Historic Harwich

An Epiphany

"Onward and upward with the Arts." Larry Cole, Harwich Board of Selectmen meeting Mon. June 29, 2009. Quote from Harwich Oracle, Wed. July 1, 2009

 "I think it's high time that this town rally around the endorsement of cultural arts in this community. All I'm asking for is the same thing we asked of Youth and Recreation. A list of what we estimate are our responsibilities." Robin Wilkins, Harwich BOS meeting Mon. June 29, 2009.

 Both quotes were given on the evening when the BOS conducted their final review of the pending lease with the Harwich Junior Theatre this past Monday night. The lease provides for the "takeover" of the O.R.B. (old rec. building on Sisson Road). How wonderful it would have been had we heard these quotes four years ago and earlier, before our recession hit, but who am I to be the wet blanket here. We should be thankful for the epiphany, the "awakening". Unfortunately, the comments come from only two members of the five on the Board who took some time to proclaim support. With this tepid response, it blunts the historic nature of the agreement, however, at this juncture, maybe the others are waiting until the actual signing occurs. Then we'll get the 3-cheers!!!

 NERVOUS. I have to say that I am downright nervous about this. Why, I don't know. I should be shouting to the rooftops. Having seen the "hit" list of items in Exhibit C of the proposed lease agreement, I am greatly concerned, reason being that the town has done virtually nothing to prepare this building for occupancy, and don't call this 20/20 hindsight. What reason do we have to believe that the town will not continue to delay its commitment to the building, the lease notwithstanding? The balance of the Board does not look favorable at this time, or so it seems, and the "bootstrap" concept will be the excuse for delays. In any event, a 3-2 vote will show as much timidity as before. It should be unanimous.

 A MATTER OF CHOICE. Over and over again, I have stated my position (of no importance to anyone) on the building, namely, that the O.R.B. is not out there in a vacuum. Through their elected officials, the townspeople have made their choice, and, in the absence of a groundswell of support from the community, forcing the issue, the BOS has acted with its own individual tastes. Thus, we have had an extraordinarily tepid response to the vision that the restoration of the O.R.B. will have genuinely positive effects on the Historic District. Hopefully, the dilapidated building will be transformed into a tourist attraction and help revitalize Historic Harwich Center. At least, we will have a nationally recognized theatre production company to lead the way, still without a word from the BOS of the potential consequences.

 HISTORICAL COMMISSION, WHERE ARE YOU?

I mentioned a while back that I attended a meeting of the MA Historical Commission. I received a DVD which explains how historic preservation occurs in communities. I ran through it a few days ago and was reminded of the fact that the prime mover in every community is the Historic Commission. We now have one body that covers the responsibilities of the Historic Commission and the Historic District Commission. The DVD places the Historical Commission on an equal footing with the community Planning Board which means that all matters concerning historic preservation go through this body. In brief, the Historical Commission is part of the municipal government with members appointed by the BOS. This is a huge responsibility involving identifying historic properties, evaluating them, and protecting them. What happened with the O.R.B.? Here is a historic building, yet for years it has fallen through the cracks and it is still an object that will require and has required people to be dragged screaming to preserve it. Wouldn't you think that at some point the BOS should have at least asked a question or two about their thoughts?

 HISTORIC REGISTRY, I HOPE SO

I'm nervous because the objective of having the vinyl siding removed on the O.R.B. and the outside restored to historic proportions is so that it can be eligible for the Registry of Historic Buildings. I have to remind you that such a project with the Brooks Academy Museum failed leaving the museum ineligible. We have to pray that the same thing doesn't happen to the O.R.B. and the oversight lies squarely on the Historical Commission. I haven't heard word one about what strategy will be used to accomplish this, nor have I heard of any planning involved, nor has it been on an agenda except to review the ramp and signage. I do understand that CPA funding requires this, but I don't think it can assume the commission's responsibility. I'm nervous.

FIT-OUT FOR OCCUPANCY? NOT

There are many historic properties in town, but none that stand out like a sore thumb like the O.R.B., a testimony to utter neglect and now we are courting a tenant to take the building off our backs. It is shameful that the building has not been made fit for occupancy long before this. End of story.

 HISTORIC HARWICH CENTER INITIATIVE

The Historic Harwich Center Initiative is still open for ideas and members, now under the chair of Eileen Brady. Let this be a reminder that this initiative is aimed at creating the Center as a tourist destination. Funds have been allotted from the CPC to conduct an inventory and survey of the Historic District with the possibility of redrawing the boundaries. My concerns remain the same. I challenge anyone to take a photo in the district without including a telephone pole or line (excepting close-ups). The whole purpose is to benefit businesses. No other reason. This done, it can be expected that there will be spillover into other parts of the town. So, it is urgent that all of the business people find a way to take part when the committee meets, if only to give ideas.

 During the past few weeks, over 4,000 Historic Harwich Center brochures have been distributed to businesses and organizations in town. If each business handed out a brochure with a customer receipt instead of leaving them to be taken randomly, the word will get out. The brochure is generic and shows no favoritism, so no fear of conflict of interest here.

 One thing that everyone can do is to send me your permission to be included on the e-mailing list of the Initiative just so that you can keep abreast of the activities and needs of the committee. E-mail me at jprophet4@verizon.net and in the subject line just put, "Count me in."

 ATTENTION ALL MEN. The I-Bake-Da-Pie Club is looking for members. The Harwich Historical Society's Annual Pie Sale is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2009. Normally, 100 pies are sold at this event and the complaint has been that there aren't any pies left over. So, we are recruiting men (only) to bake additional pies for the sale. The goal is to raise the number to 200. We will have donations of the ingredients, including the pie crusts. Each baker, including bakers of the first 100 will receive a special button certifying membership in the I-Bake-Da-Pie Club. For details, contact me at jprophet4@verizon.net.

 In the meantime, enjoy a great weekend. Happy Fourth of July.