February 2004

Preservation Committee By David Kelleher, Chairman     Hal Welch of the John Chaffee Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor Commission will be given a tour of the Phillipsdale area on January 20th. The East Providence Historic Properties Commission is beginning to investigate the possibility of having that area designated as a historic district and is looking for advice and help from the Blackstone Valley Commission.     Assurances have been given to the commission that some signage and other indicators of the past history of the Washburn Wire Company will be included in the design of the open space in the Geo Nova Project in Phillipsdale.     Contact has been made with the R.I. Preservation Commission to have an evaluation of the Brown/Williams cottage, Hunts Mills Road, Rumford. There is some evidence that the cottage may be dated 1710.     Work continues to be done to the Weaver House. As spring approaches, more progress will be evident on the exterior of the house.     Along with many communities in Rhode Island, East Providence is applying to be part of a national grant program called Preserve America. This will give the city an opportunity to receive monies for restoration projects. This application is through the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor office.     The Historical Society is considering applying for a grant from the state Preservation Commission to help with restoration projects for the John Hunt House Museum and the Meter House next to the museum.