Town Hall Entry Newly Painted

The Putney Town Hall was constructed in 1871 as a proud example of Victorian architecture in post-Civil War Putney.  Sporting many attractive architectural features in the entry, it provided a locus for innumerable town events including dances, plays, dinners, veterans’ gatherings, and the annual town meeting.  Sometime before 1950, the beautiful foyer received a light blue coat of paint, over a previous, dark green coat.  No attempt was made to highlight architectural features of the building at that time; the trim and the walls were given the same thick coat of semi-gloss.

Now, through the efforts of the historical society, the entry has been repainted, with the help of community volunteers including Keith Fletcher, Jacob Wahlen-Strothman, and Jacob Kilburn of Westminster, who received community serviced credit toward his high school diploma.  Scott Henry contributed five gallons of high-quality paint from Perkins, and PHS board members Jane Rawley and Stuart Strothman contributed money and time as well.

The interior palette includes soothing Victorian colors, such as  cream yellow walls and golden pecan trim.  The doors are a vibrant stagecoach red.  The stair treads will be an oil-based red, which needed a special order; silica sand will be mixed in on the final coat to improve traction.

Bulletin boards have been painted to match the interior, and restored to their previous locations; papers are available as they once were, but clutter has been reduced in the foyer.

Reviews on the work are positive thus far.  The public is encouraged to come in and enjoy the Town Hall’s bright new livery!