Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Regarding the article about the Commander’s Home from last week, I was so surprised that Jill Dolberg with the Nebraska State Historical Society would condone putting modern vinyl-clad replacement windows in a historic building that I felt compelled to do some fact checking.

I called Ms. Dolberg to inquire about the letter sent to the Cheyenne County Historical Society referenced in the article. After speaking to her and reading the letter, I found it evident the content of the letter was grossly mischaracterized.

First, the letter strongly endorses repairing original windows if at all possible, but says if the windows are beyond repair, they should be replaced with replica wooden windows in the exact configurations as the originals. Ms. Dolberg believed from her conversation with Roger Jorgensen that the originals were not salvageable and proper wooden windows were going to be used as replacements when she wrote that the CCHS could not have selected better replacements. She did not and would not endorse or condone the use of vinyl-clad windows. 

What I find more troubling, however, is the claim by the CCHS that the original windows could not be repaired and the building was suffering damage due to their decay. 

If the windows had been disposed of, it would be difficult to dispute this claim. 

Thankfully, the windows that were sold to the antique shop were recovered by a concerned citizen, and when all evidence is presented, it will be proven that the windows are not beyond repair and can be restored. Perhaps it is too much to hope that they will be re-installed, but the possibility exists.

Sadly, I am sure that the CCHS truly believes the modern replacement windows were the best possible choice. This is the strongest proof that they have absolutely no understanding of historic preservation, but rather a mindset that modern renovation and materials are superior and desirable. 

Shame on the CCHS for betraying the trust of the taxpayers of Cheyenne County and irreparably damaging the historic integrity of these priceless buildings. 

Respectfully,

Tamara Nelsen

Sidney, Nebraska

* Editor’s note: The Sun-Telegraph strives to tell both sides of every story. We apologize if the article mischaracterized the type of windows installed in the Commander’s Home. It should be noted that the article in question never directly stated that Jill Dolberg approved of the Historical Association’s actions, but that she acknowledged the apparent need to replace the windows. Both of Dolberg’s statements in the article were direct quotes from her letter to the Historical Association.