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www.northhampton-nh.gov

"This Historic Resource has been Protected with the Assistance from the NH
Land and Community Heritage Investment Program"
Don't forget to send in your tax deductible 2010
donation to Centennial Hall. We still have the Stage Restoration project that
needs to be completed.
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100th Bruce
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100th Carolyn
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100th Kate
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Burning Mortgage
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Josephine Lamprey
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Centennial Hall
Press
Release
For immediate release:
Friends of
Centennial Hall Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Ownership
North Hampton—When
Centennial Hall was listed for sale in the spring of 1997, a group of concerned
citizens gathered together to figure out how to save the town’s former school
and social center. By 1998, a newly formed non-profit organization, now known
as the Friends of Centennial Hall, Inc., signed a purchase and sales agreement
and began working with various arts organizations to preserve and restore the
historic building as a community center for the arts.
The Friends
of Centennial Hall are now celebrating 10 years of ownership with a tribute to
local champions who have made significant contributions towards revitalizing the
Hall. At a recent celebration, awards and special announcements helped
supporters to see just how far they have come. Thanks to a grant from New
Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) met
dollar-for-dollar by matching funds from community members, the crowd cheered
the burning of the mortgage--the all-volunteer, independent, non-profit group
now assumes debt-free ownership and is ready to launch into the next phase of
the restoration.
The Friends
of Centennial Hall are pleased to announce Josephine Lamprey as the first winner
of the Centennial Club award, honoring a person who has shared their time,
advice and resources to further the restoration of Centennial Hall. The first
Louise Booker Goss award, named in memoriam after the alumnus whose vision first
inspired the preservation project, was awarded to daughter, Carolyn Brooks, to
acknowledge Brooks’ tireless efforts carrying out yard sales, bake sales, Old
Home Day luncheons, ice cream sales, historic tours, property improvement
projects and more, to fulfill her mother’s vision to save the hall for the
community’s enjoyment. Both award recipients are alumni of the town school once
housed at Centennial Hall.
Ben King and
Bruce Kirk received the “Golden Hammer” awards for their time and dedication in
maintaining and improving the 1876 structure, as the board continues to raise
restoration funds and oversee the building’s tenants. Attorney Kate Miller of
Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella, was celebrated for her high caliber pro-bono
legal assistance.
A new sign
funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and a brick and granite rear
walkway were two of the recent improvements highlighted on tours, which included
a basement classroom--refurbished by Timberland volunteers—now available for
lease. Honoring all past board members and many supporters, the Friends of
Centennial Hall are excited about the past and pushing for the future…and access
to the building’s grand ballroom on the second floor. If you would like to make
a donation or learn more about how you can help, please contact Marcy McCann at
(603) 964-2021.
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