The next time you visit the Southport Town Hall don’t expect to see anyone dangling their legs over the railing of the newly recreated balcony. This photo opportunity was a special arrangement coordinated with final construction and the weekly selectman meeting. It is my good fortune to live down the road and arrive just before Mary Lou Koskela leapt into a net. Just kidding.
However, I will tell you that Mary Lou was a little reluctant to climb aboard. Mr. Gamage and Mr. Climo carefully encouraged her and provided incentive. I can’t say that I blame Mary Lou. The balcony provides quite an elevated view of the inside of the Hall. It is a great vantage point which should get much use during Town Hall events.
In 1866 a group of ladies from the Methodist Episcopal Church, who had formed a sewing circle, felt the need for a large place to gather. Through their urging, the core of the present building was constructed. It was called the Union Hall. Not sure what sort of Union — a more perfect Union perhaps. This original building, so says Hall history, had a stage at one end and a balcony at the other.
In the 1950s the balcony was removed so there could be more open floor space. Apparently, according to Gerry Gamage, who did the lion's share of the new construction, there is a patch in the underside of the floor which indicated the location of a central support post. This would have significantly limited basketball and school activities, common uses at the time.
When Gerry designed the new balcony he employed some of his well known marine run and float expertise. To properly support the 24-foot span across the interior of the Hall, it was necessary to create strength through trusses and interlocking joints, not unlike those used for a run that would connect a pier to a float. Large hemlock beams were used. The wood was stained to match existing supports used when wings were added to the Hall in the 1950s.
Jim Gagnon helped with work on the stairway to the balcony which enters through a side access. He was unavailable for the above group photo but did make a cameo appearance at the mitre saw.