RUMFORD — Secretary of State Matt Dunlap recognized the Greater Rumford Community Center for 100 years of incorporation on June 3, in his office. Robert Anderson, program director for the community center, accepted the certificate.

“The Greater Rumford Community Center has become one of the most vital organizations in the River Valley for youth, adults, senior citizens and several area businesses,” said Anderson.

Eighteen corporations are celebrating their centennial anniversary this year, including three business corporations and 15 nonprofit corporations.

“This is an excellent opportunity to recognize Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations for their longevity,” said Dunlap. “It takes the efforts of many individuals to keep an organization or corporation active for 100 years. Given that this department has over 80,000 active corporations on file, this a significant achievement.”

The Greater Rumford Community Center is listed on the National Historic Register. The building, formerly called The Rumford Mechanics Institute, was built and dedicated in 1911. It was founded by Hugh J. Chisholm and financed by the Oxford Paper Company. In 1968, the Oxford Paper Company gave the building and land to the Rumford Mechanics Institute Association.

The facility was created “to furnish the wage earners of Rumford the best quality of physical, mental, social and moral improvement, at the lowest cost.” In January of 1961 the institute qualified as a tax-exempt organization under section 501c3 and in 1972, the Rumford Mechanics Institute was renamed the Greater Rumford Community Center. Today the community center is supported primarily by membership fees, program fees and the Town of Rumford.