WP Preservation Society meets

WEST PARIS — On June 25, the first official meeting of the West Paris Preservation Society was held with great success. Neighbors and interested parties are exploring the creation of an historic district in West Paris Village. Two buildings are already on the National Historic Register: The Little Castle Library and The West Paris Historical Society. The meeting was moved to the library while the historic society prepares for its annual Yard and Hall sale July 28.

In attendance were Ted Jones, Milton Inman, Dale Piirrainen, John Hudson, Rev. Richard Beal, David MacDowell and Robyn Green. Dale Piirrainen spoke passionately about the region's rich Finnish heritage, the challenges facing the Finnish American Society and their current priorities. The building located on Maple Street was once home to the Maple House Hotel and the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post. It now contains a museum, library and meeting room.

Milton Inman answered some interesting questions about history and details. Possibilities were explored. Born and raised in West Paris and now a Greenwood resident, Mr. Inman has rarely been seen without a camera since 1942. An exhibit of his photographs and art will be featured at an upcoming exhibit at the little Castle Library.

If you have any old photographs, stories, or letters or know how to acquire them, or if you just love West Paris, please attend the next meeting on Monday, July 9 at 6 p.m. at the Little Castle Library.

For more information, contact Ted Jones at 515-0362, Robyn Green at 674-2765 or Jack Floster at the West Paris General Store.

Early view of West Paris Village from Post Card, West Paris Historical Society Collection