Ballad of the Spurr House
By Luanne Crosby
Chorus
They tried to tear it down
But there were people in the town that just said “No!’ NO No
Though many were remarking
That we needed land for parking
The rest of us said Whoa!
Hold on to the wrecking ball
That ain’t happening at all
We’re going to save this piece of history
It shall not be destroyed
And though some might be annoyed
It will find its former glory wait and see!
Verse 1
The house at 7 Parkman, built mid -19th century
Is known as Greek Revival, architecturally
The Italiante porch is really quite a special touch
And part of why it’s so admired by local history buffs
Verse 2
Sarah Spurr and then her daughters, lived there many years
That’s how the Spurr House got its name, that much is pretty clear
Fannie Forbes who’s known quite well in town for her philanthropy
Bequeathed it to the powers that be in 1933
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3
The town leased out the building, it fell into disrepair
Lack of maintenance and upkeep made it look the worse for wear
Those who said it was an eyesore almost got their way
Let’s give a round of applause to demolition delay
Verse 4
It would have cost a quarter million if the house had been torn down
Instead new owner’s bought the place and now pay taxes to the town
Let’s be glad we didn’t listen and we put up a fight
Those who worked to save the Spurr House really got it right!
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
Lack of will and imagination
As in the case of the fire station
Could have doomed the preservation
Of another gem
Then the long due parking study
Cleared waters that had muddied
And proved space for cars is plenty
That we didn’t need the 20
We’d have gained if the Spurr House had been condemned.
Last Chorus:
They tried to tear it down
But there were people in the town that just said “No! No! No!’
Though many were remarking
That we needed land for parking
The rest of us said Whoa!
Hold on to the wrecking ball
That ain’t happening it all
We’re going to save this piece of history
And it was not destroyed
And though some are still annoyed
It has a new and storied glory all can see!