Sen. Kissel to Join State and Local Officials in Tour of Shaker Caretaker Cottage
February 29, 2008Meeting will Assess Value of Old Dept. Of Correction Building
State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, will join local officials, representatives of the state Department of Corrections (DOC) and State Historian Susan R. Chandler to tour and discuss the future of the old Shaker Caretaker Cottage on DOC property in Enfield. The meeting is scheduled to take place this coming Monday, March 3rd, at 10:00 am, at the cottage. According to Sen. Kissel, due to the deteriorating condition of the building the DOC began looking at ways to remove the building; however questions surrounding the historic value of the cottage and the items contained inside the building are leading some people in the community to want to preserve the structure. Sen. Kissel personally met with and discussed the matter this week with DOC Deputy Commissioner Brian Murphy.
“There are certainly many questions regarding the physical conditions of the cottage, yet there are an equal amount of questions regarding the historic value of the building and the things inside the building that might be preserved and displayed in the town museum,” said Sen. Kissel, who requested the meeting with DOC officials. “There are a lot of ideas about what should be done with the building, so bringing people together is really important in making sure that whatever can be preserved is preserved and hopefully kept in Enfield.”
Sen. Kissel said that because the cottage is located on state property, DOC needed guidance from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism’s Historical Architect and State Historian Susan Chandler. In her initial inspection of the property, Chandler indicated that there was severe termite infestation. She is currently working with Connecticut Landmarks to help assess the value of items inside the cottage.
“There are a lot of different ideas, but with everyone coming together I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement and do what is best for the future of this property,” said Sen. Kissel.
