Fate of house from 1700s in Mercersburg in doubt

[Tom]

Lil John--A real fool is one who allows his history to be paved over. Not one dime has ever been wasted in saving our precious heritage but plenty of our dollars have been wasted building amenities for companies and cutting taxes for those who proceed to take our jobs to other countries. If we understood our history we could make this country function for the benefit of all.

[LIL JOHN]

Tom wrote:

Lil John--A real fool is one who allows his history to be paved over. Not one dime has ever been wasted in saving our precious heritage but plenty of our dollars have been wasted building amenities for companies and cutting taxes for those who proceed to take our jobs to other countries. If we understood our history we could make this country function for the benefit of all.

What historical significance is that house/cabin??

Besides being made out of logs?

Like I said if there were donations from private citizens -- go for it !

You are not the only person that pays taxes and I don't want mine to go to a piece of junk again!!

isn't 200,000 of tax money enough for you?

Here's a thought have a special referendum in mercersburg to raise the money from local taxes, see how that works out!

I'd bet that 200,000.00 weould look pretty good to a homeless shelter about now, wouldn't it?

[Karen Ramsburg]

Lil John--If you are referring to the Squire Smith House that is the basis for this article and debate it is the location of the first American resistance against British Rule in 1765. There may be a Civil War significance as well with with Stuart's Cavalry. If I had the means to buy and restore it myself I would do it in a heartbeat and donate it back to the community. I'm ready to do whatever I can to help save it.

[FCG as well]

Here is a bit of history you might find interesting:

http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/1...

[Whats Next]

Karen Ramsburg wrote:

George, I thought all politicians were liars. Wouldn't it make sense for the fire department to move out of town so they could have more room and a bigger building as this area grows? Wouldn't it make sense to preserve Mercersburg's rich heritage by restoring this hugely historically significant property for future generations? And millions of dollars is available to restore this treasure according to Nicolas Redding at the Civil War Trust Foundation whose organization has helped preserved our endangered Civil War Battlefields from becoming Pizza Huts. Have you no appreciation for our history? The Liberty Station is a prime example of another historical landmark plowed over that would serve our community better if it were knocked down so that a memorial park to commemorate our veterans could be built in its place.

Karen,
The Liberty site is for sale/lease, are you and your merry little band of Historians planning any fundraisers to purchase this property and restore it to it's historical glory?
Or are you waiting for someone else to buy it and force them to restore it?
While your at it you should buy Steigers' building right next door and then you can sit back and let the $$$$ roll in from all the tourist flocking to MERCERSBURG.

[Karen Ramsburg]

I'm afraid the Liberty is a lost cause--nothing there to restore. These properties are not about me or the historical society or about $ or tourists coming to Mercersburg. Life is short. I don't think anyone will be conversing about me or you a hundred years from now. It's really about honoring and preserving our history for generations to come. It's bigger than me and the money and the tourists.

[Knowledge]

I believe its time, that the residents of Mercersburg take a stand, and vocalize their concerns over their money being spent on "eyesores". Classic example is the Irwim House - supposed "history" - still left primarily in an unpleasing, god-for-saken state, but most importantly a possible liablity due to its condition.
The only attractions Mercersburg presents to outsiders is a halloween parade, an over priced fair and a log cabin (hidden away from "tourists")of an almost unheard of President.
I would much prefer the fire dept. utilizing the building and/or grounds for whatever they wish to use it for, then for having monies spent on another "what do we do now" project, such as the Irwin House.
In regards to businesses leaving Mercersburg, dwell on the fact of HARB's restrictions, no visible public parking, and an extrodinary number of outdated, malfunctioning parking meters. Who wants to go to Flannery's, and upon finding unavailable parking along Main St. or Seminary St., end up parking in a dark alley.
Mercersburg needs to expand the horizons for businesses, instead of looking to pad its pocket - it surely isn't going to happen with tourism, at least not in my lifetime, especially with the misfit, unorganized individuals governing it.

[Karen Ramsburg]

Knowledge or perception? The Irwin House is in the process of being restored. When it's complete and people are going through it 50 years from now no one is going to complain that it took time to restore. People will simply appreciate it. The Exxon is the eye sore, not the Irwin House.

[The Stargazer]

Karen Ramsburg wrote:

Knowledge or perception? The Irwin House is in the process of being restored. When it's complete and people are going through it 50 years from now no one is going to complain that it took time to restore. People will simply appreciate it. The Exxon is the eye sore, not the Irwin House.

This is just assuming 2012 will not remodel the house first.

[Whats Next]

Karen Ramsburg wrote:

I'm afraid the Liberty is a lost cause--nothing there to restore. These properties are not about me or the historical society or about $ or tourists coming to Mercersburg. Life is short. I don't think anyone will be conversing about me or you a hundred years from now. It's really about honoring and preserving our history for generations to come. It's bigger than me and the money and the tourists.

Indeed there is nothing there except a plaque but according to a previous post ("The Liberty Station is a prime example of another historical landmark plowed over that would serve our community better if it were knocked down so that a memorial park to commemorate our veterans could be built in its place.")you would like to tear it down and build a memorial to honor our vets. Now's your chance to be somebody buy get your grants and make it a park!Who's to say that the Liberty station (great name for your memorial though LIBERTY PARK) wont be a historical treasure in the future. It was one of the last stations to wash your windshield and check your oil while they pumped your gas!If we preserve it who knows 10-20-30years from now when we are driving cars that run on any other alternative fuel it may be a cash cow of a historical treasure. Hey here's another thought the Squire Smith Inn is for sale nobody would know the difference buy it and just tell everyone it was the Smith house. I know am getting carried away with this nonsense, but it seems crazy as soon as someone buys or discovers a historically significant building the owner can't do as they wish. I for one think this borough has made poor choices and it has too stop sometime. But as long as Betty is the queen of HARB and sits on Boro council, chair of the Irwin house committee,Historical society, etc...(a bit of a conflict of interest wouldn't you agree)has her say the craziness will continue.

[Knowledge]

Karen Ramsburg wrote:

Knowledge or perception? The Irwin House is in the process of being restored. When it's complete and people are going through it 50 years from now no one is going to complain that it took time to restore. People will simply appreciate it. The Exxon is the eye sore, not the Irwin House.

This "project" of the Irwin House (restoration?), has been going on for how many years? We keep hearing about grants "supposedly" being applied for, etc. My question is, how many "historical" finds are these people going to locate, and attempt to restore? Are they going to jump from one project to another, without fully completing the last one being worked on? It seems to me that these folks are "biting off more than they can chew", and in the process are attempting to sink the citizens' money into dreams. HARB and council need to address the gaining of businesses, instead of pushing them out with their restrictions (i.e., removal of soda machines on the square sometime back because they "brought the historical area down".)
Government funding for these projects are highly competitive, and if HARB and council think they can secure one for each and every project of "historical" value - well, they may be in for a surprise. The best, and most accurate use for the Irwin House site, would have been a public parking lot, much needed in a town that has none suitable. Why was it recommended to place the police department in the Irwin House, if it is supposed to be a place for tourism? Simply because funding is, or has, run out - now we'll stick the borough with the upkeep and maintenance - again, at the taxpayers expense.
Its always the same thing in that town - the ruling of taxpayer's money, property, utilities, etc., by the local government, without listening to those residing there. Things should change with the simple casting of votes, hopefully..

[A Talking Horse]

Knowledge wrote:

<quoted text>
This "project" of the Irwin House (restoration?), has been going on for how many years? We keep hearing about grants "supposedly" being applied for, etc. My question is, how many "historical" finds are these people going to locate, and attempt to restore? Are they going to jump from one project to another, without fully completing the last one being worked on?

You cant lump all these projects and people together. Irwin house is LOCAL history. Smith house is NATIONAL history. Big difference - and a distinction that is lost in the argument.

[A Talking Horse]

Knowledge wrote:

<quoted text>
HARB and council need to address the gaining of businesses, instead of pushing them out with their restrictions (i.e., removal of soda machines on the square sometime back because they "brought the historical area down".)
Government funding for these projects are highly competitive, and if HARB and council think they can secure one for each and every project of "historical" value - well, they may be in for a surprise.

Not sure HARB or council has a horse in this race.- Dont think this is in the Historic District proper.

Folks - be patient - let the supporters make their case.

Lots of misconceptions out there.

[A Talking Horse]

Knowledge wrote:

The best, and most accurate use for the Irwin House site, would have been a public parking lot, much needed in a town that has none suitable. Why was it recommended to place the police department in the Irwin House, if it is supposed to be a place for tourism? Simply because funding is, or has, run out - now we'll stick the borough with the upkeep and maintenance - again, at the taxpayers expense.

Again - misconceptions. It was never "recommended" that Irwin be used for the police department. It was suggested, and more or less - shot down.

What "upkeep and maintenance" are you referring to? Like what. Its unoccupied - cant imagine it's costing the boro a cent. Albeit a bit of a distraction in meetings.

No way a parking could work logistically - for what 5 cars? Get serious, please.

Im no fan of the Irwin project.- But really - it doesnt look that bad. At this point, it would be nice if they could finish it. The parts that are done - look really nice.

[Karen Ramsburg]

I do think that a veteran's memorial park would look better in place of the Liberty. But that's just an idea. Ideas are easy. Execution is everything.

[Knowledge]

A Talking Horse wrote:

<quoted text>
Not sure HARB or council has a horse in this race.- Dont think this is in the Historic District proper.
Folks - be patient - let the supporters make their case.
Lots of misconceptions out there.

HARB most definetly had a say in this, as I was at the council meeting when it was brought up. I believe HARB has turned more businesses and newcomers away from town than the plague! Lets get some new, fresh blood in the local government and make Mercersburg thrive as Chambersburg, Hagerstown, etc. Cronies don't cut it anymore when it comes to new ideas, laws, or suggestions - they only live in the past.

[Knowledge]

A Talking Horse wrote:

<quoted text>
Not sure HARB or council has a horse in this race.- Dont think this is in the Historic District proper.
Folks - be patient - let the supporters make their case.
Lots of misconceptions out there.

Also, learn your districts, this is in the historic "proper".

[George]

Let's forget it altogether and let the people who paid good money for a property that nobody wanted until they purchased it and made plans to turn it into a parking lot use their property as they see fit. If you want the right to do something else with the property, then buy it from the Fire Department (hopefully for a profit to the FD). Otherwise, MYOB.

[IRWIN]

WHY TEAR IT DOWN? IRWIN WILL JUST DO SUMTHIN STIPID WITH IT ANYWAY. COULD TURN IT INTO A PARKIN LOT FOR SHOPPING THAT ISNT THERE. LOL OR BUILD HALF A BUILDING THAT LOOKS REALLY STUPID. AKA (STATE STORE).OR PUT UP TRAILER HOME, THAT ALWAYS LOOKS GOOD.I THINK IT SHOULD STAY AS A MONUMENT FOR WHAT IRWIN WILL BE. LMAO!!!!!

[rther treacher]

open these properties up to private investors under stipulations that work for the betterment of the community?

I think we could also use anouther McDonalds on the east side of town!