Opinion: The Importance of Preservation in New England
Article and photo by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com A few years ago, a local politician suggested tearing down historic Blackburn Hall in Walpole, MA, as a means to create new development. It didn't go over well with local residents at all. Whether the politician meant it --or was just informally suggesting ideas that he didn't truly believe himself -- the message resonated an all-too-familiar, Yankee response: please don't mess with our history. Fortunately, the Blackburn Hall issue hasn't been brought up much since then, and perhaps that's a good sign, as well as a blessing. Blackburn Hall is a welcoming center, of sorts, with community social gatherings, childrens' theater productions,, recreational activities and more. Built in 1932, Blackburn Hall adds historical flavor to downtown Walpole with its neo-classical red brick facade with whitewashed pillars. With a tall historical building that houses the police station on one side (see photo above) and ...