HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.09.09 - Minutes, Historical Advisory CommitteeMinutes of the meeting of the Historical Advisory Committee of the Washington County
Commissioners. 12 Noon, September 9, 2024 at Western Sizzlin' Restaurant
Members Present:
Ralph Young, Derek Harvey, Bill Knode, Jefferson Boyer, Tom Clemens, Meghan Jenkins (Wash Co.) and
Commissioner Derek Harvey.
1. No minutes of May meeting were presented as it was primarily making arrangements for the awards
luncheon.
2. Old Business
1. Report of our June tour of the historic Boyer house & Sharpsburg Museum — Tom
Clemens updated the committee that the house will not be purchased by the town, but will have
preservation easements placed on it and sold.
2. National Road mile marker, again, - Ralph said the replacement marker near the Ditto farm
was installed, but another marker west of that was damaged in a vehicle accident. It is not
damaged, but needs to be reset and he will call the State Highway Administration to see if they
will do it. Meghan pointed out there is a record of the mile markers, which is recorded with he
Historic Sites Survey with MD Historical Trust.
3. Membership: It was noted that two people, long-time member Jane Hershey and current
member Bill Beard have passed away. There are several people who expressed interest in
joining this committee. There was discussion concerning representation. We have always
solicited members to represent various communities in the county, but almost all the new
applicants live in Hagerstown. It was decided to accept the new members, Tom Freeman,
Heather Holman, Tyler Mylan, Alexis Jameson and Nivia Estrada, and to work out a system to
keep in touch with all the communities in the county.
Ralph also indicated he would like to step down as Chairman or at least share the job with
someone. None of those present were willing, and this will discussed at our next meeting.
4. Reichard farm complex on Greencastle Pike —Ralph and Doug Claytor, met with Rich Bachtell and
his son who are contractors who can disassemble and move the buildings to the Ag Center, or whatever
site chosen. This firm recently assembled a period structure for Pat Schooley. The questions to be
resolved are: how many buildings to move, and what is most historically significant. We agreed the log
barn is the most unique and important. Money to move it is still an issue; AC&T has offered to help, but
it will take more money than they offered. The buildings need to be cleaned out and documented. MD
Historical Trust was mentioned as a possible source of funds. (The MD Heart of the Civil War Heritage
Area might also have some grant money.) We need to see what the timeline for AC&T has for the
clearing of the site. If nothing else, we need to disassemble and store the buildings. Derek will approach
the Ag Center board to discuss the issue.
3. New Business
1. Ralph suggested that he and Derek present the award to the Brezlers since they could not attend the
awards luncheon. Also, we need to fix the awards list to include John Barr, we think it may have been
2018 or 2019??
2. Tom Clemens moved that the Preservation Advocacy Award be re -named the Jane Hershey -Pat
Schooley Preservation Award. All were in favor of making that change to honor these two people who
have so much to advocate for historic preservation in Washington County.
3. We discussed possible awardees for 2025, including the Updegraff building Hagerstown, the Port 44
group in Williamsport, and the National Guard building/Commission on Aging Center. Mention was
also made of the Groh mansion.
4. Meghan reported that the Historic District Commission has met with the County Engineering and
Public Works to discuss saving and restoring Price's bridge, one the oldest and significant bridge on
the Conococheague Creek. The county owns the bridge and a narrow right-of=way to it. The bridge
has been plagued with debris issues and parts of it have collapsed. She wants to send a letter to the
Governor and asked for our endorsement and/or letter of support. Tom Clemens agreed to draft a
letter.
Meghan also distributed copies of the new brochure about Historic Preservation Tax Credits. The
brochure looks great and hopefully will encourage more people to take advantage of these credits.
5. A brief discussion about the meeting place was held. It was agreed we will continue to meet at
Western Sizzlin' for the time being.
4. Commissioner Comments — Derek mentioned the need for Activity Centers and indoor sports centers in the
towns in the county.
5. Member Comments
Tom noted that the town of Keedysville has purchased the historic "German Reformed Church" in
Keedysville, which has lost its congregation.
Having no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1:30.
The next meeting will Oct. 14 at Noon at the Western Sizzlin Steakhouse.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Clemens