Commentary by Frank Schroth

In the past year, two historic buildings have been torn down and there is a pending demolition order on what is believed to be the oldest commercial building in Milton. Meanwhile, a whale of a structure remains at the end of Eliot Street  like an abandoned rusting tanker marooned on a sand bar. Buildings that members of the community want to preserve are smashed while the one building many want removed stands still. 

On the other side of the balance sheet as it were, the Eustis Estate, one of Milton’s most historically significant and  majestic homes, was acquired by Historic New England which will preserve the 80 acre estate for the public benefit. Also in that column is the slow and steady maturing of the Wakefield Estate. Aside from a stunning array of dogwood trees and other remarkable trees, the estate offers a range of programs especially for children. Of course these are private non-profit endeavors.

The Catholic Archdiocese in concert with the St. Elizabeth’s Parish Council determined that their property on Randolph Avenue would be more attractive to buyers if the historic Howe house were torn down, and it was. The Howe House (see Library of Congress entry here), more familiarly known as the old St. Elizabeth’s rectory, was built by Joseph Howe in 1830. Mr. Howe’s son Samuel founded the Perkins School for the Blind and his daughter-in-law Julia Ward penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The old DeWolfe building at 17 Canton Avenue does not have as illustrious a pedigree. Actually, it is not there now as it has been torn down also. A replica is taking its place, a “replica” that is larger and has additional features proposed. If you squint your eyes and just look at the front door, it will likely bear a strong resemblance to the old structure. In the clear light of day with eyes wide open, that is something else entirely.

 

Around the corner on Adams street is a small, dilapidated building with peeling red paint. It once housed the Swift Hat Shop. It is one of the oldest if not the oldest commercial building in Milton. It doesn’t house anything now. Mike Roberts the owner has applied for a demolition order. Paul Sullivan who is also involved with the property was quoted in the Milton Times as saying that they want to work with the town and the demolition order was simply a way to start the conversation. Mission accomplished. Whether that building will still be standing 5 years from now is anyone’s guess. It may fall down in the meantime from neglect or “disintegrate.” That was the word used to explain why moving the old DeWolfe building off its foundation was impractical. That is also the word that was used by one of St. Elizabeth’s priests in response to a parishioner’s questions regarding the historic granite from the Howe House. Apparently, this granite — igneous rock formed from magma–was “disintegrating,” she was told.

Whether this erasure of historic structures is a good thing or a bad thing, whether it matters or not is a question worth asking. If you have an opinion the time to voice it is now. The upcoming Master Plan forum (2/26 @ 6:30PM at Cunningham Hall) represents one opportunity. One would hope that the Milton Historical Commission and the Milton Historical Society would have a presence at these forums.

What’s gone is gone. The value of what has been torn down lies only in the lessons we learn about  how we might save what is worth preserving.