Silver Spring Group Sponsors Fundraiser to Support Preservation of Historic House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2008

Media Contact: James Cassell, 301-585-4638, jkcassell@rcn.com

Silver Spring Group Sponsors Fundraiser to Support Preservation of Historic House

Date of Event: Sunday, August 10, 2008
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM
Address: 1102 Edgevale Road in Woodside Forest (near intersection of Watson Road & Dale Drive) Silver Spring

Some Silver Spring residents who wish to preserve the rich history of their community got organized more than two years ago to have the Watson House included in the County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation. The house, ca. early 20th century, is a largely unaltered Dutch Colonial that sits between two other already historically designated houses in Silver Spring’s Woodside Forest.

The Committee to Save the Watson House was formed under the auspices of the Woodside Forest Civic Association (WFCA). Since then, the group has called on the expertise of some professionals to help navigate the series of County hearings necessary to accomplish the task of historic recognition. The work of these experts complements the countless hours the volunteers have committed to their cause.

Mark and Laura Farr, the owners of Woodside Forest’s historic Wilbur House, a ca. 1887 Second Empire-style home that is already in the County’s Master Plan, will open their doors for a fundraiser on August 10. Proceeds will benefit the efforts to save the adjacent Watson House and its historic surroundings.

The event will feature:
• Art works and silent auction
• Opportunity drawing
• Live music by professional harpist, Linda Nash
• Local history discussion by Robert E. Oshel, author of two books on Woodside Park
• Light refreshments

As of this date, more than a dozen Silver Spring businesses have agreed to be corporate sponsors for this event. WFCA is awaiting confirmation from several others. Admission is free and open to the public. Spend an enjoyable afternoon in an historic tree-lined area, and support historic preservation in Silver Spring’s Woodside Forest.

For more information, call 301-495-8818 or e-mail savewatson@gmail.com.