The Old Town House is located on Town House Road, less than quarter of a mile
from Union Common. Its commanding position on a hill overlooks the Common and
the village of Union.
(click image for printable copy)
Location
The Old Town House is located on Town House Road, less than quarter of a mile
from Union Common. Its commanding position on a hill overlooks the Common and
the village of Union.
(click image for printable copy)
History
Built in 1840, the Old Town House is a classic example of the New England meeting
house. Its simple, elegantly functional proportions are enhanced by the unique
curved ceiling and multi-paned windows. The Town House was integral to the life
of the community, serving as the venue for town meetings from 1840 until 1952
and high school graduations from 1890 until 1931. The second level projection
room was built to accommodate silent movies and the ticket vendor's window is
still in place. Regular movie showings (25¢ admission), social functions,
dances, plays and suppers made the Town House a busy place for its first century.
After construction of the Thompson Memorial Building at the other end of Union
village, the Town House fell into silence and disrepair, functioning as a warehouse
for all sorts of cast-offs until it was threatened with sale, possibly for use
as a chicken barn. In 1977 the 5-year old Union Historical Society, already
responsible for the Robbins House, offered to care for the building and paid
the princely sum of $1.00 to the town. In 1978 a fortunate bequest from the
estate of Esther Morton enabled a major restoration. In 1986 a subsequent update
was undertaken to bring the building into conformity with safety standards for
public buildings. In 1998 and 1999 the Society performed further major maintenance
to the exterior and interior, including stabilizing, repairing and repainting
the plaster of the interior curved ceiling and the walls. Ongoing maintenance
receives sensitive attention to authenticity. The Old Town House was deeded
by the town to the Union Historical Society. The Old Town House has only recently
been added to the National Registry of Historic Buildings.
Furnishings
The Old Town House is furnished with many antique "deacon's benches"
with spindle backrests, contemporary with the building. There is a stage which
is usually concealed by a painted hanging showing a composite depiction of Union
and its surroundings. Antique quilts hang on the walls and a display cabinet
dedicated to the veterans of Union contains memorabilia from the Civil and other
wars in which Union citizens fought.
Rental information
The Old Town House is available for rental to the public from April through
October for functions such as meetings, dances and wedding receptions. The building
is heated but water is turned off in the winter months. Facilities include a
kitchen with serving hatch to a 40' x 40' hall. There is also a 16' x 20' stage. Two bathrooms are located
in a side hallway. Available for use are the deacon's benches and folding chairs for seating,
folding and other tables for dining, and a piano. Large
modern ceiling fans provide summer comfort. There is ample parking and a wheelchair-accessible
side entrance.
The dining capacity of the hall is approximately 100, with a maximum allowed occupancy of 225 people.
For complete information about fees and rental arrangements, please call and leave a message on the Society's answering machine at (207) 785-5444.
|
For web page problems and suggestions
|
