Central Hall landscaping and brick laying set to be completed this summer

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Have you seen all the buzzing and activity going on at Central Hall this winter and spring?

The Friends of Central Hall Committee (FOCH) are excited to announce that the time is near to start the landscaping, laying of engraved bricks and the fun part of putting this grand old building back together again. Much of the preliminary construction work of the interior and exterior has been completed including abatement, drywall, roofing, doors and windows, siding, concrete and various types of prep work that needed to be completed first.

Immediate plans are for finishing the second floor work including installation of the elevator, preparation of the new stage area, choosing light fixtures, electrical work and painting. It’s all fun from here on in, and we couldn’t be more excited. A New Year’s Ball is in the works for Dec. 31.

The first floor will house an adult day service center and senior center. That work will follow completion of the second floor event center.

First and foremost the FOCH committee applauds our many friends who worked hand in hand with us with their heartfelt generosity of thousands of dollars. You are the reason that this dream is becoming a reality.

In 2009 the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society and a small group of passionate citizens pursued a dream in hopes of saving this magnificent historical building. FOCH was charged with raising $25,000 in approximately a month as a signal to the then Board of Selectmen that there was significant interest from townspeople and other friends to keep this building from going the way of the Blethen House, North and Pleasant Street Schools as well as other local historical structures.

Almost $30,000 was raised in this short timeframe from approximately 300 generous friends with a lot of interest generated in the project. Echoes of past hard-fought basketball games, Kiwanis Minstrel shows, Foxcroft Academy graduations, junior prize speaking, plays, proms, town meetings, gymnastic classes, Halloween parties, a recreation center and so much more were all encouragement that this building be saved.

Several grants have been secured to assure the major construction phases could be accomplished. However, one of the more nostalgic fundraising projects has been the sale of engraved bricks. Approximately 200 engraved bricks have been sold to date, and it is extremely emotional to know that these loving tributes to family members, current and former businesses, organizations, Foxcroft Academy alumni, Foxcroft Academy classes, events at Central Hall, town father and military units are all about to be honored and presented to our many friends.

The landscaping and brick laying will be completed together as the bricks will form patio areas on either side of the walkway surrounded by beautiful shrubbery, plants and glorious flowers. These engraved bricks will form a historical fabric of our town and area and will be viewed for decades to come by our ancestors and visitors to Dover-Foxcroft.

Co-Chair of the Buy-A-Brick project Barb Moore states that the vision of generations of people casually strolling amidst the bricks, smiling, reminiscing and telling stories that these names conjure up constantly brings tears to her eyes.

It is not too late to purchase one of two sizes of bricks for this first laying which will occur in mid-June. Logos are also available for an additional fee. Contact Moore at 717- 3338 or bob@mainemaplesyrup.com, Cindy Woodworth at 217- 0963 or butterwood198@gmail.com, or Mary Annis at 564-0820 or mannis@fairpoint.net for further information.

Become a part of this historical event and purchase a brick for your family or group. A special event will be held when the landscaping is completed and tours will be available later in the summer.