Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

1 February 2005

Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Dixon, Mike; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Folk, Patricia; Simpers, Nancy; Sennstrom, Eric

Absent: None

Call to order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 

Approval of minutes

Motion made by Nancy Simpers to approve minutes of 4 January 2005 meeting.  Motion was seconded by Sally Cairns.  All members of HDC were in favor of motion.

New Business

Chairman Ed Cairns announced that the HDC is in receipt of two nominations for historic designation.  The first is from the Onion Bed and the second is from the Cherry Hill United Methodist Church.

HDC-2005-01 "Onion Bed": David Holsten appeared to present his application for the Onion Bed.  Mr. Holsten summarized the history of the property starting with its historical connection to William Penn.  Property was originally part of Nottingham lot #35 and occupation of the property can be traced back to 1701.  Date of erection of dwelling is not certain, it is suspected that it was constructed between 1758 and 1783. A tax assessment from 1783 indicates one dwelling on the property.  The Reynolds family has occupied the property from 1783 to the present.  Chairman Ed Cairns interjected that the property owners petitioned for a license to sell beer and cider at this location in 1736.  Mr. Holsten continued that the wagon house was constructed from re-used timber.  The dwelling consists of two brick sections and a frame section.

Motion made by Ron Edwards to recommend approval of request for historic designation.  Motion was seconded by Patricia Folk.  All members of HDC in favor of motion.

HDC-2005-02 "Cherry Hill United Methodist Church": Nancy Simpers stated that the application includes the Church, Parsonage, Church House and Cemetery.  Director Sennstrom stated that the church began in 1800, the present structure was erected between 1857 and 1859.  The parsonage was built in 1872.  The ground for the cemetery was acquired from 1877 to 1879.  The church added an organ in 1888 and in 1890 a stained glass window was installed.  The Cherry Hill school moved to the rear of the site in 1960.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the church's history was interesting.  Nancy Simpers indicated that the application includes a ½ acre and the cemetery on parcel 213.  HDC discussed the setting of the church and cemetery.  Patricia Folk inquired if the church is still in use?  Nancy Simpers replied in the affirmative and stated that it is on the Maryland inventory of historic places.

Motion made by Patricia Folk to recommend approval of request for historic designation.  Motion seconded by Ron Edwards.  All members of HDC in favor with exception of Nancy Simpers who abstained.

Old Business

Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the next item of business is the workshop.  Ron Edwards queried if that is the correct terminology to use in describing the event.  HDC discussed whether it would be more appropriately titled a seminar, forum, workshop, etc.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that seminar is fine.    Audrey Edwards indicated 4 suppliers had been contacted, Ross Gibson is thinking about it, Mr. Barchowsky is a mill worker, Elizabeth Mask is a colorist/analyst, Joseph Wey is a timber framer.  Cecil Historical Trust will also display.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that publicity is needed.  HDC discussed locations for fliers.  Director Sennstrom presented a summary of prices received from EZ Print.  The sole respondent to our solicitation for quotes to print the HDC brochure.  Patricia Folk suggested printing as many as we could afford.  Patricia Folk inquired about accoutrements for workshop/seminar.  Coffee, doughnut holes, cream & sugar, sign in sheet were agreed upon as necessities.  Director Sennstrom will create sign in sheet.  Name tags will be provided for HDC members.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that HDC should meet in March to review workshop/seminar.  Mike Dixon suggested inclusion of Harford Community College in HDC's efforts.  Chairman Ed Cairns will invite to participate.  Chairman Ed Cairns summarized brochure from Goucher College.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:06 p.m.

Next meeting is 1 March 2005 at 3:00 p.m. in the P&Z conference room.

Respectfully submitted:

Eric S. Sennstrom, AICP
Director - PZP&R