Preservation of Stratham Historical Society Building

Phase 1 of Historic Preservation of Stratham Historical Society Is Complete!

You probably got used to seeing the south side chimney of the Stratham Historical Society adorned in scaffolding throughout most of September.  The masons' time up high was prolonged by unreliable weather and some of the challenges offered by a historic stone building that has been perched on the Town Center slope for 111 years.

The scaffolding is down.  Phase 1 of a three-year plan to fully restore and preserve the building that opened in 1912 as the George A. and Emma B. Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham's first dedicated library building, is complete.  Enthusiastic support throughout the community and a $7,500 grant generously provided by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance in cooperation with The 1772 Foundation enabled this important work.

C&C Masonry and the handicraft of Drew Bedard at Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, LLC have paved the way to a water-tight winter.  Windows, chimneys, flashing, roofing and gutters have all been addressed while paying careful attention to historic code compliance.  This meant that when gutter brackets were removed due to age and rot, Drew had to go out to find appropriate hardwood, and in his workshop, reproduce the brackets to the exact style and dimensions of the originals.

Phases 2 & 3 will commence next year with focus on important but less urgent structural and cosmetic needs under the continuing leadership of Stratham's own Drew Bedard and Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, LLC.