Norway Savings completes $10,000 commitment to Walker Memorial Hall in Bridgton
BRIDGTON — Preserved as a prime example of eclectic Queen Anne architecture from the late Victorian era, the Walker Memorial Hall has stood since 1892. Its three-story tower with belfry and stark gables rises from the southwest corner and stands tall over Highland Road in Bridgton as it has welcomed generations of residents and visitors through its hip-roofed portico for community gatherings, church services, parties, and more.
"The hall was built by Joseph Walker, who requested that the building be used to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of residents of the district," said Ken Abbott, president of the Walker Memorial Hall Corporation.
In recognition of that, Abbott and other volunteers from the community are restoring and renovating the hall to ensure it carries out that mission for decades to come.
"Five years ago, the hall was languishing and largely unused," said Abbott. "A group of neighbors formed this non-profit to rehabilitate this historic site and make it a vital support for the surrounding community once again."
To assist, Norway Savings Bank recently completed a $10,000 commitment to help realize this vision.
"We're so thankful for Norway Savings' generous support and helping to make this restoration possible," said Norman Nicholson, treasurer of the Walker Memorial Hall Corporation.
"This is an effort that is not only preserving this historic building, but is also enabling and encouraging modern day use," said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. "It's wonderful that a new generation will have the opportunity to add their own chapter to a story that began over 130 years ago."
Exterior work on the tower and lower roofs, gutters, the chimney, and foundation have been completed. Most of the walls and ceilings have been patched and painted, the electrical system has been brought up to date and to code and, this summer, new lighting fixtures were installed, and a water supply was established behind the hall.
"A new bathroom, new kitchen, and the finalization of the work on handicapped access will be our main focus this fall," said Abbott.
The hall, which was placed on the National Registry of Historical Buildings in 1983, has also started to organize and host events, and is curating and cataloging the contents that formed the hall's library from over a century ago.
"We've also contacted the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum to advise us regarding the mineral collections," said Abbott.
It's an exciting time as local momentum grows to a full return of this cultural and community gem as a Bridgton centerpiece.
"As the hall becomes more and more functional, we look forward to pulling in more volunteers and assistance to help engage the surrounding community in using the hall again," said Abbott. "That's what it's there for."
If you can offer your time to complete a variety of tasks, make a donation, or you would like to take a tour of the Walker Memorial Hall, visit www.walkermemorialhall.org or call 207-303-2990.
