The Monson Gym

Since its incorporation in 1822 the town of Monson has been through boom-and-bust periods, tragedies and triumphs, and through it all has always come together when needed. In 1860 fires swept through the town, and her residents lost, among other buildings, the first Monson Academy (1848) and the Congregational Church. The residents banded together to rebuild both of those buildings. Monson Academy served our town until it closed its doors in 1969, and many alumni of Monson Academy demonstrated the honor, pride, and resilience of a small town, our small town. In the academic year 40-41, a fund was started to raise the capital necessary to build a gymnasium to hose the sporting events of the school and social events of the town. Even though there were many hurdles to overcome, not the least of which was World War II, the town raised the gymnasium in 1951. When any alumni of Monson Academy walks through that door onto the hardwood floors and looks at the glass backboards which were one of the first such backboards in the Upper Kennebec Valley League, he or she relives a rush of memories from the past. Children of alumni also sense the sentimental value of the building as they glimpse this piece of the past which was part of their parents’ high school experiences. in 1984, Monson Academy was torn down, and the gymnasium remains the only building standing which represents the pride of the Slater basketball teams and community, as well as the history and dedication of its alumni.

The town has done its best over the years to keep the building in good condition and preserve the rich history which it houses. The roof is at the point where it will need a major overhaul due to the deterioration of the existing system. The estimated cost of a proper and thorough rebuild is between $150,000 and $200,000, depending on the roof system that is chosen. As everything seems to be constantly going up, that cost could be more by the time we have the funds to do anything. As the town is struggling to keep a low tax base and still provide all the services that keep the community operational and connected, it is difficult to come up with these funds. In true Monson fashion we have formed a committee to raise funds through donations to help offset the cost to the town. We are simultaneously looking at other funding avenues from grants to municipal bonds. If anyone has expertise in any of the other avenues, please reach out with suggestions to any of us. Every little bit can make a big difference in the total outcome.

Your donations from $5 to $5000 are welcomed and appreciated!

Thank you in advance from the Friends of the Monson Gymnasium Committee Aaron Suomi, chairman Glenn Poole, treasurer Dawn MacPherson-Allen and Cynthia Turner, secretaries Richard Marshall, John Pullen, and Megan Ryder