This meeting we expect to welcome John K. from the Monmouth Council of Boy Scouts who will help us plan for their Camporee at InfoAge the 24th - 27th of April.
With the transfer we have been very busy. There is lots going on; this report will no doubt be missing some details. We face the challenges of keeping the momentum of our regular activities while meeting the challenges of dealing with the additional grounds and buildings.
We are in Emergency Stabilization Mode now. We are attacking the worst things first. Tomorrows meeting will be a call to action. I will be asking groups and persons to step up and handle our most pressing problems, research the costs of our challenges. In short to do what we need to do to stabilize our buildings.
Status of tactical goals we set last meeting:
1. Our safety walk around to find, fix or label any safety hazards.
The status of the electrocution hazard in 9035. Dave Sn., Evan K., Marv B. and I placed a 20' by 30' tarp over the roof. It kept the weather out during the first rain. Then the winds gusts tore it off on Friday. We replaced it on Sunday to keep out the second rain storm. We labeled the panel with Danger signs: “Electrocution Hazard- Live High Voltage.” We put multiple labels on the entrance doors and put red “DANGER” tape around the entrance stairs. Steve G. repaired the door damage and replaced the lock core, so the door is now secure. On Thursday a roofing contractor will repair the water-damaged roof structure, tear-off and replace the tar paper and shingles.
The contractor will also re-roof 9400. This historic structure is the site of the Special Technical Unit that used seismic wave detection equipment to monitor Soviet nuclear tests. It is also the building the Army refused Sen. Joe McCarthy's demands to allow his staff entry into a top secret project. Published reports and oral histories we have record that Roy Cohen, McCarthy's attorney swore he would “get the Army” for this insult. This is one of the events that lead to the famous Army vs. McCarthy hearings. "If you only knew what is going on in our secret radar laboratory..." McCarthy would attempt to get across in the hearing broadcast on TV.
9057, the two-bay garage will also be re-roofed to help the town quiet a continuing complaint on its condition.
Thanks to Nels and Steve G. we secured low-cost replacements for the ten sets of broken windows in 9017. Two windows still need repair and one complete window frame, which had been torn out of the exterior wall, needs to be replaced. We removed the debris, which was laden with pigeon excrement. .
2. Security
Secure the site and buildings as much as possible. Steve G. has replaced as many lock cores as possible. The BRAC contractors installed mismatched door lock hardware. The striker plates do not match the locks. Steve continues to work on this.
3. Photo documentation
Photo document the buildings to record their condition at transfer and for future reference. We have started this project, but dealing with safety issues was more urgent. Over the past weekend we made more progress and we hope to make more this coming weekend. Ina V. and Marisa documented 9017, 9013, 9087 and the Marconi mast antenna on Monmouth Blvd.
4) Emergency stabilization of buildings
We should have three roofs replaced this week. We have bids for three more building roofs and patches for the 'H' buildings. I have asked another company for a bid but have not received a reply yet. We have gotten good prices from this contractor, but others bids for the work would help keep the costs competitive.
Our next most pressing challenge is storm water drainage around the WW2 wooden buildings. Nels and helpers have continued removing vines growing on the buildings. Nels has continued removing debris on the grounds that can put our volunteers in danger from flying metal objects hit by mower blades.
5. Electrical System
Inspect the electrical system and work with JCP&L to improve our costs. We need to save electricity.
Dave Sn., Richard B., and I will meet with a JCP&L layout tech at 2:30PM Wednesday 4/8 to survey the Diana/TIROS site regarding removing it from our main power grid. We are asking JCP&L to supply that area from their lines on the street.
During the week:
Ray C., and company were at work on Wednesday.
Bob P. and staff made electrical repairs in 9059. We added a ceiling motion detector for lights in the gate one guard house hall for safety. As a security entrance there were no light switches in the hall. The detector was the best way to keep the historic detail and improve our safety.
Architect Rich Grasso of the Glendola Lions Club was giving the measurements of the 9032 restrooms to add additional facilities for our wheelchair visitors in keeping with the WW2 look.
Dave Sica is adding this email and future ones to the InfoAge blog.
Pete R. had the Toro mower serviced.
During the weekend:
On Sunday Bernie R., Bob B., Joanne B., Cicely F., Dan L., Terry L., Dan J., Evan K., Phil V., Steve G., Mike G., Nels W., Pete R., Neil L. and other were at InfoAge to greet visitors.
Marissa P, Ina V., and Lena V. were photo documenting buildings.
Dan L. is working on our Newsletter.
Dan L. and Evan K. will be visiting Boston to research Marconi and WW2 countermeasures history at the Harvard archives. They will be driving together to save $$. What dedication. Six hours one way!!!
Bob B. created a circuit layout of 9093. It shows which breaker controls which outlets and which lights in graphic format. The hope is to create an operations manual for each building. Henry S. did the hotel last year. Which was a great help.Bob are you game for 9017?
The TIROS 50th anniversary is April 1st 2010 - next year. We expect the painting estimate for the TLM-18 dish to arrive this week. We need to get back to work on 9162. Does anyone know of another structure painting company to get a second bid?
In a review of the National Historic Landmark theme studies we found that our site could qualify for NHL status under three studies.Anyone want to start an application?
The "WW2 and the Homefront" study recommends Camp Evans as a potential NHL. The Marconi Belmar Station could fit under the “Travel and Communications” theme in the wireless area.
The test of the regenerative circuit, Weagant's static elimination advances and the Navy WWI communications center make the site NHL significant.
Under the 'Man in Space' theme the TIROS ground control center, the TLM-18 antenna, the mini-track calibration center, satellite tracking starting with Sputnik, Explorer, Pioneer V and all US and Soviet launches should qualify under the 'satellite tracking facilities chapter.
This weekend we were in shock and did not even think to finish the scratch coat on 9006. Soon we will knock this off to earn the balance of the MCHC grant payment.
Something with very positive potential:
Please note: Infoage is an official Save America's Treasure's Project and we are a Preserve America Steward organization. Wall Township is a Preserve America Community
President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 on March 30, which included authorization for Preserve America and Save America's Treasures grants.
In addition to the grants, the law codifies the designation of Preserve America Communities as one of the entities eligible to apply for grants. It gives the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) the responsibility to establish any necessary guidelines for the designation process in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. The ACHP is also specifically directed to establish an expedited process for Preserve America Community designation for Certified Local Governments that are established under the National Historic Preservation Act.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) urges Preserve America Communities, Preserve America Presidential Award winners or aspirants, Preserve America Stewards and local heritage preservation organizations to create local service learning and/or community service opportunities for students and school systems across the United States.
The concept is simple: use local heritage resources that can benefit from meaningful volunteer efforts to create community service opportunities for students in ways that are integral to their educational progress and fill real community needs.
The ACHP, its members and partners--Learn and Serve America (part of the Corporation for National and Community Service) and Heritage Education Services of the National Park Service--are leading the effort to use local heritage resources to widen public appreciation for history and preservation and involve youth in meaningful community service.
To learn how service learning can benefit preservation organizations and local communities and understand how to create such opportunities with local schools, click here
To learn more about the overall effort and the ACHP's participation click here.
The ACHP would like to hear from you. If you already have a service learning project underway and would consider sharing your experiences, please e-mail the ACHP with brief information on the project and contact information for learning more here.
I will be asking someone to research these grants. I did one grant for Save America in 2002 and one for Preserve America in 2005 (lots of paper), but when they called about the status of the transfer all I could tell them way sorry the transfer has been delayed. As of March 24th 4PM that all changed....and the bill was signed on the 30th.
Upcoming events:
April 18th - Tutorial #3. Dr. Ray Chase presentation on the history of radar.
April 24th - 26th The Monmouth Boy scouts plan to hold their Camporee at InfoAge. Lots of scouts. Lot of opportunity to educate and inspire.
Reasons to tell persons why to donate to our effort NOW:
- Saves an incredibly historic site
- Honors WWII Signal Corps and Honor Front veterans
- Helps education by inspiring kids to learn science
- Furthers the development of a NJ Shore tourist destination.
- Will create full and part-time employment
- Improves property values in the North Wall and Shark River area.
- We are the White House recognized stewards of the Camp Evans Historic District and now it is under our protection for future generations
No Passion = No Progress. We have passion and we are progressing.
I extend a warm welcome to you to join in the Wednesday meeting.
As President Kennedy sort of said..."Ask not want InfoAge can do for you, ask what you can do for InfoAge".
Please remind me of things of have overlooked in this email. Please excuse any items I have missed. No slight intended.
Thank you,
Fred
732 299-0894
No comments:
Post a Comment