Anson Grange No. 88 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Anson Grange #88
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10 Elm St., North Anson, Maine |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000371 |
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 2004 |
The Anson Grange No. 88 is a very old and important building in North Anson, Maine. You can find it at 10 Elm Street. This building was first built way back in 1849. It is the oldest business building in North Anson. It is also special because it survived two big fires that destroyed much of the town in 1863 and 1913.
Since 1906, the building has been used by the local Grange group. It has also been a fun place for the whole community to gather. The Anson Grange No. 88 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it is recognized as a very important historical site.
Contents
What Does the Grange Hall Look Like?
The Grange hall is a building with 2-1/2 stories. It was built in two main parts. The front part of the building was built first. It is made of brick and has three sections across and three sections deep. It sits on a strong granite foundation.
The back part of the building is made of wood. It is two sections deep. This part rests on a foundation made of fieldstone with granite tops. The building is on a steep hill. It looks out over the Carrabasset River.
Inside the Building
The building has a full basement under about two-thirds of it. This basement was once used as a stable for horses. The inside of the building has changed a lot over time. It was originally a business place. Now, it has rooms for the groups that use it.
Most of these changes were finished in 1905. The building now has a ticket window, a kitchen, and a large dining room. A big auditorium takes up most of the second floor. These changes made the two parts of the building fit together very well.
A Look Back at the Grange Hall's History
The front part of the hall was built around 1849. A person named Joseph Merry built it. He rented out the building to a merchant who sold dry goods. Dry goods are things like fabric, clothing, and other household items.
Surviving the Fires
In 1863, a big fire swept through North Anson. It destroyed most of the village center. But luckily, the fire stopped just before it reached this building. This made the building even more special.
In 1913, another major fire hit the town. Again, the Anson Grange Hall survived. It is amazing that it stood strong through both of these big events.
New Owners and New Uses
In 1883, Joseph Merry sold the building to M. Steward. Mr. Steward ran a livery stable there. A livery stable is a place where people can rent horses or keep their own horses. He also had a business that made and sold harnesses for horses.
In 1901, the building was bought by the No. 88 Grange. The Grange is a community organization for farmers and their families. They started in the United States after the Civil War. They help farmers, support education, and build strong communities.
The Grange renovated the building over the next few years. They made it perfect for their meetings and activities. The Anson Grange has always welcomed other community groups to use their hall. They also host private events like dances and weddings. It has been a central place for people to gather for many years.
See Also
