Historic home damaged in car crash

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - An early morning car crash destroyed part of a historic site in Northampton Sunday.

It's one of the few standing monuments left.  Built in 1753 by the Clapp family it’s the second oldest house in the neighborhood.

“They have historical events, Christmas parties, my son used to work here, he did landscaping, we were always friendly with the people,” said Jean Perry who lives nearby.

Northampton Police Lt. Jody Casper told 22News 21-year-old John Diemand of Easthampton crashed his car into the South Street landmark early Sunday morning.

“There was this police officer and he said, do you own a house on South Street and we said no but we do manage and look after a house on South Street and he said a car had run through the house,” said Karen Tatro, the house manager, who got a visit from police shortly after the accident happened.  

After clipping a telephone pole, missing a tree and barreling through two yards, the car then drove through a fence, crossed the street and crashed into the living room.

“We have a corner cupboard that's here in the yard, it was full of old china and porcelain tea pots pieces of silver all of that is damaged, there's not one piece in there that is not broken,” said Karen Tatro.

But it doesn't end there, the paneling was destroyed. And a collection of 175-year-old handmade chairs were broken beyond repair..

Three people were in the car at the time of the crash. The driver was taken to Baystate Medical Center and treated for minor injures. So far, there have been no charges brought against him.

The house is home to the Northampton chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution society.  Tatro told 22News that the restoration of historic artifacts is expensive, and it could take time to get back some of what was lost in the crash.  

To donate or volunteer you can send your request or donation to P.O Box 234, c/o Daughters of the American Revolution, Northampton, MA.