State OKs New Historic Districts

By: John Paradise
Published: 06/11/10

The Massachusetts Historical Commission voted unanimously this week to adopt two new National Register Historic Districts in town, and to expand on a third.

The commission voted Wednesday afternoon in Boston to accept the Jarvesville National Register Historic District and Spring Hill National Register Historic District and to expand the existing Town Hall Square National Register Historic District. (See maps online at capenews.net.)

Member of the Sandwich Historical Commission Jonathan A. Shaw said that the Jarvesville area, which is the old glass factory neighborhood that includes parts of Jarves Street, Factory Street, and Church Street, among others, was nominated to be on the national register because of the significant role that this area played in the economic development of the town.
During the heyday of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Factory, most of the homes and buildings there were built to accommodate the workers for the glass factory. The neighborhood was called Jarvesville after factory founder Deming Jarves.

He said the Spring Hill area was nominated because it was settled by the Sandwich Quakers.
The expansion of the town hall district doubles the size of that district to include more of Main Street, School Street, River Street, Grove Street, among others.

Mr. Shaw said these designations will not place any additional restrictions on property owners in these parts of town nor will it give any more authority to the Sandwich Historical Commission or the Cape Cod Commission.

“A National Register district is primarily a way of recognizing the historical importance and significance of a particular area,” he said.

The districts still need to clear one final hurdle at the federal level.

“The National Parks Service has to now give its okay,” Mr. Shaw said. “But I understand that it’s more of a formality. The real careful review is done by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.”

Mr. Shaw said he expects the districts will receive the federal stamp of approval by late summer or early fall. “Perhaps in time for the town hall rededication in October,” he said. “Wouldn’t that be exciting?”