To the editor:
(Editor’s note: This letter was addressed to the Hillsborough Historic Commission members.)
On Sept. 24, the Hillsborough Historic Commission is scheduled to make a crucial decision about the future of Doris Duke’s home. Doris Duke, an heiress and once the richest woman in the world, called Duke Farms her home. This was her main residence. It is listed in her will as her domicile.
While living at Duke Farms, Doris Duke created a magnificent garden under glass, the Garden of Nations. These gardens were once the largest in the U.S. She opened the gardens for pubic enjoyment, however, only through an advance reservation, a gated entrance, security clearance, a jitney bus to the visitor’s center and then a guided tour of the gardens. Visitors to the Garden of Nations paid an admission fee.
At the July Historic Commission meeting, Duke Farms officials provided testimony for permission to demolish Doris Duke’s home.
When asked about restoring the home and charging an admission fee, the officials replied that it was against their mission to charge fees.
Therefore, all their operating funds come from their foundation, which does not want to pay for the home. Additionally, they testified that they have not officially explored alternative uses for the Duke Home.
Research about the other Duke Foundation properties shows that admission fees are charged.
At Shangri La, Hawaii, the fee is $10. Their website is: http://honolulumuseum.org/354-hours_admission
At Rough Point, Newport RI, the fee is $25.00. Their website http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/rough_point/
The Historic Commission must deny the demolition permit. Duke Farms’ officials have not sufficiently met the requirements of the township’s historic preservation ordinance’s section 188-109.
Duke Farms must reconsider and not demolish the Duke home. The possibilities of reuse are endless. Charge an admission fee to the Duke home, like it does now at its other properties and like Doris Duke has done in the past with the Garden of Nations.
Save the Duke home. Vote no.
Helen Watts
Hillsborough
