Vintage photo of Norwich Bridge School. (Courtesy of Huntington Historical Society)
HUNTINGTON – At the Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday, David Norton and Bill McVeigh of the Huntington Historical Commission and Historical Society brought a letter requesting funds for repair of the roof on the Norwich Bridge School Museum on Worthington Road, which houses the Society.
According to the Historical Society website, the school was built circa 1800, and held classes until 1919, never for more than 16 students.
Norton said they were seeking up to 50% of the cost of repair from the Stanton Fund. In addition, they are seeking funds from the Pettis Fund. Norton said that the Historical Society would pay the other 50%. He said they were in possession of three bids for a metal roof, ranging from $6,800 to $9,000.
Selectman Karon Hathaway asked whether the Historical Society had thought of fundraising for the repairs.
Current photo of Norwich Bridge one-room school house in Huntington. (Courtesy of Huntington Historical Society)
Norton said the Society has done presentations, but does not get a lot of money from them. McVeigh asked whether the selectmen would have any objection to putting out canisters to raise the money, which they did not.
Selectman Darlene McVeigh said it’s difficult to raise funds without a 501(c)3 non-for-profit status, which the Historical Society is in the process of obtaining. Administrative assistant Helen Speckels said the Stanton Fund currently has $117,000, from which $35,000 will be deducted for the recent HVAC/Air installation in Town Hall and Stanton Hall.
McVeigh suggested paying 50% of the cost, including tree work, for an amount not to exceed $5,000, to be defrayed by the contribution from the Pettis Fund. The motion was made and passed 3-0. The selectmen also voted to approve the bid by Jason Forgue of $7,950 for the roofing job.
Chair Ed Renauld suggested other improvements needed for the schoolhouse, including paint, be put into the town budget for next year.
