Long-time Gas Industry Executive’s Advocacy Still Drives Gasholder’s Preservation.

The N.H. Preservation Alliance mourns the death of civic leader Cedric Dustin who was a long-time supporter of the non-profit historic preservation organization and strong advocate for the preservation of the last-of-its-kind Concord Gasholder.

Even as we mourn his loss, emergency stabilization of the Gasholder progresses with the installation and anchoring of new steel radial and rim beams. The beams will provide a solid foundation for the direct, gravity-load-supporting shoring system within the interior which will support the roof until more extensive repairs can be completed.

Dustin began his career with Concord Natural Gas in 1951 and rose to the office of president and general manager. Later, he worked for Energy North Inc., retiring in 1988 as senior vice president. His involvement in the gas industry extended beyond these two companies, serving as president of New England Gas Association in 1971-1972 and as a director for 24 years.

His concern for the Gasholder’s vulnerable condition helped fuel the landmark’s nomination to the Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save endangered properties list in 2013, after a tree falling accelerated the building’s deterioration. He was also active in negotiations with the property’s owner and the City that led to temporary repairs at that time, and the emergency stabilization effort now underway. In recent years, he worked with the Concord Historical Society to document how the building operated and what it was like to work there.

In a 2020 Concord Monitor article, Dustin expressed his hope for the Gasholder’s long-term preservation: “’I fought long and hard to retain that building like it is,’ said the 94-year-old Dustin, standing outside the chain-link fence that surrounds the gasholder these days. ‘Even after I left, I told them: Don’t take it down! It’s one of the last in the country. … And now it is the last!’” In 2021 he recorded an interview

with the Concord Historical Society capturing his early days with Concord Gas Company when the Gasholder was a functioning part of the gas delivery system (view here).

“Mr. Dustin’s intimate knowledge of this significant landmark and his generous advocacy have helped propel us to where we are today,” said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the N.H. Preservation Alliance, the leader of the Gasholder preservation effort with owner Liberty Utilities and the City of Concord. “As we work collaboratively to preserve this iconic structure and bring new activity to this parcel and this gateway of the City, we’ll be carrying his suggestions, hopes and pragmatic tenacity with us.”

Named Concord Citizen of the Year in 1995, Dustin was president and director at Concord Community Development Corp. for 18 years, and served on the Advisory Board for NHTI for over 20 years. His long-standing commitment to history and the region was also evident in his service as vice president of the Concord Bicentennial Committee in 1965.

Cedric Dustin will be greatly missed by all who appreciate the legacy he leaves.