Notice!

~Meeting Tonight~

Place:  Bethany Town Hall

Time:  7:00 pm, tonight-July 21st

 

The Committee for the Town Hall has scheduled a meeting for tonight----to "brain-storm" ideas for how to use the present

TOWN HALL of BETHANY

after the Town moves their offices out of the building.

~

[On Wednesday of this week, the Town Board will be presenting an informational meeting about their plans to build new town offices.  ]

 

Tonight's meeting will be comprised of a group of concerned citizens of Bethany

-and anyone in the area, interested in preserving History-

to come together to discuss any and all ideas that they have for options for Bethany's Town Hall.

 

I have been told that the Town Board is not interested in selling the building-but in leasing it--and that some areas of concern would need to be updated (handicapped accessible/septic system, etc.)

 

 

A bit of history of this building:

The Town Hall has had many and varied uses over the years; the land on which it stands was donated by Dr. Jonathan Barlow.  In 1832 the Methodists of Bethany Center built a church on this land.  Twelve years later in 1844 it was no longer used as a church, but was incorporated into the "Bethany Academy" an institution "of higher learning."  Later, when enrollment warranted its use no longer, it was converted into the "Town Hall."

It has been used as a civic meeting place for the Town Board and other organizations; it accommodated social functions, as it was equipped with a kitchen & dining room; it has been used for Grange meetings; its pride was its large auditorium, stage and dressing rooms, on the second floor (including a spring floor perfect for dancing!)

 

~Please come tonight and share your thoughts and ideas~

 

~IF you cannot make the meeting, but wish to contribute, please email me by 6:00 p.m.-and/or call the town historian, Helen Milroy (343-0022) before 6 p.m. ~

Thanks!

Linda Schmidt

donlinda@mybizz.net