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Attachment 1 1 Orange County HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION DRAFT Meeting Summary September 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm Virtual meeting via Go To Meeting ___________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Ballard, Todd Dickinson, Tom Loter, Art Menius, Paul Noe, MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Peck STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck GUESTS: None ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER Chair Dickinson called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. ITEM #2: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Staff asked to be able to add an update about the SHPO’s training requirements for our CLG status. ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for January 22, 2020 (Attachment 1): Menius moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Loter; motion approved. ITEM #4: DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Presentation on Davis Farm and Cotton Gin: Staff provided a powerpoint program depicting the Davis Farm and Cotton Gin complex, consisting of a mid 19th century log house and outbuildings, with later additions and a cotton gin and press dating from the 1870s. The early log house was expanded by two periods of additions. The outbuildings were all moved. The early kitchen and smokehouse survive. Down the hill and west of the house is a barn that houses an 1870s cotton gin and a unique hand-built cotton press, all still intact but threatened by ongoing roof leaks. The gin would have been powered first by a portable steam engine, and later by a small gas engine or tractor. Staff believes the gin and press and associated barn merit consideration for landmark status as a tool for long- term preservation. Our ordinance allows us to grant funds to a landmark for preservation purposes. Discussion followed with a focus on the special significance of the cotton gin and the question of public access. Member hoped to help find a way to help preserve it on site. The setting of the gin within that vernacular complex is part of its significance. And there is the larger story of how cotton growing was part of the story of the county, so the research phase of the landmark process should yield some good material. Staff was directed to proceed with the landmark process, first by doing an evaluation at an upcoming meeting. We can then seek out grant funds that we could pass through. b. Bethlehem Presbyterian Church: Staff gave a presentation about this history of the congregation, started in 1822 by Rev. Elisha Mitchell (think UNC professor and Mt. Mitchell) and others, and its several churches, up to the present imposing 1922 church. The small congregation is slowly losing members so is at present debating the idea of what to do with this wonderful building as a sort of succession plan. One thought is to engage the county in a discussion about using the church as a local community center. As part of this conversation, the HPC should be prepared to comment on the building’s significance and its potential for a future landmark, as a recommendation to the BOCC should the county wish to become involved in some capacity. Discussion followed about the architectural and historical significance and how the HPC might wish to proceed with