The Great Reawakening of the Meeting House

The community came out for a first look at the historic Meeting House on Milton Road September 24. The sunset party celebrated the completion of the first phase of the exterior rehabilitation.

The event, hosted by the Committee to Save the Bird Homestead, benefited both the Meeting House and the Bird Homestead next door. The two properties are now one protected historic and environmental enclave, a place of learning and enjoyment for all ages. Guests traveled the woodland path between the two buildings, transported to a rural past.

{gallery}MH10711{/gallery}

Mayor Doug French praised the efforts of the non-profit committee, which oversaw the rehabilitation. Professor Thomas Cummins, Chair of the Harvard Department of History of Art and Architecture, spoke eloquently about the fact that preserving buildings not only protects the structures, but also preserves the spirit of the people who used and lived in them. Walter Sedovic, preservation architect for the Meeting House, educated the crowd on construction techniques and materials used in historic buildings.

Ray Tartaglione was the high bidder for the chance to ring the bell, but he graciously gave the opportunity to David Barton, who was the last person to ring the bell, as a child in the 1960s. Mr. Tartaglione said, “I take my hat off to all those who have made this project, which helps preserve the wetlands and the harbor, possible. The scene was breathtaking, and like taking a short, beautiful walk back in time.”

Anne Stillman, who deserves several rounds of applause for her dedicated work as president of the Committee to Save the Bird Homestead these past few years, had a few words to say. “We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from the community for these special historic properties. Tremendous thanks go tonight to Candace Riegelhaupt and her talented Benefit Committee, who made it a magical evening we will long remember.”

—Photos by Melanie Cane

admin