OTISFIELD — A major hurdle has been accomplished in the Otisfield Historical Society’s attempts to renovate the historic Otisfield Town House.

Society President Henry Hamilton said the 1905 building was recently raised using wood cribbing and steel beams in preparation for moving it aside for a new foundation. He called it “a big step” in the overall restoration project.

The wood-frame building on Bell Hill Road near the intersection of Route 121 was deeded to the Otisfield Historical Society by voters in 2009, after it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The construction of a foundation is part of the effort to restore the building and make it the headquarters for the society and a repository for the town’s archives.

The building is in wetlands so it and the surrounding ground need to be raised to preserve it. But the building must remain at its original location to retain its status on the National Register.

“It (the building) will be moved aside for the foundation to be built under its present location and then it will be placed back over the place where it’s always been,” Hamilton said.

Nearly $50,000 has already been contributed toward the goal of $148,000.

The total price tag for the first phase is $54,958. The society has raised $47,000 and its board of directors has pledged $4,000 in matching funds.

Phase 1 involves setting the building aside, excavating for the foundation as well as for a future extension on the back of the building, putting the building on the foundation and capping the extended basement.

Donations for the project are being sought and may be sent to: Polly Bartow at 352 State Route 121, Otisfield, ME 04270.

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