Otis Historical Society
The Otis Historical Society is making Otis census records available starting with 1830.
A lot of work is involved with creating these files and we will post more as they become available.
The Otis Historical Society meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Otis Public Library at 7:00
Everyone is welcome.
We would like to thank all of you who gave of your time, energy, and resources in helping us move the old school back to its original site. The building is now resting securely on concrete bearings and new shingles are on the roof, we still need a new floor and perhaps some new doors and windows. Long range plans will include a new dingle, on the rear of the building, which will accommodate some storage and accessibility for the handicapped. We will need the support and energy of the community to see these projects to completion.
The red schoolhouse was the original Beech Hill School, located on the Point Road and was built circa 1915. It was one of three schools in the community in the 19th Century. Other schools in the area were the Longfellow School, one across the road from Fogg Cemetery and one at Roberts Brook. The Beech Hill and Longfellow Schools were open into the 1940's and were replaced by the Otis Civic Center, now the town library and town office. The Beech Hill School has been moved a number of times during it's life, all on a wing and a prayer, and now it's wandering days are over.
We are planning on using the building as a place to preserve the artifacts, pictures, and family history of our community. Though it may not be possible this summer, with lots of help/labor, we hope to have the building open to the public during the summer of 2005. Anyone interested in assisting with the project please contact Joan Tate, Suzanne Salisbury, Lawrence Salisbury or Paul Firlotte. The more helping hands we have the sooner we can have this project completed.
The process of gathering material on Beech Hill Pond continues, and we were able to sit down with three of the older camp owners last summer and obtain a wealth of historical information. We are looking to repeat these discussions this summer and extend an open invitation to all who are interested in sharing their memories of summers spent on the pond. Camps at Beech Hill Pond were being built beginning circa 1915, though the pond had been a favorite place to fish for generations prior to this date.
Plans are also being made to write a history of Otis, With the first two chapters now in the works. There are a few things which are just to hot to print, but in general, we have a lot of material to work through and look forward to the day when we can share these things with you.
Thank you all for your interest in the preservation of our heritage and your generosity in meeting the needs of the Historical Society
View a brief town history