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The Campaign to Restore the Old Town Hall in West Stockbridge
Thank you for all your support!
The history of the Old Town Hall
The West Stockbridge Old Town Hall is the oldest public building in the community. For over a century and a half it’s been at the heart of the town’s civic and social life. It was built in 1854, housing commercial space and town offices on the first floor and providing a beautiful high-ceilinged community meeting room on the floor above. Nineteenth-century commercial tenants included a general store with a barber and surgeon, a bank, law offices, and a jeweler. By the end of the century, the town offices and library occupied the first floor, as well.
From 1854 to 1975, the auditorium was actively used for town meetings, as a gym for the school, as a social center for adult games, dancing, and events, and for religious services. The police station took up residence downstairs in 1982, the same year that the town offices expanded to the second floor.
In 2004, West Stockbridge moved the police station, town offices, and library into what had been the elementary school. The Old Town Hall stood empty and the town’s selectmen proposed to sell it to the highest bidder or to have it demolished. A group of concerned residents formed a committee to look into alternatives, and over 300 people signed a petition to save the Old Town Hall. In 2008, the selectmen put the building out to bid for sale and a revitalized West Stockbridge Historical Society was able to purchase the building in 2009 for $1. The joke at the time was that the Society had seriously overpaid for the privilege.
The building, with its functional layout, dignified siting, and elegant proportions, retained its original form and much of the woodwork and decorative features. In spite of deferred maintenance and varied uses, it was in relatively good shape. As the largest structure prominently positioned on Main Street, this imposing Greek Revival building visually established West Stockbridge as a classic small New England town. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2008, and the campaign to restore it began.
The West Stockbridge Old Town Hall is the oldest public building in the community. For over a century and a half it’s been at the heart of the town’s civic and social life. It was built in 1854, housing commercial space and town offices on the first floor and providing a beautiful high-ceilinged community meeting room on the floor above. Nineteenth-century commercial tenants included a general store with a barber and surgeon, a bank, law offices, and a jeweler. By the end of the century, the town offices and library occupied the first floor, as well.
From 1854 to 1975, the auditorium was actively used for town meetings, as a gym for the school, as a social center for adult games, dancing, and events, and for religious services. The police station took up residence downstairs in 1982, the same year that the town offices expanded to the second floor.
In 2004, West Stockbridge moved the police station, town offices, and library into what had been the elementary school. The Old Town Hall stood empty and the town’s selectmen proposed to sell it to the highest bidder or to have it demolished. A group of concerned residents formed a committee to look into alternatives, and over 300 people signed a petition to save the Old Town Hall. In 2008, the selectmen put the building out to bid for sale and a revitalized West Stockbridge Historical Society was able to purchase the building in 2009 for $1. The joke at the time was that the Society had seriously overpaid for the privilege.
The building, with its functional layout, dignified siting, and elegant proportions, retained its original form and much of the woodwork and decorative features. In spite of deferred maintenance and varied uses, it was in relatively good shape. As the largest structure prominently positioned on Main Street, this imposing Greek Revival building visually established West Stockbridge as a classic small New England town. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2008, and the campaign to restore it began.
Look at what we’ve accomplished together…
Since the Campaign to Restore the Old Town Hall was launched in 2009, the West Stockbridge Historical Society has raised over $820,000 through private donations, benefit concerts, competitive matching state grants, and private foundations. We’re deeply grateful that over 40% of the total has come from our large, devoted, and generous membership, especially the 90 or so ‘Life Members’ who make up our major donor base.
All proceeds have gone into the restoration and upgrading of the building. Over a eight-year period of construction, we’ve completed key phases of the restoration, including a new rear extension and the installation of the ADA-compliant elevator—by far the most costly and critical part of the plan. Thanks to a $80,000 matching grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council, we recently finished replacing the building’s 1914 metal roof, restoring the bell and cupola, and fixing the broken and leaking doors and windows.
Restoration Work Completed:
Phase 0
Architectural and Engineering Plans • Mass. AAB Approval
Phase I
Bridge to Second Floor • Rear Drainage and Retaining Wall • Extension Foundation
Phase II
Scraping and Painting Exterior • Replace Rotted Soffits and Exterior Trim • New Cellar Hatchway
Phase III
Remove “Doghouses” • New Front Lights • Replace Rotted Sills
Phase IV
New Front Foundation • Handicap Access First Floor • Replace Rotted Sills and Beams • New Cellar Joists and Beams
Phase V
Rear Extension • Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades • Elevator • Oil Spill Cleanup • Rear Walkway & Railings
In Process:
Phase VI
Replace Roof • Window & Door Repairs •
To Be Done:
Air Conditioning & Heating • Insulation • Two new ADA Bathrooms • Vaber Hall and Moffatt Library
Intermission Areas • Rear Landscaping and Gardens
From the beginning, we’ve approached the restoration in a carefully managed, step-by-step way. Working from a master blueprint by our architect Jim Harwood, we’ve financed each phase of construction with matching grants from major state agencies, private foundations, and member donations. As we’ve successfully completed each phase, our relationships with funding sources have strengthened. We’re confident that our future plans can be accomplished through the same approach: applying for grants from state foundations that know us well and trust our stewardship and raising matching funds from our large and loyal community of supporters.
Since the Campaign to Restore the Old Town Hall was launched in 2009, the West Stockbridge Historical Society has raised over $820,000 through private donations, benefit concerts, competitive matching state grants, and private foundations. We’re deeply grateful that over 40% of the total has come from our large, devoted, and generous membership, especially the 90 or so ‘Life Members’ who make up our major donor base.
All proceeds have gone into the restoration and upgrading of the building. Over a eight-year period of construction, we’ve completed key phases of the restoration, including a new rear extension and the installation of the ADA-compliant elevator—by far the most costly and critical part of the plan. Thanks to a $80,000 matching grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council, we recently finished replacing the building’s 1914 metal roof, restoring the bell and cupola, and fixing the broken and leaking doors and windows.
Restoration Work Completed:
Phase 0
Architectural and Engineering Plans • Mass. AAB Approval
Phase I
Bridge to Second Floor • Rear Drainage and Retaining Wall • Extension Foundation
Phase II
Scraping and Painting Exterior • Replace Rotted Soffits and Exterior Trim • New Cellar Hatchway
Phase III
Remove “Doghouses” • New Front Lights • Replace Rotted Sills
Phase IV
New Front Foundation • Handicap Access First Floor • Replace Rotted Sills and Beams • New Cellar Joists and Beams
Phase V
Rear Extension • Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades • Elevator • Oil Spill Cleanup • Rear Walkway & Railings
In Process:
Phase VI
Replace Roof • Window & Door Repairs •
To Be Done:
Air Conditioning & Heating • Insulation • Two new ADA Bathrooms • Vaber Hall and Moffatt Library
Intermission Areas • Rear Landscaping and Gardens
From the beginning, we’ve approached the restoration in a carefully managed, step-by-step way. Working from a master blueprint by our architect Jim Harwood, we’ve financed each phase of construction with matching grants from major state agencies, private foundations, and member donations. As we’ve successfully completed each phase, our relationships with funding sources have strengthened. We’re confident that our future plans can be accomplished through the same approach: applying for grants from state foundations that know us well and trust our stewardship and raising matching funds from our large and loyal community of supporters.
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Creating a Cultural and Community Center
Since we opened our doors for the first West Stockbridge Chamber Players benefit performance a dozen years ago, we’ve discovered that, indeed, “build it and they will come.” Until the pandemic forced us to halt programming, we had more than three thousand people evert year —many from outside Berkshire County—attend our concerts, talks, history programs, art exhibits, theatrical performances and more. From bestselling author Simon Winchester to talented local high school writers, from renowned jazz bassist Larry Grenadier, to the brilliant clarinetist Catherine Hudgins and her Chamber Players, we’ve been offering a wide range of first-class programs—many for free—to the community and beyond. Now with the ADA-compliant elevator in operation, we’re able to welcome everyone, regardless of age or disability.
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Our cultural partners: Art School of the Berkshires The Berkshire Historical Society at Herman Melville's Arrowhead Close Encounters With Music The Foundry West Stockbridge Guild of Berkshire Artists Hancock Shaker Village Mass. Audubon Society The Mount – Edith Wharton's Home TurnPark Art Space WAM Theatre |
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What You Can Do to Help
Become a member today — add your name to our growing list of supporters. Get the chance to purchase advance tickets to the always sold-out West Stockbridge Chamber Players concerts and receive our periodic e-newsletters.
Volunteer to help — join the dedicated group of friends and neighbors who help produce our concerts, organize receptions and events, and help keep our Old Town Hall looking beautiful inside and out.
Make a major contribution — become a Life Member (contribute $500 or more) and join our loyal group of major donors who are the heart of our organization. You’ll be honored at our annual Life Member Reception.
Become a super donor with naming privileges — We are grateful that several individuals have made substantial contributions to the campaign, including matching gifts that double the donation’s impact. We offer naming opportunities for those who wish to have their generosity remembered for generations to come.
Volunteer to help — join the dedicated group of friends and neighbors who help produce our concerts, organize receptions and events, and help keep our Old Town Hall looking beautiful inside and out.
Make a major contribution — become a Life Member (contribute $500 or more) and join our loyal group of major donors who are the heart of our organization. You’ll be honored at our annual Life Member Reception.
Become a super donor with naming privileges — We are grateful that several individuals have made substantial contributions to the campaign, including matching gifts that double the donation’s impact. We offer naming opportunities for those who wish to have their generosity remembered for generations to come.
The Old Town Hall Restoration
Campaign Major Donors and Grantors
Through July 2021
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Over $50,000
Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust Estate of Christine & Ed McKenna Massachusetts Cultural Council Massachusetts Historical Commission $20,000 to $49,999 Zina Greene Anonymous William Loeb Diane & Darryl Mallah Robert Salerno & Margaret Skaggs Richard M. Ziter, M.D. & Larry Vaber $10,000 to $19,999 Liza & William Bennett Jerri & Dan Buehler C.C. Cave & Peter Rothstein Constance Eagan Susan B. Fisher & Gary Schieneman Robert & Irma Gal Carol & Stuart Kuller $5,000 to $9,999 Birgit & Charles Blyth The Feigenbaum Foundation Dale Flecker & Jaylyn Olivo Dr. David & Lea Finck William Goessel Jeanne S. Kangas & Robin Lazarow Marion Loeb Trust Sybil Pollet Martine & William B. Reed Anne & Joseph Roy, Jr. Naomi & Ernest Von Simson $2,000 to $4,999 Anonymous Aegon Transamerica Foundation Alison & Marshall Ash Berkshire Bank Eric & Cheryl Beall Sandra Burnett & Worth Auxier David & Maria Carls William Cavanagh & Ricki Gardner Joe & Marge F. Engelberger Ronald Feldman & Elizabeth Morse William & Sandra Flannery Ruth Fraley Denise Glasser Andi & Jeff Goodman Lee & Elizabeth Guittar Joyce Hergenhan Andrew & Lorrin Krouss Michael & Victoria Maclennan Peter Metz Rich Moffatt Dr. Edmund & Elizabeth Parnes Irving & Sharon Picard R. Eric Reimer Dr. Judith & Ernst Rosenberger Harry & Eileen Weinstein Carter White William & Jeannie Zox |
$1,000 to $1,999
Anonymous Bermil Foundation, Inc. Gene Dellea Roland & Regina Dudney Nancy Fitzpatrick & Lincoln Russell Jane Harte Walter & Nancy Howell The Lassor & Fanny Agoos Charity Fund Jill Pixley Abby Pratt Janine & William Reid Dennis W. Rocheleau Steve & Erika Sautman Sheila & Randy Thunfors Nancy & Louis Trionfo Ruth Tucker Turn Park Art Space $500 to $999 Anonymous Robert & Lucy Bellville Bruce & Susan Berger Helene Berger Phyllis & Paul Berz Vicki Bonnington David & Annie Boughton Hillary & Jay Cohen Sue & Jim Coxon Jackie Del Rossi & Lew Friedman Barbara & Emma Dowling Diane Ducat Michael & Carolyn Friedman The GE Foundation Vicki Grayson & Alan Thiel Heller & Robbins Ellin & Stuart Hirsch Lucy Holland & Charles Schulze David & Jennie Jadow Kelly & William Kaiser Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Fnd Joan & Paul Kopperl Rozann Kraus & Dan Epstein Murray & Patricia Liebowitz Madeline & Martin Lizt Christine & Angelo Merola Richard & Beth Milstein Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Ellen Hart Mulvey Alexander & Judith Nardacci Judy & Stuart Nevins Doane Perry & Karen Carmean Prudential Financial Jordan Ruboy Ronald & Susan Schain Geraldine & James Schlueter Joan & Tingey Sewall Shaker Mill Books Liz & Sol Shalit Arthur & Mary Ann Siskind Six Depot Roastery & Cafe Joanne Yurman & Thomas Walsh |
West Stockbridge Historical Society Officers and Board Members
Robert Salerno, President
Becky Sorrentino, Treasurer
Liza Bennett, Secretary
Jerri Buehler
Susan B. Fisher
Zina Greene
Andy Krouss
Carol Kuller
Bill Loeb
John Masiero
Jeff Nestel-Patt
Jill Pixley
Sybil Pollet
Lori Rose
Carter White
Robert Salerno, President
Becky Sorrentino, Treasurer
Liza Bennett, Secretary
Jerri Buehler
Susan B. Fisher
Zina Greene
Andy Krouss
Carol Kuller
Bill Loeb
John Masiero
Jeff Nestel-Patt
Jill Pixley
Sybil Pollet
Lori Rose
Carter White
With Special Thanks to Our Restoration Campaign
Construction Partners
J. Harwood Architect
Bill Nappo and Grayhouse Partners
A-1 Security
The Floor Store
Construction Partners
J. Harwood Architect
Bill Nappo and Grayhouse Partners
A-1 Security
The Floor Store
West Stockbridge Historical Society
Restoring the past, building for the future
P. O. Box 266
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Restoring the past, building for the future
P. O. Box 266
West Stockbridge, MA 01266