THE REMARKABLE 1764 SAUNDERS MANSION

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

It has been some time since I have posted.  I had several posts prepared and just about ready to go when my attention was diverted to what I perceived as an emergency here in Gloucester.

1764 Saunders Mansion.  Became the SawyerFree Library in 1884,
 a gift from Samuel Sawyer who deeded it to the trustees of the library
The deed stipulated that it would remain a library in sacred trust and 
in perpetuity     1956 Dexter photo courtesy of CAM

Ten years ago the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester was seeking a grant to enlarge the library.  The library, a very busy library with high traffic, consists of a Georgian house built in 1764 to which was added a stacks section in 1913.  Finally in 1976  a large low key contemporary building was added which has become the main functioning part of this sprawling complex.  This 1976 addition was designed by a local architect, Donald Monell. It was particularly pleasing and appropriate for the setting, the entire complex having high visibility and blending with City Hall and the Cape Ann Museum, the latter designed by the same architect.

The library was awarded the grant but then was unable to get the override from the City that was needed to proceed so the plans were shelved.

Ten years passed  until this year when the library was once again eligible to apply for a 40%  grant. The opportunity only comes around every ten years.  An architectural firm looked over the job and advised the library board and building committee to bypass the 1764 house, physically cutting it off. Then they then advised that it was best to demolish the 1913 addition and to also to demolish the handsome 1976, forty year old main section designed by Donald Monell and start all over again.

On the left is the old Thomas Saunders House, 1764.  A 1913 connecting link is next followed by the 1976 addition
designed by architect, Donald Monell. The hipped roof reflects the hipped roof of the old house.  The arched windows reflect the arched windows in nearby City Hall.        P. Fish photo

A short distance away is the Cape Ann Museum also designed by Donald Monell and also attached to an old house, the Elias Davis house.  The library and the museum perform as bookends flanking Gloucester City Hall.

The Cape Ann Museum attached to the Elias Davis house with a contemporary
addition.  The museum and the library face each other and were designed to
work well together as they flank the centerpiece of the Civic Center, Gloucester
City Hall    CAM Photo

I recoiled at the threat to the library, rolled up my sleeves and jumped in to do what I could to save the library and protect the house.  My first step after a scathing letter to the editor was to write a history of the old house which was published in a local blog called Enduring Gloucester. (enduringgloucester.com) This was followed by a history of the entire block in which the library is located.  

http://www.sawyerfreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/GDT-letter-12-22-2016.pdf

Rather than reconstruct these two stories I am going to give you the links and urge you to read both pieces.  The story of the house called the Saunders house will not disappoint you.  It's history is right up there with the most interesting and most read stories I have previously published.

https://enduringgloucester.com/2017/01/04/the-saunders-house-1764

Then please read the follow-up.

https://enduringgloucester.com/2017/02/15/a-neighborhood-wiped-out/

I am happy to report there have been successes.  After many meetings, publishing later discoveries on Facebook and joining a group of like minds there has been a positive outcome.  At this point demolition is off the table.  Architects are working on an alternate design that involves retrofitting the present library with the possibility of adding onto the back for more space.

The old house has been decommissioned for library use because of lead paint and shaky handicapped accessibility.  The idea now is to form a non-profit  for the old house.  The Historical Commssion has pledged to help find preservation or restoration money to appropriately restore the most remarkable rooms in the high styled  Georgian mansion.  The goal is to be able to eventually rejoin the Saunders house when it is free of lead and fully handicapped accessible.

Our fingers and toes are crossed for a favorable outcome.  There is every reason to believe that in the end Gloucester will have a beautiful library with a fabulous antique house combined with a state of the art 21st century library with all the bells and whistles and all within the shell of the 1976 Monell section which is so much loved by the community.

And now I can step back and complete the new stories that were about ready to go when I was so distracted that I could only think of one thing: saving the library!

Thanks for reading and know that with valid arguments and by speaking out, it IS possible to make a difference.   You can fight City Hall! (or the library)

Gloucester City Hall.
 Off to the left is the library and off to the right is
Cape Ann Museum.  Gloucester has a very handsome Civic Center.  Removing
the library and replacing it with s very contemporary building would  interrupt
the rhythm of these lovely compatible buildings and the streetsacpe.   Web photo

FOOTNOTE

Last evening I spoke to the contractor who had done work on the Saunders house in the past and he told me something interesting that he had discovered.

When Capt. Beach built the observatory in 1802 the roofing material that had leaked so badly was comprised of white canvas covered with a mixture of tar and sea shells instead of tar and gravel.  Perhaps it's no wonder that it leaked but considering this is a seaport I found that information interesting.

The contractor had discovered this evidence while working on the gutters.