Just in time to celebrate summer in Methuen, renovations to the Tenney Gatehouse are expected to be done soon, perhaps even before the end of June, says Joy Karpowicz, a board member of Historic Methuen.
“We’ve been waiting a long time. It’s very exciting that the new roof and porch will be ready soon. It’s very nice to have this for the summer,” she said. “It’s a wonderful space.”
A victim of time and weather, the porch was not safe to access. The project is the result of a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City of Methuen and Historic Methuen (previously known as the Methuen Historical Society). It was critical to preserving an important feature of the Gatehouse, meeting a goal to use the property, and access the green space behind the Gatehouse. Events are already scheduled for July, including a talk on the local history of transportation, culminating with marking historical dates as Methuen nears its 300th celebration.
In past years, the porch has been host to the chats, which are also held at Nevins Library and the Senior Center. Members of Historic Methuen lead the talks about the rich history of Methuen. Karpowicz looks forward to bringing them back to the Gatehouse, which offers beautiful views and access to nearby green space.
The talks are fun and informative, and the audience adds layers of richness by sharing some history themselves.
“People from the different ends of town listen and talk, and it’s fantastic to hear them. They are full of knowledge,” she said. “It’s amazing what people know, and what their parents and grandparents have passed down to them, and what they remember from growing up. Members of Historic Methuen are also available to arrange a chat upon request.”
She and her colleagues are especially interested in those stories right now as they are writing the history of Methuen in advance of the city’s 300th anniversary. She encourages folks to get in touch with her to share.
“Family stories are just terrific, anyone with a story or history can e-mail me at info@historicmethuen.org,” she said.
The preservation work at the Gatehouse is one step of many supported by history-loving residents who know how unique these structures are. A deep source of pride for local residents, the historic structures – originating from the city’s famous “three millionaires” Charles Tenney, Edward Searles and David Nevins Jr. – are a part of Methuen’s unique personality. But maintaining those remarkable structures and facades doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work behind the scenes.
“It’s fabulous, we are lucky,” said Karpowicz. “But, it’s there until it almost wasn’t.”
The alarm of seeing beloved structures in disrepair moved Methuenites to action. It was exciting to see people rise to the challenge
“People that saw the dilapidated piece as ‘our history’s going away’ and the next response is: We can’t possibly let it go now. The minute it went to pot, people were all over it,” she said.
She gives all credit to the dedicated board members of Historic Methuen, and to those who have connected with preserving the structures.
“It is a lot of hard work, the board is so dedicated and have been at it a long time,” said Karpowicz, who came on in 2016. “An important goal is to keep reaching younger people,” which she said has been successful, especially now with the Searles property issues being addressed by the city.
“Sometimes they just need a little rallying; we can be a ‘put the fire out’ kind of community. We step up to the moment,” she said.
As someone dedicated to these efforts, she enjoys when people see things with new eyes.
The Methuen Museum of History depends on the continuing support of the public. As tenants, Historic Methuen pays the bills, keeping the lights and heat on. Their annual raffle fund-raiser is open now, and the lucky winners will be picked at the July 4 celebration. Tickets cost $20 each and this year there are three prizes: first prize is a book of 100 $10 lottery tickets, second and third prizes are books of 50 $5 lottery tickets. Information on this, membership and more can be found at HistoricMethuen.org.
