landmark - Preservation Association of the Southern Tier
Transcription
landmark - Preservation Association of the Southern Tier
LANDMARK The Newsletter of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier Fall 2008 www.pastny.org Salvage Showroom Open House and Grand Opening Sale! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15: 9AM – 11AM - PAST MEMBERS ONLY 11AM – 3PM - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 NOON – 3PM - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Karen Anderson at the entrance to PAST’s new Salvage Showroom, 21 North Depot St, Binghamton. At long last, PAST is announcing our new Salvage Showroom dedicated to the memory of Don McBride who worked so hard to start our salvage program. PAST members will have first choice and special discounts at a pre-sale before we open to the public. So now is the time to start thinking about how you can bring a little piece of history into your home. Salvage Showroom co-director, Karen Anderson, has started an album of pictures from design magazines featuring salvaged items used in decorating and remodeling: old shutters used for pantry doors, old windows to frame mirrors or family photographs, and old doorknobs for hanging coats. “Think outside the box when thinking about salvaged items,” says PAST Executive Director, Jane DeHawkhurst. “Look at a piece of salvaged architecture and imagine what else it could be or where you could use it in your home.” That's what architects and citizens in Owego did when they used iron bars from the old jail to make a fence for the Estates at 231 Main Street. The renovated OwegoApalachin Middle School is now upscale apartments for professionals. It is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse, restoration and incorporating salvage - for today! 1 Upcoming Events at PAST PAST'S HOLIDAY PARTY This is one of the most magnificent Holiday Parties in the Southern Tier! Join us on Friday, December 12, 2008 at the Phelps Mansion Museum, 6:30pm – 9pm, and bring an hors d'oeuvre or your favorite seasonal libation. Flaming Figgy Pudding is a party tradition and will be perfect in the Victorian atmosphere of the Phelps Mansion. See this historic treasure decorated for Christmas with private tours of the mansion. This is a PAST Members Only event. HOLIDAY LUNCHEON LECTURE On December 10, 2008, 12noon – 2pm, at Roberson Museum, you are invited to attend a Luncheon Lecture held in conjunction with 2008 Home for the Holidays. PAST will present “The Fortunes of the River” and show pictures of places long gone from Binghamton's past. The confluence of the rivers held much history, business and architecture, including the mansions of “Millionaire's Row.” Make reservations by calling Roberson Museum. HOLIDAY TROLLEY TOUR PAST and BC Transit will provide trolley rides and a guided tour of the architecturally charming and historic homes of the Abel Bennett Tract of Binghamton's West Side on Saturday, December 27, 2008. Learn why people of all social and economic levels and professions moved to this area, now listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. The tour will highlight the different styles of architecture and the stories of local celebrities who once lived in the Tract. Estimated time of tour is 45 minutes. Tours depart from Roberson Museum's main entrance at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. The tour is free but you must secure a seat by picking up a ticket for the tour at the Roberson Reception Desk the day of the tours. Spirits of Binghamton's Past Halloween Walking Tour The Halloween Walking Tour was a SMASH HIT with young and old alike. Binghamton downtown was aglow with the warm light from streetlights on autumn leaves, while the ghosts of our past greeted us in the street. Willis Sharpe Kilmer told of adventures, Isaac Perry bragged of his achievements, Joshua Whitney shouted his indignation from a balcony, and the spirits of the girls who died in the clothing factory fire roamed the streets. Even General Jones arrived with his brigade. Children especially liked the tales of murder and mayhem perpetrated by Binghamton's serial killer whose brain is preserved at Cornell University. Thank you to Ruth Levy and her committee (Crystal Lown, Joan Sprague, John Darrow), all the docents who guided us through the past, and all the wonderful actors who helped out. They were outstanding! And a special thanks to everyone at the Phelps Mansion who allowed us to visit and share in refreshments – even the ghost of Sherman Phelps was on hand to greet us at the door of his Mansion. A spooktacular night! I SPY and EYE SPY Have you read this in recent Sunday editions of the Sunday Press & Sun-Bulletin? “The Preservation Association of the Southern Tier, the Susquehanna Heritage Area, the Broome County Historical Society and the Press & Sun-Bulletin have teamed up to launch an “I Spy” game using architectural features in Broome county. Every Sunday, there will be a new architecture “I Spy” photo and riddle in the Life section. We’ll run the answer the following week, along with a new photo and clue.” We know that one 4th grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson School in Binghamton is incorporating this into her classroom activities. A Johnson City resident is helping her granddaughter find each week’s selection. What have you heard? What recommendations do you have for future photos and riddles? With your help we can point out common and/or unusual features or locations, using this as a way to educate the community and younger generations, helping them to look differently at what they “see” every day. Maybe your contribution is the rhyming clue, or the photo. Help us by contacting [email protected] or 7234620 x103. Architectural items at the Salvage Showroom include slate roofing. 2 PAST Tour Deposit/Sanford: Architecture and Anecdote During the PAST tour, September 21, 2008, participants (roughly 30 in number), saw a village where even the most minimally maintained home had preserved a feature from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, features such as Queen Anne shingles, Greek Revival structures, Italianate decorations, Palladium windows. Kay Hoban, tour guide, claimed for Deposit/Sanford the largest proportion of domestic Greek Revival architecture in upstate New York. A native bluestone hitching post fronted a Queen Anne/Arts & Crafts transition. After Carolyn de Nys' welcoming exposition of the State Theater, completed February 20, 1937 and keeping its blue vitrolite facade through roof collapse, fire, and flood, the group moved to the Museum (established in 1981 in the building of the former Kaplan bank, 1869-1894), at an intersection in the former Jericho Turnpike. Ms. Hoban led a 1/6th-mile around-the-block stroll leading along homes, all of which possessed at least one signal historical feature (and living residents). The reception was at the home of Kay Hoban and Lars Updale, 48 Dean Street, the former mansion of J.J. Bell who had a thriving seed business. This renovation required removal of walls of an interim multiple-dwelling conversion and the restoration of elaborate carved indoor woodwork. Afterwards visitors saw an abandoned 1914 public school (available for purchase) and an impressive trio of Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches. (The Broome/Tioga county line runs through the Presbyterian Church, according to local historian Anne Parsons.) The tour ended at the current community restoration project, the home of Oliver T. Bundy, Civil War surgeon/dentist. Dr. Bundy's home included a refurnished reception room, dispensary, and combination examination-treatment room. All aBOARD with PAST! Getting to Know our Board Members Many of you have heard of the Land of Oz, but how many of you have heard of the Land of Developments? PAST Board member Karen Anderson, pictured on the cover of this newsletter, grew up and went to school in the “land of developments,” aka Long Island, NY. She moved to Binghamton in 1969 intending to return to Long Island after a few years. Almost 40 years later, Karen is still here, and it’s a good thing for PAST and for Binghamton that she is. When first living in Binghamton, actually Chenango Bridge, Karen furnished her home in Mediterranean-style pieces, but gradually “came to love antiques” and replaced many of the pieces in her home. While searching for antiques, Karen began to notice and appreciate the architecture of buildings in Binghamton. One of her favorites is the old Broome County Public Library building on Exchange Street where she “would love to see a business” take up residence. Karen joined the PAST Board of Directors, and in August 2005 began serving as Secretary. In 2008, she was named Second Vice President. Along with this responsibility, for several years now Karen and her PAST cohort Rick Pescatore have been Co-Chairs of the Salvage Committee. In fact, during the past two very cold winters, Karen could be found most Sundays selling salvage at the Showplace in the Binghamton Plaza. Actually, PAST’s salvage business has grown so much that it has now moved to a new location. (See page 1.) According to Karen, the Salvage Committee has had some interesting items to sell over the years not the least of which were green, blue, and pink toilets. Karen says, “We still have the pink toilet and a matching pink sink if anyone is interested.” (She’ll make you a good deal). Besides gathering and selling salvage, Karen learned how buyers use these relics from the past. Sometimes, the use is traditional: restoring houses and/or replacing doors and windows. But other buyers bought salvage for unusual projects: “to make cold frames to start plants, to build greenhouses, to make potting tables.” A special part of the fun of salvage, Karen tells us, is being allowed to go into Binghamton houses scheduled to be demolished under the Restore New York Grant, “and salvage any architectural pieces: porch columns, doors, windows, trim, fireplace mantels, cabinets, sinks, spindles, banisters, registers.” You name it: Karen has salvaged it!! Besides being an avid fan of salvage and preservation, Karen is also an avid Yankee fan and Bearcats basketball fan. When she isn’t salvaging or rooting for her teams, Karen volunteers at the Samaritan House, serves on the Steering Committee of the United Way “Day of Caring,” and works for Rail Trail Cleanup. All in all, Karen’s departure from the “land of developments” has developed into many positive factors for PAST. We’re especially happy that she followed the yellow brick road (more or less) which led her to Binghamton, and, in the process, is making many of Binghamton’s as well as her dreams come true. 3 Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going Year in Review by Jane DeHawkhurst To say that 2008 was a busy and exciting year is putting it mildly. To summarize the year won't be easy, but PAST members will be proud of our accomplishments...So let's take a look at our progress at PAST. PROGRAMS A PRO-ACTIVE COURSE OF ACTION Here are our successful events: A Preservation Priorities list was created to help PAST focus on the most endangered buildings. Of the fourteen structures on the list, four have been saved! Washingtonian Hall is now in private hands and is being lovingly restored. The “Castle” has been rededicated for re-use by SUNY Upstate Medical University and will be part of our region’s excellent health care system. The Red Robin Diner has new owners and is a great place to eat once again. And the lovely Charles F. Johnson house in Johnson City has found adaptive re-use as an NBT Bank branch. One building was sadly lost – the Ross Building. Out of the rubble, however, we are making progress with the City of Binghamton to work more closely on salvage and recycling, sustainable practices and the importance of historic preservation in the success of our city. Binghamton now has a Sustainable Development Planner, is hiring an Historic Preservation Planner, is working to update design guidelines with CAUD (Commission on Architectural and Urban Design) and is supporting the National Trust's Main Street program, now officially known as Binghamton Downtown, Inc. PAST is strongly represented on the Design Committee of the Main Street program and CAUD. With the closing of area churches of all denominations, the formation of a Sacred Sites Committee was imperative. The committee enthusiastically went to work to see what could be done to save religious buildings or find suitable adaptive re-use for these structures. Working cooperatively with the Broome County Historical Society, we will be documenting the sites and their histories. Roger Luther, PAST vice-president, will photograph interiors and exteriors. PAST was also successful in receiving a Preserve NY grant which will help with consultant fees to officially survey endangered historical sites and file for Historical Register status. New committees were also formed to help attain the strategic goals set by PAST. The Budget Committee is advising on how to get the most impact with our limited budget. A Fundraising Committee is being formed to help research and write more grant proposals for new projects. PAST is still in need of a Volunteer Coordinator to utilize the talent within our organization. Anyone who wishes to share their time and talent in any of these efforts is encouraged to call Executive Director, Jane DeHawkhurst. The Program Committee was the busiest for our volunteers again this year, closely followed by the Salvage Committee. First Friday Trolley Tours – Joan Sprague, tour guide and organizer is responsible for this popular community event. She even had many local dignitaries and celebrities take the historical ride around town. She is recruiting new tour guides to expand the program. Historical Preservation Awards Ceremony was a smash. Taking place at the Kilmer Building, it drew the largest crowd ever! Historic House Tour – A beautiful, sunny day brought out crowds to enjoy the exquisite homes we are so proud to recognize in Binghamton. Garden Tour – Another warm day encouraged large attendance at the tour of lovely private gardens in Endicott and Endwell. Stained-Glass Window Program – Interesting and informative speakers shared stories of war, artisans and the creative spirit. Another sunny day highlighted the beautiful windows – especially the magnificent George F. Johnson window and its special story. National Preservation Month was celebrated with an expansive display at the Broome County Public Library. Hundreds of people visited to learn about local preservation issues. Historic Bridge Pedal – Touring the Susquehanna Heritage Area, families could bike and learn about history at the same time. What a great teachable moment! The 150th Anniversary and Castle Rededication – The NYS Inebriate Asylum was ceremoniously rededicated with a Masonic blessing of a new cornerstone. Once again, perfect weather brought out a huge crowd from the local community, PAST, politicians from all levels of government, mental health professionals, SUNY Upstate Medical University representatives and medical students. Deposit Walking Tour – To say we were blessed this year with the best weather is an understatement. What a day to stroll through charming Deposit, socialize, learn, enjoy history and architectural beauty! Spirits of Binghamton's Past – A new program for Halloween is focused on the family. Both fun and educational, it appeals to people of all ages. Bauhaus/Modernist Architecture – We are fortunate to have many historical architectural styles of exceptional quality in Broome County. This lecture was designed by our Board Member and BCC professor, Marcia Blackburn. 4 Director’s Corner, continued Roberson Museum Home for the Holidays – Our PAST Christmas Tree and display will be expanded this year. Our involvement will also include a Luncheon Lecture about “Millionaire's Row” at the confluence of the rivers. A special Trolley Tour of the Abel Bennett Tract will also bring attention to PAST's effort to make the community aware and proud of our historic housing stock in Binghamton. Salvage Showroom Open House – Dedicated to the memory of Don McBride, PAST now has an official showroom at 21 N. Depot St. Thanks to the generosity of Ari Meisel, who is providing us such beautiful space, and the continued hard work and perseverance of Karen Anderson and Rick Pescatore, our salvage program can be expanded. COMMUNITY EDUCATION PAST is making its presence known loud and clear. We have taken every opportunity to bring awareness of the Preservation Movement to local citizens through the following display booths and speaking engagements: The Home Show at the Broome County Arena, sponsored by the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Southern Tier The Million Dollar Antique Show at BU Events Center sponsored by the Sertoma Club. Earthfest 2008 at Roberson Museum, featuring “Preservation is Green” theme National Preservation Month display at the Broome County Library Phelps Mansion auditorium display on historic preservation Binghamton Blowout Block Party sponsored by BU's Catalysts for Intellectual Capital 2020 Roberson's Holiday Event and Christmas Tree Forest First Friday Historic Trolley Tours A Lyceum class was presented by Jim Bryden and Jane De Hawkhurst Preservation was the topic at a NYS Retired Teachers luncheon in May and the NYSUT Conference in Owego. MEDIA COVERAGE PAST was seen on local news throughout the year, and “Treasure's of the Tier” was a monthly feature by Roger Luther in the Press & Sun-Bulletin. PAST also had full page Guest Viewpoint articles on the Ross Building and on the energy savings of preservation, by Jane De Hawkhurst. “Eye Spy” was resurrected and now appears weekly in the Living Section of the Sunday Press. There have also been a number of letters to the editor on the Ross Building demolition and the Alms House. LETTERS OF SUPPORT PAST advocated on behalf of preservation issues by writing letters of support for the following: Binghamton YWCA restoration grant Your Home Public Library restoration, Johnson City Johnson Monument relocation in Johnson City Pagoda Pumphouse relocation, Johnson City Waverly's Village Hall restoration proposal Newark Valley Municipal Building restoration Letter to Governor Patterson supporting historic tax credits Letters to Senators Lupardo and Libous for Preserve NY grant funding Rivercrest community in Vestal's nomination to the Historic Register To Binghamton City Council in support of a grant to write Design Guidelines for use by the Commission on Architecture and Urban Design and Binghamton Downtown, Inc. Design group NETWORKING AND PARTNERING PAST Board Members and the Executive Director have worked diligently at relationship building with non- profit agencies, government officials on city, county and state levels, as well as planning boards and economic development agencies in order to advocate for preservation issues. During the year, PAST worked with the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Binghamton Downtown, Inc., the Susquehanna Heritage Area, Broome County Historical Society, First Ward Action Council, Unshackle Upstate NY, Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodelers Association, Binghamton University and Broome Community College. Our executive director met with colleagues at the NYS Preservation League, NYSCA, and SHPO at conferences. Jane also attended workshops and seminars on “Cluster Development and Zoning,” “Communicating Your Organization's Message,” “Board Responsibilities and Duties,” and the NYS Attorney General's “Charities Symposium for Non-Profits” to help PAST comply with state rules and regulations. GRANTS Grant proposals were written, submitted and approved by New York State Council on the Arts for PAST's operating budget and a Preserve NY Grant for our Sacred Sites Survey. 5 Director’s Corner, continued STRATEGIC PLANNING Jane and a few PAST Board Members worked with a BU School of Management team to implement our strategic plan, appeal to students and families, and gain advice on achieving our goals with a small staff. The end project was judged for excellence and Manley's Mighty Mart presented PAST with $2,000 to start implementing the strategic plan goals. OFFICE STAFF Pennie Kerber was indispensible in helping the office to run smoothly and PAST's bills to be paid on time. A BU Intern, Daron Blake, was also extremely efficient in organizing and cataloging our Research Library, preservation books and historical information. Remember our Library is open to PAST members for preservation research needs. Looking back, it was a very productive year and all members of PAST should feel a measure of satisfaction that PAST is working to attract younger student and family memberships and to get families interested and active in preserving our outstanding architectural inheritance. We are committed to continue implementing our strategic plan goals and expanding the influence of PAST in the community. Thank you for supporting PAST. Together we will help PAST grow as a respected, professional, pro-active and powerful voice for “Preserving Our Past...For Our Future.” Jane DeHawkhurst Executive Director Good News! PAST has received word that our grant request has been approved for hiring a consultant to help with the Sacred Sites Survey. This project will be funded by Preserve New York, a grant program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts. President’s Message It started with Jack Watkins and the April 2002 Bungalow Tour. Months before, I saw a small notice about the tour in the newspaper and called the included phone number for more information. It was Jack’s phone number and I talked to him about my own Craftsman bungalow on Chestnut Street. He came to my house and we talked for a long time about houses, preservation, Binghamton, and much more. He also asked if I would be interested in opening my house for a possible new PAST tour of the West Side of Binghamton that was still in the early planning stages. I said yes to the house tour and that began my association with PAST. Following shortly were membership, the house tour committee, the Board of Directors and, July 1st, my tenure as Board President. The time has flown and my commitment to PAST and my enjoyment of all its programs and projects has continued to grow. In this, my first “President’s Message,” I want to thank all of you—members, staff, donors, and friends of PAST—for the honor of being elected as your President for the 2008-2009 year. I look forward to working for and with all of you in the next year. I especially wish to thank all those who have come before me as President and served as wonderful examples of commitment and passion for the mission of PAST. One of the contributions I have made since I joined the board was the addition of electronic mailing lists as the standard means of communication for both board and general members. PASTNY@Yahoo!Groups now has 170 subscribed members and has been a very useful means of communication and information sharing. It saves us resources by reducing postage, paper, and staff and volunteer time. It also allows for very quick dissemination of important news on local and national preservation issues. As of today, I’m continuing my duties as “list owner.” So, if you have any changes or corrections on your subscription or want to be added, you can still email me at: [email protected]. In addition, I urge you to take advantage of our website at www.PASTNY.org and look for upgrades that we hope will make joining PAST and attending events quicker and easier in the near future. PAST is a wonderful organization with a crucial mission in the Southern Tier. I hope you take full advantage of your membership and attend some of the exciting programs coming up this fall. Also, please remember that October is the month to renew your membership and consider inviting a friend to join along with you. Jo Malin, President 08-09 6 Business Members UOF UPST ATE OFFICE FURNITURE Frank & Lynn Whitney 1 Lewis St., Binghamton 607-727-0437 th Wayne Kerber 718 Azon Road, Johnson City 607-722-9234 More finds in the Salvage Showroom! 150 Anniversary and Rededication of the Castle. Read about it at nysAsylum.com Landmark is a quarterly publication of PAST, the PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTHERN TIER Board of Directors: Jo Malin, President st Roger Luther, 1 Vice President Bruce Nelson Karen Anderson, 2nd Vice President Rick Pescatore Debbie Leonard, Secretary Hermione Pickett Bill Denman, Treasurer Mary Sacco Marcia Blackburn Jeffrey Smith Katherine Buckley Jerry Willard Martha Colgan Mike Wold Email: [email protected] - Website: www.pastny.org This publication is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. 7 NON PROFIT PAST ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTHERN TIER PAID 31 Front Street - Binghamton, NY 13905 www.pastny.org BINGHAMTON, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 506 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PAST Membership Form Become a member of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier, or if you are already a member, please pass this on to a non-member friend. Fill out the form, enclose payment and mail to PAST, 31 Front Street, Binghamton, New York, 13905. Thank You! Name Address City State, Zip Phone Email Student $10 Single $25 • Subscription to Landmark Circle Membership Category Family Business Doric $35 $100 $250 •Subscription to Landmark •Subscription to Landmark •Business card ad in Landmark for 1 year • Subscription to Landmark • A PAST publication Ionic $500 Corinthian $1000 • Subscription to Landmark • A PAST publication • One ticket for all PAST events for the year • Subscription to Landmark • A PAST publication • Two tickets for all PAST events for the year Added donation of $__________________ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________________ Have you considered adding PAST to your will? Please contact the office for more information, 607-723-4620 ext. 103. 8
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