2023 Award Winner: Town of Stratford

For rehabilitation of Stratford Grange

Partners: Commonwealth Construction | Swallow & Sons | Town of Stratford | Stratford Grange No. 238 | N.H. Land and Community Heritage Investment Program

This award celebrates a small-town landmark’s revival. Constructed as the town’s meetinghouse around 1820, it was moved across the road in the 1890s and became the headquarters of the local Grange. 

Eventually, the road developed into busy Route 3. Salt, snow, and vibration from passing trucks buffeted the building, while run-off from the road washed through the building’s fieldstone foundation and rot damaged much of its clapboard siding. 

Over the last few years, the Town took incremental steps towards success with a nomination of the building to the State Register of Historic Places, a building assessment to prioritize needs and a grant from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program.

The first step was to lift the building, move it twenty feet back from Route 3 to provide a buffer with the ever-increasing traffic and the winter snowbanks, and place it on a new solid foundation.  New drainage and retaining walls were also installed.  Exterior repairs included new radially sawn clapboards, repairing the 6/6 windows, and painting.  The electrical service was re-routed below ground.  Inside, the floors were oiled, all surfaces cleaned, loose beadboard re-attached, stove piping blackened, and all new electrical wiring installed.

Incorporated in 1773, this town of about 600 residents was shaped by farming, mills and the paper industry during the last 300+ years and is proud to have revived this icon of community and hard work for generations to come.