Historical Signs:
Have you seen the historical signs starting to appear around Town? Two of our Commission Members, Annmarie Fontecchio and Isabel Nulter, have been diligently researching information on historical properties in Medway. These signs provide photos and information on historically significant sites in Town. Four signs have been installed:
1.The Henry Garnsey Homestead, located on Village Street where the Dog Park is located. Henry Garnsey (1679-1759) was the first settler and a founder of Medway, which was formerly called “The New Grant.” He achieved prominence in town; he served as a selectman, a constable, and a moderator of the first Precinct Meeting and a hog-viewer. All that remains of the Homestead is a part of the foundation at the dog park, in a fenced off area.
2. Dr. Jacob Ide House at 158 Main Street. Erected 1814-1815 by Malachi Bullard. Reverend Jacob Ide, DD was the first and longest tenured resident, living in this house until his death at 95 in 1880. He was a prolific writer, editor and teacher of theology. He prepared more than 40 men for ministry and was an advocate for the abolition of slavery. Reverend Ide was ordained as the first Pastor to serve at the Second Church of Christ, also known as the “Church on Rabbit Hill” in Medway.
3. The West Medway Train Station, located at the current Police Station on Village Street. 1885-1940. “No enterprise has ever excited such genuine interest, or required so much time, persistent effort, and pecuniary expenditure, as the necessary means by which the three different sections of the town has secured railroad accommodations.”
4. High Street School, located at the Medway Public Library, also known as the No. 4 Schoolhouse. The original High Street School was built in 1862 for approximately $7000. A new brick elementary schoolhouse was built in front of the High Street School. When it was finished, the original High Street School was taken down. In 1980 the brick schoolhouse became the Medway Public Library.
To make these signs possible it takes a Village. In addition to the efforts of our Commission members, many others contribute to the success of this project. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and Town Meeting approve the funding for the signs. After the Historical Commission reviews and approves the signs, they are reviewed by the Design Review Committee and approved by the Select Board. Photos are graciously provided by the Medway Historical Society. Ben Phillips is the designer, and the Pannier company manufactures the signs. The Town Department of Public Works installs the signs. Town staff including Barbara Saint Andre provide support and guidance. The Commission is grateful for the contributions of all.
Each sign is painstakingly researched and involves many hours. The Medway Historical Society was a great asset as were many of its members. Steve Malloy spent many hours with us on the West Medway Train Station. Sheila Dubrawski, President of the Historical Society, reviewed the signs for accuracy and content. Our Commission Members thoroughly examine the content and layout of each sign and make corrections if needed. They are all a work from the heart. All of our signs are in black and white to give a historic image.
Our next sign project is the Thayer Homestead located at 2B Oak Street. More on that to come!
Rabbit Hill Historic District
The Rabbit Hill National Historic District encompasses the properties along portions of Main Street, Milford Street, Highland Street and some properties on connecting side streets in the area around the Community Church. A map of the District can be found here: rabbit_hill_national_register_historic_district_map.pdf The recognition of the Rabbit Hill area as a National Historic District confirms its historical importance and integrity, but does not provide any restrictions on the properties in the District. As a result, historic structures can be modified or, eventually, even demolished.
The Medway Historical Commission, in response to concerns expressed by some residents as to the need to preserve the historical integrity of the Rabbit Hill National Historic District, recently sent a short questionnaire to the owners in the district, soliciting their input as to whether the Town should establish a local historic district to preserve Rabbit Hill. A local historic district, which may only be established through a rigorous process that includes a study committee, allows the Town through a Town Meeting vote to enact a bylaw that limits the exterior changes that can be made to buildings within the district. This would help preserve the historic character of Rabbit Hill but would also add a layer of restrictions on property owners.
The Commission mailed out 54 surveys and received 15 responses. (Although responses were requested by October 22, 2024, the Commission would be pleased to receive a response from anyone who received a survey but has not responded.) Of the 15 responses, 9 were generally in favor of the concept of a local historic district, although there were a number of comments suggesting various aspects of a property that should be exempt from the regulations. The other six were generally opposed to the idea, for the most part expressing that they are not in favor of the Town imposing more restrictions on the use of their property.
The Commission thanks all who returned the surveys and is currently reviewing whether to explore a limited local historic district in the Rabbit Hill area.
Evergreen Cemetery Preservation
Evergreen Cemetery in Medway was established in 1750 and is still in use today. There are roughly 362 stones in the oldest part of the cemetery. Early interments included members of the Adams, Allen, Bullard, Clark, Hill, Partridge and Plympton families. Over fifty of the early stones of slate were carved by Joseph Barber Jr., a prolific carver from Medway. The artwork on these stones is a significant cultural resource to the citizens both locally and nationally as examples of our early colonial heritage.
After several seasons of preliminary work, including charting gravesites and clearing brush and overgrown vegetation, the first phase of preservation of Evergreen Cemetery has been completed. The historic section of the cemetery (old burial ground), final resting place of many of Medway's earliest settlers, had been suffering from neglect for many years. This section is located up on the hill on the west side of Evergreen.
Town Meeting approved the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the project. The Medway Historical Commission retained conservationist Kai Nalenz to begin preserving some of the damaged stones in Evergreen Cemetery. Overseen by Mark Wilcox, President Medway Historical Society, Board Member Historical Commission, the work was completed April 2009. Repairs of broken stones and re-setting of tilted stones was finished with a complete cleaning of the stone.
There are over 4000 stones in the lower section of Evergreen Cemetery, which is controlled by a private non-profit corporation. The Phase 2 restorations were accomplished in the lower section. The restoration was funded by the Medway CPA fund and overviewed by Mark Wilcox. The Phase 2 restoration was also performed by Kai Nalenz.
Phase 3 restoration work is now underway and will include restoration of additional gravestones in the lower section.