Sound View, circa 1920.
The National Register of Historic Places nomination of Sound View Historic District informational meeting is scheduled forMonday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Shoreline Community Center, 39 Hartford Ave., in Old Lyme. The State Historic Preservation Office has sent letters to all property owners included in the Sound View area inviting them to the meeting. The meeting will describe the process and what the “National Register of Historic Places” designation means. The meeting is open to the public and there will be time for questions.
Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is an honorary designation intended to recognize and celebrate places of historic significance. It provides a method for understanding why specific properties are important and how these historic places contribute to our cultural identity.
While the National Register program is honorary in nature, it is a useful planning tool. This recognition promotes appreciation for and stewardship of historic properties. National Register listed and eligible properties are given substantial consideration in local, state, and federal planning efforts. Listing also provides access to historic preservation funding incentives, such as the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.
The Sound View Historic District in Old Lyme is significant as an early 20th century beach resort for the newly established middle-class and for its associations with a diverse immigrant community. As Connecticut’s transportation network improved and recreational opportunities increased for a larger percent of the population, several beachside neighborhoods emerged along our coastline.
These places have distinct historic character and rich community heritage. They are identifiable within Connecticut’s scenic landscape. Development of Sound View began in 1892 and attracted families from Hartford, Springfield, New York, and surrounding areas.
Beginning in January of this year, the Sound View Commission has been working with the State Historic Preservation Office providing information and historical data for the nomination.
Austin Hack, a member of the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2010, rows as stroke in the US Men’s Eight at 10:24 a.m. in Rio today! Along with the whole town of Old Lyme and the whole country, we wish Austin and his team the very best of luck!