I have always been curious about this house. Thanks for the informative article and for advocating to save it!

I'm surprised not many comments from the Patchers on this one...so here is my thoughts.
You would think people would be all over this, but the fact that the Rizoli's are involved in it kinda turns people away, I guess.
Too bad, because it shows how this town does things. They group together when they want to do something they have a passion for ( like trees and bushes,General Chemical) ETC..... but when someone whom they have tried to stop from having their say, (The Rizoli's ) try to have their say, say something that is another story. They can't seem to separate issues, in other words lets throw the baby out with the bathwater.
This is too bad because if nothing is done we are going to lose the most important part of our town history. Where is the Historical society on this? Other town boards?
Well, at least you can't say WE didn't try. You all should be ashamed of yourselves for not speaking out. It just shows what is important to people.
We have a love for the past and how things were. Sadly many here want to put the past in the past and live for today. The reason being, the past reminds them of how things were (the good times) and the now reminds them of how bad things have turned out and lets not go there.
The town has already messed things up with the Gates/Rugg house, what a shame to do it again with something that is even more important.
My collection of things so far...if you have more email me.
http://ccfiile.com/Witch_Trials.html
Jim@ccfiile.com

I guess my last comment just vanished.....
Hopefully this isn't going to turn into another Gates/Rugg house fiasco.
My website under Witch trials has more info about the subject matter.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Years ago, my husband and I did some research to find out what, if anything, was being done to save this house. The Foundation for Metrowest is a good resource to contact, as they have a group of people who have been trying for years to find a way to purchase and renovate. Here is a link to a collection of stories about the efforts to save the house, including the name and contact information of what appears to be the lead person. Nobody should be ashamed of themselves - people have been working for years to find a way to save this house.
https://sites.google.com/site/saraclayeshouse/clayes-house-in-the-media

Here is the link to the Sarah Clayes house website (including newsletters!).
http://www.sarahclayeshouse.org/

My comments are stuck in "pending approval", so I'm hoping this one comes through. Check www.sarahclayeshouse.org for information and ways to help. This group formed quite some time ago to unravel the red tape that is holding this home hostage.

Sorry, Kim I was off most of today and just approved appropriate comments that came in this afternoon.

Good stuff....
http://www.sarahclayeshouse.org/clayes-house-in-the-media
Lets see if we can get this moving again.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Kim@Nobody should be ashamed of themselves - people have been working for years to find a way to save this house".

Kim, I look at success as having the deal done.....Just talking and having a website up is NOT doing it. Think about it, you just got interested in this again, why?
Because WE a brought it to Patch. If I was handling this case 2 years ago I wouldn't let two years go by, that's not how I do business.
I would of been on this every week until the deal was done.
I hate to be pushy but you have to be to get it done.
People in this town talk,talk,talk, nothing gets done.
So lets get cooking with this.
By the way Kim, I emailed Ms. Thompson to offer my assistance, not sure about her email working. I guess I will make a phone call next.
That link you put up was a good one, first time I saw it.
Jim@ccfiile.com

David L....Are you interested in getting involved with us then?
I'm trying to understand where you stand here.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Why do you think I posted this Dave? They're other issues that need fixing. This house is another "negative" issue in reality Dave that we want to be made positive in actuality.

The problem is some of you people don't like any bad news. You'd put a lot of doctors out of business thinking like that.

As to this house, the whole house attached to the oldest part should be torn down and the front house should be fixed up. The Historical Society, and other same thinking preservation organizations need to push this pronto. No more dilly dallying. Forget the Ruggs/Gates house let's put all our efforts on this project. This house has more meaning to the town of Framingham than any other house in the town. It is a Historical treasure in all ways.

Joe Rizoli

In Rizoli TV 12 we discuss the whole issue.
It can be seen tonight (Sunday) at 11pm on local cable.
If you want to watch it now here is the link
http://blip.tv/the-weekly-show/framingham-witch-history-6240006
Jim@ccfiile.com

Sounds like a very worthwhile investment for our community. From their website it sounds like the key at this time is to get ownership of the property transfered to the non-profit. Hopefully the bank can step up and help facilitate the transfer of ownership. Would be some nice PR for them with all the negativity surrounding the banking industry right now. Would be nice to get an update on this from Ms. Thompson and see if any progress has been made.

Save that house ! ,along with the Rugg-Gates . Sadly to many historic properties in Framingham have been lost !

I did hear about this years ago, and always wondered what's happening with these homes. Very interesting, thank you for the video links.

I Think the Ruggs]Gates house is too far gone, but the Clayes house isn't.
Looks like they will be rethinking the RG house, more time has been given it.

They say it has asbestos in it so that will by it more time.
Pretty much all has been said on what to do with Clayes House now is the time for doing it.

Joe Rizoli

I spoke with Janice Thompson early this year, and it sounded like Wells Fargo now owns the house and efforts are focused on getting them to sell or donate it. The last newsletter she put out was in February, so hard to tell if this effort is still ongoing. While I am sure she means well, it would seem that a more forceful advocate will have to step up to the plate. I think any renewed effort needs to focus on the town government stepping in, perhaps wielding the threat of eminent domain. Unfortunately, it seems that only a small minority of town residents are aware of this house or the history behind it. I grew up in Framingham in the late 60's and 70's, but was completely unaware of the significance of "Salem End" and the fact that some of the towns first residents were refugees from the Salem witch trials. The connection with Thomas Danforth, who owned the land that became Framingham (the town was named after his home-town of Framlingham, England.) and had a key role in the witch trials makes this a very compelling story. There is speculation that he felt remorse for his role and made land available. Most other towns in the state, or the country for that matter, would recognize the houses significance and tourism potential and do everything in their power to save it. Unfortunately, the town government is focused on development only. Unless more people get involved and demand that the town take action, this irreplaceable piece of Framingham's history will be lost forever.