The Washington Township Museum of Local History is asking the Fremont community to join us in preserving and finding a new purpose for two important pieces of our city’s agricultural heritage: the George Harvey House (1928) and the Sylvester P. Harvey House (1868) at Sylvester P. Harvey Community Park.

For generations, the Harvey property was part of the agricultural landscape of Washington Township, long before Fremont became the city we know today. In 1975, the Harvey family generously donated the property to the City of Fremont.

Today, both houses face uncertain futures.

The City is considering demolishing the George Harvey House, while the historic Sylvester P. Harvey House is proposed to be mothballed, potentially for years.

We believe there is a better option:

Preserve these buildings, repurpose them, and give them a new role in the Fremont community.

Once a historic building is demolished, that piece of Fremont’s history can never be recovered.

Why These Houses Matter

As Fremont has grown, many of the farms, orchards, ranches, and historic buildings that once defined Washington Township have disappeared.

Together, the Harvey houses represent:

Fremont’s agricultural roots.
Generations of Harvey family history.
Nearly 160 years of local history.
A rare surviving connection to the former Harvey property.
An opportunity to create community spaces while preserving Fremont’s past.

Once these historic places disappear, they cannot be replaced.

Preserve AND Repurpose

Preservation does not mean leaving these buildings empty.

Instead of demolition or long-term mothballing, we are asking the City to seriously explore adaptive reuse of the Harvey houses.

Possible uses could include community meeting and gathering spaces, educational and cultural programs, nonprofit use, or small museum and interpretive spaces. The exact use should be determined through further study and community input.

These houses could once again serve Fremont while preserving the history that makes our community unique.

Why We Are Asking for Another Look

A City-commissioned historic resource evaluation concluded that the George Harvey House does not qualify for individual historic designation.

However, we believe the property deserves broader consideration. It is not simply an individual building, it has connections with the Sylvester P. Harvey House, the Harvey family property, and the agricultural history of Washington Township.

Before an irreversible decision is made, every reasonable preservation and reuse option should be explored.

Our Request

We respectfully ask the Fremont City Council to:

• Pause the proposed demolition of the George Harvey House.
• Explore adaptive reuse of both Harvey houses rather than demolition or long-term mothballing.
• Consider the houses together within the broader history of the Harvey property.
• Work with the Washington Township Museum of Local History, preservation experts, community organizations, and residents to identify feasible uses.
• Explore partnerships and funding opportunities that could help make rehabilitation and reuse possible.

But once demolition occurs, that opportunity is gone forever.

Your Voice Matters

This does not have to be a choice between preserving Fremont’s past and meeting the needs of Fremont today.

We can do both.

Please sign this petition and ask the City of Fremont to pause demolition, explore adaptive reuse, and give the Harvey houses a future serving our community.

NO DONATIONS NEEDED! ONLY YOUR SUPPORT WITH SIGNING THIS PETITION !

Then share this petition with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Preserve the history. Repurpose the houses. Keep them part of Fremont’s future.

Sponsored by the Washington Township Museum of Local History: HROC