GUILFORD — A donation of $10,584.30 has come to the Broad Brook Community Center project toward the goal of adding a lift to the historic building's second floor.
Wild Root Arts, the organization that managed the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery from 1999 until 2006, raised the money during that era but failed to find major funding sources because the Brattleboro space is privately owned.
The $2.2 million Grange project is now in its final round of construction, a phase that includes installing an elevator in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The design of 1890s-era Grange halls throughout New England typically followed the same plan - kitchen and dining area on the ground level and a small gem of an auditorium upstairs.
Guilford's Broad Brook Grange #151 was no different, and townspeople have been climbing the stairs for community events for more than 100 years.
“The auditorium and stage are popular performance spaces, from the days when the Grange used to host vaudeville and dances, to current uses by Guilford Center Stage and many other community groups,” said BBCC board president Don McLean in a news release.
“Like many young not-for-profit organizations, Wild Root Arts had oversized dreams when it took on outfitting and managing the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery,” said Richard Epstein, the organization's founder. “One of our early decisions was to start raising and setting aside funds to install an elevator to bring theatergoers down one flight, from ground level to the theater space below.”
Epstein said that “it soon became clear that state and federal grants would not be available, because although Wild Root Arts' intention was to provide a fully accessible venue for the community, the theater was in a space that was privately owned.”
Still, Epstein continued to raise and steward funds for the elevator.
“Throughout the ensuing years, the funds were held in a separate account at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, knowing all along that in spirit and intention those monies exclusively belonged to the cause of accessibility,” he said.
“Though not in the Hooker-Dunham building, nor even in downtown Brattleboro, the Broad Brook Community Center is in fact achieving the formidable goal of an ADA-compliant lift.”
Epstein describes the BBCC theater as being “much like the Hooker-Dunham's - a small stage set in a charming space. There is an intimacy that can be felt on both sides of the “fourth wall.”
“Furthermore, BBCC is, like Wild Root Arts was in its day, dedicated to the community,” he continued. “They have the need, the drive and, by owning the old Grange, the ability to make possible what Wild Root Arts dreamed of so many years ago.”
“Richard has become familiar with the building as both actor and director with Guilford Center Stage, and knows the importance of access to the second floor,” McLean said, calling the donation “a huge boost.”
“Accessibility in historic buildings is a challenge anywhere you go,” he said. “Richard's foresight, community spirit and generosity will have a huge impact and are very much appreciated.”