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The historic Fitch-Hoose House.

Dalton Weighs Fitch-Hoose House Repainting Options

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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An image of what the home used to look like from the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System database.
DALTON, Mass. — The Historical Commission is reviewing financing options so that it can repaint the Fitch-Hoose House museum. 
 
Commission co-Chair Louisa M. Horth had said in August that the nearly 200-year-old house is in need of repainting.
 
The paint is starting to peel and weather, and would need to be repainted this year or next year, she said. The house was painted six or seven years ago during a restoration. 
 
According to Town Manager Tom Hutcheson, the commission will need to provide the Select Board with two quotes for how much the project will cost and was recommended to look into applying for a grant, Horth said during commissioners' meeting on Wednesday. 
 
Until they have a better idea of what the project will cost it is unclear what funding route they will take, whether it's through a grant, the Historical Commission budget, or through an article at town meeting. 
 
In 2014, the Historical Commission got a grant from the "Promoting Community Development and Tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts" program in the amount of $180,000 grant to restore the 1840s-era house. 
 
The back addition with its kitchen and bedroom had been taken off several years ago because of its condition but was added back on during the restoration. 
 
Over the years, the home has gone through a variety of changes, from the now gone vinyl siding to the yellow color and the commission has worked to make the exterior as historically accurate as possible. 
 
In 2019, the Fitch-Hoose House's restoration received the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award.
 
In other news: 
 
The fireproof cabinet is coming in next Wednesday. 
 
• The commission announced that it has received requests from residents for its reissuing of the book "Down Memory Lane." More information here
 

Tags: historic buildings,   historical commission,   

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Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday. 

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home. 

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained. 

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour." 

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold. 

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.  

There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby. 

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home. 

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