 1, 1976 and directed to the attention of Mrs. Toomey and me. We respectfully request that the land and buildings thereon situated at - 96 Washington Square-East and owned by Mrs. Toomey and me be excluded from the Washington Square Historic District described in Elizabeth S. Huntfs letter. We ask you to exclude us because we are already overburdened with rules and regula- tions that emanate from the Federal Government, State Government, County Government and the City of Salem. Tonight, we, as homeowners in this City are subject to the following Governmental Regulations that we know of, and of oourse, there are more. ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS PLUMBING REGULATIONS ZONING REGULATIONS BOILER REGULATIONS BUILDING REGULATIONS FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS And now, this City proposes another set of regulations that we choose to call: EXTERIOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE REGULATIONS. Because, that is what we feel Historic Districting is. With this proposal, I feel that the Salem City Government is over-regulating its citizens. Memorandum - Coutinued We are opposed, because any further regulations imposed upon us by the governing bodies of the City of Salem will be inflationary, costly, and will cause us hardship. End of Statement FOOTNDTEs William J. Toomey thanked the Chairman for permitting him to speak. 4/ (.0 ", 3- ��' 76 Thomas A. O'Donnell 80 Washington Square Salem , Massachusetts 01970 March 15, 1976 Salem Historic District Commission One Salem Green Salem , Massachusetts 01970 Board Members : This is to inform you that I, the property owner at 80 Washington Square , Salem Massachusetts, do not desire to have my property included in the Salem Common Historic District. Your compliance with my wish will be appreciated. Very truly yours, Thomas A. O'Donnell I G C G1FaULOCK THE INCOME TAX PEOPLE f� March 12, 1.976 9 50 So. Cogswell St. Bradford, Mass, 01830 Telephone ( office) 686-1371 Mrs. Donald 11unt Secretary . t� 138 Federal St. Salem, Mass. 01970 Clerk of Historical Commissions At the present time, I do not wish to be included in the Salem Common Historical District. Very truly yours, j c IICII Baker es. .—.Treas. ycinda Realty Corp. 98 Washington Square E. Salem, Mass. 01970 Return Receipt Requested a' on)Iell Funeral Home 46 Washington Square Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Thomas A. O'Donnell Telephone Director ® (617) 744-2350 March 15, 1976 Salem Historic District Commission One Salem Green Salem , Massachusetts 01970 Board Members : This is to inform you that we, the property owners at 46 Washington Square , Salem Massachusetts, .do not desire to have our property included in the Salem Common Historic District. Your compliance with our wish will be appreciated. Mrs. DoroVhy V. O'Donnell Mr. Thomas A. O'Donnell sst./dvod/taod. a19 ;7D �� � � tCr• � ,t� � f ;/ Sr N"\' \/ ,.. �S `b�7 •.��F= F p' rZZ , LA tao 7 S K' / � � �� m r 1 Allt SiLA v E • w�� toxo CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS A p' Y-� OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Ric j� SEP Date September 22, 1977 a 1977 SALEM P LANNING DEPT_ TO Greg Senko City Planner WASHINGTON SQ. HISTORIC DISTRICT Dear Sir: At a regular meeting of the City Council held in the Council Chamber on the above date the enclosed was enacted. ATTEST: Enc. JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO, CITY CLERK J In the year one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven. An Orbinanre relative to the Establishment of the Washington Square Historic District. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: . Whereas the City Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical Commission, constituted pursuant to the Historic Districts Ordinance of the City of Salem adopted by the City Council , Nov under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws , Chaptember 24, 1971 , er Nov has conducted an investigation and reported to the Planning Board of the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Historical Commission on the historical and architectual significance of the buildings, structures or sites to be included in the proposed Washington Square Historic District as provided in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C; and Whereas the City Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical Commission has held a public hearing sixty days after transmitting its report on the proposed Washington Square Historic District to the Planning Board of the City of Salem and to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, pursuant to due notice, all as provided in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C; and WhereastheCity Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical commission has submitted a final report with its recommendations, a map of the proposed Washington Square Historic District and a draft of a proposed ordinance to the City Council ; Now , therefore; Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem as follows : Section 1 This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as The Washington Square Historic District Ordinance under the authority of the Historic Districts Act, Massachusetts General Laws , Chapter 40C and under the authority of the Historic Districts Ordinance of Salem. Section 11 There is hereby established under the provisions of the Historic Districts Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C and under the provisions of the Historic Districts Ordinance of Salem, an Historic District to be known as the Washington Square Historic District which District shall include all the land and buildings comprising the Salem Common, the monument at Washington Square North and Winter Street, and all the land and buildings comprising the parcels facing or abutting on Washington Square N. , E. , S. , W., and other streets as set forth herein with street addresses on Washington Square North beginning with and including at the Westerly extreme, 19� Washington Square N. and extending East along Washington Square North ending with and including 47-49 Washington Square N; 2 Oliver Street; Winter Street numbers 21, 23, 24, 24k, and 26; Washington Square West number 2-28, the Hawthorne Inn and number 13, the Andrew-Safford House, and 120-126 Essex Street, the Crowinshield-Bentley House, Washington Square South, numbers 38 through 60-62 and 84-88 Essex Street, the Phillips School; Washington Square East numbers 72 through 80; and 1 Forrester Street. Boundaries of the Washington Square Historic District listed under Section II extended to include all the land and buildings comprising the parcels facing or abutting on streets as set forth herein with street addresses 128 Essex Street, Gardner-Pingree House and barn; 132-124 Essex Street, the Essex Institute and Library, the Doll House, and the Lyle-Tapley Shoe Shop; 9 Brown Street, the John Ward House; 3-5 Brown Street; and 1 Brown Street. Specifically excluded from the Washington Square Historic District shall be No. 45 Washington Sq. North and No. 46 Washington Square South. The boundaries of said District are established as shown on the attached map entitled " Washington Square Historic District Map" which map is made a part of this Ordinance. Section III - The establishment of the Washington Square Historic District under Section II of this ordinance shall not become effective until the first day of the third month after the effective date of this Ordinance. Section IV All powers and duties set forth in the Historic Districts Ordinance adopted by the City Council on November- 24, 1971, shall be incorporated in this Washington Square. Historic District Ordinance, with the exception that the authority of-the Commission shall be limited to exterior architectual features within the Washington Square Historic District which are subject to view from all streets named and included within the boundaries-of the District. Section V This Ordinance shall take effect as provided in the City Charter. In City Council September 8, 1977 - Adopted for first passage by Roll Call Vote of 11 Yeas. In City Council September 22, 1977. Adopted for second and final passage by a unanimous Roll Call Vote of 11 Yeas Approved by the Mayor on September 26, 1977. ATTEST: 5LIJo-sephine R. Fusco City Clerk I . Introduction One of the duties of an Historical Commission as provided for under Chapter 40C, General Laws, and amended by Chapter 359 of the Acts of 1971, is not only to implement an approved ordinance as it relates to esisting Historic Districts but also to work as a study committee in the creation of new districts . Thus, after careful consideration, on June 6, 1972, the Salem Historical Commission voted unanimously that "All houses numbered, facing or abutting North, East, South and West on Washington Square be included in the area for study for the purpose of forming a new district by the Salem Historical Commission." ANP13%5nl �tx� *23r�Q(, Win121 Qdded. II. Method of Inventory and Reasons for Choices The Salem Historical Commission, with the assistance of board members from Historic Salem, Inc. , followed the example set forth by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and its guidelines to properly make inventory of all buildings and property related to the Salem Common area. The result of this work is contained on the forms entitled "Building Survey Forms B." Accompanying each form is a colored photograph as a visual record of the information these contain. Following individual study of other areas in Salem worthy of Historic District status and protection, the Commission decided that the Salem Common, with its easily identifiable natural boundaries along with its relation to Salem history and containing a majority of homes and buildings of important architectural significance, would be a logical area to be designated next as an Historic District. A public hearing was held by the Salem Historical Commission on May 2, 1973. At that time, representatives of several businesses located around the Common expressed opposition to being included in an historic district. Although the majority of property owners on Washington Square favored the creation of a district, the Commission decided to proceed with the proposal for the Derby Street District (which was presented at the same hearing and had stronger support) and to postpone submitting the Common proposal in the hope that some of its opponents might subsequently change their minds. During the intervening time, a neighborhood association, The Salem Common and Custom House Association was formed and its officers expressed a desire to reactivate the proposal. Mr. William Quinn, current President of that organization met with the Commission in December, 1975 and again in February, 1976. At the latter meeting, the pro- posal was reviewed and the Commission decided that so much time had elapsed that it would be wise to hold a second public hearing on the district. III. Justification of the Historic District A. Description of Proposed District as a Whole To avoid confusion, since a proposal has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission to place the Salem Common Area _ 2 on the National Register, it was decided to refer to the local district as the Washington Square Historic District. The Salem Common and its boundaries, also referred to as Washington Square, is comprised of four streets known as Washington Square East, Washington Square North, Washington Square West and Washington Square South. Washington Square is the name given to the Common in 1802 by the selectmen. Their old names of Pleasant, Brown, Newbury and Bath were not changed until 1880, however. Before Beverly Bridge was built in 1788 and the Common was filled and leveled in 1802, this land was not highly developed or particularly desirable. Those two events made it a valuable residential area where successful merchants soon built their large brick mansions just prior to 1820. These large homes are particularly impressive on the north and east sides of Washington Square and are outstanding examples of the Federal style. Complimenting these are also handsome houses of the Greek Revival style. Washington Square South contains Salem's largest and finest hotel to dates the Hawthorne Motor Hotel. Built in the 1920's , its main entrance is on Washington Square West. The Phillips School, rebuilt in 1883, and homes of the Italianate or Greek Revival periods also face the Common from this side. The shortest of the streets surrounding the Common is Washington Square West, formerly Newbury Street, and is the location of the Andrews-Safford House, built in 1818, and the Crowninshield-Bentley House, 1727, both owned by the Essex Institute. It is also the site of our important statue of Roger Conant. H. B. Adams wrote in an article in the Essex Institute Histor- ical Collections that the present Common was a town waste in the early days and called the Town Swamp. On November 16, 1713, the town voted that the Common lands be and remain to continue forever for a Training Field for the Use of the town of Salem. Governor Hutchinson, just prior to being supplanted by General Gage as Governor in 1774, came to Salem and reviewed the First Essex Regiment on the Common. In 1781, the firing of a cannon on the Common was an event to mark the news that Cornwallis had capitulated had reached Salem. It was also fired in honor of George Washington on his birthday, February 11, 1790, and other festive occasions. In 1801, Elias Hasket Derby was elected Colonel of the newly reorganized Salem Militia, and it was he who sparked the private subscription to level the Common and iay it down to grass with gravel walks, to plant a double row ollLombardy Poplar trees around. it and enclose it with a fence. Samuel McIntire designed four gateways to the Common which were removed around 1850. It is thought that the present iron fence was erected at this time. The iron fence around the Common and those which enclose front yards of many of the houses tie the two together and provide additional interest for the observer. - 3 - The Salem Park Department acquired the Common (about nine acres ) in 1928 as a playground. The center grandstand was built in 1926 and the statue of Roger Conant northwest of the Common was dedicated in 1913, designed by Henry Kitson for the Conant Family Association to honor Salem's first leader and founder. B. Boundaries of the District The District we propose to be identified as the Washington Square Historic District is to include all the land and buildings comprising the parcels numbered, facing or abutting the Common as followst Washington Square West on the Westerly side No. 5-7 (or 126 Essex Street) and all other property of the Essex Institute bounded by Essex Street, the Salem Armory and Brown Street (including No. 128 and 132 Essex Street, the John. Ward House and all other buildings contained on the Institute grounds , and No. 13 Washington Square West; and on the Easterly side No. 18 (Hawthorne Motor Hotel) , On Washington Square North, from the corner of Kimball Court, Nos. 19 through 53. On Washington Square East from the corner of Essex Street, Nos . 70 through 98 and including No. 1 Forrester Street. On Washington Square South, Nos . 38 through 62. C. Description of Individual Buildings -- See Building Survey Form B. previously submitted to the Massachusetts ,Historical Commission and also National Register forms for buildings on Essex Institute property. IV. Options and Recommendations The Historical Commission recommends that the Washington Square Historic District be subject to the same conditions as outlined in the Salem Historical Commission Ordinance approved by the Mayor on November 30, 1971, as it now applies to the Chestnut Street Historic District, the Derby Street Historic District and the Federal Street Area Historic District. V. Bibliography A. Research The Salem Historical Commission wishes to acknowledge its great debt to the original Salem Historic District Study Committee, chaired under Sumner Low Raymond, and the valuable research of Mrs. Elizabeth Reardon (Mrs. Theodore Frothingham III) as submitted to the Mayor in 1968. Much of the historical and architectural in- formation contained in this report is drawn from the Salem Historic District Study Committee Investigation (S . H. D. S. C. I. ) , the full bibliography for which is listed in Volume III of said study. f 4 _ Research by Historic Salem, Inc. , has also been helpful as has information in the Essex Institute Historical Collections and Salem deeds and assessor's records. B. Map See attached map. Source for base map, Salem Assessor's Maps , prepared under the direction of the Salem Board of Assessors by Avis Airmap Inc. a.COD2�,ba . 9 1 m a � F �folm Salem Historical Commission CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Salem Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on Phursday, February 10, 1977. at 7: 30 p.m. at the Community Room of the Salem Five Cents Saving Bank, 210 Essex Street, Salem, Nass. for the purpose of reviewing a proposal of the Salem Historical Commission recommending the creation of a local historic district, the Washington Square Historic District, including property on the following streets: Washington Square North, Washington Square West, Washington Square South, Washington Square East, Winter Street, Oliver Street, Essex Street, and Forrester Street; and the Salem Common. Ay E.B.Wheaton Clerk for the Salem Historical Commission January 25, 1977 ISTORIC DISTRICT a z Legal Notices SALEM The Salem.Historical Commission is again proposing establishment of,A historic district in-' NOTICE OF the area of Salem..Common PUBLIC HEARINGS A historic district,for the neighborhoods surrounding Notice is hereby given that the the Common was unsuccessfully proposed two years Salem Historical Commission ago: will hold a public hearing on s Wednesday night the t-ommission will hold a public : Wednesday,March 17, 1976,at 8 hearing in the third floor conference room at City Hall p.m. at One Salem Green,third Annex; One Salem Green, to review the proposal floor conference.area, for:the' " n again.-The hearing will begin at 8. m : g g g p: purpose of reviewing a proposal- The proposed Washington Square Historic District of the Salem Historical Commis would include all the land and buildings facing or abut- Sion recommending the erection ting the Salem Common as follows... of a localhistoric district.,the Washington Square West,numbers 13 and 18; Essex ','" Washington Square . Historic.. Street; numbers 126 through 132;Washington Square,`;' District, including all the: land North, 19 to 53; Washington Square East,70 to 98 and -; and .buildings comprising the including 1 Forrester St.; Essex Street:64 to 70; and ' parcels .numbered, facing,or Washington.Square South, 38 through 62 abutting the- Common :as If ultimately approved, the area could become the follows: Washington ,Square city's fourth historic district afterChestnutStreet West,Nos. 13&18,Essex Street. Derby Street;and the pending Federal Street districts Nos.126-132; Washington Square Federal Street was scheduled for approval by the North. Nos. 19x3;. Washington city council last week but was kept in committee , ;Square East, Nos.'70.98•and because of last minute objection was raised by funeral including No:1,Forrester Street; 2=. director Francis J. Murphy whose business is located Essex Street, Nos., 64-70;. `, on the edge of the proposed district ; Washington Square South, Nos. I,. 38 through 62. ELI7,ABETH S. HUNT, Clerk for the Salem Historical Commission March 11976 , p ; V'CONNT,I,� 3 y a MNE GO*r Salem Historical CommissIf ion CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. Ot57O ROBERT L. SCAGLIOTTI. CHAIRMAN GEORGE A. AHMEO, VICE-CHAIRMAN ELLEN C.WELCH. SECRETARY '1 ERWIN BISHOP - - RAYMOND L.CHALIFOUR THOMAS MACLEAN GRIFFIN E01YAR9 J.-R 0191ki 7AME6 h_ CALLRHAN z First Draft Preliminary Report by Salem Historical Commission i Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Method of Inventory and Reasons for Choices III. Justification of the Historic Districts A. Description of Proposed Districts as a Whole B. Boundaries of the Districts C. Description of Individual Buildings (Form B. Building Survey Forms) IV. Options and Recommendations V. Bibliography A. Research B. Maps i, I INTRODUCTION One of the duties of an Historical Commission as provided for under Chapter 40C, General Laws, and amended by Chapter 359 of the Acts of 1971, is not only to implement an approved ordi- nance as it relates to existing Historic Districts but also to work as a study committee in the creation of new districts. Thus, after careful consideration, on June 6, 1972, the Salem Historical Commission voted unanimously that "All houses num- bered, facing or abutting North , East, South and West on Washington Square be included in the area for study for the purpose of forming a new district by the Salem Historical Commission. " On September 6, 1972, after further consideration and interest shown by the Maritime National Historic Site, the Commission also voted unanimously that "all houses numbered, facing or abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including #27 Herbert Street down to and including the Rum Shop on the north side of Derby Street and on the south side of Derby Street beginning with and including #159 Derby Street, proceeding along Derby Wharf and the Naval Reserve property be included In the area for study for the purpose of forming a new district, to be known as the Custom House- District. - METHOD OF INVENTORY AND REASONS FOR CHOICES Over the past six months the Commission, with the assistance of board members from Historic Salem, Inc, has followed the example set forth by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and its guidelines to properly make inventory of all buildings 2. and property related to the Salem Common area, The result of this work is contained herein on the forms entitled "Building Survey Forms B. " Accompanying each form is a colored photo- graph' as a visual record of the information these contain. Following individual study of other areas in Salem worthy R of Historic District status and protection, the Commission de- clded that the Salem Common, with its easily identifiable natural boundaries along with its relation to Salem history and containing a majority of homes and buildings of important architectural significance, would be a logical area to be designated next as an Historic District, At a subsequent meeting, it was decided to include Derby Street along with the Salem Common as the next Historic District because of the interest shown by the Maritime National Historic Site and also because of the great concern of the deterioration of Derby Street by its residents. However, due to the opposi- tion of a few of the residents, the area is centered around the Custom House, and therefore called the Custom House District, III, JUSTIFICATION OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS A. Description of Proposed districts as a Whole 1, Salem Common Area The Salem Common and its boundaries, also referred to as Washington Square, is comprised of four streets known as Washington Square East, Washington Square North, Washington Square West and Washington Square South. Washington Square is the name given to the Common in 1802 by the selectmen. 3. Their old names of Pleasant, Brown, Newbury and Bath were not Cchanged until 1880, however. ' Before Beverly' Bridge was built In 1788 and the Common was filled and leveled in 1802, this land was not highly developed or particularly desirable. Those two events made, it a valuable residential area where successful merchants soon built their large brick mansions just prior to 1820. These large homes are particularly im- pressive on the north and east sides of Washington Square and are outstanding examples of the Federal style. Complimenting these are also handsome houses of the Greek Revival style. Washington Square South contains Salem's largest and finest hotel to dates the Hawthorne Motor Hotel. Built in the 19201s, its main entrance is on Washington Square West. The Phillips School, rebuilt in 1883, and homes of the Italian- J ate or Greek Revival periods also face the Common from this side. The shortest of the streets surrounding the Common is Washington Square West, formerly Newbury Street, and is the location of the Andrews-Safford House, built in 1818, and the Crowninshield-Bentley House, 1727, both owned by the Essex Institute. It is also the site of our important statue of Roger Conant. H. B. Adams wrote in an article in the Essex Institute Historical Collections that the present Common was a town waste in the early days and called the Town Swamp. On November 16, 1713, the town voted that the Common lands be and remain to continue forever for a Training Field for the Use of the town of Salem. 't f F 4 Governor Hutchinson, just prior to being supplanted by General Gage as Governor in 1774, came to Salem and reviewed the First Essex Regiment on the Common. In 1781, the firing of a cannon on the Common was an event to mark the news that Cornwallis had capitulated had reached Salem. It was also fired in honor .of George Washington on his birthday, February 11, 1790, and other festive occasions. In 1801, Elias Hasket Derby was elected Colonel of the newly reorganized Salem Militia, and it was he who sparked the private subscription to level the Common and lay it down to grass with gravel walks, to plant a double row of Lombardy Poplar trees around it and enclose it with a fence. y Samuel McIntire designed four gateways to the Common which were removed around 18$0. It is thought that the present Iron fence was erected at this time. The iron fence around the Common and those which enclose front yards of many of the houses tie the two together and provide additional interest for the observer. The Salem Park Department acquired the Common (about nine acres) in 1928 as a playground. The center grandstand was built in 1926 and the statue of Roger Conant northwest of the Common was dedicated in 1913, designed by Henry Kitson for the Conant Family Association to honor Salem's first leader and founder. 2. Custom House Area It is rather difficult to discover the exact origins of Derby Street because it was not all laid out at once. The major part of the street seems to be accounted for in this note taken from the town records by Felti "March 8, 1762. 5. O ' A Way of two poles wide to be allowed from Daniels ' Lane to Becket's Lane . " The relative newness of the street, however, does not mean that the area was inactive before 1762. The development of the street was probably closely tied to the history of the wharves near it. Long Wharf, or Union Wharf, at the end of Union Street, was begun in the first half of the 1700's. Derby Wharf was begun by Captain Richard Derby in 1762 which, coincidentally, is the same year in which the Street was continued as far as Becket Street. During the heyday of Salem's foreign commerce, from around the time of the Revolution when privateers sailed out to harass the British)to the 1820's when Salem' s trade began to decline because the harbor wasn't deep enough to accomodate the fast new clipper ships, Derby Street must have been a very busy and exciting street where strange new objects were seen and smelled and strange tales of wild adventures repeated. It was a street of wharves, houses and shops. Hawthorne, writing of the period when he was at the Custom House during the 18401s, described the street as one of shops, grocers , block-makers, shop-sellers, and ship chandlers. Despite the fact that many of the old houses and shops have been replaced by larger dwellings, the closeness of the buildings, the remaining old structures, and the glimpses of old houses down the streets on either side of Derby Street still convey a general impression of an� old Salem Street. Certainly the Custom House , Derby House, Home for Aged Women and Derby Wharf are one of the most impressive groups of i k 6. buildings to be found anywhere which relate to the early �l maritime history of this country, The Custom House, an imposing brick (Flemish bond) building, was erected in 1819. It was here that Nathaniel Hawthorne was Surveyor of the Port from 1846 to 1849, where he is thought to have worked on the Scarlet Letter, his first successful novel. Hawthorne, himself, described the Custom House for ust "From the loftiest point of its roof, during precisely three and a half hours of each forenoon, floats or droops, in breeze or calm, the banner of the republic . . . (the building's ) front is ornamented with a portico of half a dozen wooden pillars, supporting a balcony, beneath which a flight of wide granite descends to the street. Over the Oentrance hovers an enormous specimen of the American Eagle, with outspread wings, a shield before her breast, and, if I recollect aright, a bunch of intermingled thunderbolts and barbed arrows in each claw Hawthorne also explained that the building was "intended to accomodate a hoped-for increase in the commercial prosperity of this place --- hopes destined never to be realized --- and was built a world too large for any necessary purpose, even at the time when India was a new region, and only Salem knew the way thither. " B. BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICTS The District we propose to be identified as the Salem Common District is to include all the land and buildings com- prising the parcels numbered, facing or abutting the Common i 7. i as follows Washington Square West on the Westerly side #5-7 (or 126 Essex St. ) - ##13 and Easterly side ##18 (Hawthorne Motor Hotel) , On Washington Square North, from the corner of Kimball Court, . Nos, 19 through 53. On Washington Square East from the corner of Essex Street, Nos, 70 through 98 and including No, 1 Forrester Street, On Washington Square South, Nos, 38 through 62. The district we propose to be identified as the Custom House District is to include all houses numbered, facing or abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including ##27 Herbert Street (on the corner of Herbert Street and Derby Street) , 14 and 16 Hodges Court (abutting Derby Street) , 188 Derby Street (11 Hodges Court). 180 Derby Street, 168 Derby Street, Derby House, Hawkes House, The Rum Shop, 159 Derby Street, Derby Wharf and National Maritime Site property, C. Description of Individual Buildings -- See Building Survey Form B. included. IV. OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The Historical Commission recommends that the Salem Common District and the Custom'House District be subject to the same conditions as outlined in the Salem Historical Commission Ordinance approved by the Mayor on November 30, 1971, as it now applies to the Chestnut Street Historic District. We recommend that an additional member be appointed to the Salem Historical Commission, one each from both the Salem Common District and the Custom House District, I V. BIBLIOGRAPHY A. Research The new Salem Historical Commission wishes to acknowledge its great debt to the original Salem Historic District Study Committee, chaired under Sumner Low Raymond, and the valuable S research of Mrs. Elizabeth Reardon (Mrs. Theodore Frothingham III) as submitted to the Mayor in 1968. Historic facts listed in this report are a condensation of the original study and full bibliography listed in Volume III of said study. B. Map or Maps. (This will be a separate page with maps attached. ) h � �\ \.�!� 6 InCD 0 11 �^i ) eq 1: WASHINGTON SQUARE HISTORIC DISTHIM Listing of street addresses Brown Street 1 Brown 3-5 Brown, parking lot 9 Brown, John Ward House Essex Street 9:9B� Phillips School 120-126 Essex, Crowninshield-Bentley House 128 Essex, Gardner-Pingree House 132-134 Essex, the Essex Institute and Library, the Doll House., the Lyle- Tapley Shoe Shop Forrester Street 1 Forrester Oliver Street 2 Oliver Washington Square East 72 Washington Sq. E. 74 Washington Sq. E. 78 Washington Sq. E. 80 Washington Sq. E. Washington Square North 19z Washington Sq. N 21 Washington Sq. N. 25 Washington Sq. N. 29 Washington Sq. N. 31 Washington Sq. N. 35 Washington Sq. N. 39-41 Washington Sq. N. 47-49 Washington Sq. N. Washington Square South 38 Washington Sq. S. 56 Washington Sq. S. 60-62 Washington Sq. S. Washington Sq. West 2-28 Washington Sq. W., Hawthorne Inn 13 Washington Sw. W., Andrew Safford House Winter Street 21 Winter 23 Winter 24 Winter 24J Winter 26 Winter . Y Salem Historical Commission CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970 WASHINGTON SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR Background A subscription drive in 18O2 'transformed the Salem Common from an undeveloped tract of swampy town land with roaming animals into s desirable residential area to which successful merchants looked as a location for the large brick Federal mansions they built. The sub- scription project sparked by Elias Hasket Derby graded and filled the nine-acre tract, planted grass and a double row of Lombardy poplar trees, and added gravel walks and a wooden with four grand arches. Samuel McIntire carved a medallion portrait of George. Washington for the arch today reproduced in the south-east corner, and the selectmen renamed the town common, Washington Square. All this following on a general increase in interest in this area of town due to the completion of the bridge to Beverly in 1788. With the leveling of the Common, land use patterns began to change, elegant houses replacing the tanyards, ,ropewalks, and artisans' shops which had located there for many years and were further stimulated by the Beverly bridge completion. Wealthy merchants built on the North and East sides and John Andrews on the short West side, Washington Square South, then Bath Street, having lots to shallow to.accomodate their large houses with attendant chaise houses and gardens. Today Greek Revival and Italianate houses have joined the Federal period structures and the iron fence erected in 1850 compliments those which enclose front yards of many of the houses. The bandstand was added in 1926. Walking Tour A walking tour of the Washington Square Historic District must begin on the North side with the imposing Flemish bond mansions in the Federal style. It will then move around to the West with the Andrew-Safford House and the Essex Institute buildings, to the South and East. Of course, several fine-structures on the Common are not part of the district, and you may want to discuss the political processes which are part of the creation of local districts and may alter the most appropriate boundaries, Several buildings on the East side are nice examples of what local districting is designed_ to protect (Nathaniel Silsbee House, 1832, Greek Revival at #96 and Jabez Baldwin House, 1809-1812, Federal at #90-92) and to prevent (Knights of Columbus sign and entrance on Federal structure with Italianate alterations at #94). In the district itself, you may want to comment on the following structures in particular;--beginning with three great brick Federal mansions: 29 Washington Square Norths 1818, Federal Architectures 3 story plus hip roof, Flemish bond balustrade on roof beaded keystones in stone lintels above windows typical entrance portico wooden, beaded cornice with modillions brick chaise house additions one story wing on Fast side added in latter nineteenth century History: Built for John Forrester, son of Simon Forrester who was one of Salem's most successful merchantsi George Peabody lived here from 1831-1892 where it is said he often entertained Longfellow, Agassiz, and Lowell, 31 Washington Square Norths 1820, Federal Architectures 3 story plus hip roof, Flemish bond rectangular entrance portico, wooden balustrade with unusual flame-like finials molded brick cornice second Federal-style pedimented entrance on Oliver Street ell chaise house with large old clock set in brickwork above entrance 2 Oliver-3$ Washington Square North: c. 18189 Federal Architectures typical 3 story plus hip roof, tall slender chimneys matching rectangular entrance porticos note skillful way in which the two rectangular masses have been joined together to fit the corner location wooden cornice with beads similar to #29 stone window lintels with beaded keystones and splayed sides chaise house Turning from these three, #39-41 is interesting for the modifications evident as Greek Revival style is being introduced: 39-41 Washington Square Norths c. 1830, late Federal Architectures Double house said to have been planned as part of a row of attached houses to continue to Pleasant Street Greek Revival details appearing include recessed arched entrances and long French windows here with iron balconies note also straight-sided reeded stone window lintels, wooden cornice, first floor elevated above a windowed half story, brick ells with parapeted end chimneys Of note on Winter Street are the followings 26 Winter Street, Joseph Story Houses 1811, Federal Architecture: 3 story plus hip roof, Flemish bond front portico has been altered--present arrangement dates from 1901, Colonial style I splayed. reeded stone window lintels Historys Joseph Story was one of the most important of Salem's distinguished jurists. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, and as justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. During his tenure on the Court, Story credited with contributing to the preservation of the common law system in America and strengthening the union of the states in his support of a strong central government. Active role in founding Harvard Law School, first Dane professor of Law. Entertained President Monroe and General Lafayettee in the house. Joseph Story, 1780-1845: appointed to Supreme Court in 18119 same year he built the house. 244 Winter Streets 1875-1900, Queen Anne Style "Eastlake Cottage," fancy shingled, gables, dormers, bays, spindles, varied window shapes and sizes. Typical of this attempt to look "homemade" in a style reacting against industrial revolution. 24 Winter Streets 1830-1850, Greek Revival Architectures one of few brick Greek Revival houses in Salem original recessed entrance has been "colonialized," bay window added Historys John Bertram, Salem's greatest philanthropist, who went to sea as a young man before finally acquiring his own fleet apparently lived herel later moved to house which is now the Main Branch Library 23 Winter Streets 1830-1850, Greek Revival Architectures matched board gable end suggests architecture of Greek temple modillions, pilaster strips at corners, wide entablature all Greek-inspired Victorian trim on door and bay window later additions Moving around to the West side, you will want to point out two additional outstanding Federal structures, both part of the Essex Institute complex: 13 Washington Square West, Andrew Safford House: 1818, late Federal Architecture: 3 story plus hip roof brick house large columns on south side large size lightened by many delicate Federal features including: 2 balustrades around the hip roof, lower with unusual fan motif= wooden cornice; played stone window lintels with beaded keystones= central front portico combines 2 popular forms of the period, the oblong plus semi-circular projection, 2 columna each side, balustrade atop portico accents its importance as does heavily 1lnteled Palladian window original 6 over 6 windows replaced by 2 over 2 note garden, stable, brick chaise house with shallow, arched indented panels, entrance flanked with semicircular fanlights over single doors 128 Essex Street, Gardner-Fingree Hous: 1804, Federal Architectures Designed by Samuel McIntire, fine example of his mature work in fully developed neo- classical style note flatness of facade, rhythm of rectangular shapes in repetition and curves of fanlight and delicate portico attenuating proportions had nothing todo with taxes on stories or window panes, asthetic gracefully flared stone lintels note should be made of the delicately carved mantels and excellent interior decoration in the Federal style, house is open to the public History: Built for John Gardner in 1804 whose fortunes followed those of many in this period of Salem's history first wealth and then forced tol gave the house by 1814. Owned from 1834 to 1932 by David Pingree and his widow and son, David. Given to the Essex Institute by David Pingree's heirs in 1933• Other buildings in the Institute complex includes 120-126 Essex Street, Crowninshield-Bentley House: 17279 Georgian Architectures Built in 1727 but remodeled in 1794in the style of the 1780's, moved to site _ Gambrel roof, Beverly jog Historys Built for John Crowninshield and lived in by 4 generations for over 105 years. Noted diarist and clergyman, The Reverend William Bentley, boarded at the house fro 1791 to 1819. You might want to note that the Salem Witch Museum at 191 Washington Squ. N. once housed Bentley's East Church, built some years after his death, designed by noted architect Minard Lafever in 1846 in the Gothic Revival style. 132-134 Essex Street, the Essex Institute and Library: Plummer Hall, 1857 and the John Tucker Deland House, 18519 Italianate (1907 connector unit and 1966-67 addition) 9 Brown Street, John Ward Houses 1684, etc., seventeenth century (moved to this sits) Moving by the Hawthorne Inn to the South and East sides of the Commons 2-28 Washington Square West, Hawthorns Inns 1920'99 Colonial Revival Replaced brick stores designed by McIntire which burned down in 1860. 38 Washington Square South: 1809, Federal Architectures good example of Federal wooden house 3 story plus hip roof delicate details include rope-trimmed cornice simple entrance with semieliptical fanlight, square columns unusual for Federal period may not be original thrid floor windows smaller than usual note fanlight in service all which probably was originally an entrance brick foundation unusual for Federal periods may not be original 74 Washington Square Hast, The Clifford Crowninshield Houses begun in 1804, Federal Architectures designed by Samuel McIntire typical large Federal structure with 3 stories plus balustraded hip roof, eliptical, balustraded front portico with delicate fanlight several rearranged ells elegant chaise house #72 built in its garden Historys Built by Clifford Crowninshield= later lived in by Captain James Devereux, captain of ship Franklin which was the first American vessel to trade with Japan in 1803 1 Forrester Streets 1770 or earlier, Pre-Federal style Architectures one of the early houses remaining, some were torn down to make way for Federal grandeur may contain parts of a earlier, seventeenth century house large, square central chimneys paired windows characteristic of the Pre-Federal style entrance with enclosed pedimented porch c Minutes of the Public Hearing for Establishment of Washin ton Square Historic District Wednesday, March 17, 1976 r .. The hearing for the establishment of the Washington Square Historic District was held on Wednesday, March 17, 1970' , at 1 Salem Green, at eight p, m. Commission members attending were Mr. Chalifour (Chairman)_, Mr. Ahmed, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Savickey and Mrs . Welch. About fifty residents of the square and neighbors attended. Mr. Chalifour welcomed those present and announced that Massachusetts Historical Commission has approved the Salem Commis- sion's plan for putting the large area around Washington Square on the National Register. He explained this makes residents eligible to apply for matching grants for improvements to their properties from the National Park Service. Mr. Chalifour then outlined the general purpose of the estab- lishment of Historic Districts . He outlined the conditions under Chapter 40C and said the Commission has control over exterior changes made to a building, visible from the street only. He quoted the ordinances now in effect for the other historic dis- tricts , the make-up of the Salem Historical Commission and its primary purpose, that of helping people who ask its advice. He then invited questions from the audience. Mr. Leonard Carroll, representing the Knights of Columbus, asked if the minority are forced into a district if they don' t want it. The answer from the Chairman was that every objector is care- fully considered, the boundaries of the district may be increased or made smaller subject to the wishes of the residents , and that the final decision whether or not a, district is established lies with the City Council. Mrs . Doering asked if. people must be property owners . The answer was yes . Are any. organizations excluded? The answer was no. Who are the members of the Commission? The Chair- man introduced each member. Whatis the effect on real estatevalues if a district is established? Mr. Ahmed said that business is good on Derby Street because people have confidence in preserving values . Who made the judgment that Salem Common is historic? The .Chair- man said that members- of the Commission had spent much time on re- search on material. filed at the Essex Institute and other sources. Could Witchcraft Heights qualify? The answer was that it couldn' t yet, but nearby streets , such as Boston Street could. Once more the question was asked about the unwillingness of the minority to be included. Mr. Chalifour referred the question to Councillor Swiniuch, Councillor Swiniuch replied that recently one property was excluded in the formation of the. Federal Street District because the owner did not want to be in the District. If a property owner didn' t want to be in the District and was 'included, would he then not be restricted? If he wanted to change the color of his house or make exterior alterations, would he not HAVE to conform? asked another. Mr. William J. Toomey answered that it deprives ( ' you of your constitutional rights . He read a letter, stating he was ' - the owner of 96 Washington Square East and that he and Mrs. Toomey are opposed to the district. We are overburdened with rules and regulations . The Salem city government is over-regulating its Washington Square Hearing 3/17/76.. 2. citizens . It is costly for them and is another burden added to - that already which has to be borne, he said. . Mr. Mulisky, 19 Washington Square and Mr. Carroll, representing the Knights of Columbus , 94 Washington Square East,stated that they wished to be excluded. Ms . M. H. Copeland, 74 Washington, Square, wished to be included. Mr. Daniels of Boardman-Street said he isn' t in the proposed dis- trict but would like to have it expanded to include his property. _ _.- He- feels that, commercialintrusion in the neighborhood would _.be _very . _ _ costly for the homeowners . Several questions were asked about notification to homeowners as to when the question of the district would come before the City Council. Councillor Swiniuch replied that public meetings were held by the City Council before the Derby and Federal Street dis- tricts were voted. Washington Square would follow this procedure. Those opposed to 'the District were recorded, by voice or letter, as follows : Knights of Columbus 94 Washington Square East Mulisky 19 - " North O'Donnell 80 E " East O'Donnell 46 " South Welch , 51-53 North Welch 82 East Baker 98 North Lesses 60-62 South Toomey 96 East Mr. Ahmed suggested that others opposed write to the Commission. Letters are not required but are helpful. In answer to a question if tenants have any say, the answer was no . Mr. Ahmed also said that many Derby Street residents were originally against a district but later changed their minds . Ms . Sally Dee asked for a show of handsfor those in favor. Although h not in the- district - g proposed,:: she-.wished to be reoorded in favor. Only property owners should vote. 8 were recorded in favor, 3 in the negative. . Mrs . Doering asked if multiple property owners had only one vote. = Answer, :only one-vote. ...The. meeting : adjourned at 9: 10. - Respectfully submitted, Ellen` C . Welch Clerk pro tempore Mr. and Mrs . Doering suggested that the Commission prepare a petition to be signed by the- property owners in favor of the district. While out of the Commission' s jurisdiction, it has been asked to. review plans for a Building Trades Center adjacent to the National Register District on Bridge Street, to -be built by the Maguire Brothers . The approach to the building and its parking site was criticized. Members felt the parking lot should be put at the rear for greater safety. The roof plan also left something to be de- sired aesthetically. E. C. W. `1-Minutea of the Public Hearing for Establishment of Washington Square Historic District- Wednesday,March 17, 1976- The Hearing for the establishment of the Washington Square Historic District was held on Wednesday, March 17,1976 at 1 Salem Green at eight o 'clock. Commission members who attended were The Chairman, Mr Cl]alifour, Mr Ahiped, Mr Callahan, Mr Bishop, Mr Savicky and Mrs W elch. About fifty residents of the square and neighbors attended. Mr Cha.lifour welcomed those present and LXXXKKXM XXX and annoiInced that the Massachusetts Historic Commission has approved the Salem Commission' s plan for putting, the large area around Washington Square 6n the National Register. He explained this makes residents eligible to apply for matching grants for improvements to their properties from the National Park Service, Mr Chalifour then outlined the general purpose of the establishment of Historic Districts.He outlined the conditions under Chapter 40 C, and said the Commission has control over exterior changes made to a ..1 building ,visible from the street only. He quoted the ordances now in effect for the other Historic Districts, the make up of the Salem Commission and its primary purpose, that of helping people who ask its advice. He then invited questions from the audience. Mr Leonard Carroll, representing the Knights of Columbus asked If the minority are forced into a District if thev don' t want it. The answer from the Chairman was that every ob,jetor is carefully con- sidered, the boundaries of the district may be increasek or made smaller subject to the wishes of the residents, and that the final decision whether or not a district is established lies with the City Council Mrs Doering asked if people must be property owners . The answer was yea. Are any organizations excl4 ded? The answer was no.Who are the members of the Commission? The Chairmen introduced 4,ach member,(. 2 Washington Sq. Hearing, cont. What is the effect on real estate values if a district is established? Mr Ahmed said that business is good on Derby Street because people have confidence in preserving values. e udgment that Salem Common is historic? The Chairman said who mad that members of the Commission had spent much time on research on material filed at the Essex Institute .and other sources. Could Witchcvaft Heights qualify? The answer was that it couldn' t yet, but nearby streets, such as Boston Street could. Once more the question was asked about m the unwillingness of the minority to be included. Mr Chalifour referred the question to Councillor Swiniuch Sxixxik. Councillor Swiniuch replied that recently one property was excluded in the formation of the Federal Street District because the owner did not want to be in the District. If. a property owner didn' t want to be in the District and was included, would he then not be restricted if he wanted to change the color of his house or make exterior alterations? Would you not HAEE to conform? asked another�. The answer was yes, borthe Commission has no stated policy about paint colors. It acts in advisory capacity only. Why is anyone against Historic Districts? asked another. Mr William J. Toomey answered that it deprives you of your constitutional rights. He read a letter, stating he was the owner of 96 Washington Sq,. East and that he and Mrs Toomey are opposed to the District. We are over- burdened with rules and regulations. The Salem city government is over regptlating. its citizens. It is costly for them and is another burden added to the already that has to be borne. 9 ®. , Mr Mulisky, 19 Washington Sq,,"Mr Carroll, representing the K of C,94 Washington Sq East stated they wish to be excluded. 74 Washington Sq wished to be included. Mr Daniels of Boardman Street said he isn't in the proposed district 3 Washington Square hearing cont but would like to have it expended to include his property. He. feels that commercial intrusion in the neighborhood would be very costly for the homeowners. Several questions were asked about notification to homegeneev as to when the question of the district would come before the City Council.Councillor Swiniuch reliblied that public meetings were held by the City Council before the Derby and Federal street districts were vot ed.Washington Square would follow this procedure. Those opposed to the District were recorded, by voice or letter as follows$ Knights of Columbus 94 East .Mulisky 19 North O'Donnell 80 East O'Donnell 46 South Welch 51-53 North — Est EH 5 T Baker 98 North Lesses 60-62 South Toomey 96 East Mr.Ahmed suggested that others opposed write to Commission, Letters are not regilired but helpful. In answer to a question if tenants have any say, the answer was no.Mr Ahmed also said that Manv Derby Street residents were originally against a district but later changed their minds. Miss Sally Dee asked for a show of hands for those in favor. Although not in the districT proposed, she wished to be recorded in favor. Only property owners should vote. 8 were recorded in favor 3 in the negative Mrs Doering asked if multiple property owners had only one vote. Answer, only one vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 R1"Hits Vier Doeringi suggested that the Commission prepare a petition to be signed by the property owners in favor of the district. Z hie out of the Commission' s ,jurisdiction, it has been asked to �W011k 4 Washington Seuare District hearing cont; review plans for a Building Trades Center adjacent to the National Register District on Bridge Street, to be built by the Maguire Brothers. The approach t; the building and its parking site was criticized. Members felt the parking lot should be put at the rear for greater safety. The roof plan also left something to be desited -,%xsk:ka&kX aesthetically. Salem Historical Commission Minutes of Public Hearing February 10, 1977 The Salem Historical Commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed Washington Square Historic District on February 10, 1977 at the Salem Five Cent Saving Bank, Essex Street at 7:30 p.m. Representing the Historical Commission were Messrs. Erwin Bishop, John Carr, Raymond Chalifour, and Richard Savickey and Mesdames Angela LeHLanc and Eizabeth Wheaton, Clerk. Approximately 25 property owners, residents, and interested persons attended. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Richard Savickey who outlined the role of the Historical Commission in proposing this district and in acting as a design review board for established districts. He reviewed the boundaries of the Washington Square district as now proposed, as described on maps sent to each property owner and available at the meeting;, and in response to questioning, explained the deletions, primarily on the East side, as a response to strong opposition among numbers of property owners there. After the introduction of Commission members, the Commission asked for a "polling" of those present calling first for those opposed to the district None we present a re pr s t bu t Mrs. Wheaton informed those present of receipt of a letter in 6 osition from ® ' p pp Th O'Donnell Funeral Home, 4;6 Washington Square South.* Property owners and interested persons in attendance then wishing to be added to the record as supporting the proposed district were: Marjorie Copeland, 72 and 74 Washington Square East, resident of 74 Washington Square East, who added that she felt it unjust and unfair that the three "businesses" (two commercial interests and a clubhouse) which were originally admitted to a residential area because owners viewed them as highly honored and respected citizens now stand in the way of a district which the residents want. Mrs. Copeland also asked if the>Cbmmission had received her letter of support.** Stephen Arkin, 56 Washington Square South, who also spoke for John Ward, 26 Winter Street, in support and added that the record should show that two other businesses, the Witch Museum and the Hawthorne Inn, were in favor of the district,*** and expressed his own interest in seeing the East side added to the district at some point. (Judith Doering also raised the question og later expansion of the district.) Mrs. Raymond Maloon, 1 Forrester Street; Mrs. Lucretia Burns, 38 Washington Square South; Mrs. Vincent Goubeau, 23 Winter Street, who added that she spoke for herself and Mr. Goubeau who were upset by changes on the street and felt the city was obliged to protect the area; and who also spoke for Thelma 'Ailey, 21 Winter Street, whose property is not in the proposed district • but supports the district. Mrs. Goubeau also expressed appreciation to the Historical Commission. William R. Burns, Beckford Street, as a resident in the Federal it S.H.C. Public Hearing 2/10/77 p,2 Street Historic District speaking in favor reminded those in attendance that questions of zoning which concern the Planning and Appeals Boards are different from questions of exterior alterations which come before the Historical Commission. Molly Pitcher, resident at 41 Washington Square North; Elizabeth Copeland, resident at 74 Washington Square East; Eleanor Lamson, resident at 1 Forrester; Dolores Jordan, resident of the Derby Street Historic District,, who also spoke in support for Alice Jordan; Russell Slam, 9 Forrester, who expressed interest in seeing the boundaries extended to his property; Bob Astan, resident of 35 Washington Square North; Lester Strock, 24 ?Minter Street, who asked if his property was included in the proposed district and in response to information from the Commission that it was not, expressed a requested to be included. The Commission agreed to pursue the question which would also include 24Z Winter Street. Al Fromberger, representing the Essex Institute properties 120-126 Essex Street, 13 Washington Square West, and a resident of Essex Street, who offered to hard a letter in favor sent from the Institute; Mrs. Bryant Tolles, resident of 13 Washington Square; Ralph Doering, 33, 35 Washington Square North, who also expressed :support as agent for 31, 41, and 39 Washington Square North. In discussion, the Commission addressed itself to the following . questions: 1) Mrs. Maloon asked whether any letter had been received from Mr. Mikulski, 78 Washington Square East, and the Commission responded that it was not aware of any letter, at least of current date. 2) The question of whether residents realized the type of controls a local district invloves was raised by a representative of the press with an indication from residents present that they were comfortable with such controls, and Mrs. LeHLanc reported that controls have posed no serious problems for residents in existing districts. 3) Mr. Fromberger ascertained that Certificates of Appropriateness would be required for only those Essex Institute properties in the district rather than all Institute properties. 4) Mr. Chalifour and Mr. Carr discussed the procedure for waivor of public hearings for applicants for certificates and the Commission's desire to move swiftly on each application. 5) Residents in attendance questioned the respective roles of . the Historical Commission and the City Council in proposing and enacting a local district ordinance. Mr. Arkin stated that he felt the record should show that the vast majority of owners in the district were S.H.C. Public Hearing 2/10/77 P. 3 present at the hearing-and in favor of the district****and that he was disturbed that the Council could defeat a proposal favored by the majority. Mrs. Copeland asked similarly if the Council had the right to oppose if the majority was in favor. The Commission advised residents that their support should be taken to the City Council which may hold its own hearing. The Commission noted for the record that the scheduling of this public hearing in conflict with a City Council meeting was inadvertent. The Commission advised those in attendance that letters should be sent directly to the local representative on the City Council as well as other Council members,and as Miss Jordan suggested,.:especially the members of the Community Development Committee. The Commission offered to provide property owners with a list of Council members and asked that copies of letters be sent to the Commission as well. Mrs. Doering, Miss Jordan, and Mr. Burns all spoke on the matter of letters and the need for letters especially from those not in attendance at this hearing, including those outside the district. Respectfully submitted, Eliza th B. Wheaton Clerk *The answer to the question of whether the letter was sent by the record owners-of the property at 46 Washington Square South, Dorothy and Thomas A. O'Donnell, is in the affirmative. A second letter of 6ppositi6n:senkt-before the hearing was received from Beatrice Lesses, 60-62 Washington Square South. **The letter was received by the Commission. ***A letter in support sent before the hearing was received by the Commission from the manager of the Witch Museum, 192 Washington Square North. ****By actual count by the Clerk, the following may be added to the records Due to owners with multiple holdings, of the 22 inventoried properties in the proposal, there are 17 record 'ownerships" plus one property, the Phillips School, owned by the City of Salem. One or more of the record owners or their agents were recorded as present and in support in 8 out of these 17 cases. This represents affirmation of support by owners or their agents of.12 of the 21 properties excluding the one owned by the City. Adding the letter of support from the Witch Musuem totals 13 properties with expressions of support prior to or at the time of the hearing, and addifig the O'Donnell and Lesses letters, 2 properties with expressions of opposition; and one property owned by the City. yr��„conv,�,• c� +F, " � �Ictlill[Lt$ �DaXI (Our OialPlll GIPPIl January 6, 1977 Mr. Richard Savickey, Chairman Salem Historical Commission City Hall Salem, MA 01970 Dear Mr. Savickey, The Planning Board has received the proposed Washington Square Historic District and wishes to compliment you on your work. The Planning Board enthusiastically endorses the proposed District. It is unfortunate that the buildings on the east side of the Common have not been included, but we appreciate the problems encountered. We wish you the best of luck in the successful completion of your proposal. If there is anything we can do to assist the Historical Commission, please let us know. Yours sincerely, Staley McDermet Chairman SM/sm CITY OF SALEM FIRST PASSAGE ' In the year one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven. An Ordinance relative to the Establishment of the Washington Square Historic District. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: •' Whereas the City Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical Commission, constituted pursuant to the Historic Districts Ordinance of the City of Salem adoptedby the City Council, November 24, 1971, under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C, has conducted an investigation,and reported to the Planning Board of the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Historical Commission,on the historical and architectural significance of the buildings, st- ructures or sites to be included in the proposed Washington Square Historic District as provided in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C; and Whereas the City Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical Commission has held a public hearing sixty days after transmitting its report on the proposed Washington Square Historic District to the Planning Board of the City of Salem and to the Massachusetts Historical Commis- sion, pursuant to due notice, all as provided in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C; and Whereas the City Council of the City of Salem has determined that the Salem Historical Commission has submitted a final report with its recommendations, a map of the proposed Washington Square Historic District and a draft of a proposed ordinance to the City Council; Now therefore, Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem as follows: Section I This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as The Washington Square Historic.District Ordinance under the authority of the Historic Districts Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C and under the authority of the Historic Dis- tricts Ordinance of Salem. Section II - - There is hereby established under the provisions of the Historic Districts Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C and under the provisions of the Historic Districts Ordinance of Salem, an Historic District to be known as the Washington Square Historic District which District shall include all the land and buildings comprising the Salem Common,the monument at Washington Square North and Winter Street, and all the land and buildings comprising the parcels facing or abutting on Washington Square N., E.,S., W.,and other streets as set forth herein with street addresses on Washington Square North begin- ning- with and including at the .Westerly extreme, 191/2 Washington Square N. and extending East along Washington Square North ending with .and including, 47.49 Washington Square N; 2 Oliver Street; Winter Street numbers 21, 23, 24, . 241h, and 26; Washington Square West number 2-28, the Hawthorne Inn and number 13, the Andrew-Safford House, and 120-126 Essex Street, the Crowninshield-Bentley House; Washington Square South, numbers 38 through 60-62 and 84-88 Essex Street, the'Phillips School; Washington Square East numbers 72 through 80; and 1 Forrester Street. Specifically excluded from the Washington Square Historic District shall be No. 45 Washington Sq. North and No. 46 Washington Square South. The boundaries of said District are established as shown on the map entitled "Washington Square Historic District Map"i which map is made a part of this Ordinance. Section III The establishment of the Washington Square Historic District under Section II of this ordinance shall not become effective un- til the first day of the third month after the effective date of this Ordinance. Section IV All powers and duties set forth in the Historic Districts Or- dinance adopted by the City Council on November 24,1971,shall be incorporated in this Washington Square Historic District Or- dinance, with the exception that the authority of the Commis- sion shall be limited to exterior architectural features within" the Washington Square Historic District which are subject to view from all streets named and included within the boundaries of the District. Section V This Ordinance shall take effect as provided in the City Char- ter. In City Council September 8, 197 . Adopted for first passage by Roll Call Vote of 11 Yeas, ATTEST: JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO September 12, 1977. City Clerk Dy the ounaer. inere is no onLUL Wb ,our pointed out, and said he to percolation tests, a stud ;is were performed by Leon is not groundwater within it who is a surveyor. proposed septic system. 0 leP t. sale er X230 N as the first annual police auction W,. coffers Saturday. some badly needed space in the tion,where the auctioned goods r, enter, who conducted the aue- sold had been in police custody d .. be disposed of.Found items un- ust be offered to their finders, cer. If those who have turned in Carpenter said, it may then be -,. •` sale were three boxes of eight- ught a total of$16,and two tape P T� ovie camera which sold in 1964 les in varying states of repair $1 to $26. and a couple of motorcycle : on sale.There were no bids on a wo small pairs of iceskates. e the town hall courtroom and rtroom doors bid energetically final total of$235.75,which Car- to the town's general fund. I be held again next year. lain projects T omen Voters will hold a publicl's. Oy to explain the organization's ague will present to librarian Making herirst puc ap containing data on all town Howe accompanied husban ficers,meeting places and pur- Voters cocktail party, held Neck Road. Howe became II shanah opens at Y AMES i alienation and. in general. to Staff terms of our responsibilities rates the Exodus from bondage "Our services at Temple Bet lidays, the celebration of Rosh days will attempt to deal wit no historical basis. lives of our membership; to he itual stocktaking." individual lives as Jews in a actions, deeds and thoughts," talents and abilities of every who is beginning his 13th year at The High Holidays have, in to pray for Israel. "We all pray for an ultima ,s what he has done,and what he fered Rabbi Morhaim. "A las rhaim. Rabbi Morhaim calls Israel will begin tonight at sundown "The growth of the land is re. as well as around the world, ficulties. Here is a country wh into its defense, yet so muc head of the new year)is the first Rabbi Morhaim, who visit cc'and Yom Kippur, the Day of Synagogue Youth trips, the period when the "book" is "One can only imagine what upcoming year is sealed. try at peace." the Brooklyn-b o holidays It is a time of service Yom Kippur.which will be Rabbi Morhaim. vice Sept. 21 at sundown. is a pect."claimed Rabbi Morhaim. contrition. e for another year, yet there is In the morning service, the .pentence. It is a time of prayer ducted. It is at that time the pr is recited, return to the synagogue and the A traditional greeting durin resence of God in the life of tobah tikkasebu," ("May yo Padoll of Temple Beth Shalom of year."). It is at the closing of the Yorl tunity this season of the year to the celestial book of accounts ividuals to deal with issues of the upcoming year reached. 9��y.coxoRl�e s ' d p^ T E < T R �pfclAilxg W?ar Salem Historical Commission CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Salem Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 10, 1977, at 7:30 p.m, at the Community Room of the Salem Five Cents Saving Bank, 210 Essex Street, Salem, Klass. for the purpose of reviewing a proposal of the Salem Historical Commission recommending the creation of a local historic district, the Washington Square Historic District, including property on the following streets: Washington Square North, Washington Square West, Washington Square South, Washington Square East, Winter Street, Oliver Street, Essex Street, and Forrester Street; and the Salem Common. E.B.Wheaton Clerk for the Salem Historical Commission January 25, 1977 /�u lar mee+tnq, I'e b. 2 , 7 :30 m 0 6ra Silem Green v' q4� w RY Salem Historical Commission CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 0Ie70 ROBERT L. SCAGLIOTTI. CHAIRMAN GEORGE A. AHMED, VICE-CHAIRMAN ELLEN C. WELCH. SECRETARY ERWIN BISHOP RAYMOND L. CHALIFOUR THOMAS MACLEAN GRIFFIN 3AM55 F CALL R,BAIiAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Salem Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 2 , 1973, at 8 p.m, in the downstairs meeting room of the North Branch, Salem Public Library, 2 Liberty Hill Avenue (corner North Street and Liberty Hill Avenue ) , Salem, Mass. , for •. the purpose of reviewing the preliminary report of the Salem Historical Commission recommending the creation of two additional historic districts for the City of Salem: The Salem Common Historic District and the Custom House Historic District, herein after described, The Salem Common Historic District shall include all the land and buildin,5s comprising the parcels numbered, facing or abutting the Common as followss Washington Square West on the Westerly side No. 5-7 (or 126 Essex Street ) through No, 13 and Easterly side No. 18 (Hawthorne Motor Hotel ) . Washington Square North, from the corner of Kimball Court, Nos, 19 through 53, Washington Square East from the corner of Essex Street, Nos, 70 through 98 and including No, 1 Forrester Street. Washington Square South, Nos, 38 through 62, The Custom House Historic District shall include all the land and buildings comprising the parcels numbered, facing or abutting on Derby Street beginning with and Including No. 27 Herbert Street (on the corner of Herbert Street and Derby Street) , Nos , 14 and 16 Hodges Court (abutting Derby Street ) , 188 Derby Street (11 Hodges Court ) , 180 Derby Street, 168 Derby Street, Hawkes House, Richard Derby House, The Rum Shop, 159 Derby Street, Derby Wharf and National Maritime Site property, Elizabeth S. Hunt Clerk for the Salem Historical Commission 1. i First Draft Preliminary Report by Salem Historical Commission Robart L. Scagliotti, Chairman George A. Ahmed, Vice-Chairman Ellen C. Welch, Secretary Erwin Bishop Raymond L. Chalifour Thomas MacLean Griffin Edward J. Rybicki 1 Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Method of Inventory and reasons for Choices III:? Justification of the Historic Districts A. Description of Proposed Districts as a Whole B. Boundaries of the Districts C. Description of Individual Buildings (Form B. Building Survey Forms) IV. Options and Recommendations V. Bibliography A. Research B. Maps I. INTRODUCTION One of the duties of an Historical Commission as provided for under Chapter 40C, General Lai-is, and amended by Chapter 359 of the Acts of 1971 , is not only to implement an approved ordi- nance as it relates to existing Historic Districts but also to work as• a study committee in the creation of new districts . Thus, after careful consideration, on June 6, 1972, the Salem Historical Commission voted unanimously that "All houses numbered, facing or abutting, North, East, South and West on Washington Square be included in the area for study for the purpose of forming a new district by the Salem Historical Commission, " On September 6 1972, after further consideration 97 d interest rst shown by the Maritime National Historic Site, the Commission also voted unanimously that "all houses numbered, facing or abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including #27 Herbert Street down to and including the Rum Shop on the north side of Derby Street and on the south side of Derby Street beginning with and including #159 Derby Street, proceeding along Derby Wharf and the Naval Reserve property and including all property owned by the Pickering-Pocohantas Fuel Co, be Included in the area for study for the purpose of forming a new district, to be known as the Custom House District, " II. METHOD OF INVENTORY AND REASONS FOR CHOICES f Over the past six months the Commission, with the assistance of board members from Historic Salem, Inc, has followed the i example set forth by the Massachusetts Historical Commission 2. and its guidelines to properly make inventory of all buildings and property related to the Salem Common area, The result of this work Is contained herein on the forms entitled "Building Survey Forms B. " Accompanying each form is a colored photo- graph as a visual record of the information these contain, Following individual study of other areas in Salem worthy of Historic District status and protection, the Commission de cided, that the Salem Common, with its easily identifiable natural boundaries along with its relation to Salem history and containing a majority of homes and buildings of important archi- tectural significance, would be a logical area to be designated next as an Historic District. At a subsequent meeting, it was decided to include Derby Street along with the Salem Common as the next Historic District because of the interest shown by the Maritime National Historic Site and also because of the great concern of the deterioration of Derby Street by its residents. However, due to the opposi- tion of a few of the residents, the area is centered around the Custom House, and therefore called the Custom House District, III. JUSTIFICATION OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS A. Description of Proposed Districts as a Whole I< The Salem Common and its boundaries, also referred to as Washington Square, is composed of four streets known as Washington Square East, Washington Square North, Washington Square West and Washington Square South. Washington Square is the name given to the Common in 1802 by the selectmen, 3. Their old names of Pleasant, ,Brown, Newbury and Bath were not changed until 1880, however. Before Beverly Bridge was built In 1788 and the Common was filled and leveled in 1802 , this land was not highly developed or particularly desirable. Those two events made it a valuable residential area where successful merchants soon built their large brick mansions just prior to 1820. These large homes are particularly im- pressive on the north and east sides of Washington Square and are outstanding examples of the Federal style. Complimenting these are also handsome houses of the Greek Revival style. Washington Square South contains Salem's largest and finest hotel to dates the Hawthorne Motor Hotel. Built in the 19201s, its main entrance Is on Washington Square West. The Phillips School, rebuilt in 1883, and homes of the Italian- ate or Greek Revival periods also face the Common from this side. The shortest of the streets surrounding the Common is Washington Square West, formerly Newbury Street, and is the location of the Andrews-Safford House , built in 1818, and the Crowninshield-Bentley House, 1727, both. ov,-ned by the Essex Institute. It is also the site of our important statue of Roger Conant. H. B. Adams wrote in an article in the Essex Institute . Historical Collections that the present Common was a town waste in the early days and called the Town Swamp. On November 16, 1713, the town voted that the Common lands be and remain . to continue forever for a Training Field for the Use of the town of Salem. 4. Governor Hutchinson, just prior to being supplanted by General Gage as Governor in 1774, came to Salem and reviewed the. First Essex Regiment on the Common. In 1781, the firing of a cannon on the Common was an event to mark the news that Cornwallis had capitulated had reached Salem. It was also fired in honor of George Washington on his birthday, February 11, 1790, and other festive occasions. In 1801, Elias Hasket Derby was elected Colonel of the newly reorganized Salem Militia, and it was he who sparked the private subscription to level the Common and lay it down to grass with gravel walks , to plant a double row of Lombardy Poplar trees around it and enclose it with a fence. Samuel McIntire designed four gateways to the Common which were removed around 1850. It is thought that the present iron fence was erected at this time. The iron fence around the Common and those which enclose front yards of many of the houses tie the two together and provide additional interest for the observer. The Salem Park Department acquired the Common (about nine acres ) in 1928 as a playground. The center grandstand was built in 1926 and the statue of Roger Conant northwest of the Common was dedicated in 1913, designed by Henry Kitson for the Conant Family Association to honor Salem's first leader and founder. Z It is rather difficult to discover the exact origins of Derby Street because it was not all laid out at once . The major part of the street seems to be accounted for in this note taken from the town records by Felts 'March 8, 1762. 5. A Way of two poles wide to be allowed from Daniels ' Lane to Becket's Lane . " The relative newness of the street, however, does not mean that the area was inactive before 1762. The development of the street was probably closely tied to the history of the wharves near it. Long Wharf, or Union Wharf, at the -end of Union Street, was begun in the first half of the 1700' s. Derby Wharf was begun by Captain Richard Derby in 1762 which, coincidentally, is the same year in which the Street was continued as far as Becket Street. During the heyday of Salem's foreign commerce, from around the time of the Revolution when privateers sailed out to harass the British�to the 1820's when Salem' s trade began to decline because the harbor wasn't deep enough to accomodate the fast new clipper ships, Derby Street must have been a very busy and exciting street where strange new objects were seen and smelled and strange tales of wild adventures. repeated. It was a street of wharves , houses and shops. Hawthorne, writing of the period when he was at the Custom House during the 18401s, described the street as one of shops, grocers, block-makers, shop-sellers, and ship chandlers. Despite the fact that many of the old houses and shops have been replaced by larger dwellings, the closeness of the, buildings, the remaining old structures, and the glimpses of old houses down the streets on either side of Derby Street still convey a general impression of aid old Salem Street. Certainly the Custom House , Derby House, Home for Aged Women and Derby Wharf are one of the most impressive groups of 6. buildings to be found anywhere which relate to the early maritime history of this country, The Custom House, an imposing brick (Flemish bond) building, was erected in 1819. It was here that Nathaniel Hawthorne was Surveyor of the Port from 1846 to 1849, where he is thought to have worked on the Scarlet Letter, his first successful novel. Hawthorne, himself, described the Custom House for usi "From the loftiest point of its roof, during precisely three and a half hours of each forenoon, floats or droops, in breeze or calm, the banner of the republic , . , (the building's ) front is ornamented with a portico of half a dozen wooden pillars, supporting a balcony, beneath which a flight of wide granite descends to the street, Over the entrance hovers an enormous specimen of the American Eagle, with outspread wings, a shield before her breast, and, if I recollect aright, a bunch of intermingled thunderbolts and barbed arrows in each claw Hawthorne also explained that the building was "intended to accomodate a hoped-for increase in the commercial prosperity of this place --- hopes destined never to be realized --- and was built a world too large for any necessary purpose, even at the time when India was a new region, and only Salem knew the way thither, B. BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICTS The District we propose to be identified as the Salem Common District is to include all the land and buildings com- prising the parcels numbered, facing or abutting the Common r 7. as follows Washington Square West g q on the Westerly side 5-7 (or 125 Essex St. 6) *13 and Easterly side #18 (Hawthorne Motor Hotel ) , On Washington Square North, from the corner of Kimball Court, Nos. 19 through 53. On Washington Square East from the corner of Essex Street, Nos. 70 through 98 and including No. 1 Forrester Street. On Washington Square South, Nos. 38 through 62. The district we propose to be identified as the Custom House District is to include all houses numbered, facing or abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including ##27 Herbert Street (on the corner of Herbert Street and Derby Street) , 14 and 15 Hodges Court (abutting Derby Street) , 188 Derby Street (11 Hodges Court) , 180 Derby Street, 168 Derby Street, Derby House, Hawkes House, The Rum Shop, 159 Derby Street, Derby Wharf, U. S. Coast Guard, Pickering- Pocohantas Fuel Co. C. Description of Individual Buildings -- See Building Survey Form B. included. IV. OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The Historical Commission recommends that the Salem Common District and the Custom House District be subject to the same conditions as outlined in the Salem Historical Commission Ordinance approved by the Mayor on November 30, 1971, as it now applies to the Chestnut Street Historic District. We recommend that an additional member be appointed to the Salem Historical Commission from both the Salem Common Districtand the Custom House District. 8. V. BIBLIOGRAPHY A. Research The new Salem Historical Commission wishes to acknowledge its great debt to the original Salem Historic District Study Committee, chaired under Sumner Low Raymond, and the valuable research of Mrs, Elizabeth Reardon (Mrs, Theodore Frothingham III) as submitted to the Mayor in 1968, Historic facts listed in this report are a condensation of the original study and full bibliography listed in Volume III of said study, B. Map or Maps, (This will be a separate page with maps attached, )