Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
JAY — The OTIS Federal Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the Canton Historical Society, which will be used for the historical society’s relocation to the former Canton Grange/Masonic building, according to a news release from the credit union.
The relocation includes demolishing the current Canton Historical Society building, excavating the site, laying a new foundation and relocating the Grange/Masonic building onto the lot.
The society, despite its “best efforts to restore the structure,” can no longer maintain the deteriorating building and “Canton’s collections of historical documents and objects at risk for damage or destruction, and the building lacks electricity, water, and heat,” the news release said.
The neighboring Canton Grange/Masonic building, though well-maintained, had been slated for demolition after the CN Brown Company bought the land to expand the Big Apple Food Store and parking area. The CN Brown Company offered to give the building to the historical society, as well as a donation of $5,000, if the building can be moved off-site by the end of September.
The Canton Historical Society’s acquisition of the Grange/Masonic building will address a multitude of needs for the town of Canton. The building will provide a dedicated, safe storage and exhibit space for the Canton Historical Society’s collections of documents and photographs, and will provide its research library with proper shelving, the release said. “The society’s relocation will ensure that current and future generations of residents, students, researchers, and genealogists can continue to access the town’s endangered historical collections.”
In addition to housing Canton’s historical collections, the new site, with its expansive 2,240 square foot second floor hall, will offer ample public space for community events, activities, and gatherings of all kinds, including 4-H Club meetings, Scout meetings, book clubs, senior citizen functions and adult education programs. Members of the historical society hope that the availability of the space might foster the establishment of new arts and culture festivals, theatre productions, craft classes, and dances within the town.
The hall will also be available for rent for private parties, meetings, and weddings, further establishing it as a community hub and creating a revenue stream which will help to maintain the building in the future.
With Canton’s approaching bicentennial anniversary, in 2021, the historical society has had an uptick in membership, demonstrating a renewed interest in and enthusiasm for preserving the town’s history and tight-knit sense of community, the release said. “The hall of the new historical society building will serve as an ideal venue for the bicentennial celebration’s inaugural gala dance, historical displays and demonstrations, the old-time fiddle concert, and various other musical performances to be held during the celebration weekend.”
The organization also plans to open a gift shop in the new building, which will offer Canton and Maine-related gifts, books, items and artwork by local artists and artisans.
Donations for the effort may be mailed to Canton Historical Society, P.O. Box 605, Canton, ME 04221
OTIS Federal Credit Union is at 170 Main St. For more information, visit www.otisfcu.coop or call 207-897-0900.
