WHALE would like to thank everyone that came to this year’s annual meeting! Our keynote speaker was MassDevelopment Director of Transformative Development Anne Gatling Haynes who gave a great presentation on New Bedford’s TDI District. The District was designated by MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ quasi-public economic development and finance authority, in 2014.
In honor of Preservation Month, WHALE recognizes restored properties, people and organizations whose work has had a big impact on the quality of life. This year, eight projects were highlighted:
Sarah R. Delano Preservation Awards —For the outstanding contributions to the rehabilitation, restoration and interpretation of the historic character and environment of Greater New Bedford. Sarah Delano served as the second President of WHALE for 16 years. Her vision set a high standard for WHALE to follow. Her contributions live on in our memory.
2017 Delano Winners:
*Grace Episcopal Church: Historic preservation of the church and rebuilding of the bell tower.
*Nate Bekemier & Penny Brewer: Historic restoration of a Victorian Nathaniel Benson House (1870) by the long-time homeowners.
*Lieutenant John Bell (Westport Powder House): Historic restoration of the historic Westport Powder House
Carol Ann Juneau Volunteer Award — Awarded in memory of Carol Ann Juneau, WHALE’s Membership Director, to an individual or individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty and who donate invaluable products, services and expertise to further WHALE’s mission and programs.
2017 Juneau Winners:
*Carpenters Local Union 1305/Carl Silva: Local New Bedford resident, Union Carpenter, and WHALE Board Member Carl Silva and his team of Union Carpenters have been volunteering on weekends to restore the windows of First Baptist Church with local team member Carpenter John Aumann.
Catherine Crapo Bullard Award– Who have followed their hearts in pursuing nearly impossible preservation projects, Catherine Crapo Bullard was one of WHALE’s earliest supporters and was directly responsible for saving the Benjamin Rodman Mansion.
2017 Crapo Winners:
*New Bedford Port Society (Seamen’s Bethel/Mariners’ Home): Historic preservation of the iconic landmark, now oldest buildings in the city, upgraded with handicapped accessibility, new elevator, and new post and beam walkway attaching the buildings.
“Chip” Gillespie Award — To restoration efforts have revived a neighborhood. Chip served as the President of WHALE for many years. As an architect he worked for firm J.M. Booth and Dyer Brown Associates. His passion was historic restoration and many houses all over SoCo bear his name.
2017 Gillespie Winners:
*Greasy Luck Brewing Company (New Bedford Five Cent Savings Bank): Celebrates the hard work of the owners on the restoration and creative re-use of the building preserving the historic bank features, such as the vault.
*Moby Dick Brewery (The E. L. Fisher Building): Celebrates the hard work of the owners on the restoration and creative reuse of the building creating a full-scale brewery in the back of the space.
George C. Perkins President’s Award —For a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater New Bedford. George C. Perkins is one of the founders of WHALE and served as the first president. His mission sustains us.
2017 Perkins Winner:
*John G. “Buddy” Andrade, III and Old Bedford Village: Over the past two years WHALE has formed a new partnership with Youth Build, led by Buddy Andrade. Buddy’s young men worked on the Co-Creative Center and historic houses 149 Allen and 318 Pleasant cleaning out the buildings and getting them ready for construction. Their efforts in community development are commendable.
