The other day I received an email with this message:
The Mayor has asked the members of the Historic Preservation Commission to garner
support for the administration’s (and our) request for funding which will enable Plainfield
to apply for county money to help save Virginia Terrell's house and barn for future
generations. You may have seen the blue tarp flapping from the roof of the house as you
drive south on Terrill Road.
Now designated the Lampkin House, the building is one of the oldest in the State, and
badly in need of care. In 2009, the house was named “One of New Jersey’s 10 Most
Endangered” historic structures
This is what the grant application says about the project:
“The overall preservation objective of this project is to remove endangerment to the historic Lampkin House property through acquisition and stabilization. The long term objective is full restoration of the house and barn as a historic site, as well as site interpretation and site improvements (parking, trails, and landscaping) for public use and enjoyment.
Recognizing the historical and architectural significance of the Lampkin House, the City of Plainfield proposes to acquire the property, prepare a Preservation Plan for its future use and treatment, and stabilize the house and barn to protect them from further deterioration until restoration can proceed.
“This project provides a unique opportunity to preserve one of Union County’s very early surviving houses for the use and benefit of all. The acquisition of the .43 acre property (see property maps included with application) offers an important opportunity to link the historic site with adjoining municipal and county open space (the 29.73 acre “retention basin property” owned by the City of Plainfield) and the Peterson Farm (a 5.71 acre farm preserved by Union County).
The City envisions a multiple use destination that will offer passive recreational opportunities (such as nature trails and outdoor interpretive programs) alongside the preserved historic site, thus expanding the potential uses and visitation of the preserved property in a densely populated area.”
I consider this to be a most worthy project and hope that the Council will add its support. We Americans tend to have no regard for artifacts that represent our heritage and tend to destroy what is old instead of preserving.
This would be a first step in preserving a historical building with as soon as possible obtaining funds for a complete restoration. Undoubtedly there will be in the future plans for some relocation of the building since with wi8dening of Terril Road one corner of the house is almost upon the street.
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An OK idea (because how many lives will it affect in any significant way?) but about a decade or two too late. Where has the mayor been, or for that matter, where had the previous administrations been, including Dan Damon, a champion of the Drake House? For that matter, you, Doc, where have you been, since you live around the corner from the Lamkin House? And if the answer is, "We've been doing other, more important stuff," you're all probably right.
ReplyDelete7:55 Maria wrote about the property ov er a year ago. You are right about more important local things that need urgent attention.
ReplyDeleteI have always been aware of the house's proximity to the street but it was occupied and when the roof was covered thought it was being reshingled.
I can finally agree with our mayor on something. A red letter day. I hope we can preserve this property and make it open to others to enjoy and take pride in our past.
ReplyDeleteCome on, deal with reality. Knock it down and spend money on something that has a chance to be enjoyed by the community [Drake House, church, etc tours]
ReplyDeleteThe County should incorporate the house into the farm which is on the opposite side. As to what has been going on with the property over the last 20 years, anonymous should conduct a seance and contact the prior owner for answers.
ReplyDelete