By Kathy Kurtz Ferrari
Staff Writer
6/4/09
Historical significance can teach lessons, mark important events and guide future generations. From a certain perspective, it may be the most important subject our students learn to help guarantee a strong future.
Living in a community like Milton, with history binding the borders and woven in the fabric of the town, comes with responsibility.
Consider what would have happened if no one thought the creation and signing of the Suffolk Resolves was important. We may not have had a Declaration of Independence at all, had it not been for Daniel Vose and a few of his patriotic friends.
The Milton Historical Commission was formed in 1973 to preserve historically significant sites and educate residents on the important role the town has played. A seven-member board appointed by the Selectmen is entrusted to identify and protect historic sites, such as private homes or sections of town.
The commission differs from the Milton Historical Society, which is open for membership, and deals with fund-raising and special events. The society also owns many of the town’s historically significant items.
According to Commission Chair Meredith Hall, the responsibility is not taken lightly.
“Because of the demolition of historically significant homes, Selectmen and Town Meeting have taken steps to establish a bylaw to protect local history,” Hall said. “The commission is charged with surveying properties to establish their history and significance.”
She explained the importance of protecting, preserving and educating residents as to the history lessons often found in someone’s backyard.
Recently the commission undertook research and restoration of a sign erected in 1930 as part of a commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the founding of Massachusetts Bay Colony. The metallic sign, one of four original signs placed around town, had become rusty with age. Its location at the corner of Adams Street and Churchill’s Lane is the only one remaining from the effort to identify historic landmarks.
The three other signs are missing, and thanks to commission member Walter Sisson, who spent hours doing research, the wording of the signs and where they were placed is known, but their whereabouts remain a mystery. “Over time, they were probably taken down or hit by a car. No one seems to know,” said Hall. “If somebody would come forward with any information, we’d appreciate it.”
The Indian Trail sign was restored with funds from the Massachusetts Highway Department, which is responsible for sign maintenance. Sisson said other signs were placed along Adams Street in Lower Mills.
Sisson explained why it is important to preserve the history lying within the town’s borders. “We have an obligation to do this,” he said, noting the importance of the role Milton has played in the nation’s past. “Kids that live in town should know the history.”
Other projects under the auspices of the Milton Historical Commission include plaques on the town’s older homes. Homes built before 1930 are eligible to be surveyed to determine their background, and owners can purchase the historic plaques. Replacement plaques are also available from the commission.
Historic walking maps are available through the commission, and a lecture by local historian Anthony Sammarco is planned for June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Milton Public Library to discuss the town’s transformation from a farming community to a suburb. The commission plans to hold an annual lecture on similar themes.
“The importance of all this is, people don’t even know the historical significance of some of these things until it’s too late and they’re gone,” Hall explained, commenting on plans for future development of places like the Gov. Stoughton property. “Places like that have a significant piece of Milton’s history.”
For more information on the commission, visit www.townofmilton.org or contact Hall at (617) 930-3977.