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Historical Commission Opposes Demolition of Read-Parkhurst House

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April 7, 2005 - 1:00am |

Representatives of the Dunstable Historical Commission, including Chairman Mike Wurm, met with the Board of Selectmen last Monday night to discuss the proposed demolition of 67 Mill Street, which is on the property where the proposed Tyler Estates 40B project would go. The Historical Commission is in the process of working with the Mass Historical Commission to have the house, originally known as the Read-Parkhurst House, added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance as one of the oldest houses in town (built in 1805) and having been the childhood home of Sarah Read Roby, the benefactress of the Dunstable Town Hall.

In the mid 1800’s, the property was sold to Jacob Parkhurst and his wife Mary Ann Read Parkhurst (Sarah’s sister). In 1903, a windmill was added to the barn, which is depicted in the historic photo of the house in the book "Images of America: Dunstable" on p. 73. The homestead was successfully operated as a chicken farm for most of its existence.

Today, the house appears to be an ordinary old farmhouse that is in pretty rough shape without any significance that would merit its preservation. The owners applied for a permit to demolish the house on March 21. The Building Inspector has thirty days to act on the permit application. Members of the Historical Commission have been in the process of having the house preserved before it is too late. Now, they have asked the Mass Historical Commission to actively oppose the demolition, both here with the town of Dunstable, and with the Department of Housing and Community Development, which oversees 40B projects. (The house is on the property where the Tyler Estates 40B project has been proposed.)

Historical Commission member Ron Wood has suggested that the house could be converted to a home for active seniors who want the companionship of housemates. A precedent for this is the Tidd Home in Woburn, which also qualifies as affordable housing. Another possibility is that someone who appreciates historical colonial homes would want to buy and preserve the house. Mr. Traywick could sell the house for a premium to such a buyer.

The Historical Commission is receiving support from the Board of Selectmen and other town boards for their position on preserving the house.

 


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