The stone bridges in Vaughan Woods in Hallowell, the Oak Grove Chapel in Vassalboro and the Weston Homestead in Madison are among the historic properties identified as endangered by Maine Preservation, a statewide nonprofit that promotes the preservation of historic places.
The list, released via email Wednesday, includes properties across the state.
“Preservation of these key structures can be a catalyst for economic development, community revitalization and continued quality of life for the citizens of Maine’s towns and cities,” said Greg Paxton, executive director of Maine Preservation, in the release. “Through historic preservation, our communities can wisely manage and adaptively use existing buildings, bolster our tax base and provide a firm foundation for future prosperity and a sense of place.”
In Vaughan Woods, a popular hiking spot in Hallowell, Maine Preservation said the seven stone bridges built between 1890 and 1930 are in danger. Since 2014, two bridges have been closed to the public and one was taken down earlier this year because of safety concerns. Without money to repair the others, they could all be taken down, according to Maine Preservation.
In Vassalboro, the Oak Grove Chapel was built in 1786 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It was one of the first Quaker Meeting houses in Maine. According to Maine Preservation, the property is underutilized and needs repairs.
The Weston Homestead in Madison “provides an important link to the early settlement of the area and is a historic regional landmark,” according to the news release. After 225 years of ownership, the Weston family is looking to sell the house, and Maine Preservation is hoping a “preservation minded buyer” comes forward.
Other properties on the list this year: Stimson Memorial Hall in Gray; Old Town Hall in Bridgton; the Old Surry Schoolhouse in Surry; the James O. Crooker House in Norway; the Jonathan Eddy House in Bangor; Keen Hall in Freedom; and the J.M. Rice Block in Houlton.
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