Rob Gregg Receives 2012 Historic Preservation Award

The Historical Commission awarded its 2012 Historic Preservation Award to Rob Gregg for his work at the Vine Lake Cemetery and the creation of the Vine Lake Preservation Trust.  

“We want to honor someone who has done a terrific job revitalizing one of Medfield’s oldest and most important historic assets, Vine Lake Cemetery,” said David Temple, co-chair of the Historical Commission whose charge is to make sure that Medfield’s rich history is considered and protected as town development decisions are made.

“I’ve known Rob Gregg for years, and he’s always been very interested in history and genealogy,” said Temple as he presented the award at the July 3 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. 

“I have sometimes described Rob, in best possible sense of the words, as a monomaniac on a mission. He learned how they do things at the wonderful Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. He formed a 501-c-3 and organized and motivated a board of directors and volunteers [who] have expanded on the initial restoration work and have put on many public programs,” Temple said.

Vine Lake Cemetery was laid out in 1651 (the year the town was incorporated) and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Aside from a small cemetery on the grounds of the former state hospital, it is the only cemetery in town.

Temple described Vine Lake Cemetery as a "working museum of American cemeteries since the European settlement began" where the earliest part reflects the colonial period, followed by the rural style from 1830 to 1850, followed by the garden style from 1850 to 1890, then finally the modern landscape lawn style.   

Gregg accepted the award with gratitude to the commission, the town, and the Vine Lake Preservation Trust.

According to www.vinelakepreservationtrust.org, the Trust promotes the appreciation and preservation of the cultural, historical and natural resources of the cemetery; and its mission is to "preserve Vine Lake Cemetery by inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore its culture."

About the Historic Preservation Award

The Medfield Historic Commission makes periodic awards like this to recognize and thank people who have made a significant contribution to preserving Medfield’s history. The commission feels that preservation/restoration efforts like these enhance property values and the quality of life in Medfield, and that historic awareness and appreciation contributes to the relatively low incidents of vandalism in town.