Washingtonian Hall - Preservation Association of the Southern Tier

Newsletter of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier
www.pastny.org
PAST -- a Gift to the Future
Winter 2010
Washingtonian Hall
PAST’s annual Holiday Party took place
in Washingtonian Hall. Following is a
brief history of the structure, by PAST
member and Town of Union Historian
Suzanne Meredith.
Washingtonian Hall, located in Endwell in
the Town of Union, is one of the oldest
homes in Broome County. It was built in
the New England Colonial style in 1799
by an early pioneer family …Amos and
Ann Patterson. Amos was one of the
investors in the Boston Purchase.
The family lived in a log cabin along the
river for several years before Amos began
construction of a permanent home. For
several generations their homestead was a
full working farm. Patterson served as a
local judge, was active in politics, and
developed a new variety of apple still
known as the “Patterson Sweet”.
The Patterson family consisted of 12
children……..two of whom died tragically
at their new home. (Son Amos fell into the
swift moving Susquehanna River and was
lost.....his four year old sister fell into a
vat of hot tallow in the front yard and was
scalded to death) Many of the
outbuildings and acres were taken by
eminent domain when Route 17c was
constructed.
The name Washingtonian Hall was affixed
to the house by the next owner, John
Sayre, in 1840 when the great temperance
movement reached the Town of Union. He
was an avid advocate of removing demon
rum from American shores. A society of
activists for sobriety and abstinence from
alcohol, called the Washingtonians, met
regularly at the home, which at the time
was an inn. The Washingtonians
headquarters was in Washington, DC. A
great deal of the traffic to the inn was by
river as the forests were still dense and the
roads rough and often impassible.
Historic Washingtonian Hall, River Road, Endwell, New York
A professional design for Washingtonian Hall was possible as Amos Patterson
was prominent and prosperous. It was built without the use of nails…only
strong wooden pegs join the hand hewn beams.
A wrap around front porch was removed prior to 1900, but several
exceptionally fine features remain, including two Palladian windows, one
above the front entrance and the other in the dining room. The dining room
window was an addition to the house in the 1920’s but matches the original in
every detail. The entry hall contains a grand staircase with a view of some of
the hand crafted, detailed moldings found throughout the home.
A photograph taken about 1910 shows the home before a portico was added to
the left of the house, and a sun room to the right. The trolley tracks, practically
in the front yard, ran along the river road when it was the main route from
Binghamton to Endicott. The tracks have long since disappeared and the road
has changed from a main thoroughfare to a dead end street. At one point the
house was moved back from road and river, approximately 40 feet. It was set
on a new concrete foundation and the original laid up stone foundation was
installed outside of the concrete, maintaining an original looking façade
Through the efforts of Town of Union Historians the edifice has been accepted
to the New York State and National Register of Historic homes. This
designation recognizes the home’s great historic significance but it does not
protect it from change or destruction. Although it is currently safe in the hands
of private owners who treasure its heritage, eventually the Town will have to
provide local legislation to keep Washingtonian Hall from vanishing.
The Patterson cemetery, where many of the Patterson family and close friends
were buried, located a quarter of a mile from the homestead on River Road, has
recently been added to the NYS & National Register of Historic places. A
major restoration of the cemetery is planned for the spring of 2010.
SALVAGE CENTER
In the News
STORIES IN GLASS
PAST’s Salvage Center, located at 21 North
Depot Street, Binghamton, was featured on
the John Burns Real Estate Show December
19 and 20.
Featuring the Life of
St. Patrick
January 10, 2010 - 1:00 – 3:00pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Binghamton
Rick Pescatore, co-chair of the Salvage
Committee, was interviewed by John Burns
and several areas of the showroom were
taped showing porch columns, chestnut trim,
a clawfoot tub, sinks, retro gas stove, doors
and even a tombstone.
St. Patrick’s Church in
Binghamton has over thirty stained
glass windows from the studio of
Franz Mayer & Co., Munich,
Germany. These beautiful
windows pre-date World War 1
and will be featured in a program
entitled, “Stories in Glass” on
Sunday afternoon, January 10,
2010 at 1:00P.M.
PAST thanks John for taking the time to tour
the Center and giving us a spot on his show
and website.
The video can be viewed at
www.century21johnburns.com.
National award winning glass
artist Jerome Durr will discuss the
history and technique of stained
glass, the symbolism portrayed in
the windows and a brief nod to the
history of Bavarian stained glass,
especially the glass from the Franz
Mayer studio.
The Salvage Center’s next scheduled open
date is January 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00
p.m, or call Karen Anderson, 648-3835 or
Rick Pescatore, 722-2253 for an
appointment.
Binghamton PAST
Update: A cell phone tour of
Binghamton Landmarks.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and
$15.00 at the door. Tickets may be
purchased by calling: 722-4772,
723-4113, 722-1736. Light
refreshments will be served.
The first of what is planned to be a network
of cell-phone tours in the area is nearing
completion and will be unveiled soon.
For more information call Kathy
Reynolds 729-2264 or e-mail at :
SkipnKathy@yahoo.com.
Historic buildings of the tour have been
identified and scripts are being finalized.
Narration of the tour is performed by Bill
Gorman, winner of the 2009 Heart of the
Arts Lifetime Achievement award, and we
are very pleased to announce that Coughlin
& Gerhart, LLP, of Professional Towers, 19
Chenango Street (the former Press Building,)
has signed up as the first Tier One Sponsor
for the program.
PRESERVATION MONTH
May 2010
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
May 8, 2010
For more information on coming events,
call the PAST office: 607-723-4620 extension 103
or visit the website:
www.pastny.org
If you haven’t heard the demo yet, take a
minute to call 240-5221.
2
Actively Working to Identify, Promote and Preserve Our Cultural Heritage
RIVERCREST VICTORY!
SEVEN TO SAVE
A Note of thanks from the
Rivercrest Neighborhood Association
An update on the nomination of the
Stone Opera House to the
Preservation League of New York State’s
Seven to Save 2010 Program
At its November 18th meeting, the Vestal Town Board voted
to designate Rivercrest a Local Historic District. While this
was a huge relief, the 3-2 vote was not a particularly strong
statement of support. Also, one of the positive votes was cast
by Emil Bielecki who retires from the board as of December
31. Still, the vote in favor was an important victory, helping to
establish a better balance between development and
preservation.
As we move on to the next phase of this Rivercrest saga, we
need to take a moment to acknowledge the unflagging support
of PAST. Beginning with Evelyn Varney, continuing with
Jocelyn Thornton, John Lewis and now Jane DeHawkhurst,
PAST has been there for us with its organizational backing. In
addition, we want to express our very special thanks to Roger
Luther for putting the spotlight on Rivercrest with his
excellent article in the Press & Sun/Bulletin in October.
Above all, we thank Eric Bare for putting his legal skills at our
disposal, quietly guiding us through the process of applying
for historic designation at the state, federal and local levels.
We would not have accomplished any of this without his help.
The fight to save Rivercrest is not over. Matthews (the current
owner) seems determined to proceed with the demolition of
four houses where the utilities have been shut off and asbestos
removed. We will do what we can to save these homes.
Our goal is for Matthews' North Star Group to sell their twelve
Rivercrest properties, putting them back on the open market
for sale to owner/residents who will lovingly maintain these
homes. We are particularly interested in learning of
contractors who remodel homes in historic districts. Also, if
you know anyone who might consider buying an individual
Rivercrest property, or someone who may have expressed
interest in the past, please pass that information on to us at
<suzanneg@stny.rr.com> or (607) 798-0787.
Thanks!
Suzanne Geoghegan
on behalf of the Rivercrest Neighborhood Association
Last September PAST nominated Binghamton’s historic
Stone Opera House for the Preservation League of New
York State’s “Seven to Save” program for 2010.
The program highlights seven of the most threatened
historic properties throughout the entire state, providing
increased state-wide visibility, and enhanced technical,
legal, grant and media services from the Preservation
League. Only one other property in Binghamton has
been on the Seven to Save list. Several years ago PAST
nominated Binghamton’s Harvey Justice Building and it
was selected for the Seven to Save 2006 list.
The Seven to Save list for 2010 list will be announced in
January. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, and watch for
the announcement!
You can learn more about the program at
www.preservenys.org .
A copy of the Stone Opera House nomination package
can be viewed at the PAST office.
EYES ON FIVE
ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
Many of Broome and Tioga Counties’ most endangered
properties have been nominated for PAST’s new “Eyes
on Five” program. Of those nominated, five properties
will be selected for the final Eyes on Five 2010 list.
As introduced in our previous newsletter, the purpose of
the program is to identify five of the most threatened
properties in the area, then monitor them, report on all
developments, and keep their status in the public eye.
Watch for the announcement early this year!
Progress Update on the Stone Opera House
PAST continues to monitor progress on the Stone Opera
House. Last July court-ordered roof repair was started. Since
then damaged roofing has been removed, rotted timbers have
been replaced and on December 1 the first section of new
metal roofing was installed. A public hearing is scheduled for
January 4 to review the owner’s application for a special use
permit to allow reuse of the building as student housing.
3
Year in Review
Where Have We Been...Where Are We Going
By Jane De Hawkhurst, Executive Director
PAST has grown in many ways and is a more powerful voice in the community with every year. We network and partner with over
40 organizations, working together on preservation issues that affect economic development and quality of life in our communities. It
has been a busy year. Here are some of PAST's accomplishments.
Phase I of the Sacred Sites survey is near completion, with inventory data gathered on nearly 200 Binghamton religious structures,
several of which are in danger of closing, being sold or merging with other congregations. A Phase II grant will be written to survey
Johnson City and Endicott religious properties for the coming year.
A Feasibility Study for relocating the Alms House revealed that the structure was sound enough for a move. PAST negotiated with
two interested agencies, neither of which could garner support for such a project. Demolition of the Alms House is sadly imminent.
With development of the Advocacy Committee, PAST has been pro-active on other landmarks. Several meetings took place with the
Mayor, City Historic Preservation Planner, Binghamton Local Development Corporation and the Preservation League of New York
State to strategize on saving the Stone Opera House. PAST nominated the Stone Opera House for the Preservation League’s Seven to
Save Program and worked with the City on code enforcement, resulting in a new roof to 'weatherize' the structure until a viable
adaptive reuse can take place.
PAST supported the work of Rivercrest residents in their battle to save their neighborhood. PAST spoke at public hearings, wrote
letters of support and helped to publicize this important issue. Success came with a local designation of Landmark status and listing
on the NYS Historic Register.
Several buildings also received state or national register recognition: J. Stewart Wells Homestead (now the Parson's Funeral Home)
and Our Free Will Baptist Church on Front Street. The old Vestal High School is currently under recommendation and review. PAST
will be keeping its eyes on other threatened landmarks with a new program to be announced this Spring.
Following are some of the important partnerships that PAST worked closely with in 2009:
* Susquehanna Heritage Area – participated in developing a Regional Historic Resources Management Plan
* Binghamton Historic Preservation Planner – established a working relationship with the new planner and worked with him on
several issues, including City Design Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance
* Government officials on city, county and state levels
* Preservation League of New York State – worked on numerous issues and participated in Colleagues meetings
* New York State Council of the Arts
* State Historic Preservation Office – supported several historic register nominations
* National Trust for Historic Preservation
* Binghamton Downtown, Inc – participated in the Main Street Program
Community Education
PAST spread the message of preservation and historical salvage through displays at community events, panel discussions, and
through all our popular tours. First Friday Trolley Tours, Historic Homes Tour, Garden Tour and Spirits of Binghamton's Past
brought our local history and beautiful architectural treasures to light for hundreds of area residents. PAST also sponsored a seminar
together with the Goodwill Theatre to educate home and business owners on the new law for Historic Tax Credits.
Goals for 2010
One of the most important accomplishments of the last year was the redesign of our website and logo. This gives PAST a
professional, updated look – AND, WE NOW CAN TAKE CREDIT CARDS ONLINE FOR MEMBERSHIP AND TICKETS! The
website is an important vehicle to disseminate information to members and educate the community. It is an important tool to attract
young families and students. It will be an ongoing effort to add historical pictures that have been archived in the PAST office, inform
homeowners on preservation projects, and help members find interesting information, locate entertainment opportunities in historic
settings and connect to other organizations and events in the area. Keep going to www.pastny.org to see new additions. A Website
Launch Party will be announced soon.
PAST is preparing for the NYS Cultural Data Project – a new, State standardized reporting system for non-profits to assist in grant
writing applications and data reporting. Responding to a new 'green' trend, PAST will continue to work closely with Binghamton’s
Sustainability Department, since the greenest building is the one already built. If we can save the 'embodied energy' in buildings and
give them new life through adaptive reuse, it is good for the planet!
PAST's Advocacy Committee will continue to keep vigilant eyes on and advocate for any deteriorating or threatened historical
property, as this is our primary mission. So watch the website, emails and the Landmark newsletter for several new programs
throughout 2010.
4
Year in Review, Continued
Of course, none of this is possible without YOUR support – both through membership, contributions of time, talent and treasure. So
thank you to all the volunteers who made 2009 a success and all those who supported PAST financially. Thank you to Pennie
Kerber, who keeps our books and pays our bills on time. Thank you to Jarvis Rojas, our BU work/study intern. Thank you to Karen
Anderson and Rick Pescatore and their team of volunteers who run the Salvage program. Thank you to Joeleen Dodge, our new
volunteer coordinator who will help us staff events this year. And thank you to our committees and Board of Directors who plan and
carry out PAST's mission. PAST is a team effort taking many minds, hands and hearts.
Please continue to support PAST in 2010 and together, we can continue to protect the architectural treasures where we live, work,
worship and play!
Jane DeHawkhurst
Executive Director
GETTING TO KNOW OUR BOARD MEMBERS
BRUCE NELSON
by Kay Buckley
On the wall in Bruce Nelson’s office on Castle Gardens Rd in Vestal is an
oversized painting of a deteriorating brick building. That is the foundation
of his business: adaptive reuse of historic properties. Nelson had 30 years
of experience in the electrical business with the company that his father
started, Nelson’s Lamplighters. Last year he decided to devote his energy
full time to historic preservation projects. His interest in preservation and in
the PAST Board is clear.
Over the years, Bruce has completed a number of commercial and
residential projects, and the most recent one is nearing completion. Bruce’s
first completed restoration project was the Jail and Sheriff’s house in
Owego.
The County Jail (built in 1911) was developed into six apartments,
professional offices, and the unique Jailhouse Restaurant.
Next, Mr. Nelson renovated Owego’s Public Schoolhouse on Main St
(built in 1906). The “Pink Prison,” as it is affectionately called, has
been transformed into a showplace in the Village, with 22 high-end
apartments as well as commercial space. Furthermore, Nelson
Development is nearing the completion of the Montour House in
Montour Falls, NY, a hotel built in the 1840s by the builder of
Chemung Canal. With a view of the waterfalls from the property,
Nelson’s team has restored the 22,000 square foot building into 10 loftstyle apartments, with offices and a coffeehouse on the first floor.
The next project on the drawing board is the former Montour Union
Grammar School, also in Montour Falls, NY. Nelson plans to develop
the three plus acre landscape, and is working with ideas to suit the
needs of the community, possibly involving the auditorium, with
residential units on the upper floors.
Historic preservation is a key element in Nelson’s work, with Federal and
State Historic Preservation tax credits included in the budgets of his
projects. To date, Nelson has retained ownership of the projects.
“Developing older properties is very satisfying. It is a creative
challenge of designing something for contemporary use by
relying on the craftsmanship of another era. I feel fortunate
to be able to do this work.”
The PAST Board as well as Upstate New York is also fortunate to
have Mr. Nelson as part of its present, thus ensuring the retention of its history.
5
Days of Future PAST
PAST HOLIDAY PARTY
A Message from the President
With plenty of good food, friends, holiday cheer, and
of course, the annual flaming delight: Figgy Pudding,
the annual PAST Holiday Party was a great success.
“This is an exciting time to be a member of PAST.”
That line appeared in this column last June. It was true,
good things were happening, there was a new spirit of
enthusiasm and a renewed interest in advocacy and
involvement within the organization. PAST’s voice was
being heard, and as a result, preservation awareness was
spreading through the community. Exciting times for sure.
Thanks to gracious hosts Ken and Linda Jackson, this
year’s event was held in one of the area’s oldest and
most historic inns, Washingtonian Hall.
Since then we have seen many preservation successes as a
direct result of PAST’s efforts. PAST has been at the
forefront advocating, reporting and documenting
preservation-related issues. We have pursued new
strategies to promote the cause for preservation and
instituted exciting new programs like Binghamton PAST,
and Eyes on Five.
There is a new challenge… PAST, like most other
organizations, is feeling the effects of an economic crisis.
Funds have been reduced and belts have been tightened.
At the same time PAST is exploring other avenues and
looking to donor patrons to help cover basic costs of
running the organization.
2009 was an outstanding year for PAST, and for
preservation in general. What better way to close the
year than to celebrate with good friends in this
glorious example of a preservation success.
2009 was an exciting year for PAST, and the momentum
continues in 2010. Thank you for being a part of it!
This is truly an exciting time to be a member of PAST!
Stay tuned… there is much more to come!
Roger Luther
rluther@nysLandmarks.com
cell phone and text message: 607-759-0844
Landmark is a quarterly publication of PAST,
THE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION
OF THE SOUTHERN TIER
Board of Directors:
Roger Luther, President
Karen Anderson, 1st Vice President
Mary Sacco, 2nd Vice President
Robin Alpaugh, Secretary
Pam Kelley, Treasurer
Hermione Pickett, Corr Secretary
Eric Bare
Marcia Blackburn
Ron Hadsell
Debbie Leonard
Kim Leonard
Jo Malin
Bruce Nelson
Rick Pescatore
Daniel Ragan
Email: PAST@stny.rr.com
Website: www.pastny.org
This publication is made possible with
public funds from the New York State
Council on the Arts, a state agency.
6
UOF
UPST ATE OFFICE FURNITURE
Wayne Kerber
Frank & Lynn Whitney
718 Azon Road, Johnson City
607-722-9234
1 Lewis St., Binghamton
607-727-0437
LESKO
FINANCIAL
SERVICES, INC.
53 Chenango Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13904
607-724-2421
Village
of Owego
N E L S O N
development group
1803 Castle Gardens Road
Vestal, NY 13850
607-748-8200
Thank You!
to all PAST Members, Business Members
and Corporate Donors
7
For information on becoming a
Business Member, contact the
PAST office at 607-723-4620
extension 103.
NON PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTHERN TIER
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
A GREAT
GIFT IDEA!
•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