CARTHAGE – By the narrowest of margins Monday night, residents authorized selectmen to buy the former Webb River Grange Hall.
Selectman Steve Brown said Tuesday that residents at a special town meeting voted 13-12 to buy the century-old building for $20,000.
He said $5,000 will come from the town’s surplus, and $15,000 will be raised by adding about $1 to the property tax rate.
Those who argued against the purchase were concerned about possible long-term financial responsibilities, said Brown, while those who favored the purchase cited the historic importance of the hall and the investment the town had already made in the building.
Residents at the annual town meeting in March had given selectmen permission to look into the possible purchase of the former cheese factory, which had been moved from Weld to the Berry Mills section of Carthage in 1904.
Asking price for the two-story hall was originally $39,000.
When the remaining few members of the Webb River Grange voted to dissolve late last summer, the hall was turned over to the state Grange. PO-GO Realty of Gorham handled the transaction.
Until last year, the annual town meeting had been held upstairs in the hall each March, usually preceded by a supper prepared by members of the Webb River Grange.
This year, the annual event was held in the town office building.
Brown said the building needs painting and some of the windows need repair. Over the years, the roof has been replaced and the foundation stabilized, he said.
The tiny lot on which it sits, less than one-fifth of an acre, was donated by George W. Berry, grandfather of the town’s treasurer, Dot Mason. Because of the lot’s size, the well and most of the sewage system’s drainage field is on adjacent town property.
Besides serving as the site of the annual town meeting, the hall is a major centerpiece of the town, and it often provides space for weddings, reunions and other gatherings.
Brown said the deal may be closed in September.
Comments are no longer available on this story