Woolwich selectmen will open 1837 Town House June 17
History buffs, mark June 17 on your calendar. The Woolwich selectboard will open the doors of the 1837 Town House. Located at the corner of Old Stage and Dana Mills roads, the building is a rare piece of living history, constructed with surplus federal funds made available during the administration of President Andrew Jackson. The annual gathering begins at 5 p.m.
“It’s amazing how many people have told me they’ve never been inside the building. Well, here’s their opportunity and if they miss out, they’ll have to wait another year,” commented Chairman David King Sr. The selectboard opens the building once each year to hold a business meeting.
“To coincide with our nation’s 250th birthday the community’s Special Events Committee would be providing cake and refreshments at the meeting,” added Selectman Allison Hepler.
As included within a “History of Woolwich, Maine - A town remembered," the Town House was built with monies the community received from the federal government as the result of the liquidation of the national debt by President Jackson. Woolwich chose to use its $800 share, administered by the state of Maine, to buy land and build the town hall. The tall, post and beam building has always been painted its distinctive canary yellow. Its location was chosen by the town fathers because geographically it’s the center of the community. Woolwich held its annual town meetings here from 1838 to 1951. When the meetings got too crowded, it became necessary to move to the elementary school on Nequasset Road where the annual town meeting is still held and voting takes place on Election Day.
Another date to mark down is Saturday, Aug. 8 when Selectman Tommy Davis said the Special Events Committee plans to hold its ever-popular “Woolwich Day,” the town’s annual picnic beginning at 11:30. The annual event held on the lawn next door to the municipal building features free grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soft drinks, ice cream and cotton candy.
During the board's May 20 meeting, Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said the fire department has used $2,624 in Maine Municipal Association grant monies to purchase two cold water rescue suits for first responders.
In his report to the selectboard, EMS Director Daniel Evarts noted Craig Collins has received his Advanced EMT license. He further noted as part of EMS Week, the ambulance department had recently provided a “Choking Response Class” to the staff at Montsweag Restaurant.
Woolwich ambulance personnel have responded to 15 calls so far in May; 14 patients were seen and 11 were transported; MC1 was called three times.
