Formed seven years ago amid rising concerns about the loss of historic and natural environments, the New Canaan Preservation Alliance is a nonprofit organization that advocates for, recognizes and celebrates examples of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse here in town.
From 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, in an event that is free and open to the public (RSVP info below), the alliance will hold its Annual Awards and Seventh Birthday Party at the Country Club of New Canaan (country club attire; no jeans).
“Awards will be given to local homeowners for preservation, rehabilitation, and preserving a sense of place, as well as to individuals who have contributed to preservation in New Canaan through leadership and education,” the alliance says of the event.
Here are some examples of past winners from 2012 and 2013:
Here are nine past winners of awards from the New Canaan Preservation Alliance. The nonprofit from 4 to 6 p.m. this Sunday, May 4 is holding its ceremony—free and open to the public, though RSVPs are required (email rsvp@newcanaanpreservationalliance.org). Clockwise from top-left and finishing in the center: 533 Weed Street built circa 1720, Colonial Period; 453 Carter Street built in 1734, Colonial Period; 216 White Oak Shade built in 1840, Greek Revival Period; 144 South Avenue built in 1900, Queen Anne Style; 122 White Oak Shade Barn built in 1910, Colonial Revival Style; 390 Oenoke Ridge built in 1920 with 1900 Barn/Stable, Colonial Revival Style; 425 Oenoke Ridge built in 1746, 1852, and c1900; 228 South Avenue built in 1929; and 208 Valley Road built in 1927 designed by Alfred Mausolff.” credit=”
The group continues to be active in 2014. Members organized a workshop on historic registries, lamented the loss of the historic home at Jelliff Mill, were on hand when news broke that the historic home at 4 Main St. was close to being sold, and generally are a voice of preservation at meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission and other groups when the continuation of older homes in New Canaan is in question.
Members and supporters of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance at the 2013 awards ceremony. They include the trio in the center, L-R Alexander and Melissa Murray (2013 winners for a ca. 1720 Colonial farm cottage); current president Rose Scott Long, state Sen. Toni Boucher and Chairman Emerita Mimi Findlay; and Elizabeth and Thomas Butterworth (2013 winners for a 1724 Colonial saltbox).” credit=”
“These memorable features—older houses and neighborhoods, venerable trees, rambling stone walls and rural vistas—which so easily can be taken for granted, contribute to our local identity, to our high quality of life and to our property values,” the alliance says.
It doesn’t compete with other organizations in town and is in favor of “sensitive growth through the identification, evaluation and protection of the irreplaceable characteristics of our town that have made it so appealing over the years.”
To RSVP for Sunday’s event at the country club, contact Mimi Findlay, Awards Chair at 203-966-4617 or email rsvp@newcanaanpreservationalliance.org.
Here’s information on supporting the alliance.
NewCanaanite.com is media sponsor for the New Canaan Preservation Alliance and its Annual Awards and Seventh Birthday Party.