FARMINGTON — The Farmington Historical Society will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Octagon House on the corner of High and Perham streets, and hold their annual wreath sale at the Titcomb House on Academy Street.

This is the first time the Octagon has ever been opened to the public. The open house takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is a $5 admission fee.

The Octagon will be decorated for the holidays by local businesses, Richard’s Florist, Riverside Greenhouse, Robin’s Flower Pot and Mixed Up. Decor and goodies will be available for purchase.

The 2012 version of the Farmington Historical Society’s annual coffee mug features the Octagon house. The photo from around 1900 is one of the earliest known photos of the Octagon.

The Octagon is featured this year because the Farmington Historical Society is raising funds to purchase the home and to continue renovations to the North Church, which is just one house away.

Mugs may be purchased in downtown Farmington at Sugarwood Gallery, the Calico Patch and Mooseville and may be shipped.

The Octagon has been offered to the historical society by the Mallett family, who has lived in the Octagon for the past 100 years. Because of its unique architecture and the importance of the Octagon and W.G. Mallett in Farmington’s history, the Mallett family would like the home to be preserved and open to the community.

The octagon shape with a central stairway was designed to increase communication, as well as heating and cooling efficiency. The lacks of corners were thought to encourage socialization and family time.

Built in 1858, the Octagon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by local mason Cyrus Ramsdell, whose brickyard was on the Farmington Falls Road.

Ramsdell sold the house to his brother Hiram and in 1912, Hiram’s widow sold the Octagon to W.G. Mallett, the new principal of the Farmington Normal School (now UMF). Mallett wanted to be close enough to the school, so students could walk to speak with him if needed. The octagon shaped sun porch was added shortly after Mallett took up residence.

The Farmington Historical Society has developed a strategic plan for its acceptance of the offer. The plan includes more programs and community events at their three historic properties along High Street, the Titcomb House, the North Church and now the Octagon.

The society’s seventh Annual Wreath Sale also takes place at the Titcomb House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Wreaths, 24 inches, are available for $22 with choice of bow color: red, country red or burgundy. Barn sized wreaths, 36 inches, are also available. All have cones and berries.

The Titcomb House will also be open for the community to view Farmington’s history through its furnishings, displays and decor.

All proceeds from the mug and wreath sale and Octagon open house go to preserving Farmington’s history.

For more information or for shipping items, contact Taffy Davis at 207-778-4275.

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