Highland Croft Foundation
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Preserve and Promote the Unique Culture
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Highland Croft Foundation
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Highland Croft wants to preserve these wonderful structures in our midst and promote the North Country's unique culture
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On this page you will see our own history as a Foundation and also access links to the articles that were in the local papers that drove a public response that played in the background as our organization was formed. The newspaper articles: About Highland Croft FoundationHighland Croft Foundation began its mission to save local landmark treasures when the last surviving farm close to town was threatened with demolition. The farm seen from the road has twin gambrel barns and a small farm house. But hidden beyond it on the hill, there is a beautiful vacation lodge built by the steel magnate William Brown Dickson. The lodge has a wonderful view of Mt. Lafayette and the Kinsman Ridge. It was built for rest and relaxation for the family of Dickson to offset the great work he was doing as founding partner with Andrew Carnegie in US Steel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carnegie is also known as a famous philanthropist who build many libraries across the country including Littleton's beautiful brownstone library on Main Street. More about Dickson... The story of the threatened demolition was followed closely by local newspapers. During the public outcry, a responsible group of citizens banded together out of their respect for the heritage and culture of the North Country to form an organization whose goal was to work in harmony with our community’s growing commercial interests, and negotiate some ways to preserve the structures on the land as it was developed. This group of responsible citizens formed Highland Croft Foundation. The group met with the realtor and set forward their objectives both to respect the advance of commercial development and also to preserve the historic structures on the property (in a similar way to the Connecticut River Bank’s preservation of the Berry Farm). As the group was attempting to engage with the seller and developer in dialogue on the preservation effort, the impact of the uncoordinated public outcry had its chilling effect; and the commercial client declined its option on the property. The large retail store responded to the groundswell of public concern and withdrew its offer to build at the farm. This all happened before the Highland Croft Foundation was even able to receive a return phone call from the developer. The public outcry was went on at the same time that the Foundation was forming and attempting to contact the developer. The Foundation was credited and faulted with the outcome - but actually had not brought it about. Yet in its mission, the Highland Croft Foundation had a reprieve in the urgency of preservation, while being thwarted on the other – the goal of advancing commercial use had evaporated. The group had to re-set its objectives. Since that time, the group has met, incorporated, developed a purchase and use plan, and mustered support of local and distant people who are concerned that Littleton needs to keep such an important landmark that bridges our computer-screen-and-strip-mall age to the wholesome values and ways of our North Country heritage. The farm was safe, but only for a short time... The farm remains on the market and a demolition permit has been issued. It is in the hands of the current owner who simply wishes to make a return on his investment in the property. It is hoped that our foundation can raise the funds to acquire the property and develop a center for sustaining the unique culture of the North Country, it's heritage, skills, and wholesome values. Private Non-Profit – No tax burden If you would like to help this effort, please contact us and let us know your
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Website material copyright by Highland Croft Foundation © 2003. Web last updated 03/23/2013 . This web was made by Guardian Republic webmakers.
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