Old Lyme — The Sound View area, a more than a century-old community with cottages that survived the 1938 hurricane and with potentially even the oldest public beach in America, could earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The State Historic Preservation Board will consider nominating Sound View to the National Register next month.

The board will host an information meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Shoreline Community Center on Hartford Avenue.

The National Register, a honorary list of historic properties, does not restrict property owners in how they use their properties, according to Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development.

The National Register allows owners of historic properties to be eligible for preservation grants and incentives, according to the State Historic Preservation Office of DECD. It also serves as a "planning tool" in which "listed and eligible properties are given substantial consideration in local, state and federal planning efforts."

The Sound View area started to be developed in 1892 and drew families from Hartford, Springfield, New York, and surrounding areas, according to Jenny Scofield, the State and National Register coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office. She based her information on the nomination written by R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc.

Sound View "is significant as an early twentieth century beach resort for the newly established middle-class and for its associations with a diverse immigrant community," Scofield said by email. "As Connecticut’s transportation network improved and recreational opportunities increased for a larger percent of the population, several beachside neighborhoods emerged along our coastline. These places have distinct historic character and rich community heritage."

Michaelle Pearson, who serves on the Sound View Commission and is an author, said by email that the area features several remaining houses from the "Sill Colony," a name given to the cottages built by Emilie Sill, a nineteenth century businesswoman and entrepreneur.

Former Gov. Ella T. Grasso's family had a cottage on Swan Avenue.

"We also believe Sound View to be the oldest public beach in America," said Pearson, who wrote "Rumrunners, Governors, Beachcombers & Socialists," with Jim Lampos.

Revere Beach in Massachusetts, which dates back to 1896,  claims to be the oldest public beach in America. But Sound View was developed in 1892, with Sill building the first cottage there in 1893, said Pearson.

Harry Hilliard, the developer of Sound View, "deeded the beach in perpetuity to the "unorganized general public,"" Pearson said.

Hilliard also "was willing to sell lots to Italians [and] Greeks who were not allowed to buy into other beaches at that time," she said.

Sound View Commission Chairman Frank Pappalardo said the State Historic Preservation Office had contacted the Sound View Commission and then delivered a presentation this winter to the commission and selectmen regarding the nomination process.

The State Historic Preservation Office had received federal funds for historic preservation in coastal communities, following Superstorm Sandy, according to Scofield. The state is also considering Hodges Square in New London for the National Register.

The consulting firm contracted by the state conducted a site survey, conducted research with Pearson and subsequently determined that Sound View should be nominated, Pappalardo said.

Property owners were notified by letter about Monday's information meeting, he said.

Pappalardo said it is "quite an honor" that Sound View is being considered for the National Register.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said the recognition would be "a win" for both the town and residents of the Sound View area, including Hartford, Portland, and Swan Avenues.

She compared the National Register to an "honor roll," explaining that it carries no restrictions for property owners and is not a regulatory program.

Reemsnyder said by email that the listing is meant "to encourage people to preserve the resources we have and that we find significant." She said the benefits go beyond living or doing business in a historic district. They also include the increased potential for obtaining federal and state grants and opportunities for a tax credit program.  

"Any time the Town can support opportunities for our residents, we are happy to do so," she wrote.

k.drelich@theday.com