DANFORTH, Maine — An historic, century-old building in downtown Danforth was spared serious damage, thanks to the efforts of numerous firefighters Sunday, Dec. 20.
A tall, three-story wooden structure that features a working Thomas Clock on the tower, Union Hall is the only building in Danforth to be featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
Town Manager Ardis Brown said fire broke out in the Union Hall building, located near the junction of Depot and Central streets, sometime around 6:30 p.m. when a pair of volunteer firefighters spotted lights flashing from the building’s alarm system.
“The two firefighters saw lights flashing and the alarm sounding,” Brown said.
Union Hall serves as a community hub in Danforth, hosting everything from annual town meetings, elections, senior plays and community events. It also houses a food pantry.
Brown said the building was believed to be built in 1888, but a document found on the National Register of Historic Places indicates the building was more likely built in 1890 and is “the most conspicuous landmark in this rural community located near the Washington and Aroostook county border.”
“The handsome and relatively intact building continues to house a considerable share of the community’s political, social and fraternal events,” the report says. “The structure’s significance is further enhanced by the fact that it was designed by Edwin E. Lewis of Gardiner, a prolific late nineteenth and early twentieth century Maine architect whose commissions came from a wide geographic area in Maine and portions of New England.”
The floor of Union Hall in Danforth was damaged by fire Sunday, Dec. 20. (Photo courtesy of Barry Gillis)
The upper floor of Union Hall was acquired in 1906 by the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and the Masons continue to occupy that portion of the building. The town has placed many of its historic photos on the walls of the building.
Brown said the quick actions of local firefighters played a huge role in saving the structure. Fans were used to quickly pull smoke from the structure, keeping that damage to a minimum.
“Our fire departments did a tremendous job and saved the building,” Brown said. “We are so blessed. Yes there was some damage, but the building was saved.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
