Belmont Savings Provides Grant to Repair Homer House

The Belmont Savings Bank Foundation recently provided a $2,000 grant to the Belmont Woman’s Club to help restore the historic William Flagg Homer House’s cupola roof. 

The roof’s damaged state was first noted in last fall’s building survey, with falling structural elements that could have threatened the safety of visitors to the house. The Foundation provided the grant, which will cover half the cost for the restoration, to prevent further damage and keep the house open.  

"The Belmont Savings Foundation is thrilled to be offering our support of this critical restorative project," said Bob Mahoney, President and CEO of Belmont Savings Bank and an officer on the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation. "The Homer House is a cornerstone piece of our town’s rich history, which is why we felt compelled to ensure its public programming was being maintained during this period."

The Belmont Woman's Club is the steward of the 1853 Homer House, a site associated with iconic 19th century artist Winslow Homer. Tours of the Homer House will continue on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August.  On view will be the new Homer House exhibit, "Winslow Homer's Civil War."

Wrapping of the deteriorated roof was an emergency preservation measure taken after harsh conditions this winter rendered the house unsafe for visitors. Investigation and securing of the roof was overseen by Wolf Architects consulting architect Gary Wolf, and Belmont resident and consulting structural engineer, Arthur MacLeod.  John Veale of Vealco Restoration led his crew in the successful repairs to the Homer House.  

Since 2012, the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation has given over $225,000 to non-profits and educational institutions in Belmont, Watertown, Waltham, Newton and Cambridge. The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support to non-profit groups, institutions, schools or other organizations operating in the communities in which Belmont Savings Bank operates.