A Short History of the Beebe Estate Association
The Beebe Estate Association came into existence in the fall of l996 when the then Mayor Richard Lyons asked a number of interested Melrose citizens to form a group whose main goal would be to preserve this historic building and redefine how it might be used in the future. Jim McArdle was named the first president of BEA.
Over the next two years, BEA held numerous Open Houses at the Estate, produced a seventeen minute video on the history of the house, developed brochures to communicate what BEA was to a broad base of new members, outlined a plan for making the Beebe Estate available for art shows, lectures and private party rentals, and began raising funds to complete the interior restoration/decoration of the main house.
Meanwhile, Melrose’s Office of Planning and Community Development began applying for grant money to preserve the house. It had been determined that a whole new roof system was required, as well as restoration of the cupola and balustrade, and complete exterior painting. When the city decided to locate the Council on Aging in the rear of the building, additional interior renovation was required to make that space usable.
The city hired the architectural firm Gary Wolfe & Associates and by the spring of 1998 they had completed their construction documents. BEA worked closely with both the Office of Planning and Community Development and the architects throughout this period. Construction began in the fall of 1998 and was completed the following spring.
With the help of then State Representative (and later Mayor), Patrick Guerriero, State Senator Richard Tisei, and interim Mayor, Ron Alley, we were successful in obtaining sufficient grant money for both the planned construction and the restoration of the gardens on the east side of the house.
Since that time, BEA has sponsored regular monthly art exhibits by local artists, photographers and sculptors. It has scheduled Spring and Fall Lyceum programs which have spotlighted local writers, film producers, performance artists, quilters and musicians. As part of its fund raising campaign, it has conducted three major antique auctions. It has completed the interior painting, lighting redesign and decoration of the main house. Its goal is to maintain the Beebe Estate as the cultural center for the city of Melrose, a unique legacy and resource for present day Melrose residents, and an example for other cities to emulate.
If you are not already a member of the Beebe Estate Association, we encourage you to become one. Just click the Become A Member link in the navigation bar, complete the membership form that is displayed there, print it and mail it with a check for your contribution to the address indicated.