BETHEL — The former Ethel Bisbee School building has been deemed eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

Built in 1925, it was turned over to the town by School Administrative District 44 last year at the town’s request. The school district had been using it for cold storage since the superintendent’s office was moved to the Norway Savings Bank building.

The town acquired the old school when town officials were discussing possible locations for recreational facilities. There had been discussion by selectmen about possibly tearing the building down and using the land for that purpose.

But at the request of Board of Selectmen Chairman Stan Howe, who is executive director emeritus of the Bethel Historical Society, Town Manager Christine Landes recently submitted an assessment form, photos and other information to the commission.

Architectural historian Christi Mitchell wrote to Landes on Sept. 14, “I am pleased to say that in our judgment, based on the information and photographs submitted to date, this property is eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The school is eligible for its educational significance within the Town of Bethel, and may also have architectural significance.”

Mitchell said she might be able to pursue the actual nomination process next year.

“In the meantime, the property will be included in the Maine Historic Resources Inventory, which will provide the same protection as if it were already listed in the National Register,” Mitchell wrote.

Howe said he believes nomination should be pursued. If the building is named to the register, he said, “It will be easier to raise money” to restore/renovate it.

“There are people who want to see the school saved and not torn down — people who went to school there,” he said.

A posting on social media last week by the Bethel Historical Society noting that Ethel Bisbee School was eligible for nomination drew many comments and reminiscences from people who attended school there. Others expressed concern about the cost.

“We know it’s going to take some money,” Howe said. “But I think we should try to save it if we can.”

The building could be used as a community center for all ages, a resource that is needed, he said.

Howe has also advocated in the past for putting funds into the Cole Block building, which houses the Town Office. That building is on the register.

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