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Seven to Save
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Hamlet
of Sherwood Named to
ALBANY, February 16, 2006 – The Preservation League of New York State has named the Hamlet of Sherwood in the Town of Scipio, Cayuga County to the nonprofit group’s annual list of the Empire State’s most threatened historic resources, Seven to Save. Though located only 13 miles from the county seat of Auburn, Sherwood retains much of its rural 19th century charm. And while it seems like just another quiet hamlet now, from the 1830s to the early 1900s, Sherwood was a hotbed of local, state and national social reform issues, including Abolitionism, Women’s Rights and Temperance. “It is especially appropriate to make this announcement here during Black History Month,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. “In addition to their outstanding historic and architectural significance, the buildings in Sherwood and their links to Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad are important not only here but throughout the state and nation.” Much of this reform activity was due to the several generations of the Howland family, in particular Slocum and Hannah Howland, Quakers who were active in the Underground Railroad. The Howland Stone Store and Slocum Howland’s residence were key to the movement. Some of the freedom seekers assisted by the Howlands and other sympathizers settled in or near Sherwood. National figures associated with the issues of the era – including Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Harriet May Mills and Susan B. Anthony – visited and spoke in the area. Today, 10 properties in Sherwood and at least two just outside the hamlet illustrate the key role that Sherwood played in Abolitionism and other social justice movements. Each place has an important story to tell and while some are in good repair, several of the most historically significant properties – including key Howland homes – are vacant and in need of stabilization. “Sherwood has the potential to be an important destination for cultural and heritage tourists seeking an authentic experience related to Abolitionism, the Underground Railroad and Women’s Rights,” said Bradley Mitchell, Curator of the Howland Stone Store Museum. “To start, the hamlet can build on programs already in place in Auburn, Seneca Falls, Rochester and elsewhere. This Seven to Save listing will help us make the case that the entire hamlet, in addition to the Howland Stone Store, is of landmark quality and certainly deserving to be recognized as such.” According to Tania Werbizky, director of technical and grant programs for the Preservation League, the listing furthers the League’s efforts to preserve the structures and settings that tell the story of New York’s past – but not to try to stop time. “As part of the effort to preserve, programs aimed at improving housing could be directed to Sherwood so that its historic homes can meet the needs of today’s families. If rehabilitated and maintained, these 19th century homes can be assets for present and future generations.” The Preservation League is calling on local and state organizations and agencies to work with Sherwood residents and property owners on housing, cultural tourism and businesses development initiatives that enhance the community’s rural way of life and respect the heritage of one of the state’s most significant hamlets. “Taken together, the thirty-three homes, former stores, one-room schoolhouse, cemetery that comprise this community span more than a century of activism by generous, forward-thinking leaders who made Sherwood a center of reform in the 19th century,” said DiLorenzo. “The League is pledging its assistance to ensure that this tangible legacy of New York’s social history can endure.” Since 1999, publicity surrounding the Seven to Save designation has led to the stabilization of St. Joseph’s Church in Albany; the rehabilitation of the Oswego City Public Library, the adaptive re-use of the former Niagara Falls High School as a cultural and arts center, and prevented the demolition of the Conger Goodyear House on Long Island. The Preservation League of New York State, founded in 1974, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of New York’s diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts and landscapes. From its headquarters in Albany, it provides a unified voice for historic preservation. By leading a statewide movement and sharing information and expertise, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize the Empire State’s neighborhoods and communities. ###
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