Harriman's Falls Education Centre and Museum Payson Mansion Fund 7 West Bath Road, Bath NH 03740 Phone: 603.747.2200 Cell: 603.490.8321 www.hfecm.org

MEDIA RELEASE

Release Date: July 14, 2005
Contact: Ed Costello
888.824.8880

ewc@hfecm.org

PAYSON MANSION RESTORATION ENDORSED BY STATE OFFICIALS

Self-Funding Community Services To Be Located In Historic Buildings

Bath, NH – A lot has been happening in this quiet little town since Charlie Diamond gained national attention by literally throwing himself in front of the demolition crane – Like a scene inspired by “Woodsman Spare That Tree” – to save the historic Payson Mansion.

Back in November of 2004, Mr. Diamond saved a piece of history that no-one else could, by physically placing himself in front of the demolition equipment and pleading with the crew to stop. His actions bought him enough time to persuade the owners to give him until the next morning to purchase the magnificent home of one of the towns leading citizens, which he then did – With his own money!

Since that time, Charlie has:

• Formed the Harriman’s Falls Centre and Museum (HFCM) and given it a 99 year lease on the mansion.

• Received the necessary permits from the Bath Town Board of Selectmen

• Had the building certified by two leading engineering firms.

• Arranged to have the building covered and stabilized.

• Obtained endorsement of the project by State officials.

As Mr. Diamond explained, “Part of the reason things are moving along so quickly, and that State officials have gotten behind this project, is that is not just another local project that is only meaningful to the local residents. The restoration itself will help bring tourism to Bath and surrounding areas of the North Country but it is what we plan to do with the restored structures that is really exciting!”

Bath is a quaint little New England town that, unlike most towns, seems locked in the early 1800’s. Unlike other towns, there are no intrusions of modern times such as shopping centers, strip malls, garish signs, or billboards, to tarnish the history, character and heritage of this tiny town.

The plan is to restore the portion of the exterior that is visible from the road and add a white picket fence such as was visible in early photographs. This, when combined with the Brick Store (the oldest country store continuously in use) and the Covered Bridge (the longest one entirely in one state) can be designated a National Historic District that is picturesque enough to appeal to today’s car-bound tourists.

But it’s what is going on inside those classic Federal buildings that make them unique. One of the first projects planned by the HFCM is the North Country Life Enrichment Center (NCLEC).

HFECM intends to establish a facility to be known as the North Country Life Enrichment Center (NCLEC). The NCLEC will be a not-for-profit adult community center located in one of the historic properties being restored by Mr. Diamond.

The NCLEC will be a fully staffed community center for adults from the surrounding area of the North Country.

Clients may be dropped off for all or part of the day and they and/or their families will be charged and hourly fee for use of the facility based upon ability to pay.

Although it is assumed that most of the clients will want to participate in the social activities, many of them still have active minds and bodies. Many of these active seniors have been productive their entire lives and are not ready to “retire”.

Accordingly, all clients will be encouraged to participate in our “Senior Achievement ™ program.

The Senior Achievement ™ program will be modeled on the well-known Junior Achievement programs. Most of the NCLEC clients will be farmers and rural workers that are accustomed to leading active lives. Clients who do not want to sit around every day playing bridge, and who wish to participate, will be formed into small groups. These groups will be provided with guidance and advice from volunteers.

The groups will be encouraged to develop ideas for products that they can produce locally (i.e. quilts and woodwork) and sold in local outlets and over the Internet; and services such as guided tours to covered bridges and falls.

Projects will be funded by donations from local businesses and individuals. Profits generated by the projects will be used to repay the donations and fund the operation of the center.

Thus, the restored structures will act as living laboratories to develop and house socially responsible, self-funding, programs that will benefit the community and provide economic stimulus to the North Country through lowered tax burdens on the State, County and Town level.