by Frank Schroth
At a recent meeting of the Board of Selectmen Steve O’Donnell of the Milton Historical Commission and Jess Phelps of Historic New England gave the members an update on the Eustis Estate. The primary topic was actually the sale of a ranch house that abuts the Eustis estate.
The Eustis home is a large, stunning structure on upper Canton Ave. that is fronted by a gatehouse which is rather amazing in its own right. (See related story here.) As Mr. Phelps of Historic New England explained, his organization also purchased the ranch house abutting the Eustis estate also. They have sold the house but with an agreement that certain preservation restrictions remain. The house cannot be remodeled and in fact interior features also need to be preserved. Historic New England’s primary goal was to protect the landscape and vistas surrounding the Eustis property. However, the ranch home is not without its out historic significance. As Mr. O’Donnell noted, “We like to say history began yesterday.” The ranch was built in 1950 and is one of the first mid-century ranch homes built. Many current students of architectural preservation are focusing their attention on ranch homes and Georgia is among states preserving this style.
Mr. Phelps did not know the immediate plans for the Eustis estate itself as that is managed by a different division of Historic New England, the museum group. Phelps is with the preservation group. The good news in this is that those two properties will be preserved as they look today.
Joe Lynch Director of the DPW, gave the selectmen an update to the street improvements that are to be made to Eliot Street between Milton Village and Central Avenue. This work, funded by a $1 million MassWorks grant, will include Victorian style lamp posts, a small bump out / plaza area in front of Radio Coffee house area similar to what currently exists in front of the Plate. It will allow for outdoor table is merchants wish and, perhaps more importantly, will provide a space for the clock being donated by the 350th committee (see related story here). The work is on a tight timeframe. The work is scheduled to be complete in a year; but Lynch noted that they may ask for an extension if needed, given that the town received notice late.
The Glover PTO has partnered with Bay State Textiles to install two bins for the recycling of clothing, shoes, pocketbooks, linens, and stuffed animals. They ask that all items be clean and dry. You can find a complete list of acceptable items here. The Glover PTO will receive $100 per ton of collected textiles. All are encouraged to participate. It was mentioned at the Selectmen’s meeting that other school PTOs are expected to have bins in the near future.