By Julie Huss
CHESTER — One of the town's most historic buildings is getting a face-lift with much-needed paint and other work.
Stevens Memorial Hall, a landmark at the center of town, is getting a new exterior paint job along with other key restoration work at its nearly century-old location.
The building was closed to the public this summer following a lightening strike, but the paint work continues this week as part of Stevens' restoration plan.
Stevens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once the town hall. At the time of his death in 1907, furniture maker and local philanthropist George Washington Stevens willed the town $11,396 to build a "sorely needed" town hall, according to town records.
In the Chester history book, "Chester Revisited," by author and historian Richard Holmes, the building is described as one of a kind when it comes to unique features and architecture. With its pressed metal ceilings, horse-hair plaster walls and spruce floors, it looks very similar to its original glory.
"The hall's interior is as eclectic as its outside," Holmes wrote. "In the upstairs auditorium there is a remarkable pair of carved wooden human heads that thrust into the center of the room."
The official town offices left Stevens and moved down Chester Street to the former Chester Academy building in 2000, but the historic, two-story Stevens Hall continued to be the focal point for social gatherings, meetings and dance recitals.
It also officially housed the Chester Historical Society's home base and small museum in the former selectmen area. Society artifacts and other valuable items are stored safely in upper areas of the building.
The Historical Society oversees Stevens' upkeep and repairs, often calling upon architectural historian Christopher Closs to recommend how to proceed with historical integrity and sound work. Closs also helped secure Stevens' spot on the National Register when it was listed in 2004.
Last year, the Society presented suggestions to selectmen, recommending mold abatement work throughout the building, restoration of hardwood floors and replacement of gutters. The exterior paint job was also a top priority in the work, according to Chester's town report.
Last year, voters approved $50,000 for exterior maintenance at Stevens Hall, but tabled an additional $50,000 article for interior work.
The town also received $10,000 in grant money through a "Moose Plate" grant, with money going specifically for Stevens gutter replacement work.
The Historical Society hosts events to help support Stevens upkeep. The group hosts several activities throughout the year and hosts its popular cemetery tour of the historic Village Cemetery on Sept. 6 during the annual Chester Town Fair. The group also plans to celebrate Stevens' 100th birthday in 2009 with special events and a newly refurbished building.
Historical Society events planned for the fall include "NH Cemeteries and Gravestones" on Sept. 30, and "Witches and Pop Culture of the Past" set for Oct. 28. New members are always welcome to find out more about the group, meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Hall.
Notable dates in the life of Stevens Memorial Hall
1909 — Jail cells delivered in October but don't fit; finally installed in June, 1910.
1917 — Town voted to install electricity to replace gas lamps.
1921 — First March town meeting held at Stevens.
1922 — New coal heating system installed at cost of $265.
1946 — The town purchases site of old Baptist church to provide more parking and driveway around Stevens.
1959 — 255-foot-deep artesian well dug, yields eight gallons per minute.
1974 — Furnace changed from coal to oil.
2009 — Stevens will reach century milestone.
