Whenever a preservation group announces plans to save an old building, the inevitable question is "Why save it?" The Boylston Historical Society’s attempt to rehabilitate Hillside, the John B. Gough house, has elicited the same kind of inquiry.

It can be reasonably argued that restoring an old edifice like the Hillside is in fact preserving part of our heritage. To lose touch with our past is to suffer the consequences of being both devoid of roots and confused about the future. We could also add, it does contribute to the historic scenery of the town.

It is equally true that the Hillside is architecturally important. It is a prime example of a New England frame house with Italianate ornamentation. It is elegant yet restrained and not ostentatious. It was regarded in its time as one of the three most beautiful homes in Massachusetts. The other two were the Wesson Estate in Northborough and Daniel Webster’s home in Marshfield. It is difficult to find a modern home with anything approaching that spacious entryway dominated by that elegant curved staircase that seems to go upward endlessly! If for no other reason, Gough’s house deserves to be saved for its beauty and style.

But beyond these two very good reasons, there is yet a third that surpasses the others. John B. Gough was, without doubt, the most influential and well-known temperance leader and lecturer of the nineteenth century, both here and abroad. Whether you espoused his cause or opposed it, you knew his name. President Abraham Lincoln knew him personally, and at his death the New York Times hailed him as the nation’s foremost orator.

John Gough was instrumental in bringing about major changes in the social climate of this country. He ranks with such other luminaries as William Lloyd Garrison, Julia Stone, and Clara Barton—people who fought to right wrongs and make America a better, freer place to live.

Hillside deserves to be saved because it really belongs to the nation. It is not just a local historical site—it is a national site that Boylston holds in trust. We have an obligation to save it for the country. To make of it a place where parents can come and tell their children that a great American reformer lived there, a crusader who fought against one of the great social ills of his time.

William O. Dupuis

March, 1999

This is, by far, the most difficult question to answer about any historic building that needs restoration. Although the town’s Gough House Committee and the Historical Society have and are investigating this issue, no firm decision has yet been formulated. We can, however, share some thoughts on this question.

Initially, the house will have to be renewed in stages. For example:

• Stage One would consist of securing the stability of the building with a new roof, new porch, windows, doors, and structural considerations.
• Stage Two would encompass electrical, plumbing, and heating work.
• Stage Three would involve repairing ceilings, walls, stairways, floors, and interior woodwork
• Stage Four would be the cosmetic stage, with painting, papering, repair of molding, fireplaces, and the like. Exterior landscaping would be done separately.

Usage is yet another consideration. Certainly we would reserve one or two rooms in the front of the house for public functions such as town receptions, award ceremonies, and the like. Gough memorabilia, such as copies of art work that once graced the house, would be placed in these rooms.

One plan calls for dividing the remaining rooms into office suites that would be rented out to nonprofit organizations or foundations. This would insure that the interior would not be abused. A portion of the rent could be used for general maintenance.

There is no doubt that the renovation project will be costly. However, with the moral and financial support of business people, professionals, and ordinary citizens, we can confidently apply for substantial grants to philanthropic organizations and to the Commonwealth.

We are convinced that this project can not only be accomplished but can become the jewel in Boylston’s historic crown, to be admired by people all over the nation.

[W.O. Dupuis, 1999]