The Hebron Historical Society

About 15 months ago, after learning from a chimney repair crew that our roof was bad, the Hebron Historical Society undertook the challenge of raising funds to replace it.

How much money would be needed?  Our first quote for cedar shingles was for $41,000.  Wow!  We set a goal of $50,000 (which would cover roof and exterior painting), and developed a plan.  Within 3 months we had raised $10,000 in contributions, ranging from $50.00 to $1,000.00.  To both encourage and thank the initial donors, Kelly Whitesell and Jim Mirakian contributed their talents for “A Summer’s Afternoon Delight” concert.  Refreshments were provided by Gina Marie’s, and a wonderful (but hot) time was had by all.

Other fundraising included a jazz concert by “Quintessential”, the sale of t-shirts, mugs & ornaments (cost of which was covered by Forever Young), profit from “Lost Mill Sites in Hebron” book, coffee can change collection from local businesses, plus additional donations from friends and businesses.

A grant was sought from the 1772 Foundation, but the group must have deemed our request unnecessary because it was denied.  As it turned out, the 1772 Foundation was right – we didn’t need their help.

After studying cedar vs. asphalt shingles:

1. The last cedar roof lasted for only 20 years,
2. Present asphalt roofs can last for 50 years,
3. Architectural asphalt shingles cost MUCH less than cedar,
4. The answer was obvious, and all we needed was a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Properties Commission since OTH is a designated Hebron Historic Property.

Everything was accomplished – we were granted the “COA”; we received a very friendly bid from Klaus Larsen; we signed the contract; and the new roof is waiting for you to view it.

But we're not finished yet.  The next step in our building improvement is exterior paint.  The north and east sides are in need of prep and paint while the other sides presently look great.  The cupola and weathervane also need a little brightening.  For those who missed the opportunity to contribute to the initial fundraising, and have asked about it, the capital campaign pledge form can be found on the HHS website at http://hebronhistoricalsociety.org/oth-restoration-campaign.html, or just send a check to HHS, PO Box 43, Hebron, CT. We still need several thousand dollars to complete our projects. Be assured that your contributions are greatly appreciated.  Also, as a 501(c)3, any donation to HHS is tax-deductible.

Kyle Nelson, recent RHAM graduate, opted to do his Eagle Project for the Hebron Historical Society at Old Town Hall. As you can see in the photos, he assumed the responsibility for an enormous project. He chose to have the threshold replaced, to prep and paint two sides of Old Town Hall, and to clean out and replace the plantings in front of OTH. There was lots of work to be shared by many of the Troop 28 Boy Scouts.

Since our Capital Campaign was to both replace the roof and paint the OTH, Kyle's project will allow the Historical Society time to raise more money before completing the paint portion of OTH.

Our many thanks to Kyle and all who worked on the project.

The History of the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse and Hebron's Efforts to Maintain its Historical Heritage

On the corner of School House Road lies a small red one room building. Inside, in the front of the room, stood a teacher’s desk, on which was placed a few old pencils. The blackboard was, amazingly, still intact. On the floor, near the doorway, was a bright red piece of wood which was used to cover the “tobacco hole,” the place where colonial students disposed their tobacco before coming to class. These are the descriptions of the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse from a 1993 article, “It was moving day for Burrows Hill School” written in The Chronicle. Read more...

In October 2008, the Peters House Reuse Study Committee submitted a report to the Hebron Board of Selectmen regarding potential uses of the house.  The document was scanned to include Ray Overton's detailed architectural diagrams in December 2008.  Read it now 6MB.