NORWOOD - The Morse House Restoration Committee ``to do'' list has shrunk dramatically over the past six years.
But committee co-Chairwoman Dale Day said yesterday the group still needs help, financial and professional, to clear up some outstanding work, including installing a handicapped-accessible entrance and fixing the gutters.
Day said she only has a general idea what the cost of each project will be.
``We've only gotten one estimate for the entrance and it was $12,000, but I think a lot depends on how much of a volunteer effort we get,'' said Day. ``We really won't know until we get a few more estimates.''
The gutters could cost as much as $5,000, if the committee decides to replace the entire system, or closer to $1,200 if just the leaking section is replaced.
Day said plans call for installing the handicapped entrance in the rear of the house after volunteers tear down the second garage. ``The second garage isn't original to the house,'' said Day.
Day said the Norwood Rotary Club has volunteered to do the work.
``The Rotary Club's been meeting here and I think they've kind of adopted the Morse House as their home,'' said Day.
A portion of the house reportedly dates to Colonial times when Ezra Morse came to what was then South Dedham to build a home and a sawmill in 1678.
George Morse later built the remainder of the 13-room structure in 1868, four years before South Dedham became Norwood. George Morse would play a prominent role in Norwood's formative years, attending the first Town Meeting as well as being named to the Board of Assessors.
Over the years, the house changed hands a few times, coming under the ownership of the Charlie Bird family before ultimately being donated to the town.
The house was neglected for years before the restoration committee was formed and set about fixing up the place.
Through privately raised money and lots of elbow grease, the committee has restored the entire house including installing a modern kitchen, handicapped bathroom and an education center upstairs.
This winter, the house was part of the Historic House Holiday tour, which Day said was a good way to show people how far the house has come.
But now, Day said, the remaining work needs two things the committee doesn't have in abundance - money and expertise.
``It used to be mostly elbow grease - just roll up your sleeves and dig in,'' said Day. ``Now we need professional help, so it's a little different. But we'll get it done.''
Anyone can help by making a donation to the Morse House Restoration Committee c/o Treasurer Marie Bernier, 93 Walnut Ave. Norwood, MA 02062.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or at bfalla@cnc.com
