BUXTON – As you drive along Salmon Falls Road, it appears out of nowhere, set on the banks of the Saco River and surrounded by private homes in a quiet, bucolic Buxton neighborhood. Built in the late 19th century as a Universalist chapel, Saco River Theatre has for the last 33 years enriched the community as a professional Equity playhouse and performing arts center that offers a variety of entertainment as well as diverse cultural and educational programs.
“Whether it’s hosting a performance by the residential theatre company, the Originals, a concert, a contra dance, or a silent film, Saco River Theatre stands as a hub of modern creativity, a tribute to generations of area individuals and families, and a tangible link to the past,” said Dana Packard, executive director of Saco River Theatre.
Soon, thanks to an elaborate effort by donors and local businesses, another historic and beloved local building will be joining the theatre on its riverside “campus.”
“The Indian Cellar Tea House structure was built over 80 years ago and was a gathering place for tea, friendship, and community building. Over the years, it has served as a store, a restaurant, and even a canoe retail facility. It has a rich history, including being the subject of the classic Margaret Hammel Shea book, Tavern in the Town, but has fallen into disrepair in recent years,” said Packard.
In 2022 Packard was approached by the Town of Hollis, where the Tea House is located, about the possibility of relocating the building to the theatre homestead about a mile away in order to save the building from demolition.
“Once it’s moved, we will be able to complete important renovation work like replacing the roof, shoring up the walls, and more,” said Packard. “A planned dismantling and reconstruction of the Salmon Falls Bridge, the only viable path for the building’s journey, adds urgency to the project. We hope to have the Tea House settled on its new perch before winter.”
In an effort to help the group raise the funds necessary to complete the relocation and encourage others to join the cause, Norway Savings Bank delivered $1,000 to Saco River Theatre on Aug. 23.
“It’s an amazing project and obviously, time is a factor, so we wanted to offer our support. We’d welcome other local businesses and individuals to join us and help preserve this culturally significant building,” said Amy Lehigh, VP market manager at Norway Savings Bank.
“The Tea House will be placed on a new foundation with the ultimate goal to have a daylight basement for a scene shop with prop storage, a costume shop, and possibly even a small guest room upstairs for traveling actors and musicians,” said Packard.
“The enthusiasm of the group trying to save the building and enable its long story to add new chapters promotes the importance of maintaining the historical fabric of Hollis and Buxton,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “I think this passion for preservation and honoring the past is something that can inspire younger generations to appreciate those who came before them and celebrate the places they found meaningful.”
If you are interested in learning about the ways in which you can assist in saving this landmark and restoring it to its historic stature, contact Packard at 207-929-6615 or [email protected]. To learn more about the Saco River Theatre, visit www.sacorivertheatre.org.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
