Seven Star Grange, No. 73 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Seven Star Grange, No. 73
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Location | 696 Bangor Rd., Troy, Maine |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1876 |
Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
NRHP reference No. | 11000817 |
Added to NRHP | November 18, 2011 |
The Seven Star Grange is a really old and important building in Troy, Maine. It's a special kind of community center called a Grange hall. This building was put up in 1876, making it one of the oldest Grange halls in the whole state of Maine! For a long time, it has been a key place for people in the countryside to meet, have fun, and hold important events. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
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What is the Seven Star Grange Building Like?
The Seven Star Grange building is in the middle of Troy, Maine. You can find it on the south side of Bangor Road, which is also known as United States Route 202. It's a tall building with two stories, made mostly of wood. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with overlapping wooden boards called clapboard siding. The building sits on a strong foundation made of granite stone.
Looking at the Outside of the Grange
The front of the building has windows that are spaced out evenly on the second floor and in the attic area. On the first floor, things are a bit different. There are two windows with a double door in between them on the left side. On the right side, closer to the corner, there's a single door. The corners of the building have special flat columns, called pilasters. There are also decorative bands, called entablatures, that run along the sides of the building. The original part of the building is four sections deep, and a two-story addition was built onto the back.
Inside the Grange Hall
When you go inside the Seven Star Grange, you'll find two main areas. On the ground floor, there's a big room used for meetings and eating meals together. Upstairs, on the second floor, there's an auditorium. This is like a small theater, complete with a stage where performances or presentations can be held.
A Brief History of the Seven Star Grange
The Seven Star Grange group was formed in 1874. This was just two years after the Patrons of Husbandry started setting up their Grange chapters in Maine. The building we see today was built a couple of years later, in 1876.
Early Uses of the Building
When the building was first finished, it had spaces for meetings. It also had a small cooperative store. These stores were common for Grange organizations back then. They helped local farmers and community members buy and sell goods together.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the building changed to fit the community's needs. In 1931, the stage area was added to the auditorium. This made it even better for events and performances. At some point in the 1900s, the space that used to be the cooperative store was changed into a kitchen. This kitchen is now used to prepare food for the dining area downstairs. The Seven Star Grange has continued to be a vital part of the Troy community for over a century.