Neas House
Climate Nearing Control

The many members and friends of HAHS who supported last year's raffle and otherwise contributed to preserve the Neas House will see the project come to fruition this winter.  Beginning in late September, Davidson H&C Company, 425 Broadway, began the process of installing heating and cooling systems in our historic house.  The goal is to be unobtrusive and non-invasive as possible.

Work is well along in installing air handlers in the basement and attic and two heat pumps outside.  Duct work in the basement is placed between beams and joists where, in future, it can be covered over and hidden.  Some use is made of chimneys to serve the main and second floors.  A decision was made to keep only the fireplace in the kitchen operational.  Grills inserted into the black baseboards of the first floor are inscrutably difficult to detect.  Outside the heat pumps will be shielded by white picket fence to match that surrounding the lawn and gardens.  When temperatures and humidity are brought under control, the building and its contents will have much longer life expectancies.

During this installation the house has remained available for general use.  In October Cub Scout Pack No. 110 from First Methodist Church on Frederick Street was given a tour.  Joe Marsden assisted Dr. Martin in the visit.  Also in October a girl scout troop visited, and a docent class was conducted.  Now this month cub scouts from St. Matthew Lutheran Church will tour the house.