DALTON, Mass.—The Historical Commission has lowered the scope for establishing its remaining two historical districts. 

 

The commission originally planned on establishing its second district, Dalton Center, and third district, East Main Street, simultaneously but decided it would be easier to establish them one at a time.  

 

Commissioners decided to focus on Dalton Center first. This process of getting this second district approved can take up to 10 years. 

 

The proposed Dalton Center Historic District runs along Main Street and features a variety of landmarks including Mitchell Tavern, St. Agnes' Church, Zenas Crane Colt's colonial revival, and many more buildings that showcase Italian and Greek revival styles. 

 

The commission is anticipates that it will cost $10,000 to complete the second historical district but could cost up to $15,000.

 

It may have enough money to cover the completion of the second district with a matching grant but details are still being ironed out.

 

Commissioner Mary Walsh last Wednesday informed her colleagues that they will have to compile various information before the Massachusetts Historical Commission conducts a site visit of the proposed district. 

 

According to a letter she received from the commission's National Registrar Director Ben Haley, the commissioners need to send maps of each area showing building footprints and street addresses and where they exist.

 

They will also need MHC inventory numbers, "new photographs of representative resources as well as general context shots should accompany, and be keyed to, each map," and area forms. 

 

The Historical Commission had hired a consultant who compiled information for the first district and part of the second district but needs to review what is on hand before taking the next steps. The review will happen once the Town Hall reopens after renovations. 

 

Craneville Historic District is the first approved historic district and is located on Main and South Street. It was established on the national database on Sept. 14, 2005. 

 

The district has a rich history because of the activity in building, acquiring, and using the homes in the center of Craneville. 

 

The proposed East Main Street historic district is located east of North Street and extends to Orchard Road. This district includes historical houses in Georgian, Greek revival, East Lake and craftsman styles, and later Cape Cod and ranch style, and features the oldest burial ground in town.