Though there have been concerted efforts by several groups in Dartmouth to conserve and protect historic properties in town, some houses dating back to the early 1900s and one from as early as 1857 were recently approved for demolition.

At a meeting of the Historical Commission on Monday, owners of properties at 57 Beach Avenue, 41 and 43 Lakewood Road, 211 Horseneck Road, and 75 Rockland Street were given permission to demolish existing structures.

The structures weren’t among the list of hundreds of homes in Dartmouth that the Historical Committee has identified as being worthy of preservation. All of the houses brought upon the board were unanimously declared “not historical enough,” however, age isn’t the only significance in determining whether a house is historical.

“We determine if a house is historical based on the architecture and the historical significance to the town and the state,” said Chairman of the Historical Commission Judy Lund.

Although the structures were approved for demolition, members of the commission expressed desire to continue to identify and preserve Dartmouth’s many historic structures.

Recently, the board approved the demolition of a home at 501 Chase Road that was built prior to 1857. With that decision, some board members are rethinking their plan of attack when deciding whether a house should be demolished or not.

“501 Chase Road shouldn't have been torn down,” said Baker. “I’m heartsick. It was a structurally terrific house.”

Board members said the main issue with preservation is that owners of historic homes often don’t realize their homes are significant.

Historical Commission member Philip Baker feels that there is no incentive to save the historical homes.

“The only solution is for the town legislature to come forward and put tax incentives for people to retain homes instead of destroying them,” said Baker. “Most people don’t care about the houses.”

According to Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society President Robert Harding, when the Historical Commission receives a request for a demolition, it’s often too late.

“We need to direct our attention to something that will make a difference,” said Harding.

Lund brought up various ideas for preserving the historic houses.

“We need to research dates and generate a list of houses available for sale,” she said. “Some of these houses were owned by whaling captains, Jewish farmers, and important people in this town."

Lund said the only way to know which older homes are for sale is either through realtors and by word of mouth.

“We need to show people the significance of these houses to the town and the state,” said Harding.

“We need more people and more people who will dedicate time,” added Gilbert.