From one building’s sagging front to the other’s rot near the bell, two historic former schools in Alna have issues and need a closer look, according to an Oct. 10 report updating selectmen on those two buildings and another town landmark, the 1789 Alna Meetinghouse.

First Selectman David Abbott said the board on Oct. 11 reviewed the report from Doreen Conboy, a longtime volunteer on the town’s archives and historic buildings. As a result, Second Selectman Melissa Spinney and Third Selectman Doug Baston will be looking into possible grants to help get the work done, Abbott said.

Both the Village School at Puddledock and the Center School need further inspecting, the report states. All of the Center School’s windows need replacement or restoring, the steps are rotting and need rebuilding, and sill damage is apparent near the front door and elsewhere, it states, adding: “There is spreading rot in the support structure holding the bell in the bell tower (and) the ceiling interior shows a spot that is suspect and needs investigation to see if there is water damage above from the bell tower.”

The circa 1795 Center School and the meetinghouse have been on the National Register for Historic Places since the 1970s, according to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.

Describing the Village School’s front, Conboy’s report states it is sagging noticeably, needs new sills, clapboards and other work; the building’s windows also need repair; two were rebuilt about five years ago after a squirrel chewed the sash. “Steps were taken to make sure no rodents spent future winters inside.”

The report also highlights recent years’ progress at the three buildings, including window restoration and a new roof for the meetinghouse; exterior painting and clapboard replacement at the meetinghouse and Center School; and new steps at the meetinghouse and Village School.

In a phone interview Monday, Conboy said the Committee for Alna History that once guided projects stopped meeting years ago for lack of members. Volunteers have continued the work and the meetinghouse – because it is the most-used of the three buildings – has received much of it, Conboy said. She said about the two school  buildings, “They are in line” to have additional work.

The letter does not project costs or ask for new funding. Conboy said she just wanted to make selectmen aware of the work being done and that still needs doing. She said she wasn’t at the selectmen’s Oct. 11 meeting and she felt the board has done a terrific job bringing attention to the letter. She is already hearing from prospective volunteers,  she said.

Abbott said anyone who would like to help may contact the town office at 586-5313.