It seems to me that all who live in Harvard love the town and its history. To tear down or remove Bromfield House would be tragic for the following reasons:
The town would lose a priceless physical reminder of town history, and the Bromfield family’s early recognition of the importance of education. The curator of the Harvard Historical Society sent out an informative message on Oct. 12 explaining who Margaret Bromfield Blanchard was and the significant impact she had in enabling Harvard children to get an education in town. It’s well worth reading.
As you come west down Mass. Ave. just before the intersection with Bolton Road, Bromfield House is on the east side of Mass. Ave., and the two lovely Victorians are across and on the west side of Mass. Ave., creating both a handsome and historical gateway as you go toward the town center.
What would the town gain by removing Bromfield House? A corner lot, for what enduring purpose?
I have attended many meetings at Bromfield House over a number of years, and especially during the last several months. Contrary to what one speaker said at the Oct. 16 Town Meeting, Bromfield House does have “good bones.” I say this as a registered professional engineer.
Carl Sciple
Fairbank Street
