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.
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.
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.
The Old Town House is available for rental to the public from April throug 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.
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 is furnished with many antique "deacon's benches"
with spindle backrests, contemporary with the building.
The Old Town House is available for rental to the public from April throug 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.
