CHESTERVILLE — The efforts of Chesterville Heritage Society members and volunteers is turning a former fire station in Chesterville Center into a place to collect, preserve and present the town’s heritage for the community.
The building was given to the Heritage Society when the town’s two fire departments combined, secretary Cindy Whittier said. The group has held public suppers and raised funds for several years for the building renovation.
The two-story structure dates back to 1961, according to writing on the cement floor. Renovations include a new roof that was finished last week, and cleaning, painting and testing the original fire whistle on the roof. The group is trying to preserve as many historic portions of the building as it can, she said.
Other work done includes a new floor, electricity to the building, new lighting, insulation, structural repairs and wall board installation, she said.
The group has spent about $5,000 on the renovations and received donations of materials. They’ve relied on their hard work and the generosity and support of the community to get the project this far.
The Heritage Society formed in 1988 and has met at the town office. The new building will provide a home for the group, at least during warm months. The building has no heat. They hope to have enough work done to open the building to everyone by the end of the year and for the group to meet there next month, she said.
Work days are planned once a month, but some members put in an extra evening or weekend work as they can.
“This is a big project with much hard work being completed by approximately 12 active members and a core of dedicated volunteers,” she said.
They welcome and appreciate support from the community whether monetary donations or physical labor.
“Much more money is needed to complete the proposed remodel, as the project list grows,” Whittier said.
For more information or to make donations, contact President Linda Harris at 778-2863 or by email at lhchesterville@aol.com or Whittier at 778-3078.
abryant@sunjournal.com
-
- A former fire station in Chesterville Center is being renovated to serve the Heritage Society.
-
- The Chesterville Heritage Society is renovating a former fire station to serve as its headquarters.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
