Historians in Orleans County say a Dollar General would destroy tenor of historic Gaines
Editor:
We, the undersigned Municipal Historians of Orleans County, are profoundly disappointed with the disregard the Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals has shown for the only National Historic Landmark in Orleans County by entertaining the possibility of building a Dollar General across the road from the Gaines District No. 5 Cobblestone Schoolhouse in Childs.
The Cobblestone Society stands as a stalwart supporter of historic preservation and derives much of its authenticity from the nature of the surrounding community. The three buildings that constitute this significant landmark demonstrate a unique method of construction developed and perfected between 1825 and 1860.
In 1993, the Secretary of the Interior designated the Cobblestone Historic District as one of just over 2,500 National Historic Landmarks in the United States. It is imperative that the integrity of this district and designation remain intact. Regardless of what type of faux finish is used for the facade, the new structure will be inauthentic, and will destroy the tenor of the neighborhood.
We respectfully request that the Town of Gaines protect what is both a local and national treasure and reject the proposal.
Thank You,
Matthew R. Ballard, Orleans County Historian
Adrienne Kirby, Gaines Town Historian
Adrienne Daniels, Barre Town Historian
Lysbeth Hoffman, Carlton Town Historian
Melissa Ierlan, Clarendon Town Historian
Marsha DeFilipps, Holley Village Historian, Murray Town Historian
Alice Zacher, Shelby Town Historian
Dawn Metty, Yates Town Historian
