Nov. 30 meeting to focus on need for town hall elevator

SANGERVILLE — When the Sangerville Town Hall was constructed in 1902, residents dedicated it to the promotion of citizenship, patriotism and for the “wholesome pleasure” of the community.

Over the years, that emphasis has been carried forward on the second floor auditorium with town meetings, operettas, basketball games, Christmas and Halloween parties, public dinners and dances, pageants, musical performances, weddings and a host of other activities.

For the past three decades, however, functions on the second floor have been limited because there is no access for handicapped individuals. The lack of an elevator will be the focus of a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30 in the town hall meeting room. Those attending will hear details about the cost, grants that may help fund the project and recommendations from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Much has been done over the years to renovate the historic building’s exterior and its first floor, which functions as a town office, library, public meeting room, storage and two restrooms.Voters did, several years ago, set aside funds for an elevator but the need for a sprinkler system prompted the depletion of those funds.

It is now hoped that residents will move forward to obtain a grant and raise funds for an elevator so residents can once again use the auditorium for the “wholesome pleasure” of the community.