A letter from a Draper descendent, Joan Draper, to the current owners of the Joseph Draper House: Dear Dr. and Mrs. Oliva, I am writing to you as a descendent of the original James Draper who came with his wife Miriam from Heptonstall, England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony around 1650. The Joseph Draper house built in 1724 has great historic value to the community, nation and our family in particular. Additionally, the home’s walls could speak to Joseph, Jr. answering the Lexington Bell in 1725 as British troops amassed against colonists at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Many men in our family, as my direct ancestor, John Draper answered this call and thereafter continued in the country’s fight for independence. The house figured in with continued historic endeavors throughout the years in the forefront of our fledgling country. I understand that you have been offered a number of options to have this house removed and maintained as a historic site rather than demolishing it. Over the years, I have followed the many attempts to accommodate you and do not understand why, as a reasonable person, an agreement cannot be made. My plea is that you communicate with the Historical Society, Town Commission and Friends of Save Dover’s Oldest House with a reasonable proposal for historical removal of the home. There are not many people who can say that they have been instrumental in preserving a site with such valuable history that many people can enjoy, now and in the future. In the interests of good citizenship and a friend to the Town of Dover, you would be appreciated and commended for reaching a solution that meets the values this great country stands for. Quite a tribute to pass down to your children as I take pleasure in reliving my family’s part in our history. Very sincerely, Joan M. Draper
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:00:01 +0000
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