Members say it's time to step up
Historical Society to decide what to do with Meetinghouse building
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

On Memorial Day the lawn of the Meetinghouse is a popular place from which to watch the parade. FILE PHOTO

A couple of Ashburnham residents and members of the town's Historical Society are taking the lead and asking the public to help the general membership of the Historical Society decided to save -- or not to save -- the Historic Meetinghouse on Main Street.

Dottie Munroe and Tina Donaldson, members of the Historical Society, have named their campaign "The Meetinghouse, deserving of your preserving."

Munroe, who was born and raised in Ashburnham, said she thinks that it is an important part of the town's history.

"We should make a choice as soon as possible, because by not making a decision we have made a decision," she said.

The structural portion of the building is in need of serious repairs, including most significantly, the joint failures that are causing the roof to sag. The roof has been temporarily stabilized but Munroe says in winter with each snow fall she worries that the roof may not hold.

The building needs a full replacement of these joints as well as a replacement of the damaged sheathing and the installation of the roof shingles. The building also needs a variety of other repairs and replacements.

"It needs everything," Munroe said. "It's a big undertaking."

Munroe said they are looking for people who can contribute small projects to get the big project done. She compared it to making a salad, where each person adds an ingredient to make a good whole.

The building, which is the center of the town seal, was originally built 217 years ago on Meeting House Hill as a place of worship and for town business. It was moved to Main Street in pieces and then reconstructed in 1838, where it served as Town Hall until 1905.

The building's main floor is a single large room with a stage. The original frame of the building is a Colonial Erastyle while the rebuilt building (from the 1800s) is Greek Revival-style architecture.

"It's the town seal, so it is kind of special," she said.

Munroe believes that with some coordinated effort the project can get done. She hopes to get some money through grants, and will be meeting with state Sen. Stephen Brewer (DBarre) to determine if the Society can apply for any state grants.

"We have lots of ideas to raise money," she said.

The building is not only the meeting spot for the Historical Society it is also where the Society stores the town's artifacts, as well as any other historical artifacts.

Munroe said no decision has been made about what to do with the artifacts if the building isn't repaired.

Munroe does not think everything will be settled at this month's general membership meeting but said that during this month's meeting new officers will be elected so it is unclear what they next step will be.

Those who have questions or want to discuss the issue can attend next week's meeting general membership meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Meetinghouse or call Munroe at (978) 827-4005, or Donaldson at (978) 827-6639.