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Tazewell accepts donated Doc Whitten house with preservation stipulation
Summary
Council voted to accept a donated house tied to local humanitarian Doc (Jack) Whitten with a request from the donor family that part of the property be preserved for memorabilia and public interpretation; council approved the acceptance with the family's stipulations.
Tazewell — After a presentation and request from the Van Dyke family and supporters, the Town of Tazewell voted to accept ownership of the Doc Whitten house with the stipulation that parts of the building and its memorabilia be preserved and made accessible as part of a legacy effort.
Roger Pike, who described himself as one of the young men who lived at the home, recounted Whitten’s long record of service and care for boys in the community and urged preservation. "For someone who gave a home to boys for over 50 years," Pike said, "it seems right that the town help preserve his legacy."
A Van Dyke family representative asked the council to accept the house with the specific condition that it be preserved and that memorabilia be accessible for interpretation. The council clarified that the motion before them was to accept the property with the stipulations presented, and members voted by voice; the motion carried.
Council indicated staff will work on details for preservation and recording of the conveyance. The motion included a request that the town coordinate preservation steps with family representatives and that staff return to council with a plan for use, maintenance responsibilities and public access.
Next steps: Town staff to record the acceptance, confirm stipulations in writing, and report back to council with a preservation plan and recommended next steps.
