Pleasant River Grange No. 492 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pleasant River Grange No. 492
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | N side of Round the Island Rd., 0.15 miles east of its junction with N. Haven Rd., Vinalhaven, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1909 |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001190 |
| Added to NRHP | October 08, 1999 |
The Pleasant River Grange No. 492 is a very old and special building located on Vinalhaven Island in Maine. It's known as a Grange hall, which is a community center for a group called the Grange. This building has an interesting history, starting as a home for workers and then becoming a place where people on the island could gather. Today, it's still used by the local Grange and is an important part of the community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 because of its historical importance.
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What is a Grange?
The Grange is a community organization that started a long time ago, in 1867. It was created to help farmers and their families. Granges often served as places where people could learn new farming methods. They also provided social support and a place for community events.
Granges helped people work together and share ideas. They were important for education and social life in many rural areas. The Pleasant River Grange No. 492 is one example of these important community centers.
The History of Pleasant River Grange
The building that became the Pleasant River Grange has a unique story. It was first built as a boarding house for workers. These workers were employed at a nearby granite quarry owned by A.M. Webster. The building was originally located on the west side of the Pleasant River.
In 1908, a local Grange chapter was formed on Vinalhaven Island. Mr. Webster, who had recently closed his quarry, decided to donate the building to this new group. This was a big gift for the community.
Moving the Building
Moving the building was a huge task! During the winter of 1908–1909, the building was carefully moved. It was hauled across the frozen Pleasant River to its current spot. Imagine pulling a whole building across ice!
After the move, it took about three more years to get the inside ready. The Grange members worked hard to change the building for its new purpose. Even while they were working, the hall was used for fun events. They held dances and other activities to raise money.
The Grange Building Today
The Pleasant River Grange building is located in a quiet, rural part of Vinalhaven Island. It sits near the mouth of the Pleasant River, on the north side of Round the Island Road.
The building is made of wood and has two stories. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboard siding. The foundation is made of strong granite. The front of the building, which faces the road, looks balanced with two windows on each floor. There's also one window in the pointed part of the roof.
The main entrance is on the longer side of the building, under a small porch. Inside, there's a hallway at the front. On the first floor, you'll find a dining room and a kitchen at the back. The second floor has a large open space, like an auditorium. The walls and ceilings inside are made of beautiful tongue-and-groove maple wood.
The Grange continues to be a very important community organization on Vinalhaven Island. It still serves as a place for people to gather and connect.
Why is it Historic?
The Pleasant River Grange No. 492 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This means it's recognized as a special place in American history. It's important because it shows how communities used to come together. It also tells the story of how buildings were moved and reused in the past.
