By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

The first draft of the South Whitehall Historic Resource Inventory was introduced at the Dec. 18, 2024, meeting by Christopher Strohler, long-range planner/special projects coordinator in a discussion.

The board authorized a historic resource survey last year, assigning staff and consultant Jeff Marshall to compile information about the township’s historic resources.

Marshall identified more than 140 initial resources by gathering data from various sources, including field observations and historical documents.

A draft summary of the township’s potential historic resource inventory has been prepared, aimed at documenting and conserving these resources.

The draft includes categories such as structures, villages, and farmsteads, along with guidance on preservation techniques and potential next steps.

There is a caption in the Historic Resource Inventory that mentions the barn on Walnut Street.

“It is interesting that one gable end is constructed of stone while the opposite end is frame above the stable level.”

The caption stated the barn is located on county property.

Strohler was asked if this barn could be listed on the National Register.

“I’ll say that typically old barns don’t have enough historic significance to qualify for such strict criteria as the National Register, but they are definitely important on a local level, hence the need for our own Township inventory,” Strohler said.

The ultimate goal is to develop an ordinance to formalize a process for designating local historic resources.

This includes a four-level classification system from the landscapes plan and guidance on maintaining and updating the inventory as new resources are identified.

While no immediate decisions are required, further refinement and development of the inventory and ordinance are planned.

Board President Diane Kelly said she was very excited and looks forward to the next steps.