Name/Title
Project Updates & Architectural Assessments, Bull Stone House June 1980Entry/Object ID
002763Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
Project Updates & Architectural Assessments
The Board of Trustees hired two experts to evaluate the historic 18th-century property and its contents:
Daniel M. C. Hopping (Historical Architect): Completed an Architectural Survey. He warned that the Dutch Barn needed immediate attention to avoid being lost. He also noted that the Carriage House and the "Little House" (a former servant quarters adjacent to the original Stone House) require urgent repairs.
Michael Bertolini (Appraiser of Antiques): Partially completed an appraisal, declaring the association's antiques and historical documents "priceless" and irreplaceable. He recommended immediate preservation efforts.
Work Completed & Future Plans
The Dutch Barn: Restoration is complete. Work included replacing the sills, pointing the free stone foundation, reworking/replacing beams, and replacing non-original siding. The craftsmanship was handled by Sam Phelps, who was located by the property custodian, Mike Brown.
Future Goals: The association hopes to eventually secure enough funds to restore the interior rooms of the Little House and convert them into a secure storage area for their historical documents. They also plan to have the Stone House and surrounding buildings officially documented by "The Historic American Buildings Survey."
Financial Standing & Appeal
Expenditures: Restoring the Barn cost $8,000. Repairing the Carriage House and the exterior of the Little House is estimated to cost an additional $10,000.
The Request: Because annual income only covers day-to-day maintenance, the board had to dip into capital reserves to complete these vital projects. They are appealing to members for financial contributions to replace this capital and protect their early 18th-century heritage.
Tax Status: Contributions are tax-deductible. The letter notes their exempt status was currently under IRS review, adding that gifts received before June 30, 1980, would be greatly appreciated.
Additional Needs
P.P.S. The association notes that they desperately need a Family Genealogist.
The letter is signed by the Association President, Frederick M. Bement.
