NORWAY — The Victorian on Main, which just opened at 230 Main Street in Norway, is an event center with a novel concept: give the people what they want.
Lana Whittemore has opened The Victorian on Main in Norway, an events center that caters to the arts, special themes and good times. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat
Most recently a restaurant, the building will now host gatherings, classes, special events and experience entertainment.
Owner Lana Whittemore plans to hold regular gatherings; her first was a wreath-making class ahead of Christmas. She and Valarie Seams, her event coordinator and lifelong friend, are in the planning phase for other projects, like a paint night, art gallery events, showcasing local musicians and speakeasy nights, a throwback to traditional Victorian entertainment.
“The opportunity for this building arose through my real estate investment projects,” Whittemore said. “I loved the building and thought about all of the potential it had. After exploring some different options, I decided to rent it out for event space so that others have the ability to host their special events and enjoy the space also.”
Whittemore said the wreath-making class was something of a pilot event, a soft opening to get things going. With that challenge accomplished, she is ready to start booking dates. To further test the waters, last week they posted an inquiry on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085385501968): what did the community want?
The responses have been varied and novel, which is just what she and Seams were hoping for. From the practical (women’s self defense classes, business conferences) to the traditional (a mother/daughter tea party on Mother’s Day, adult prom nights) the suggestions rolled in. One person chimed in for a wine and hors d’oeuvres tasting. Others said they would be onboard with a murder mystery dinner night. A comment requesting a Valentine’s speed-dating night got several thumbs up.
Even the process of marketing the venue is an opportunity for a special event: one of Seams’ introductory projects is to hold a networking night for other event coordinators and caterers to share ideas and consider uses for their own clients.
Lana Whittemore (left) and Valerie Seams of The Victorian on Main, a new special events venue opening in Norway. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat
“Valerie is the perfect person for this role,” Whittemore said. “She is phenomenal at managing details, ideas and execution. She has a special talent to coordinate – just the right color, just the right touches.”
While the The Victorian on Main has a full kitchen, Whittemore said that space will be the domain of caterers hired to serve at events. Likewise, she has not applied for a liquor license; it will be up to producers and caterers to handle that end of the business. House events, like the Victorian on Main Speakeasy night, will be BYOB.
“We are utilizing local catering services to start out,” she said. “We welcome people renting the space to bring food in, or we will support with coordinating services as desired for each unique event.”
Whittemore foresees a future for the Victorian on Main as a community partner where artists can set up gallery space, dance instructors hold classes, people come together for all kinds of crafting collaboration and families schedule private parties.
She expects that house events, like the speakeasy night, will be ready to start up later this winter. Other groups looking to book their own dates and events should call 207-344-8058 to talk with Seams to learn more and share their ideas.
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