And without meaningful delay. The Massachusetts Audubon Society has informed the Natick Select Board and advocates of preserving the property that it will not delay its plans to demolish the structure. It is what it is. The nonprofit may tear down the home as early as Feb.
In a statement, Mass Audubon said it wants to help honor the history of the home and what it represents. The organization also said it "remains committed to creating a meaningful historic interpretation experience at the site, in partnership with Natick Historical Society and indigenous partners.
Sawin was allowed to build the home and mills in exchange for providing milled products to the Praying Indians. Haugland said the home itself is important, but what it represents is even more. Some hope to prevent it. Board member Bruce Evans said Mass Audubon expressed concern over Natick Heritage's ability to raise the necessary funds and be long-term partners.
Select Board member Linda Wollschlager expressed sadness that the house would not be saved. Coughlin said one benefit is that the items salvaged can be displayed in a more accessible location. Coughlin said she and Evans would meet with Natick Heritage to discuss the potential salvage of items and if the group is interested in raising money to set up a permanent memorial.
The original goal, Haugland said Thursday, was to renovate the home and have it stand as a memorial for the importance of the partnership between Sawin and the Natick Praying Indians. He said he's worried that any other memorial could fall flat and be more difficult to raise money for.
