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A WHALE History Revival
January, 2025
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One of the perks of working with an organization as longstanding as WHALE, is the tangible history that still exists. I have a stack of archived newsletters in my office that I (regrettably) haven’t had much time to sort through or peruse. Earlier this week I happened upon one from fall, 1976 that stated “the last issue of “Soundings” was put out by WHALE in 1965. Much has happened in the waterfront historic district and to WHALE since then and we now feel it advisable to publish a second issue”.
The stated purpose of reviving “Soundings” was to communicate to the friends and supporters of WHALE what the organization was doing, progress, updates, helpful information, etc. It was meant to be an active exchange between WHALE and people interested in its work.
Though even more has changed since that revival in the 1970’s, the purpose of a regular exchange between WHALE and our community remains the same. And while the format and delivery methods may be different (hello e-news and posting to social media), we want to continue to share our programs, projects and work broadly, along with our impact.
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Call it a New Year’s resolution, but we look forward to providing you a monthly update with our revived Soundings. Some months may be filled with updates, others we may celebrate the success of our partners, share events or post some interesting throwbacks “from the archives”. I am hopeful that as WHALE shares more, we will grow and strengthen that active exchange with the community that we have worked to serve for the past 63 years.
Here's to sharing, learning and growing more in 2025.
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Lee McColgan shared his experiences restoring his 18th century colonial house, which sometimes resulted in reevaluating life choices (especially when hand hewing beams) | |
Living the Old House Dream Returns for 2025
Once again, WHALE and our partners at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Museum and Gardens are collaborating on “Living the Old House Dream” for the winter months. January through March, we will host three speakers who will share insight into their experiences with historic homes, preservation and all the fun that comes along with stewarding them.
We kicked off the series this week with Lee McColgan, author of “A House Restored” who shared his preservation education through learning the historic trades needed to restore the 18th century Loring House in Pembroke. Lee’s captivating presentation had us all thoroughly engaged and if you want to know his story, his book is available here. Many thanks to Lee for such an amazing start to the series.
Next month, Patricia Miller, Chief Conservator for the Preservation Society of Newport County will speak about incorporating geothermal technology into some of the most well known buildings in the country – the Newport Mansions. The recent installation at Cheatau-Sur-Mer presented many challenges. And in March, Laura Parrish-Lavin will share her experiences and insight with restoring New Bedford’s historic Whalehouse and her new endeavour at the Old Crowell Farm in Sagamore.
Tickets are available at the RJD website.
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Celebrating 40 Years - The Rotch-Jones-Duff House Museum & Gardens
On January 4, 1985, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Museum & Gardens, Inc. was officially founded! WHALE purchased the property in the early 1980’s to save it and the gardens. The experience is best summed up by Sarah Delano “no one will remember what we paid for it, they'll only remember we saved it."
Originating as a committee within WHALE, the organization officially took title to the property and began the successful ongoing operations and maintenance of this iconic historic New Bedford home. The RJD will be celebrating their 40th anniversary throughout the year, so be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter to learn more. Or better yet, take the opportunity to visit or attend one of their many public programs and events. Congrats to the RJD for 40 great years and many more to come.
Visit their website to plan your visit and see their calendar of events.
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Historic view of the RJD, looking northeast from County Street. | |
The RJD is open for tours, events and great programs! | |
"A Conversation With..."
Last fall, Erin Miranda met with Jim Marshall on New Bedford Cable Access's "A Conversation With..." to talk about WHALE projects, the organization, it's history and what's in store for the future. While Erin may have been nervous in this TV debut, it was a great discussion (and hopefully the first of many) that can be seen on NBCA's YouTube Channel.
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From the Archives:
Each month we will revisit a former WHALE project that shows the impact of our work and just how far we, and the city of New Bedford have come.
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Back to the Beginning: The Benjamin Rodman House
50 North Second Street, New Bedford
There’s no denying WHALE’s founders and supporters had vision and could see potential where others may not. There’s no more fitting example than WHALE’s first project, the Benjamin Rodman House. Built in 1820 in the Federal Style, this dressed granite block mansion was home to Benjamin and his wife Susan Morgan. The house was in the Rodman family (as a home for Benjamin’s mother and sister) until it was sold in 1872. Fast forward to the early 1960’s, the grand granite facade was obscured by wooden storefronts, the only indication of its presence was the second floor, hipped roof and dormers peaking up from the flat roofed commercial additions.
An anonymous donor at the time (Catherine Crapo-Bullard) purchased the building in 1965 and then donated $50,000 to remove the exterior storefronts and restored the exterior. Another visionary joined in that effort; Roger Webb, who founded the Architectural Heritage Foundation and would go on to such restoration projects as Boston’s Quincy Market and Old City Hall.
As with any project there were problems, including the need to find granite to fill holes in the walls that were made to accommodate the previous owners forklifts. But perseverance and ingenuity prevailed, with some luck thrown in as well (including finding the exact granite from the same quarry and having it sawn to size with historic techniques in Vermont then shipped back to New Bedford).
The Benjamin Rodman House is the only waterfront district mansion standing on its original foundation. A decade after its restoration it was home to the New Bedford Glass Museum and certainly was a milestone for WHALE and redevelopment efforts in the downtown district.
WHALE and others had seen what was possible with the buildings of the downtown historic core. There was something there. It only had to be uncovered, nurtured and let to flourish. And flourish it did.
For more past WHALE projects, visit our website.
Source: Not Just Anywhere - Marsha McCabe & Joseph D. Thomas
Photo Credits: WHALE
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Historic view of the Rodman House. | |
Storefronts slowly start to grow around the house. | |
The Rodman House completely encased by commercial storefronts, 1960's. | |
The Rodman House, preparing for restoration. | |
What Style Is It?
Federal
The Federal style (also known as Adam style) was between the 1780s and ca.1840s. It was created by British architect, Robert Adams, who was influenced by archeological studies in Rome. The new style was an alternative to Georgian style (named after British Monarchs) and contained less decorative details than previous designs. While the Federal style was embraced by people in Britain, it has been largely associated with the early government of the United States. Reference: National Park Service
Besides the Rodman House, do you know of other Federal Style buildings in New Bedford?
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Federal Style Characteristics:
Symmetry, prominent central entrances (often with fanlights), three-part Palladian windows, hipped or side gable roofs, simplicity and elegance in design and ornamentation.
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Mark Your Calendars
Living the Old House Dream: Series held at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Museum & Gardens
396 County Street, New Bedford.
February 25 – 5:30 PM
Patricia Miller, Chief Conservator, Preservation Society of Newport County
The gilded-age mansions of Newport are an important cultural asset in Rhode Island that attract visitors from around the world. The PSNC presents 10 gilded-age historic house museums, three of which have received Geothermal climate control systems within the last decade. The most recent installation at Chateau-sur-Mer, an Italianate villa built 1852 for William Shepherd Wetmore, presented many challenges. Miller will discuss the non-invasive and reversible strategies used to integrate the system and preserve the rich decorative interiors and historic landscape of this historic property.
March 25 – 5:30 PM
Laura Parrish-Lavin
Laura purchased 100 Madison Street in 2015 and over the next several years, restored the house to its original splendor. The doors, windows, mantels, floors and radiators are all original to the house, which was originally built in the whaling days for Abby Taber Hunt, the daughter of whaling merchant Henry Taber. Later the property became the home of Catherine Melville Hoadley, the sister of Moby Dick author Herman Melville. Laura will share her experiences with not only the Whalehouse but additional projects, including the Crowell Farm, a 18th century property in Sagamore.
Click to purchase tickets.
May 8, AHA! Preservation Month
June: WHALE Annual Meeting
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Make an Impact:
Join WHALE’s Board!
WHALE is seeking nominations and inquiries from those interested in joining our Board of Directors as part of our 2025
class. Directors have the primary responsibility of governing the organization but are very involved and invested in the projects, mission, and work of WHALE.
If you have ever wondered about getting more invested in our work, saving important historic buildings and giving them new life or sharing the impact that preservation makes on our community, now is the time to join!
Click here for more details. Interest forms are due March 30, 2025.
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2025 Preservation Awards!
Do you know someone who is passionate about preservation, restoration, history and place?
Do know someone who is a great advocate, a champion for the histories and cultures of New Bedford and ensuring they remain for future generations?
If so, consider nominating them for a preservation achievement award!
Nominations for WHALE’s 2025 Preservation Awards are now being accepted. A fillable form is available here and can be returned to our office for consideration. Nominations are due by March 14. The awards will be presented as part of our 2025 annual meeting in June.
Questions? Contact us.
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Your Support Means Everything
One of the constants in our 63-year history is the support of our members. We could not do the great work of saving, restoring and revitalizing the city’s amazing historic buildings without you and your support! We hope that you will join (or renew) as a member today and work with us to open doors for great things in New Bedford!
Thank You!
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Did You Know...
Donations of $1,000 or more to WHALE are eligible for a 50% state tax credit? As a CDC, WHALE participates in the Community Investment Tax Credit Program and recently received $300,000 in tax credits to pass along to those who make a signifiant investment in our organization. Learn more about how your donation can make an even bigger impact on WHALE here.
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