I heard that there is another home- the Ott House on Walcott St that some want to tear down. I hope this is just a rumor as we have lost too much of our history in Pawtucket and RI for what some call progress or I call regression!
Demolish another historic house?
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I begun very positive discussion with the Greek Church, trying to share his enthusiasm on the importance of preservation and the historic value the Read-Ott mansion. The church council is going to be voting on this decision the end of September (this month!). I am reaching out to my friends, family and really anyone that will listen to please take a moment and write a simple and positive letter of support to save this building - a building I hope will be used for a different purpose instead of being demolished.
Again, I must stress that my relationship with the church is very good - and I am only asking for letters of support of saving this building - I believe that this can be accomplished in a very positive way. I hope you can help - however time is running out. Could you please help?
Over the past year The Greek Church has appointed a panel to look into restoring the mansion, the panel has worked with Roger Williams School of Architecture as well as a number of different organizations to identify different reuses and restore the Mansion. They are now at the point where the congregation needs to decided whether to restore or demolish. I just don't want anyone to think that this is just a decision to demolish. Thanks again for you time and I apologize for any misunderstanding. Joe Asermely
Please address your letters to:
Stasy Susset- Parish Council President , Assumption Church 97 Walcott, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
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September 7, 2009
Dear Arthur and friends,
After reading the impassioned letter by Joe Asermely, one might connect that the Asermely family's great-great-great plus grandfather, Mr. Read, might have been the original owner of the mansion on Walcott Street. I know Mr. Asermely's grandmother was a Mrs. Read. However, Mr. Asermely makes some great points about preservation of any mansion, especially one that has survived about 150 years.
To Mr. Asermely and others concerned: Could the Read-Ott mansion be moved as was the Molak mansion on Broadway, which was moved from the path of Route 95 around 1961? The Molak mansion is three stories high and was moved in sections? Is the cost prohibitive? Could the Pawtucket Foundation and the Historic Preservation Society move the property?
However, in the recent past, church parish councils made some terrible mistakes in tearing down structures of historical value. For instance, in the late 1970's, St. Joseph's School in Central Falls was demolished to build a church parking lot. St. Joseph's School, formerly on High Street,near Clay Street, existed as a mansion owned by a textile mill owner during the Civil War. The building contained a beautiful Southern style staircase, with oak floors in about six classrooms. The other seven classrooms proved additions in the late 1920's.
By the late 1970's, with the success of the Polish picnics, the church decided to demolish the school building. The parking lot looks great, however, the school's use could have continued.
Another church building on the demolition slate: The convent of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus on Woodhaven Road. According to parish sources, the convent has not been used for many years. What is the fate of this 60 year old building?
Dear Neighbors, does anyone know the fate of St. Mary's School and Convent in Pawtucket?
To the preservationists, do not give up your great cause.
Peace, Ludlow1
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I believe there could be saving possibilities for just painting the Ott mansion by volunteer painters-who could be unemployed folks and/or contractors if we got donations of paint from paint companies or Lowes/Home Depot or even the Walmarts and KMarts or some local stores.
A letter of support to the Greek Parish would help as well.
As for St Mary's, I have heard rumors, but Home and Hospice's former headquarters might be part of planning for the future for some future thinking real estate folks as well... |