Dear Friends,
Last December, the Southborough Historical Society began the most ambitious restoration of a public landmark ever attempted in Southborough—turning the 1911 Fayville Village Hall into a new history and arts center. As anyone who has ever renovated an old structure knows, the process is long, arduous and hugely expensive, often with multiple unforeseen obstacles along the way. For us, these included discovering a spring in the basement (flowing at 50 gallons a minute!); rotted sills; termites; bowed walls; sagging roof and crumbling foundations. (We’ve included some photos of these delights to share with you.)
Yet, one by one, these problems have been overcome, and as 2023 closes, we’re now entering the final phases of the restoration.
When completed, Southborough will have a vibrant venue for art instruction, meetings, social gatherings, private functions, and of course, state-of-the-art archival storage and exhibit space for the Society’s growing historical collections. Fayville Village Hall will be a veritable Atheneum for our town, an enduring symbol of Southborough’s dedication to history and culture. (You can see the floor plans and renderings online at southboroughhistory.org/fayville)
Needless to say, we need your generous financial support now more than ever. There are a thousand things that remain to be done (and paid for), from basics, like fitting out the catering kitchen and art space, to complicated projects like installing our elevator, which will provide the hall with ADA access for the first time. Outdoors, parking, ramps and site work are yet to be achieved, as well as restoration of the historic columned front entrance and stair hall.
But they will come— with your help.
In conjunction with our partners the Southborough Arts Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, we’d also like to make a general call out to local residents interested in history or the arts. Perhaps you are a teacher of a particular craft or skill, wishing to offer a class? Or, perhaps an artist looking for a new exhibit space, or maybe you just want to learn more about future course offerings or lectures for you or your family? We are starting to think about our 2024-2025 programming, so email us at info@southborooughhistory.org, and we’ll make sure you are kept in the loop.
Our very best wishes for the holiday season from the SHS Board! And thank you!
Michael Weishan
Sally Watters
Dean Lamsa
Matthew Young
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