We are featuring another building on the Porter side of Kezar Falls in this series of original public buildings that still exist. This building at #10 School Street is now privately owned and not being used for business. It is best known as the Knights of Pythias (K. of P.) Hall and was once a busy place.
Former K. of P. Hall as it looks today.
The original building (see below) was built in 1888 by Jacob A. Libby. He had a grain store on the first floor. The Knights of Pythias - Ossipee Lodge No. 40, chartered in 1884, had been wanting their own hall for some time, so they made a unique arrangement with Mr. Libby to build the 3rd floor for their use. They moved in on Jan 23, 1889, and shared their quarters with the Odd Fellows lodge. In 1900 disaster struck! A fire destroyed the entire building. Only the lodge records and charter were saved. The K. of P. members voted to rebuild. They purchased the lot and in 1901 rebuilt the building that stands today with the lodge hall above and a public hall with a stage located on the first floor. (Its stage curtain was hand painted and hangs today in Porter’s Town Hall.)
Jake A. Libby’s store and Knights of Pythias Hall above.
Circa 1889.
In 1907 the “Ossipee Valley Weekly” described the new building as follows: “The K. of P. Hall is commodious and finely finished. The upper story is reserved for the meetings of the Order and is inaccessible except to those who can speak the password. The lower floor is devoted to “hall purposes” and provides an excellent place for concerts, plays, school entertainments, etc. The basement is devoted to kitchen and banquet hall. This hall is one of the best buildings in the village.”
Knights of Pythias – Ossipee Lodge No. 40 (1884 – 1978).
The K. of P. hall was used for many public events including school plays, church Christmas parties, etc. and remained active until about 1977 when it was dissolved. It was then deeded to the town of Porter in 1977 and was used for Porter town meetings until 1986.
On April 6, 1988, it was sold to the
current owners Eugene and Cynthia Tewksbury.
For a time, it was leased by some small businesses, but today is no
longer used for business purposes.
PARSONSFIELD-PORTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Our last meeting of 2024 will be at History House on October 26 at 2:00pm. Join us for an interesting program presented by Jean Stanley – “From France to America – the Blazo Family of Parsonsfield, Maine”. Hope to see you there.