Former Town House (Salem, Maine) facts for kids
The Former Town House of Salem, Maine, now called the Salem Community Building, is a historic building located on Maine State Route 142. It was finished in 1858 and is the only public building ever built in Salem while it was an official town. Salem was established in 1823 but stopped being a town in 1945. This building looks a bit like a church and is special because of its Italianate style of architecture. It's also important for its role in the community's social life and government. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Quick facts for kids |
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Salem Town House (Former)
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | ME 142, Salem, Maine |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1858 |
| Built by | Cyrus J. Ellsworth |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000795 |
| Added to NRHP | August 5, 2005 |
Contents
What is the Salem Community Building?
The old Salem town house stands on the north side of Maine State Route 142. It is located between the towns of Phillips and Kingfield. You can find it just west of the Mt. Abram Regional High School. This area was once the busiest part of the former town of Salem.
A Look at the Building's Design
The building is mostly a rectangular wooden structure. A square part sticks out from the front. This part holds the entrance and a tall tower. The main door has a small roof over it. On either side of the door are narrow windows.
Above the entrance, the sticking-out section has another window. A small roof line separates this part from the next section of the tower. The very top of the tower has an open bell area and a pointed roof. The rest of the building is covered with horizontal wooden boards called clapboard siding.
On the right side, there's a narrow addition with a slanted roof. This roof starts just below the main roof. There is also a one-story addition at the back. Inside, the building has a large open room. The additions at the back hold a kitchen and restrooms.
A Journey Through Time: History
The area that became Salem was first settled in 1814. In 1823, the settlers asked to separate from nearby Phillips and Freeman. They formed their own town called "North Salem." The town's name was changed to "Salem" in 1834.
Salem's population was largest in 1840, with 561 people. Before this town house was built, town meetings were held in different local spots. These included barns, stores, and even a starch factory. The town house was finally built between 1857 and 1858.
How the Building Was Used
Besides government meetings, the building was also used for religious services. Many different local church groups used it. This was a common practice for buildings during that time. The tower on the building was likely added later. Its style looks more like churches built between the 1890s and 1910s.
From Town Hall to Community Hub
By 1940, Salem's population had dropped to only 78 people. In 1945, the town officially gave up its town status to the state. This meant it was no longer an independent town. The town house and the nearby cemetery were sold for just $1.
They were bought by a non-profit group called the Mount Abram Cemetery Association. This group has taken care of the building ever since. Today, it serves as a community hall for local events and gatherings.
