The Lincoln County Bar Association donated $3000 to the Lincoln County Historical Association to help repair the historic Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden.
The donation, presented by Peter Drum on behalf of the LCBA, was made at the LCHA’s annual membership meeting Nov. 19 at the Smith House in Wiscasset.
LCHA President John Reinhardt, accepting the donation, thanked Drum and the LCBA.
Drum cited the historic and cultural value of the Courthouse in his presentation of the donation.
“This is a project worthy of [the LCBA’s] support. This is about maintaining one of the historic and architectural gems of New England,” Drum said.
The Pownalborough Courthouse, opened in 1761, is the only pre-Revolutionary courthouse in Maine. The site also served as a tavern, post office and home. Many famous figures stopped at the Courthouse, including John Adams, who tried a case there in 1765. Pownalborough was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Drum said the LCBA was challenging other county bar associations to donate to the project.
“We’re throwing the gauntlet down,” Drum said. “Equal us or better us.”
When the Pownalborough Courthouse was officially opened, Lincoln County covered three-fifths of Maine’s territory, from Casco Bay to New Brunswick, Canada. Many of Maine’s counties today would have been part of Lincoln County at one point.
The LCHA is currently trying to raise $80,000 to repair the Pownalborough Courthouse. Work needs to be done on the building’s roof, electrical system, exterior, public bathrooms, and drainage system. Lightning protection and improved visitor entry and signage also need to be added.
Some $30,000 has already been raised. The Pownalborough Courthouse Stewardship Committee is assisting the LCHA in raising funds.
According to LCHA member Merry Fossel, repairs on the building’s chimneys have already been completed. Work to fix the leaky roof has begun.
“We have a good many repairs, but it’s very important and we’ll keep going,” Fossel said.
Reinhardt thanked Fossel and other LCHA members for their hard work to repair the courthouse. Before the repairs began, Reinhardt said, the courthouse appeared as if it was on its deathbed.
“I thank all of you and I expect twice as much from all of you next year,” Reinhardt said.
In other business, several members were elected to the LCHA’s Executive Board. Ed Kavanaugh was elected Vice President. Christine Hoph-Lavette, Nate Clark, and Bobbi Brewer rounded out Board’s new members. Wendy Eichler and Reinhardt saw their time as Secretary and President extended as well.
