Since 1948 when Christ Church deeded the colonial Middlesex County Courthouse to the Middlesex County Woman’s Club (MCWC), the club’s main mission has been its preservation. As Larry Chowning recently wrote in the 250th anniversary supplement, “the Old Middlesex County Courthouse is perhaps the most significant building in Middlesex County.”
Over the years, thanks to the wonderful support of Middlesex County residents and friends at numerous fundraising events, the MCWC has maintained the building by replacing the roof, updating the HVAC system, repairing windows, painting walls and sanding floors – just to name a few. Due to moisture problems a French drain was installed 25 years ago to help with drainage.
This year the MCWC’s Historic Preservation Committee has taken additional steps to fully analyze the ongoing structural needs of the building and develop plans on how to fund necessary repairs. A local architect, Bob Paxton of Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton Architects, graciously offered to provide an in-depth analysis of the building and identify areas of concern. Armed with that information, Middlesex County Woman’s Club applied for and received a grant from River Counties Community Foundation (RCCF) and is currently seeking bids from local contractors to complete some more necessary drainage work.
