WEST PARIS — The West Paris Historical Society is forming a discussion group to investigate the designation of an historic district in West Paris Village: The West Paris Preservation Society. A meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 25, at the West Paris Historical Society building, Main Street.

The Little Castle Library and the West Paris Historical Society buildings are already on the National Historic Register. Many other important structures are likely to be eligible. Those most notable to be considered are the Mission Congregational Church, The Unitarian Universalist Church and former parsonage, West Paris Baptist Church and former parsonage and rectory, the Finnish American Society, West Paris Grange, West Paris General Store, to name a few.

For presentation purposes the initial formation of a district will begin at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Main Street and continue to the railroad crossing at Depot Street.

West Paris is fortunate to have so much original architectural fabric still intact in the village to preserve. Additional structures will be added once the preliminary project is completed.

The advantages of a property being on the National Register include creating a desirable brand, like the Old Port, Downtown Norway or Beacon hill for marketing purposes.

Once a property is accepted to the register the decision is irrevocable. It is an opportunity to preserve an unusual environment of architectural interest, maximize the potential appeal for housing values and generate greater prospects for grants and federal funding.

Town Manager John White is currently seeking funds to create sidewalks for greater access to the Agnes Gray School. As an historic district, West Paris Village might have an advantage over other communities applying for the same grant money.

Anyone with knowledge of the village history, photographs, documents or worthy tales is asked to attend or contact Ted Jones at 515-0362, Robyn Green at 674-2765 or Jack Floster at the General Store.

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