Submitted by Thomas Lentz, Killingworth Municipal Historian
(October 8, 2024) — A historic house at 44 Parker Hill Road Extension is threatened with demolition. The proposed removal of the 1700’s house is part of an impressive effort by owner Pattaconk Farm to restore dozens of acres to their original farmland state. Demolition of any structures over 75 years old, however, is by law subject to review by Killingworth’s Historic Review Committee. After extensive review and a public hearing, the committee found the house to be historically significant and imposed a 180-day delay of demolition. It is now using that time to find ways to save the house.
A Killingworth original: This property that the house is on can be traced to Edward Rutty who was one of the original settlers of present Killingworth in 1716 (Killingworth originally consisted of Clinton and present Killingworth). A Rutty is shown in the house on the 1859 map. The house is a central-chimney Cape Cod house. While the house has had many alterations, what remains is still a significant example of the earliest houses in Killingworth. The post-and-beam framing, large stone chimney with fireplaces upstairs and down, original plank floors and staircase are intact. Its date is uncertain, but it was most likely built by Edward Rutty, Jr., who received land in 1737. Many Ruttys lived in the northeastern part of town and are buried in the Parker Hill District cemetery.
Alternatives to demolition: Killingworth has adopted mechanisms to provide owners with alternatives to demolishing a historic house. Zoning ordinarily allows only one residential house on a property. In 2021, the Planning and Zoning Commission passed a regulation that would allow a historic house to remain on a property in addition to the primary residence. In addition to this, in 2024, a tax abatement ordinance was adopted that would permit tax relief on a historic house that would otherwise be demolished. It is hoped the owners of the house would take advantage of one of these methods to save the house.
Encouraging preservation: Historic houses contribute much to the historic and rural residential character of Killingworth and surrounding towns. The loss of a historic house permanently erases a connection to the past for future generations and diminishes the town’s heritage. The town welcomes any input in support of its preservation efforts and saving this house.
Photo provided by Thomas Lentz
