Orange County NC Website
Attachment 1 <br /> Orange County <br /> HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION <br /> Meeting Summary <br /> September 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm <br /> Virtual meeting via Go To Meeting <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Ballard, Todd Dickinson, Tom Loter, Art Menius, Paul Noe, <br /> MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Peck <br /> STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck GUESTS: None <br /> ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER <br /> Chair Dickinson called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. <br /> ITEM #2: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Staff asked to be able to add an update about <br /> the SHPO's training requirements for our CLG status. <br /> ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for January 22, 2020 (Attachment 1): Menius moved to <br /> approve the minutes; seconded by Loter; motion approved. <br /> ITEM #4: DISCUSSION ITEMS <br /> a. Presentation on Davis Farm and Cotton Gin: Staff provided a powerpoint program <br /> depicting the Davis Farm and Cotton Gin complex, consisting of a mid 19t" century log <br /> house and outbuildings, with later additions and a cotton gin and press dating from the <br /> 1870s. The early log house was expanded by two periods of additions. The outbuildings <br /> were all moved. The early kitchen and smokehouse survive. Down the hill and west of the <br /> house is a barn that houses an 1870s cotton gin and a unique hand-built cotton press, all <br /> still intact but threatened by ongoing roof leaks. The gin would have been powered first by <br /> a portable steam engine, and later by a small gas engine or tractor. Staff believes the gin <br /> and press and associated barn merit consideration for landmark status as a tool for long- <br /> term preservation. Our ordinance allows us to grant funds to a landmark for preservation <br /> purposes. Discussion followed with a focus on the special significance of the cotton gin <br /> and the question of public access. Member hoped to help find a way to help preserve it on <br /> site. The setting of the gin within that vernacular complex is part of its significance. And <br /> there is the larger story of how cotton growing was part of the story of the county, so the <br /> research phase of the landmark process should yield some good material. Staff was <br /> directed to proceed with the landmark process, first by doing an evaluation at an <br /> upcoming meeting. We can then seek out grant funds that we could pass through. <br /> b. Bethlehem Presbyterian Church: Staff gave a presentation about this history of the <br /> congregation, started in 1822 by Rev. Elisha Mitchell (think UNC professor and Mt. <br /> Mitchell) and others, and its several churches, up to the present imposing 1922 church. <br /> The small congregation is slowly losing members so is at present debating the idea of <br /> what to do with this wonderful building as a sort of succession plan. One thought is to <br /> engage the county in a discussion about using the church as a local community center. As <br /> part of this conversation, the HPC should be prepared to comment on the building's <br /> significance and its potential for a future landmark, as a recommendation to the BOCC <br /> should the county wish to become involved in some capacity. Discussion followed about <br /> the architectural and historical significance and how the HPC might wish to proceed with <br /> 1 <br />