Preservation Treatment Recommendations

Preservation treatment recommendations highlight ways in which Preservation Texas and its partners can effectively preserve the historic character while addressing current and future modifications by providing guidelines and specific preservation treatment recommendations that reflect the selected treatment approaches for a cultural landscape.

This is a guiding document, intended to support the decision-making and planning process, while allowing for more detailed discussions related to the implementation of recommendations once funding is identified. Both short- and long-term recommendations for planning and management are included.

Treatment recommendations and design guidelines for the cultural landscape are organized by the same landscape characteristics that were used to organize the analysis and evaluation of landscape characteristics and features in Section II. The content of Section II, namely the historic character summary for each landscape characteristic, provides a baseline or touchstone for these recommendations and will be a valuable resource as they are implemented.

The narrative is supported by an annotated Treatment Plan and precedent images. Not every landscape characteristic or feature identified in Section II includes treatment recommendations or design guidelines.

• Natural Systems

• Spatial Organization

• Land Use

• Circulation

• Vegetation

• Buildings and Structures

• Constructed Water Features

• Views and Vistas

• Small-scale Features

This landscape’s natural systems are one of the primary reasons that Bassett Farms was established and then thrived for generations, and these systems supported lifeways of cultures that preceded historic period ownership. Their full relationship to humans and wildlife should be incorporated into their future management and interpretation to ensure their longevity and health.

Prioritize managing natural systems to support their ecological health and their role in supporting the ecological health of desired fauna species by working with partnering non-profits and public agencies, such as Texas Parks & Wildlife, Dixon Water Foundation, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

• Complete ecological surveys prior to developing a management strategy. Priority areas include the riparian corridors and stock tanks.

Restore the health and functionality of Sulphur Creek, including the riparian habitat that surrounds and supports its health, to halt erosion and flooding, bank degradation, and improve water quality. Priority should be given to the area behind Home Place between the small and large stock tanks, where the riparian area has been cleared over the past 25 years.

This work could be done in conjunction with partnering agencies, such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Brazos River Authority, and/or Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board, that are focused on restoring the Little Brazos and Brazos Rivers watersheds through Watershed Protection Plans (WPP). See related recommendation for historic wells under Constructed Water Features and fence lines along riparian corridors under Small-Scale Features.

Develop a plan to ensure the regeneration of native trees, shrubs, and forbs in select areas. This will likely include several different approaches, depending on the condition of the plants targeted for regeneration. For example,

• Some native prairie plants have been replanted, but cyclical maintenance is needed to ensure they can continue to thrive and are not impacted by invasive plants or grazing. This could include cyclical prescribed burns that mimic the fire management utilized by Native Americans and the pre-fire suppression regime associated with the prairie landscape. Texas Parks and Wildlife should be consulted for best practices and procedures (which are listed on their website), in addition to technical experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

• Young shrubs and trees may have been impacted by years of grazing and the next generation not able to effectively establish itself.

• In areas where grazing will not continue, monitor the status of native plant regeneration, and manage those areas to encourage the health of the next generation. In some cases, temporary protection measures may be needed for trees and shrubs that are impacted by wildlife and adjacent plant crowding.

• In areas where grazing will continue, but native trees are desired, protection measures should be implemented to ensure the trees are able to grow. These measures could include designating smaller exclusion zones within a pasture by using easily movable and removable electric fences. See related recommendations under Land Use.

Remove invasive plants from prairie restoration zones utilizing best management practices, which may include mechanical removal of woody species or limited use of herbicides. Herbicides are not generally encouraged unless there are no other options for prairie restoration. For example, at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site a cyclable but limited use of herbicides was required to restore the native prairie habitats and allow for native vegetation to re-establish. Their methods can be used as a model. Technical experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center could also be consulted.

Complete soil surveys for selected areas within the landscape prior to completing any vegetation plantings or restoration work to ensure that the species that are being planted will thrive. The soils have been degraded due to intensive farming and heavy grazing practices, so the goal is to work towards soil repair and regeneration. The Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board will be a critical partner.

Consider hosting an annual bioblitz event where the community is led by experts in the sighting and documenting of fauna and flora species in the landscape. The knowledge gained from these events can help shape future restoration activities to attract, retain or control desired flora and fauna populations. This could help guide the recommendation listed above for regenerating native plant species.

as planning and development of facilities and events moves forward and mitigate those impacts to preserve the quiet natural sounds that are a characteristic of this landscape. At Bassett Farms the calls of frogs, birds, and cows signify a rural farm landscape, while vehicles on packed earth or gravel, conversation over the television or radio, music, or the clang of dishes signify the domestic core. Identification of these intangible characteristics will help preserve sounds typical of the historic period and prevent or mitigate impacts of discordant contemporary sounds to the historic setting. For example, the Denali National Park and Preserve implemented a soundscape monitoring program to monitor the level of impact flight traffic and snowmachines had in the park.5

5 Central Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network: https://www.nps.gov/im/cakn/sounds.htm

Top: Prescribed burns are an excellent way to reduce wildfire fuel loads, encourage native grass and forbs to thrive, and reduce non-native woody vegetation. They should be completed on a cyclical seasonal schedule.

(Texas Parks and Wildflie)

Bottom: More formal examples of tree protection infrastructure would be more appropriate near the historic core of Home Place. These would stay in place until the tree can withstand any impacts from grazing cattle.

(Designer Metal)

Top: While there are many forms of tree protection, something sturdy, but minimal in its materials and form like the one shown here, is appropriate for a majority of the pastures. (Government of Western Australia)

Bottom: Participants of all ages can be engaged in a Bioblitz where they are guided on what species to look for, and how to document their presence over a brief, but intensive period of time. (National Geographic, Keene Haywood)

Preserve the spatial organization, while also revealing some of the less visible ways the cultural landscape was organized.

Nominate the property for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as a rural historic district. The nomination should include all the Bassett Farms Conservancy land holdings, not just those addressed in this CLR.

Rehabilitate the domestic core by re-establishing the historic entry drive for pedestrian use, maintaining the landscape’s open lawn area in front of the house and setback from the Kosse-Marlin Road, and maintaining or restoring trees that were planted to frame and shade the house and shield outbuildings from view. As part of this rehabilitation consider compatible domestic uses on the east and west side of the house that reflect those undertaken by the Bassett family (i.e. ornamental vegetation, the large kitchen garden and poultry yard, or water collection and butter churning) during the period of significance. These areas could be used to support functions inside the house, much as they did during the historic period, even though the uses have changed. See related recommendations under Circulation, Vegetation, and Small-scale Features.

Restore or represent the spatial organization of the tenant farms and other buildings or clusters outside of Home Place by considering the sites of missing buildings as locations for any new buildings (for residences, classrooms, storage). For example, if a new classroom or lab is needed, the former schoolhouse site should be considered. The scale of the new building should be consistent with the one that was present during the historic period. Undertake archeological investigations prior to construction to serve as a learning opportunity and to prevent any damage to archeological resources. Other options include marking the corners of buildings with ghost structures or permanent or temporary posts, mowing the outline of the building footprint, or restoring and/or preserving in situ the ruins that remain. See related recommendations under Circulation and Buildings and Structures.

Restore the historic arrangement of agricultural land at Blum Place and Hirshfield Farm through careful selection of areas that should return to prairie, grazing, or crop production based on an examination of historic aerial photographs and other evidence that dates to the period of significance.

The long duration of the period of significance provides some flexibility in proposed use. It is generally recommended to base decisions about the arrangement of agricultural land on the condition of Bassett Farms during its height of diversity of uses, such as towards the end of Hattie Bassett’s life when her son was managing the transition from cotton to ranching and both uses were represented on the property.

• Where possible, known historic circulation routes, fence alignments, and tree breaks or bois d’arc should be used to reinforce or restore historic land divisions, including pasture and field size. For example, if a large field was historically sub-divided by fencing for grazing it would be appropriate to restore the historic fence alignment to facilitate a desired use in that area.

• If subdivision of a field or pasture that was historically open is desired for maintenance or management purposes, temporary fencing is recommended. Avoid establishing new farm roads or tree lines that give the appearance of dating to the historic period. The historic scale of these spaces is important to maintain to provide a sense of both the expansive and profitable nature of the Bassett Farm operations as well as the technological limitations of the time.

Preserve or restore as many historic land uses as possible, while considering the addition of new compatible uses that reinvigorate the landscape while preserving its historic character.

Establish some new uses of the property that provide financial support without impacting the cultural landscape character. For example,

• introduce facilities for practical and theoretical training in preservation, agriculture, conservation trades.

• introduce facilities for the use of Bassett Farms as a retreat center that can support scholars, professionals, artists, etc. who are inspired by the history, natural resources, and preservation training opportunities. See related recommendation under Spatial Organization.

• develop a program for filming location rentals with clear parameters for the location and use guidelines for production and staging areas.

• establish a research library that can support historians, preservationists, and students that is formed from the current collections and archival materials holdings.

Continue or re-establish historic uses where feasible, in support of the Bassett Farms mission and goals, which can aid in educating the public about Bassett Farms and its historic significance. For example,

• Continue grazing cattle or other livestock through leases or cooperative agreements but utilize methods that meet conservation goals, such as rotational grazing. Preservation Texas may also choose to build and maintain a small herd of cattle for educational or interpretive programs. Integrate a small pasture near the Bassett House into the rotation as a demonstration pasture for educational events and consider having historic livestock breeds.

• Consider planting part of the acreage in cotton or any other crop that was planted historically; and consider planting a domestic garden near the Bassett House. See related recommendations under Vegetation.

• Prioritize hosting public events and celebrations that illustrate a historic connection with the cultural landscape such as the Juneteenth Celebration, the annual baseball game, and harvest celebrations.

• Maintain and explore opportunities for temporary or seasonal residences to represent historic residential uses, such as what the garage apartments currently provide.

Avoid uses gloss over social history of Bassett Farms and environs. Bassett Farms is intended to provide a place for education related to the agricultural history of east Texas, the lives of the property’s former inhabitants, and cultural and natural resources preservation. This broad vision and associated goals cannot be accomplished without acknowledging the foundational history of enslavement and segregation or indigenous genocide in the United States. In order to meet these goals, Bassett Farms should avoid hosting events that ignore these histories. For example, the property should not be rented for celebratory events like weddings or class reunions unless a direct connection to the cultural landscape is established.6

6 For example, if a descendent from one of the residents of the Hopewell Freedom Colony or a former tenant wanted to hold a wedding or related family event on the property, their direct connection to the historic landscape provides a nexus with the past.

Top: While this is a more formal example of marking a missing building, this concept can be translated to Bassett Farms using more rustic materials to mark the location and scale of missing buildings which will help restore a sense of the spatial relationships of the tenant farms. (Archeological Institute of America)

Bottom: While there are many examples of compatible uses for farm and ranch buildings, this shows an example of one being converted for studio and gallery space. A field laboratory would be a similar use. (Chalk Hill Residency)

Top: Larger open barns, such as the Metal Hay Barn at Home Place, can host versatile uses, such as informal and formal celebrations and events. The scale and type of gathering should match the scale of the building being used and the staqging needed on site to support it.

Bottom: Field documentation of cultural landscape features can support educational goals for the Bassett Farms Conservancy and increase knowledge of the location and condition of extant features. (Preservation Maryland)

How, where, and when people moved through the landscape and the connections that the road and path network created between the people who lived and worked here is critical to understanding the inter-related and inter-dependent nature of this place.

Prioritize restoring historic circulation networks and related infrastructure, such as historic fence lines, that provide links between properties with an emphasis on the connections that tenant farmers and employees used to move from their homes to Home Place. The type and intensity of the methods for restoring the historic circulation will be dependent on condition and use. For example,

• If a road that connected a tenant farmer’s home to the Bassett House is in good condition and slated for continued use, then the restoration effort will likely require minimal effort and should be completed so that approved vehicles can continue its use.

• If a historic road that connected the Hopewell Community to Bassett Farms has been lost or portions of it are lost and it will be used for pedestrian connections, then restore the alignment and width to match the historic conditions as best as possible for that lighter use.

• If the historic road includes bridges that have been lost or damaged, then assess the condition and historic character and, if sufficient material or documentation exists, use the rehabilitation approach to repair or rebuild the bridge. The range of options will be to restore a historic bridge to its historic condition if it’s needed for pedestrian use to constructing a new bridge that is compatible, but distinct from the historic bridge. A simple wood plank bridge might meet pedestrian trail needs, although reinforcement may be required to accommodate contemporary accessibility requirements and vehicular traffic along certain roads and trails. See related recommendations under Spatial Organization.

Restore the loop entry drive so that it matches the historic drive, in terms of width and materials, as closely as possible given what can be deduced from oral histories and historic photographs. If historic materials are not known, then a low-impact soil binder or decomposed granite mixed with soil is recommended.

Develop a small accessible parking area within the Home Place domestic core for staff and guests with mobility and health limitations. The small parking area should use similar materials to those used for the entry drive while meeting outdoor accessibility standards of a firm and stable surface with minimal slope.

Develop a medium sized parking area on the outskirts of the Home Place domestic core to accommodate regular staff and guests, and small and medium-sized events. The parking area should use similar materials to those used for the entry drive and accessible parking area.

Maintain a pasture area outside the Home Place domestic core to provide parking for larger events. These parking areas will not have any typical parking area infrastructure. As such, parking attendants should be used whenever needed to direct and control parking and vehicular movement. If the location is a far distance from the event location, then consider providing a shuttle service between the parking area and the event site.

Establish and regularly maintain a loop trail or trail network that connects the Home Place domestic core with points of interest. The loop trail should follow historic road traces, fence lines, natural land contours, or property lines whenever possible with new trail segments being limited to those that are needed to provide connections. Related to this recommendation is the restoration of historic circulation infrastructure such as bridges that have been lost or severely damaged.

• Determining primary points of interest will be critical to the realization of a trail plan. Points of interest may include historic features like the windmill or stock ponds associated with the operation of Bassett Farms, or natural features such as the flora and fauna. The terrain will guide the level of desired intervention. For example, an unimproved trail network along the riparian corridor around Sulphur Creek would provide a shady and isolated area for bird watching.

• Similarly, improved trails with guard rails can be used to guide visitors through culturally or naturally sensitive areas like the Sulphur Spring site. Contemporary fencing with minimal profiles such as a steel rope balustrade along the path or around a viewing area will help limit unwanted interactions between visitors and the landscape. This type of contemporary intervention is best located away from the domestic core to minimize its visual impact.

Maintain contact with Limestone and Falls Counties planning and transportation agencies to ensure the preservation of the county roads character including their historic alignment, width, material, and profile. If road work or maintenance is needed, encourage the counties to follow rehabilitation standards.

Top: Medium sized parking areas can be designed with an integral approach to existing or added landscape features such as a tree grove, like the one here at Middleton Place in South Carolina, that help blend contemporary needs with the cultural landscape’s character. (Mike Goad)

Bottom: Overflow parking areas are well suited for unused pastures. These work best when people are hired to direct traffic or when removable traffic cones and ropes are used to mark parking locations. (M. McClintock)

This map shows potential interpretive trail routes at Home Place, including two creek crossings. It was prepared by the Texas Conservation Corps and adapted by MIG to comply with the trail recommendations included in thsi CLR. (TCC, MIG, 2022)

Ornamental and agricultural vegetation represents the active living and working aspects of this cultural landscape. It represents both the prosperity and hard work of creating a life in this place.

Consider re-establishing domestic gardens near Bassett House to show the scale and type of smaller scale agriculture that was present. While a full-scale kitchen garden could be restored on the east side of the front yard, this is not necessary. Re-establishing the scale of the garden, but with plants that require less maintenance would work as would establishing a smaller garden plot of more care intensive plants. What plants are grown could also reflect the Bassett’s historic use of selling agricultural products. For example, instead of selling cotton seed the domestic garden could support an annual or biannual plant sale. The direction should be dictated by the educational mission of the site and how this might support other activities, both educational and event oriented. For example, some of the food could be used for catering events. In all cases, consider potential impacts of climate change on vegetation viability.

Maintain or re-establish ornamental plants around the Bassett House to reflect those that were present during the height of the farm’s use. This may include fewer varieties and numbers of plants given that many ornamental plants were added after the period of significance.

Consider restoring a section of bois d’arc that were planted to protect crops or other areas from cattle prior to the invention of barbed wire. In addition to restoring a distinctive early feature of the historic landscape, bois d’arc often provide important habitat for small mammals and birds. It’s long-term care would also provide cyclical training opportunities for this type of cultural landscape feature.

Consider establishing an orchard to reflect the historic orchard of 100 peaches that existed during the historic period. The range of options include establishing the single species peach orchard in its historic location and scale to establishing a smaller orchard of multiple historic or contemporary varieties of other stone fruits to reflect the presence of the orchard. In addition to reflecting a historic landscape feature, this will provide cyclical training opportunities for this type of cultural landscape feature.

The orchard should be located close to Home Place for easy management, visitor access, and education or interpretation. Potential sites include the zone between the existing driveway and Sulphur Creek south of the brick well, the cleared areas immediately north of the tree line that demarcates the domestic core at Home Place (adjacent to the small stock pond), or either of the former fields/pastures located immediately east and northeast of Bassett House.

. The scale and materials (namely plant varieties) will be dependent on multiple factors. For example, working with a local grower may provide a good partnership and the crop types would be dictated by the farmer’s market options. This could include contemporary crops, or heirloom varieties of plants grown during the historic period could be grown to ensure the species themselves remain in production. In addition to crops grown for food, plants grown for herbal medicines, flower trade, nursery stock, and/or other plant-based commodities can be considered. This recommendation can also strengthen the commercial ties between the Conservancy and local farmers, adding to local support for this venture.

Locations for re-establishing crops should be selected based on desired function, growing requirements, management needs, and scale. For example, if an experimental or high-maintenance crop is selected, such as a pollinator or heirloom species, it should be located on a relatively small field close to the domestic core to monitor and manage its health and be accessible to visitors for educational or interpretive purposes. Potential sites include the former pastures and fields directly west of the north branch of Sulphur Creek along County Road 243, the former pasture south of Kosse-Marlin Road, or the former pastures and fields immediately east and northeast of Bassett House. Intensive farm crops managed through leases, such as cotton, hay, or corn, may be more appropriately located in larger fields further from the core of public services.

All decisions about locations for the reestablishment of crops, gardens, and bois d’arc should be based on historic documentation and analysis. See related recommendation under Spatial Organization.

Establish a plan to remove invasive vegetation that includes cyclical maintenance to keep it at bay. The removal will likely be a multi-year effort and the maintenance will likely need cyclical attention, though the effort typically recedes as maintenance continues. When possible, avoid use of chemicals that might negatively impact the soil and below ground resources. See related recommendations under Natural Systems.

The buildings and their clustered development highlights central areas of intensive activities within Bassett Farms. While other reports and studies will focus on the buildings themselves, this focus of the recommendations here are on preserving or restoring those nodes. See related recommendations under Spatial Organization.

Prioritize the use of existing buildings for adaptation for new uses, such as classrooms, laboratories, residences, exhibit spaces, etc. that support the mission and vision of Bassett Farms Conservancy. The reuse of contributing buildings should use a rehabilitation approach for their adaptation and be informed by historic documentation and research. More flexibility is allowed in alterations to non-contributing buildings, such as the metal barns, so long as the alterations do not impact the arrangement, scale, or historic materials at Home Place. See Existing Conditions Plan Detail for an illustration of contributing and noncontributing buildings

Restore, rehabilitate, or preserve the tenant farm clusters at Bassett Farms. The recommended treatment for each cluster depends on existing conditions. If a site is in ruins, consider stabilization and preservation of the buildings combined with educational interpretative goals. If the buildings are still standing but in extremely poor condition, then consider full restoration with adequate historic research and documentation to guide the effort. In both circumstances, rehabilitation of characteristic landscape features like fences, circulation, and vegetation should also be prioritized to increase legibility and understanding of the cluster. If no ruins or other physical evidence remains and a new building is needed apply rehabilitation standards to buildings that follow the established historic arrangement patterns and are compatible but distinct from historic buildings. See related recommendation under Spatial Organization.

Avoid reconstruction as a treatment for the former tenant farm clusters where sufficient historical documentation does not exist. Alternatives treatment include “ghost structures” or contemporary markings or memorials.

If reconstruction of non-extant historic buildings or structures is desired, apply the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Reconstruction. This approach requires that sufficient historical documentation exists to reconstruct an accurate representation of the building or structure and avoid historical error.7 If only partial documentation exists, reconstruction of that component of the building plus interpretation is an acceptable treatment. For example, if historic photos and descriptions are available for the exterior of a building but there is a lack of known information about the interior, then only the exterior should be reconstructed while the interior of the building should be contemporary with onsite interpretation that describes this process. It’s important to note that the bar is high in terms of documentation to meet the standards for reconstruction.

• Opportunities for reconstruction will need to be identified based on available and quality of research but may include the former cistern pump house and wood barn/s at Home Place.

7 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Reconstruction can be found on the National Park Services website: https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm

Sensitively locate, design, and build new buildings for new uses if no historic buildings can be adapted for the proposed use. Some considerations include:

• No new buildings should be larger than the largest existing barn and all should be subservient in scale, location, and building material to the main house.

• No new buildings should be added to the domestic core of Home Place. If a new building is needed in that area, then consider rebuilding an existing building that was rebuilt or substantially modified after the historic period. See related recommendations under Spatial Organization.

Assess any infrastructure needs, such as septic, electricity, etc. to help determine the carrying capacity of the site before embarking on substantial projects.

Develop detailed preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation plans for the contributing buildings and structures in consultation with historic architects or applicable consultants while exploring the educational opportunities that the full process of those endeavors provides.

• Opportunities for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation include the underground brick cistern, the brick well, and the corrugated metal pump house near the well at Home Place. One or more of these features may require consultation with an archaeologist as they are connected to below ground water systems. Preservation is the recommended treatment for the cistern, while rehabilitation may be a viable treatment for the pump house. Treatment of the brick well should be determined based on intended use and functionality. See related recommendation under Constructed Water Features.