YARMOUTH — Maine Preservation announced its 18th Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places List.

The Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places List began in 1996 for the purpose of identifying and raising public awareness of the breadth and interest in preserving endangered and threatened historic properties and materials. Since then, 113 places have been included on the list, of which 53 have been saved, 26 are in motion and only 18 have been demolished. Maine Preservation is a statewide, nonprofit, membership organization that promotes and preserves historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods, strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities.

Local places new to the list in 2015 include:

Stimson Memorial Hall, Gray – Featuring a two-story temple-front facade, Stimson Hall is one of the most architecturally prominent landmarks in the center of Gray. In response to Maine Preservation placing Pennell Institute on its Most Endangered list in 2008, Gray rehabilitated Pennell and moved its town offices there and has not invested in repairs or ongoing maintenance to Stimson Hall since. In late 2014, Gray began obtaining bids for demolition of the historic hall with an agreement to list the property for sale for a short period of time. 

Old Town Hall, Bridgton – Old Bridgton Town Hall was built in 1852 as the town’s primary municipal and community center. Despite serving as an excellent example of how a historic building can be adapted to new uses to meet the changing needs of a community, some members in the Bridgton community have sought to prevent the town from continuing to invest in the building, which the voters have twice defeated. Adding uses to the historic property – and even exploring the future option of selling the building to a new owner interested in adaptive use – are far better options than demolition, according to Maine Preservation.

James O. Crooker House, Norway – James Crooker, a noted tinsmith and hardware dealer, built his house around 1865, and two years later constructed his hardware store within sight on Main Street. The house is in good structural condition, but has been vacant for three years and is falling into disrepair. After years of decline, downtown Norway is undergoing revitalization. The house and the neighborhood are key to continuing the town’s momentum. The Crooker House requires a buyer who will rehabilitate this property and keep its significant historic character and help further downtown revitalization.

Maine Preservation also announced updates to its 2014 list. On the list was Abijah Buck House in Buckfield, which is in motion. The property is for sale through Maine Preservation’s Revolving Fund and Keller Williams Realty.

The totals for Maine Preservation between 1996 and 2014 are: 113 properties listed, 53 saved, 26 in motion, 16 threatened and 18 demolished.

FMI: www.mainepreservation.org.