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Date: 8/3/2021
AGAWAM – Since 1805, the Captain Charles Leonard House has serviced the community in an abundance of ways. While many residents may be unaware of the truth behind this historical building, Phil Kimball, board of trustees member, works to inform the community of its offerings, along with keeping the building afloat.
Over the years, Kimball claimed that there have been many letters written with false accusations of the Captain Charles Leonard House. One of those rumors included the impression that alcohol was not allowed to be served. Due to the lack of records, Kimball and the board of trustees have to rely entirely on verbal history.
The board of trustees is made up solely of volunteers – all with an aim to maintain the building for public use.
Some other concerns have fallen under the category of upkeep and repair to the Charles Leonard House. Kimball explained that as the house is over 200 years old, of course it will need repairs.
The “Davis Room,” named after Minerva J. Davis – one of the original board members, is the room where public events now take place. Kimball said, “Minerva Davis funded and organized the reconstruction or total rehabilitation of the house. She had the bylaws written up for creating the board of trustees to do what needed to be done to maintain the house and make it available for the community to rent or come to events here.”
This room can now be rented out for parties such as wedding showers, baby showers and so on.
“Minerva did all this work primarily in 1938 and 1939 as far as construction work on the house is concerned. The house was in poor condition when she acquired it,” said Kimball. He described Davis as one of Agawam’s biggest philanthropists.
The money used by Minerva Davis to fund the renovations on the house came from the Agawam Gin Company.
Through additional work over the years, the Davis Room now encompasses a handicapped bathroom, handicapped ramp, full catering kitchen, etc. These improvements were made to get rental business, said Kimball. However, these improvements also required a great deal of spending.
“We had to deal with old wiring, pipes, old plumbing – it’s not an easy fix,” stated Kimball.
“We did what we could to keep going.”
Kimball and the board had to install an air conditioning unit and heating system, along with getting rid of asbestos and additional issues beneath the surface.
“For one paint job of the house, it costed $20,000,” said Kimball. “It’s $5,000 for liability insurance – not for alcohol.”
During the pandemic, Kimball said they had to pay for electric, insurance, sewer issues – all while receiving no income from any events. “We don’t have and never had enough money to fix everything,” he said.
In an effort to alter this, Kimball took it upon himself to begin fundraising. He came up with the idea for a wine tasting event, in which the board agreed. Kimball assured that himself and his board members have done their research and have even asked about liquor liability.
Through additional research done by former Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson, lawyer and board of trustees member, he discovered that Minerva Davis never mentioned anything about alcohol restriction in the original by laws.
Kimball said that at the time, Davis’ board was made up of members of a baptist church, in which they didn’t like alcohol. As an entire board, they decided that alcohol wouldn't be served at the Captain Charles Leonard House.
Seemingly, Kimball and his board have that same option to decide whether or not to serve alcohol. As a group, they all wanted to try out new events and have since hosted a few beer and wine tastings. Kimball claimed that these fundraisers brought in a good amount of people and extra revenue for the house.
Kimball receives the majority of his alcohol for these events from McCarthy Liquors in Agawam. “John McCarthy donates so much time and money to the house,” said Kimball.
Aside from events and fundraisers, the Captain Charles Leonard House has two apartments upstairs that are rented out to tenants.
“We rely solely on apartment rentals, the Davis Room, proceeds from fundraisers, and contributions from businesses and community members who like this place,” said Kimball.
He continued, “We’re asking the local business community and citizens of Agawam and in the area to continue supporting by renting this place for parties, clubs, and more business meetings.”
“This is a gem right in downtown,” stated Kimball.
His goal is to fix the house up to the best of his ability and have it look like it did back in 1940 – following Minerva Davis’ renovations.
“I want to retire knowing I fixed it up,” he said. “We’re hoping to perpetuate this forever.”
Some upcoming fundraising events for the Charles Leonard House include a beer and wine tasting, scheduled to take place in October. In addition, there will be a ‘Shopping Bazaar’ in September, and they are hopeful to host a beer dinner along with another event around Christmas time.
For additional information on the Captain Charles Leonard House or any of their upcoming fundraisers/events, visit their official Facebook page.