Benton Grange No. 458 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Benton Grange #458
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. of River Rd. and School Dr., Benton, Maine |
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| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| Built | 1915 |
| Architect | Gifford, Frank M. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000373 |
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 2004 |
The Benton Grange No. 458 is a special old building in Benton, Maine. It was built in 1915. This Grange hall is one of the biggest buildings in the small town. For many years, it was a very important place. People used it for social events and town meetings. From 1915 to 1990, the town's yearly meetings were held here. In 2004, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Discovering the Benton Grange Hall
The Benton Grange building is located right in the middle of town. You can find it where River Road and School Drive meet. It is a long, rectangular building with two stories. The outside is made of wood, covered with clapboard siding. It has a sloped roof and a strong concrete foundation.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The front of the building is not very wide. It has three sections. A porch with a sloped roof stretches across the front. This porch has decorative posts that look like they are from the Queen Anne style. Above the porch, there are three windows placed evenly. A small dormer, which is a window that sticks out from the roof, is above them. This dormer has a wooden sign that tells you the building's name and when it was built.
Inside the Grange Hall
When you go inside, you first enter a lobby. This area has restrooms, a place to hang coats, and a ticket booth. Behind the lobby, there is a large dining room. On the second floor, you will find a big auditorium. This space was perfect for many different events.
History of the Benton Grange
The Benton Grange group started in 1906. At first, they met in the local school. But by 1910, they decided they needed their own special building.
Building the Grange Hall
The current hall was built in 1915. It was designed by an architect named Frank M. Gifford from Fairfield, Maine. The Grange hall is still used today for meetings and social events. The local Grange chapter is still active. This is true even though farming, which Granges were originally about, has changed a lot in the area.
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