Antrim Grange No. 98 is holding a fundraiser for the rehabilitation of the historic Antrim Grange Hall through a weekly drawing on its Facebook page. 

The Grange Hall was built in 1785 on top of Meeting House Hill – the original town center. Back then, the hall was the first town house in Antrim. It was later purchased  by the Grange in 1898.

Renee Mercier-Gerritsen is a member of the Antrim Grange and is helping run the fundraiser.

“We’re trying to save the hall to save history,” Mercier-Gerritsen said.

In the early 1800s, the building was moved down the hill to its current location on Clinton Road. To transport it, Mercier-Gerritsen said it was rolled down the hill on logs using horses and oxen.

After the move, the top story was taken off and the back section, which now holds the kitchen and stage, was added. It does not have plumbing, and Mercier-Gerritsen said when people walk in they are experiencing history, often commenting, “Wow this is old.”

There are a lot of renovations needed to save the building, including repairing the foundation, There are rotted beams; the roof needs to be replaced, and the horsehair plaster walls need work.

“It’s a huge project,” said Mercier-Gerritsen. “We’re trying to do it as a historic rehabilitation. 

Mercier-Gerritsen explained they hope to keep it historic including using using historic materials such as copper flashing on the roof.

The Grange Hall has been a cultural center for Antrim. It has hosted art shows, community suppers, dances and wedding receptions. Just a couple weeks ago, the Grange Hall hosted the Antrim candidates’ night, as it does every year.

Mercier-Gerritsen said the Grange is trying to raise $15,000 to match a $10,000 LCHIP (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program) grant that will go toward replacing the roof. LCHIP grants help New Hampshire communities preserve cultural, natural and historic places and spaces. 

In addition to accepting donations, Grange members are selling raffle tickets for $20 each, and every Wednesday for 20 weeks, the Grange is holding a live drawing on its Facebook page. Each week’s winner gets their $20 back and everyone who purchases a ticket, including those who win, stays in the drawings until the end. The last drawing will be held July 19, and on that date, there will be $100, $200 and $300 prizes. 

Those interested in purchasing a ticket can do so through PayPal at renee_mercier@yahoo.com, on Venmo at Renee-Mercier-Gerritsen, or can send a check to 5 High St., Antrim, NH 03440. Tickets will also be on sale at the Antrim town election and during the Community Awards Night in May. 

The fundraiser is open to everyone, including people not living in Antrim, and those sending a check should include their mailing address so Grange members will know where to send the prize if they win. 

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