EDITORIAL: TOWN HALL NORTH BROOKFIELD

It's about time North Brookfield! Now that the scraping of the paint has begun it is important to do things right! Restoring an antique building isn't brain surgery, however having knowledge of historic preservation helps.

40 years ago I undertook the restoration of a Greek Revival HOME in West Brookfield( MINE). It was a formidable challenge and I responded to the call! Tom Fiske and I undertook eight days of scraping. Surface preparation determines how the end result will come out. At the time of scraping we made sure all clapboards were re-nailed before painting.

The key to painting as I see it is using a oil-based primer. Benjamin Moore and English Ivory were our choices. The end result 60 gallons later brough about both personal satisfaction of a job well done to the adulation of neighbors and West Brookfield residents. When completed with shutters..the Late Ray Bennett (Old Flexible) said 'Mr. Potvin..you have done the impossible! Thank you.. Ray Bennett

Auctioneer Colby Johnson

President Harry S. Truman

Top - L --R  Jim Gaffney - Bull McCarthy - Bill Benvenuti - Bunk Hill - George Murphy
Postmaster Larry Cotter - Lenny Lemieux - Rfd - Jim Short

 

GEORGE M. COHAN   Batting CONNIE MACK DAY  1934  TOWN COMMON
Cornelius McGillicuddy (Connie Mack - himself!)

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The North Brookfield Town Hall has wonderful Italianate architectural lines. Jeff Samuelson made a quantum leap with the restoration of the cupola and painting of the brackets. It was encouraging.. then the second shoe never fell. For years it was an embarrassment. I felt my hometown had dry rot.  Now Sheriff Lew Evangelitis' crew has picked up the ball... or should I say the scrapers and are ready to paint!

You can not paint it once and walk away. Planning ahead for four or five years will insure a continuation of a preservation that will be worth tax dollars."'Langevin's" terse response to my question as to "WHY" he funded the painting.. he responded 'Because I have to look at it every day!"

But the Town Hall restoration is more than just painting the exterior. The Hall is as historic as it gets.110 years ago George M. Cohan performed on its stage each summer. Cohan went on to" Own Broadway."

This entire real estate is imposing. No longer are Benvenuti's Fruit Store and the Police Station are present. Ticky's Barber Shop is gone. In 1959 & 1960 I worked at LaBelle's Food Centre in the TH for a year. I know the property! The vacant Town Offices must be addressed and moved back to the Hall. The entire landmark is the focal point of the North Brookfield Community. "use it or lose it!" Wiring, plumbing, insulation, etc.

In fundraising I once consulted with the President of St. Louis University..Father  Lawrence J.Biondi, SJ. He advised me 'You must show potential donors where their munificence can be seen and appreciated.  OK GOOGLE!

I failed in my attempt to restore historic BATES OBSERVATORY on Bell Hill as apathy and possibly ignorance prevailed. Simple: I moved to West Brookfield and am a happy camper!

Potential donors and Good Citizens must respond now. The marble tablets bearing names of Civil War  casualties should be a highlight once again. The North Brookfield Historical Society deserves a better place that steerage in the Munns Building! As Pesident Harry S. Truman once said" The only thing we learn in life is the history we don't know."

THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE WILL DETERMINE ITS FATE.
In 1956 the Town decentralized moving to the Oakham Road ( next to the new DOLLAR GENERAL. See what money can do!

I have been museum hopping the past few years.. from the Kennedy Museum to the Worcester Art Museum, to Springfield  Museums down to Windsor, Ct where the Antique Radio collection is shown. Millennials must be introduced to our illustrious past. If the Library can raise big bucks.. I submit that building built in 1864 needs an epiphany! Show your pride!

This restoration, in its entirety, will be watched closely by yours truly. My Poulin/Potvin/ Wine roots go back to 1870. How about you? NB is my hometown.. NB is your hometown!

"I know men in the ranks.. and they stay in the ranks.. because they don't have the ability to get things done!" Are you a man in the ranks? Hope not!

Get some media going.. get on with things. Paint is cheap!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
NOT A MAN IN THE RANKS
Box 11
WEST BROOKFIELD, MA 01585

"The value of an idea lies in the using of it." 
Thomas Alva Edison

'Believe  you can and you're half way there."

President Theodore Roosevelt