Thursday, January 3, 2013
Do you think the town should purchase the Clark Tavern? If so, how? Would you support a Community Preservation Act? Weigh in on the issue in the comment box.
The former Clark Tavern, a piece of Medfield history, is for sale for $450,000. According to Medfield Town Historian Richard DeSorgher, It was a stagecoach stop on the Hartford-Boston Turnpike, also known as the Middle Road, going from Boston down to New York City. Many a weary traveler stayed over night before continuing the long stagecoach trip. Nathan Hale, of history book fame, who was sent by General George Washington to spy on the British in New York City and who was captured and hung, stayed in the Clark Tavern. Hale’s immortal words “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country,” are an important part of our nation's history. In addition, During the occupation of Boston, minutemen from Connecticut were sent up as far…
Friday, December 28, 2012
A weekly column by Medfield Town Historian Richard DeSorgher. This week discusses the impact of the 'For Sale' sign in front of the Clark Tavern.
Medfield is clearly at a crossroad of what the future character of the town is going to be. Sitting at 353-355 Main Street is the Clark Tavern. It dates to 1740. Many consider it the most historic house in Medfield. Certainly, it is on historic par with the Peak House and the Dwight-Derby House. Today, once again a “for sale” sign stands in front of the tavern. Many in town breathed a great sigh of relief five years ago when it was first up for sale and they saw the “sold” sign and learned that the property had been purchased by Medfield residents Stephen and Lynn Browne. Back then, behind the house was more than seven acres of woodland. Rumors talked of a developer wanting to tear down the Clark Tavern in order to develop the back …
Friday, August 3, 2012
This is the first in a three part series on the historic houses of East Main Street.
This week will cover the section of East Main Street from Pound Street to Robert Sproul Road. East Main Street, from the area of the Peak House and the 1750 Eliakim Morse house down to the Baptist Church, is truly the “Gateway” into Medfield. It is the initial impression one gets when coming into Medfield along Route 109. It contains homes dating back to the Colonial Period and magnificent landmarks out of the 18th and 19th centuries. That historic stretch is one of the factors that makes Medfield, Medfield. It is a factor when people decide to move here, it is a part of the historic heritage that gives Medfield its historical uniqueness, and it is a factor that helps to preserve and maintain the property values we have in Medfield, no …
Monday, June 11, 2012
Medfield's Historic District Commission and Historical Commission are again discussing an 'East Main Street Historic District' that would include the Peak House, Clark Tavern, and the Eliakim Morse House to start.
Medfield's Historic District Commission and Historical Commission are again discussing the possibility of an East Main Street Historic District that would include, at least, the Peak House (1711), Clark Tavern (1740) and Eliakim Morse House (1750) because the histories of all three structures are linked. “About 10 years ago, maybe 2003, we started to explore the concept but we got a lot of opposition,” said Historic District Commission chairman Michael Taylor. He said one of the homeowners was opposed to the idea in the past but, “we’ve been working behind the scenes trying to get that landowner to be supportive of the district.” Town historian Richard DeSorgher said some people stereotype and think a “historic district” designation …
Dave Clark
10:27 am on Saturday, January 5, 2013
Richard; Would it be possible to get the National Trust for Historic Preservation (in Washington) involved? more ›