CHESTER — Its music played for many through the generations in town. Now a historic piano is in need of some tender loving care.
A grand piano in Stevens Memorial Hall is on the list of things local historical society members hope to get in tip/top shape as part of Stevens' 100th birthday celebration, set for next spring.
The piano, a circa 1905 Chickering & Sons concert grand piano, was crafted in Boston, and now needs some repair to bring it back to life as part of the Stevens Hall restoration project.
Stevens Hall will be honored for its centennial in town in 2010. Hilary Hall, of the Chester Historical Society told selectmen last week she hoped the piano could be repaired as part of the Stevens' plan, although many other projects in the historic hall need more immediate attention before next spring's grand re-opening centennial party.
The piano needs keyboard work, sound board repair and other work done to bring the instrument back to its former self, Hall said. A local piano restoration expert, Brian Grinrod, of East Coast Piano Rebuilding, could be called upon to do the project.
But, with other Stevens work needing to take priority, Hall said the piano work may be left to donations. The Historical Society has pledged $5,000 to the piano project, but the remaining amount may come from donations. The estimated cost of the piano restoration is $22,775.
"This is on our wish list," Hall told selectmen. "It's a very good piano."
Hall added restoring the piano would only add to the Stevens Memorial Hall project in a positive way. The historic building has stood in the center of town for a century and was once home to many meetings, plays, gatherings, and recitals. It is still a popular meeting spot for area groups and organizations, including the Chester Historical Society.
Hall hopes once the hall is ready and the piano is restored, the building can once again be used at its true capacity for community events and also for events from outside the community from other towns wanting a good space for a gathering.
"It would be terrific to have it restored," she said.
Stevens Memorial Hall will be dedicated and honored for its 100th year in a special celebration next Spring. A committee of volunteers planning the re-dedication meets on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Stevens Hall. An open house at the hall is also planned for Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about the hall or its history can contact the Chester Historical Society at 887-4545 or e-mail to chesterhistorical@yahoo.com.
