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Middleton landmarks committee backs cedar plaque backers, agrees to pursue larger freestanding post for H.G. Wolf house
Summary
The Middleton Landmarks Commission agreed to accept cedar plaque backers and asked staff to work with owner Dan Barker on placing the H.G. Wolf informational plaque closer to the sidewalk, favoring a sturdier extruded-metal post over narrow ‘skinny’ mounts.
The Middleton Landmarks Commission on Sept. 1 accepted cedar backers for historic markers and directed staff to work with the owner of the H.G. Wolf house to relocate its marker closer to the sidewalk.
Committee members debated mounting hardware after an email from Dan Barker proposing either returning the plaque to the house or moving it to a freestanding post. Several members said the plaque had been obscured by landscaping behind the house, and they preferred positioning it where passersby could read it without stepping onto private property. “Since the owner reached out to us first, I can reach out to him,” a staff member said, confirming staff would contact Barker to discuss placement and options.
Discussion focused on post material and size. One member supported a 42-inch wood or 2x2 metal post, but staff warned that wooden posts carry higher long‑term maintenance and replacement costs. Committee members reviewed a sample extruded-aluminum post used at Middleton Station and favored a sturdier angled or larger-base mount that could accommodate a roughly 16-by-20-inch informational plate instead of the narrow 6-by-6 option on the “skinny” post. A committee member noted the powder-coated steel or aluminum option would reduce recurring maintenance costs compared with untreated wood.
Before installation, the committee emphasized the need to check for utility easements and any private service lines (water, sewer, electric) in the proposed location. Staff said in‑ground mounting would require deeper setting for stability, while a surface mount would need a concrete pad and likely increase costs.
The commission also approved using cedar backers as a standard material after members discussed edge profiles and finishes. “I like the hand-sanded look,” one member said, while another cautioned that cedar backers vary across the city and recommended a consistent profile going forward.
Next steps: staff will contact Dan Barker to confirm if he wants the plaque moved, evaluate specific mounting options and locate a site clear of utility easements, and return to the commission with vendor quotes and an installation recommendation.
