Re: site inspection for historic status

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T � t ��`'��[/�.� ]uly 25, 2003 ,��/! � •� �J��1 11�IINiV'ESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY C/Ty pFo�O � Mr. Jim White �Yp Orono City Council 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, Minnesota 55356 Dear Councilman White: RE: July 24, 2003, Site Inspection, Orono, Minnesota We want to thank you, Mike Gaffron and his colleagues for taking time out of your busy day to show us the Orono properties. Considering the orientation of the residences to the lake, the only efficient way to view them is via the water. After we returned to the office we talked about what we saw, in particular the tiny building located at 3532 Ivy Place. The fact that it is so small suggests that it was used for a playhouse with storage below for summer produce or play equipment. Had the original residence remained, the playhouse would have more meaning, helping to evoke , the family's summer recreational activities. Without the main house, the playhouse is out of context and unable to convey this aspect of living on the lake. It is our opinion that the playhouse is not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Of course, as we discussed during our morning visit, age is not the only aspect of a property's history taken into account when its significance is evaluated. StafF also look to determine if a property retains its historic physical integrity, looks to see if it represents a particular architectural style, or is associated with significant events or people. For the properties in Orono that may have started as seasonal residences and later evolved into permanent homes, the need to remodel for year-round use could have resulted in substantive alterations to the houses. If they were not remodeled, but used by a prominent family (which during the early decades of the 20�' century it was usually the husband/father who was recognized), it needs to be determined which residence—the summer house or the family's "city" house best repre�ents the significant accomplishments made in business, or politics, etc. There will be properties in Orono that retain integrity and that represent summer lakeshore living. However, an intensive level historic survey is necessary to identify them. And in order to interest the property owners in this activity, it is important that the City of Orono consider taking this important step by establishing a Heritage Preservation Commission and taking the additional step of getting the Commission Certified that will give the commission the opportunity to apply for federal funds to conduct historic site surveys. 3�5 Kr.11og�Boulevurd�est/�aint Paul,\linur.ut�55LC)2-19(IG/'l�elrphunr 6�1-29(rGl'L6 .