Ashland Historic School among most endangered
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance announced its new list of the seven most endangered historic properties in New Hampshire last week at the Historic Meetinghouse in Epsom — a list that includes Ashland's historic school.
"Seven to Save" is a list that includes individual properties around the state that are in need of attention and resources. The sites that were selected for the list are classified as significant architectural landmarks. Their needs range from structural restoration and fundraising to more complex planning for adaptive reuse or ownership transfer.
Ashland's Historic School, built in 1877, is on the list as a notable example of a Victorian brick schoolhouse. The school closed in 1990. The School Board planned to demolish the building, but the Historical Society and others advocated for its sale to Tri-County Community Action Program, Inc.
According to David Ruell of the Ashland Historic Society, the society applied to the Preservation Alliance. He said that being named to the list should put the Historic School back on the radar, since it was an issue that he said had slipped off in recent years.
"We are grateful to have the school on this list," said Ruell. "We hope this will remind the public about the school's condition and help with fundraising efforts."
Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, or LCHIP, made a $300,000 grant for the purchase of the school. After many hurdles throughout 61⁄2 years of involvement, Tri-County Community Action now believes the transfer of real estate will be completed soon. However, according to Miriam Brown of Tri-County Community Action, no date has been set for the completion of the $1.2 million project.
"This is a great old building that would be a great asset to restore and keep in the community of Ashland," said Brown. "Tri-County CAP loves to fix up places like the school. And being a resident, it is something I am proud to be involved with."
Tri-County Community Action helps North Country residents access emergency assistance when needed, at local Community Contact Centers throughout Coos, Carroll and Grafton Counties. The organization also connects people with resources that can help them with home energy costs and conservation, transportation, Head Start and much more. There are also programs that address homelessness and hunger, as well as domestic violence and sexual assault. The organization also helps people get sober and stay sober and provide guardianship to N.H. residents statewide.
Brown said that there are tentative plans set for what the building will be used for following the purchase. She began by saying that the ground floor would be used for Head Start, which is a preschool for children from low-income families. The first floor would be used with a community contact office through Tri-County Community Action.
The second floor, she said, would be used by a nonprofit agency that has not yet been named. However, she said that there have been discussions with several organizations that she could not yet disclose.
The third floor, she explained, would be a very original part of the school. She said that the original structure would be retained to the best capacity possible to preserve the school's history.
"The third floor is very original," said Brown. "There is gorgeous wide open space that could be used for a number of things. There are still original chalk slates and the original floor. It is an excellent spot."
For more information contact Miriam Brown at 752-7607