New Lease on Life

 After many months of planning and preparation, the Berkshire Fire Commissioners entered into a lease agreement with the Berkshire Community Association (BCA) on the evening of September 28. This agreement provides a fifteen-year lease of the Berkshire Community Hall (known locally as "the green building") and paves the way toward restoring the
building to its former grandeur. 

 In 1931 the Great Depression had its grip on the country but to Berkshire
citizens it was apparent that their school needed a well-equipped gymnasium. With no available state aid, a group of five Berkshire men set
about spearheading the planning and construction of building that October. 

 "The project was financed by a plan by which each of a group of responsible citizens obligated themselves on notes to the extent not to exceed $150 each, to finance the project and the funds for building were borrowed on this security. It was at first estimated that the building as desired could be put up and equipped for a sum not to exceed $4,000 and a group of 25 citizens signed to back the project financially. As the building progressed plans were expanded until the total cost came to about $6,000, and other financial backers were secured until the number
was about 35. It is said that in taking advantage of low prices in materials and labor and in securing some big bargains in equipment, the association altogether has a great "bargain" on its plant – which would a few years ago have cost double the amount" wrote the Owego Gazette.

 A grand opening celebration was held in February 1932. Berkshire now had a community gym, theatre, dining and meeting place, and general sports
center in one. After the Berkshire school was destroyed in the 1960's, Community Hall was used by the fire district as a storage building. In 1984 it was one of several structures of historical significance in Berkshire placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. 

 The Berkshire Community Association is a New York State registered not-for-profit organization with IRS 501c(3) tax exempt status whose primary goal is to restore Community Hall to its former grandeur for use and enjoyment by the entire community. Members are needed to serve on the board for 2006 and friends of the board are needed to help with grant writing, project planning, and fund raising and more. This is going to be an exciting project much as it was in 1931 and community support is needed for this effort. 

 If you would like to become involved with an exciting project please call Paul Kunik at 657-8097. New officers, directors and friends of the board of the BCA will be elected on October 19, at 7:00 pm, in the Berkshire Town Hall, which is at 18 Railroad Avenue.