Trying to Save The Carriage House
By Paul Larochelle - Editor
Monday, November 24, 2008 7:18 AM
Story and Photos by
Paul Larochelle - Editor
It stands beside the gracious and historic Miller Art Center, a house that could fit three carriages within its walls, but it’s structural fitness is in question.
It’s called the Carriage House, and when turning into the center on Elm Hill, its the first structure that comes into view, but as far as curb appeal, it leaves something to be desired.
Thankfully, before the structure lapsed too far into disrepair, a dedicated crew took matters (and paint brushes, saws, brooms, and hammers) into their own hands in an effort to restore the luster to the historic house.
It’s not ready to implode, but there are some structural issues to be addressed as evidenced by the photo above of both wood rot and evidence of hungry insects of some sort.
According to
The project goal of the core crew of volunteers pictured above?
Repaint and renovate the house including the ground floor and huge second floor space into square footage to be used for displays, meetings and even a short-term rental property for other organizations meetings and special events.
“Our goal for the Carriage House has always been to make a conference room/gallery, with handicap facilities. As it is now, only the first floor of the main house is handicap accessible,” said MAC director, Claire Hatch.
“A fund for this project was started by Fred Richardson’s family when he passed away several years ago. As you well remember, Fred was a former President of the Center, Genealogist, and author of several well known books on Springfield history,” added Hatch.
From left – Kim Belknap, Warren Cross, Pat Belknap, Ed LaRow and Claire Hatch – have welcomed donations of money and materials from outside sources while lending their painting, carpentry and general contracting skills to make up for a lack of funds to hire outside help.
According to Hatch, “Ed LaRow of Stone Cottage Construction, along with his workers Kim Belknap and Warren Cross, is donating their expertise to help us save the Carriage House. I should also mention Pat Belknap, as she is always available to help whenever needed.
“Rick Bibens of Bibens Home Center has donated clapboards and several generous members have sent checks for this project. “We want to thank Carla Kelly, Winifred McDonald, John Follett, Rusty and Woody Bickford and Pat and Kim Belknap.”
While the incoming autumn and winter will slow then halt the project – the house is void of a heating system – the fundraising can still continue with offers of money, materials and manpower welcome during the winter.
In the spring, the volunteers, hopefully joined by more supporters, will take on the house built in 1850, making sure its appeal to property and the visitors to the Miller Art Center continues on to at least 2050.
“You can’t imagine what a boost this is to the morale of the Center members,” said Hatch.
If you are interested in donating material or labor, call Pat Belknap at 885-5354; Ed LaRow at 885-4691; or Claire at 885-2415.
