country club

On Thursday and Friday (June 8 and 9) Conservationists from Curtains without Borders in Vermont arrived to repair and protect our Gand Drape painted by CA Henry an itinerant painter in 1892.  Our drape is perhaps one of Henry’s oldest in the Northeast.

This project was first investigated many years ago by Erny Swanson who contacted Christine Hadsel, Director.  Linda Richardson picked up the project when we needed to take the curtain down to repair the upstairs walls.  

In just two days the curtain was cleaned, repaired and rehung on the new structure built by MIke Brogan and his crew. (Peter Roy, Jeff Richardson,Chris Losso, John Jermyn, Mike Black). Volunteers Janet Brogan and Rosemary Losso assisted in the cleaning, and repair.  Other volunteers who helped were:  Jan Thomson who hosted the visitors in her home, Cheryl Jermyn and Linda Richardson.

The process was fascinating and tedious as new material was carefully added to the perimeter of the 130 year old canvas. Visible holes in the painting were carefully repaired from the back. The Conservator painted the edges that would show.  It took a crew of six to smooth out the creases and roll up the drape as it was painted. Note that the painting itself was not repainted.   Conservation never covers up original artwork.  

Hanging this 18 footlong rolled drape was a bit of a challenge on a stage that was neither level nor plumb.   But under Christine’s guidance, we succeeded in getting it done.  It will remain down for the summer to let the paint cure, and the creases relax.  When funding is secured, stage and ceiling work will begin and the curtain will be taken down and stored again.

The stage “ears” which were planned to be repainted are in very rough shape. Christine determined they could not be done at this time.  She suggested that local painters do the chore.  

This has long been a hoped for project.  Linda Richardson and MIke Brogan were integral in getting it done.  Thanks to everyone who participated. 

Join us on July 1st at the Community BBQ for the official unveiling of the curtain!

As spring arrives, we look forward to a great season at the Paris Hill Country Club. The course has survived the winter and Chris Johnson will have it in pristine condition for all to enjoy. Along with golf we will again have live entertainment, food and drinks on the beautiful deck with a gorgeous view of the course.  The Full Pour Bar & Grill will be serving again this year. The club will be hosting various tournaments, special nights for entertainment, and of course the Paris Hill Music Festival.  There is plenty of fun for both golfers and non-golfers alike and we continue to look for more ways to bring everyone together and support the club. We are working to increase membership from the current 180 members to 230 over the next few years. The cost of an individual membership is $425. Check our website for other membership options and updated tournament schedule.

Paris Hill is one of the oldest golf courses in Maine, established in 1899 and the clubhouse purchased in 1912 with the first year of operation at the current location in 1913. The Country Club is a true gem for Paris Hill residents and surrounding communities. Greens fees provide revenue for the club and give golfers an opportunity to play at our picturesque and challenging course. The club is also available for private functions both large and small. Board members are enthusiastic and work hard for the benefit of the club and we continue to look for ways to increase revenue to sustain a high quality golf course and café. Chris keeps the course in great condition. Nancy Cushman has been a tremendous help to the board.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as president of the board. My fellow board members are a tremendous resource. We have a great group and we are looking forward to a fun season.  My husband, Terry Downes, and I bought our home on Tremont Street nearly seven years ago. While I still teach law part-time, which prevents us from being there as much as we’d like, we realized from the beginning that it is a wonderful place, friendly neighbors and a real sense of community. The incredible bonus is a beautiful golf course we can stroll to. There is so much going on and we enjoy it year round. You’ll see me walking the loop and playing golf often.  Let’s have a fun, safe summer.   

(Provided By Anne Downes)

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