Danvers Historical Society seeks more funds for 1925 Burnham greenhouse; Essex Tech students repaired tool shed roof

Dave McKenna, chairman of buildings and grounds for the Danvers Historical Society, said the 1925 Burnham greenhouse is in poor condition and that the society has raised roughly $50,000 toward restoration but does not yet know the full cost.

"We have about $50,000 that we've raised for the project and we really don't know how much it's going to cost because we can't find anybody willing to even work on it," McKenna said. He told the group contractors have suggested tearing down the greenhouse and building a new structure, but said the Historical Society's mission is preservation.

McKenna estimated that complete restoration could range from $75,000 to $100,000 and described two principal options: installing polycarbonate panels in place of glass or using tempered glass. He noted polycarbonate can age and become brittle, while tempered glass may be a better long-term option; he also said the society cannot use ordinary glass if students will be working inside the greenhouse for educational programs.

Complementing the greenhouse discussion, Roy Silver, an Essex Tech carpentry instructor, described a separate student-led project replacing the tool-shed roof. Silver said crews installed new rafters at 16 inches on center, applied zip board and architectural shingles, and used ice-and-water shield to protect against leaks. He emphasized the project's instructional value: "What I try to do with the students this is live work... safety, quality and then quantity."

McKenna said the greenhouse supports the "Come Grow With Us" program, which provides growing lessons to youth and adults and could serve veterans; he and Bennett again asked for volunteer help and donations to advance the greenhouse restoration.