WEST PARIS — On June 25 the first official meeting of the West Paris Preservation Society was held with great success. Neighbors and interested parties are exploring the creation of an historic district in West Paris Village. Two buildings are already on the National Historic Register: The Little Castle Library and The West Paris Historical Society. The meeting was moved to the library while the historic society prepares for its annual yard and hall sale on July 28.

In attendance were Ted Jones, Milton Inman, Dale Piirrainen, John Hudson, Rev Richard Beal, David MacDowell and Robyn Green.

Piirrainen spoke passionately about the region’s rich Finnish heritage, the challenges facing the Finnish American Society and their current priorities. The building on Maple Street was once home to the Maple House Hotel and the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post. It now contains a museum, library and meeting room.

Proud and enthusiastic about his heritage, Piirainen also shared great classic photos featured in the 2013 Finn-Am calendar now available for sale. John Hudson was quite astounded to see photos of his relations on its pages and discovered that Piirainen is his cousin.

Of concern to all was learning if changes to any structure would be restricted after attaining national historic registry status. Ted Jones described how obstacles were met when qualifying the first two buildings.

Milton Inman answered some interesting questions about history and details. Possibilities were explored. Born and raised in West Paris and now a Greenwood resident, Inman has rarely been seen without a camera since 1942. His photographs and art will be featured at an upcoming exhibit at the Little Castle Library.

Rev. Richard Beal (retired) was delighted to learn research and history are already being explored on the West Paris UU Church. Since the meeting June 25, a copy of a letter has been acquired from Jeanette Mann Millett, formerly of West Paris, now Quincy, Mass. The letter, from the 1900s, describes the church origins with meaty and juicy detail. Local oral tradition tells that the church’s extraordinary stained glass windows are Tiffany made. They are signed “Clayton & Bell,” a British outfit which existed until 1900 when Clarence Bell died. Anyone with information about the windows or other significant structure in West Paris village is encouraged to share it.

Anyone with old photographs, stories or letters or who knows how to acquire them, or anyone who loves West Paris, is invited to attend the next meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, July 9, at the Little Castle Library or contact Ted Jones, 515-0362, Robyn Green, 674-2765, or Jack Floster at the West Paris General Store.

Copy the Story Link