Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

3 September 2002

Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Dixon, Mike; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Malin, Jesse; Pugh, Mike; Sennstrom, Eric

Approval of minutes

Motion by Ron Edwards, second by Sally Cairns to approve the June meetings minutes.  HDC unanimously voted to approve minutes.

Old business
 
Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he will be giving a presentation on the HDC and historic preservation to the Colora civic group on 16 September 2002 at the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church.  Other HDC members are welcome to attend.  He will also be giving the presentation to the Chamber of Commerce as soon as the date is re-scheduled

New business

Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the HDC has three applications for historic designation on their agenda.  They are the yacht Elf, the Brick House, and the McKinney family cemetery.

Nomination for Historic Designation - Yacht Elf

Rick Carrion appeared to present the application for nomination on the yacht Elf.  Carrion acquired the yacht, designed by George Lawley and built in 1888, and has obtained restoration funding from the MHT and other trusts.  The yacht is on the national register of historic places.  Carrion presented a slide show history of the yacht and summarized his restoration activities.  Carrion is coordinating the restoration efforts of the nonprofit Classic Yacht Restoration Guild.  The yacht was the first of its kind to do offshore cruising and is the last of its kind still in existence.  The Elf is the oldest small yacht in America and the third oldest in the world.  Article on yacht in Chesapeake Bay magazine perused by HDC along with Classic Yacht Restoration Guild newsletters and article on Henry Howard's trip from Marblehead to Halifax, the first offshore trip made by a yacht of this kind in 1893.  The HDC examined building and restoration materials.  The blocks, keel and gimbals are the only original parts left.  Restoration is anticipated to be complete in 2005.  Mike Pugh questioned the organization's status in regard to incorporation.  Carrion stated that the Guild is a 501(C)3 organization.  Mike Pugh inquired if the Guild owns the boat.  Carrion stated that the Guild is the owner.  Mike Pugh queried on whether the yacht must remain in Cecil County.  Carrion stated that there is no restriction on the yacht's location.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that if the yacht was permanently relocated out of Cecil County, it would need to have its local historic designation rescinded.  Chairman Ed Cairns also requested that future renovations be brought before the HDC prior to commencing the work.  Audrey Edwards stated that the Cecil Historical Trust donated $8,500 to the Guild.  Director Sennstrom noted that his comments have been addressed by the applicant in his presentation.  Chairman Ed Cairns asked for vote on nomination to designate the yacht Elf as a historic structure.  Motion made by Audrey Edwards to recommend designation as a historic site with the condition that the designation be rescinded if the yacht is moved permanently outside of Cecil County.  Jesse Malin seconded the motion.  HDC voted unanimously to recommend approval of the application for historic designation.

Nomination for Historic Designation - Brick House

Director Sennstrom presented the application.  The Brick House was erected circa 1785.  The dwelling is a Georgian style brick house that was used as the seat of court during the War of 1812.  The structure was also used as a post office and general store into the early 20th century.  The architectural significance of the structure include that the brick work is original except where it has been repaired.  The brick is common bond style with one header course and five stretcher courses.  The front door contains a Georgian arch with half moon fanlight and is framed by wooden pilasters.  There are three large sash windows on the first floor and a brick exterior stairway that leads to a ground floor room that was originally used as a kitchen.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the dwelling is significant and that the application is in order.  Ron Edwards inquired about the interior.  Chairman Ed Cairns and Sally Cairns summarized the interior of the structure.  Chairman Ed Cairns asked for a vote on the application.  Motion made by Sally Cairns to recommend historic designation, Second by Ron Edwards.  HDC voted unanimously to recommend historic designation on Brick House.

Nomination for Historic Designation - McKINNEY FAMILY CEMETERY Chairman Ed Cairns introduced Helen McKinney and asked her to present her application.  Mrs. McKinney stated the photos were of the individuals buried in the cemetery without headstones.  Five sets of twins buried in cemetery.  Fieldstones mark their gravesites.  Significance of cemetery is that Joseph McKinney is buried there.  He helped erect the old school on Elk Neck.  The McKinney family has restored the cemetery.  Director Sennstrom presented a summary of the application.  The dimensions of the cemetery are approximately 90' by 90'.  The cemetery was actively used between 1811 and 1911 and contains the remains of seven generations of the McKinney family.  The McKinney family settled in the Elk Neck area in 1712 and began farming and fishing.  The first McKinney buried in the cemetery was Rachel McKinney, aged two months.  Subsequently, the remains of 100 family members were interred in the cemetery, among them is Joseph McKinney, who helped establish a school #3 nearby.  Discussion ensued regarding the cemetery.  Audrey Edwards inquired about a sign to identify the cemetery.  Helen McKinney stated perhaps a plaque would be erected.  The exhibits were perused and discussed.  Mike Dixon asked about the number of unmarked graves.  Helen McKinney stated it is unknown at this time.  Mike Dixon commented on methods to pick germane issue out of information provided.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the applicant has presented too much information.  Mike Dixon stated that inundation is often the natural response of applicants.  Sample presentation model will be developed by Mike Dixon and Ed Cairns.  Chairman Ed Cairns asked for a motion on the application.  Mike Dixon made the motion to recommend historic designation, seconded by Mike Pugh.  HDC unanimously voted to recommend historic designation on the cemetery.

MAAR Associates, Inc.

Ron Thomas and Eileen Basten of MAAR Assoc., Inc. appeared to present the draft findings on the survey and update of the inventory of historic places.  2200 buildings are contained on the updated list.  The HDC will peruse the information provided and notify the consultant as to its acceptability.  Any requests for changes to the format will be sent by the HDC to the consultant.

There was no general discussion.  Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.