STOP THE DEMOLITION!

Please consider adding your name to the list of concerned residents and friends of the Joseph Burnett House (built 1849, updated ca. 1860), 84 Main Street, Southborough, which is threatened with demolition in a few weeks.

This historic home is about to be sold to a developer, and the new owner plans to raze the stone mansion, using the same stone to build three new "cottages."

Southborough residents treasure this house, built for Joseph Burnett (1820-1894), arguably Southborough’s most important citizen. Burnett was owner of Joseph Burnett & Co., makers of flavoring extracts including the famous Burnett’s Vanilla Extract, sold around the world. Burnett was a founder of St. Mark’s Church, St. Mark’s School, Fay School, and Deerfoot Farms, which produced dairy and pork produce, and at one time was the largest employer in Southborough.

In 1947, the Garfield family moved into the mansion and stayed for 62 years. People recall splendid parties on the lawn, and Mrs. Garfield standing in the driveway greeting passersby.

We request a delay of demolition, allowing town officials, residents and friends an opportunity to offer an alternative to the destruction of this irreplaceable Southborough landmark.

 *photo courtesy of Susan Fitzgerald