Simple logic would tell you that if the ecological and historical assets of Newburyport are the source of much economic revitalization; you would conclude that every attempt at protecting those assets would be made.         Not so in Newburyport.        The presence of ____ _____ and ____ _____ were represented back then.     We even had some rather colorful extremists.

So has the situation changed from those days?     The answer is a strong yes.

The difference has been three-fold.       First, we have far fewer Townies present today and they represent a minority in our political scene.     Second, our demographics have changed.   We have a large percentage of people who have moved here precisely because of the historic neighborhoods.       Third and most importantly, the class structure that so bedeviled Bossy Gillis and John Marquand no longer exists.     

Back in 1971, there was the ‘working class’ – factory workers, fishermen and businessmen.      Then came the ‘gentry class’.     These people were living mostly along High Street and were not just wealthy but were the upper class.     These were the hoity-toity that John Lagoulis mentioned recently.      The same elitist class that gave ‘charity’ in such a self-righteous manner.     They went to their exclusive clubs and to their particular churches and did not mix with the rest of the working class.      It was this group that drove Bossy nuts.

At the same time the NRA had received enough funding to start the urban renewal, an attempt at preserving High Street was begun.       The support of the High Street property owners was very high and that included businesses on the street plus those who rented or worked but lived elsewhere in the city.       The local historic district was to include 220 properties of which 24 were businesses, offices, organizations or vacant.     Of those 114 owners signed their names in support.    An additional 104 other High Street residents and businesses signed and 6 adjacent residents included their names.       According to the Newburyport Daily News in 1971, “The supporters far outnumbered the opponents.”       

C. Bruce Brown, city councilor, drafted and submitted the ordinance to city council for approval; carefully vetting it through the city solicitor, Jonathan G. Wells III.

The overwhelming support revealed itself in the public hearing, of which 50 spoke for it and less than 12 spoke against it in an overflowing crowd of 150 people!

Stanley Mattson, of 48 High Street, spoke on behalf of the supporters saying, “Those before [High Street residents in favor] have been willing to alienate their civil liberties for the greater good.”    As another support, Mrs. Russell T. Burton, who lived adjacent to High Street said on behalf of a group of supporters, “We feel it would not infringe on the rights of homeowners.    No one likes to be free and unfettered better than I, but in these rapidly changing times limited controls are not only advisable but necessary.”     Frank Morrill of 209 High Street indicated, “As will be noted by the [petition] names from the street, more than half were willing to sacrifice for the good of the whole.”

There were few but very vocal opponents to the ordinance.    Charles C. Stockman II who lived at 153 High Street, a Townie, predicted that if it would pass, it would end up the same way the downtown urban renewal was heading, “Newburyport would be not only moribund but dead as an Egyptian mummy.”    He also predicted that the downtown revitalization would end up being a “multiple stillbirth.”    But he went further, claiming that the local historic district ordinance was part of a larger socialist movement originating in Europe and spreading to America.    He stated, “Step-by-step, the person and his property have been [placed] in the hands of bureaus, committees and government ministries”.

Of course, the demagoguery from a few became so bad that a High Street resident, Elizabeth L. Whiting complained, “Surely informative ideas of the many, gently and rationally expressed, deserve as much attention than the ideas of the latter [opponents] which are presented in deliberately caustic and irrelevant oratory.”

Even the Newburyport Daily News, with chief editor, John J. O’Neil; endorsed the High Street Local Historic District.

So, why did it not pass?

There were prominent men on the city council, including the President; that were ____ _____.      These men believed with all their heart that, with all the loss of manufacturing in the city, that it was the destiny of Newburyport aided by their political will to do everything possible to get it back.      They strongly believed that it was the way to a brighter future.     

In exasperation, Peter Latham, of 201 High Street exclaimed, “[Referring to the effort to bring back industry to the city'] I think they’ve been overlooking the real industry they have, which is these historic homes.”

There was also not wide-support from the working class of Newburyport who were desperately seeking steady jobs and certainly didn’t want to see High Street become even more high browed.

In the end, the city council split right down the middle and failed to obtain the 2/3rds majority.   

We have the benefit of looking back and seeing that these men who were opposed to the local historic district, chose the wrong path.     Our industry and even our businesses contribute but a small fraction to our economic well-being while our historic buildings truly are “the real industry”.     The Downtown, rather than a tomb, became the epicenter of rebirth for the City spreading its influence into the rejuvenation of all of Newburyport.

So the question is to be made, “Do we listen again to these naysayers in 2012 or do we finish the task that so many endeavored to achieve in 1971?”

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

In my opinion, Newburyport’s history can be summed up rather simply.    1764 to 1864 is the Romantic Era, 1865- 1964 is the Industrial Revolution Era and 1965 to the present is the Promotional Era.    Historians can nitpick on the details – but it is an easy way to understand the makeup of Newburyport’s vast history.

The NRA/HUD recognized the Downtown was Federalist and so the main focus was this period.    The National Register of Historic Places has recognized Newburyport as having a large collection of Federalist architecture supplemented by earlier Georgian and later Greek Revival as well as other styles.        Mayor Byron Matthews knew the focus would be that particular time period and worked hard to see it through.

It is this Romantic Era, that all heritage tourism should be focused upon.     Our city is packed with things of mystery and romance whether underground in tunnels or in buried artifacts on our waterfront.    Great things occurred during this time and it will take a lifetime of researching to reveal it all.    Everything else that the city has to offer is simply gravy, but we need to focus on the things that will bring visitors to our city.      During this period, the following occurred:

You can and should take the family and drive over to Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell and have them gaze upon the soul-destroying spectacle of giant looms banging away incessantly.    Have them visit the Lawrence Heritage Park and learn about the labor riots and poor working conditions.       That is all and good for edifying but that is not what Newburyport’s reputation is based upon.    

I am asking you to get on board.  Our historic seaport should have brick sidewalks because that was present during this Romantic Era.   Sailing vessels should be our focus on the waterfront.   Our Federal, Georgian and Greek Architecture should be highlighted and our powerful maritime past should be celebrated and explored.    Art and eco-tourism and restaurants are great and add so much to Newburyport but you can get that in other cities and towns too!      Let’s identify what draws visitors to our City and focus on that message.

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

As much as we try to put it out of our minds, we are making history right now.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the online petition in support of the local historic district expansion.

Some may pooh-pooh the online petitions as meaning nothing but this is where they confuse technology and convenience with historic resolve.

It isn’t the petition being on the Internet that is the important part, it is the human beings behind the signatures, who they are, where they are located and their supportive comments that mean everything.

There are signatures from all parts of the City.

There are signatures from significant members of the political class.

There are signatures from important sectors of our commercial class.

There are signatures from those who work here but do not live here.

There are signatures from every economic class present in our city.

There are signatures from movers and shakers in the city.

There are signatures from those who used to live in our city.

There are signatures from those who were born here and those who moved here.

All now recorded in History!

I invite more, especially Newburyporters to post their names – we need to protect our historic assets!

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

PS.   Your comments are the stuff of quotable quotes!   Don’t be too offended if you see me cite them!

Because of the rejuvenation of the downtown, many visitors came, liked what they saw and returned to live here.    Realizing the rich legacy of the older neighborhoods, they sought ways to rejuvenate them.   Taking the cue from the historic renovations of the downtown, entire neighborhoods began to come to life.     

We must now consider how these residential areas can be protected.    Never again will houses be built with such high-quality materials and workmanship.     As thousands of visitors flock to our city in search of this country’s roots, we as residents should take note of their interest.    Old buildings and their neighborhoods can help us understand the importance of our past by providing a shared history and a strong sense of community.

What can be done?

Too frequently we have equated ‘new’ with progress and have neglected our architectural inheritance in the process.    As a result, Newburyport, like other New England communities must still confront the effects a modern society imposes upon an environment of aging buildings.      While change is inevitable in order for Newburyport to prosper, we should be assured that change will not undermine the unique character of our older residential areas.

You, the homeowner, will ultimately determine whether this character is retained.   Only if you carefully consider how renovation and new construction will affect a building and its neighborhood will our older neighborhoods remain livable and attractive.     Naturally, renovating an older house requires information that is not always readily available.   In an effort to assist you, the John Bromfield Society has published this manual.    We hope it will be an invaluable resource, guiding you in the improvement of your house, the Newburyport Historic District and our city.

Generally it is better to preserve than repair,

better to repair than restore,

better to restore than reconstruct.

-Salem Handbook

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

There are dedicated individuals in America that have committed themselves to create an historic exhibit out of their homes.    In other words, entering their abode literally transports you back to a certain era complete with all the artifacts of that period.     These homes are called Historic Restorations.   Historic New England has over 70 homes from Connecticut to Maine on exhibit.   There are also hundreds of such restorations controlled by local historical societies with house museums.    We can enjoy these and learn much but most of us would not want to live within their walls.

There are others who simply have no understanding of historic buildings and are determined to live in the latest environments and lifestyle of contemporary existence.   This is pure Renovation.    It is hoped that these individuals will make the wise choice to choose homes that are outside the district where they can assume their ‘today’ lifestyle.

This Handbook is designed for homeowners who have been attracted to the Newburyport Historic District because of the many advantages it offers: Stability, resale values, high stable property values, high return on investment and a fine quality of environment and life.

But the Newburyport Home Companion is designed also for homeowners who understand there is much to learn and many challenges after committing to living inside an historic district.

The objective of this homeowner’s handbook is to provide a guidebook for those who wish to do an historic renovation that is comfortable 21^st century living in an historic heritage environment.

The best of two worlds, the past, and the present combined into a rewarding future.

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

Right now there is a big quarrel going on between different elements of the right leaners here in town.        The problem is a difference of political opinion due to the insertion of Libertarian views and of course, extremist groups that don’t necessarily have enough clout on their own and like to hang onto the main political movements.       But this does not besmirch the larger organizations.

You on the left have had to put up with anarchists, the violent arm of the radical left and all sorts of loony movements.     I try my best not to ascribe to the entire Democratic party the beliefs and antics of a small minority.

I am a Tea Party member.    I am very proud that Newburyport was the first place of such an occurrence.    Of course, in the ‘bury’s, we don’t dress up like Indians and have a pool party; we like our bonfires!   The group is highly disciplined as to what they stand for – just because extremists may try to attach themselves to it does not besmirch the Movement.

I am a proud Republican.       Just because there is an effort to steer our traditional platform into a direction it was never meant does not mean the Republican Party adopts such radical stances.     The NRC tent is as broad as the Democrats and attracts a wide range of political beliefs.     I’d rather have that than seeing 16 candidates on a ballot all from different parties.     Yuck.

We’re having LOUD differences of opinion right now but it doesn’t give the Democrats or anyone else the right to believe that historic preservation is the exclusive domain of the left.

C. Bruce Brown, the father of Senator Scott Brown was for a few years the President of the City Council and served in total as a City Councilor for 16 years.     We know him because he joined the Charter Commission until his time demands and his health caused him to resign prematurely.      But he was one of the most effective advocates for the urban renewal of the City especially when it came to historic preservation.    As you well know, the NRA imposed strict rules on the exterior of the buildings.      He also was the one that prepared and sponsored the local historic district ordinance to protect High Street back in 1971.      Why am I mentioning him?    He has been a lifelong Republican and proudly has done everything in his power to aggressively preserve the City.

Now take a look at this picture of Ronald Reagan.       A staunch conservative and yet, instead of smacking Mr. Walter Beinecke in the mouth for helping to enact aggressive historic preservation principles while patiently waiting for the local government to get its act together to impose a local historic district on Nantucket; he is shaking his hands!     Mr. Beinecke who practiced aggressive historic preservation honored by a conservative Republican!      

I am bringing all this up because many who are traditional Republicans in the city are being told that if they want to be true to their beliefs they have to oppose local historic district protections!       

I encourage all conservative, moderate and traditional Republicans to follow their convictions whatever way they lean but don’t let someone else try to force you into a mold that is of their own making.

For those who want to preserve our community for the future, please sign the online petition here.

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

Now take a look at this house on Pine Street.   

I frankly can’t figure out what this new design is.     Perhaps a form of contemporary such as modern tenement building?     This new shapelessness is supposed to be better than the classic design it replaced.   Is it inner city sleekness with hints of industrialism?      

The www.newburyporthistoricdistrict.org labeled the earlier version as a timber frame vernacular pre-1825 which would fit it in nicely with the streetscape and with the rest of the historic district.    Vernacular means it doesn’t fit exactly into the strict molds of architectural styles.

Yet its architecture, though simple, is beautiful with lovely architectural lines built during a transition period between pre-Revolutionary Georgian and the new Republic’s Federalist era.

People who move here are going to want to live in at least a home that blends in with the feel and history of the City.      I frankly feel sorry for the real estate agent who is stuck with this building’s challenge of finding new owners.     

I’m afraid all this investment will give us is some quick temporary rental units and a depression of the general street’s equity and property values due to the degradation of cohesiveness of the neighborhood.    

And this kind of demolition improves the tax base?  How?

This is why increasingly, we will be forced by necessity to seek the entire historic district to be protected or the very draw of our historic seaport city will be lost.     As I was taking pictures I notice just down the street is a giant hole from a previous demolition – is this what we want for our city?  How has this improved the tax base? 

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

More photos – can you guess the style?

PS. Let’s not forget that our Building Department was complicit in allowing this ‘exploratory’ to get out of hand.     It makes me wonder if they are in a big fight with the Assessor’s office.    The latter wants to raise tax levies and the former seems to want to deplete tax levies.

Your input matters so I would encourage your attendance tonight.       It’s when a group of concerned citizens with genuine interest in the community’s well-being express input in a civil and constructive matter; it can have an affect for our city that will last for a long time!   

This works on a whole range of issues whether it’s on the subject of open space, roads, sidewalks, schools, water, waterfront and zoning; it’s public input that matters.

And since we’re in the 21st century, please take the time (It’s about 15 to 20 minutes) to take the survey.

Also, many of the other blogs have posted the details at Ed Cameron’s and at Tom Salemi’s.

It is shocking to me that open space is not considered an important subject to so many people who live in the Greater Newburyport Area. It is precisely the careful management of our natural environment that draws so many to this corner of Massachusetts.     That and our history that has been preserved.  Together, they are a powerful combination that drives our economic engine. 

When tourists arrive, they come out to breathe the sweet air of our open spaces.      Whether it is the Common Pasture peppered with farms and fields or to take in the sweet smells from the flower beds at Atkinson Common and Hale Park; these areas not only invigorate the locals but also satisfy the souls of visitors.

Unfortunately, we have a great number of people who see dollar signs when gazing over an empty field or surveying a park.       They cry out, “That’s wasted space!    We need to cover these areas with tax-generating buildings.”    These soul destroyers simply can’t understand that the taxpayers will be charged at ever higher rates to pay for the infrastructure to support the buildings.      And then when the society is overwhelmed, and the market value of the buildings drops; then there are insufficient tax levies to keep the whole mess going.      

Of course, after sucking the juices out of the community, they can just get up, with money jingling in their pockets, and leave – move somewhere else and declare, “Oh, look; more wasted space!” leaving behind the rest of us clinging to what is left of our fair city.

Why do you think outside developers want to tear down our little historic homes in Joppa so they can build larger buildings?     The view of the huge open space of our gorgeous harbor.   People will pay premium prices to buy them.  Why do people want to build homes out in the country?      So they overlook forests and wide-open spaces.    The high-prices they pay is based on values hard to crunch into statistics.

Open Space has a huge value.       Come tonight so you can participate in managing and protecting them!

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

Personally, I think the Newburyport Preservation Trust did a great job bringing up last year’s tough anniversary, the Great Fire of 1811.

If you’re one of the many who keep groaning about us being negative – just keep this in mind:

WE WOULD LOOK AS POLLUTED, UGLY AND OVER-DEVELOPED AND GHASTLY LIKE EAST BOSTON IF IT WASN’T FOR THESE TWO EVENTS.

Let’s face it.

We’re pretty because the world passed us by.       Like some time capsule, some visionary people opened up the frozen remnants back in the 60’s and 70’s and we have the great place we live in today!

And unlike the Great Fire, it wasn’t just that we were affected materially, Newburyport was actually making international and nationwide waves back then.

As we go into this VERY politically charged year and focus on the Presidential and many other political races, it will be fascinating to explore what happened in Newburyport during those tough years.    I think what we would find would be very complicated and expose as false the old misconception that life was simpler back then.

It was as charged and as messy as 2012.

Don’t miss out this year as the Trust events are scheduled.     Plan ahead. (Tentatively May 14-20)    They are hoping to cover the importance of the waterfront to the rest of the city and that will include the War of 1812.

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com

Well, thank God!

Any more of this distortion of facts and truths will be quite enough.      They’re goal of course is to cause such smoke that everyone will flee the subject of an LHD for fear of suffocation.

This is a perversion of democracy.      The pro and con on a subject is supposed to enlighten and inform the citizens so they can make an intelligent decision.     Instead, this is violence against any such rational discussion.

Fortunately, they have embarrassed themselves and revealed their hand long before the local historic district ordinance even comes up for consideration.

Of course, this is the contrast.    They are one-dimensional – to allow the city to continue its long decline into a dire future.

We are multi-dimensional – highlighting history, keeping our high quality of life, seeking help for homeowners, working to preserve our investments and enhancing heritage tourism for a bright cultural & economic future.

I challenge this group to be honest and to refocus for the benefit of the City.

Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy. Deceit is a poison in its veins.

                                              -Edward M. Kennedy

The rest of us will continue to present facts without distortion.

-P. Preservationist
www.ppreservationist.com