Did you know that you can rent Stimson Hall? This
historic building located at the corner of Shaker
Road and Main Street in Gray is available to the general
public for short term rentals.
First dibs goes to all municipal government meetings
and functions such as Town Council, Boards and Commissions,
Town appointed committees, Department related functions
and sponsored programs, School District meetings,
functions, and activities as well as any other government
level functions and activities. Those usually occur
on weeknights. After that, Town of Gray community
programs may be scheduled including any Town of Gray
based organizations or residents. Finally, individuals
and organizations from outside the Town of Gray shall
be afforded the use of the Hall only after it has
been determined that the rental and use would not
conflict with any of the above.
Once, Stimson was used for a wedding ceremony. Other
examples of recent use are Cub Scouts, Little Sebago
Lake Association, Patriots Soccer, PROP, Gray Snowolves,
various political events and caucuses, Adult Education
Graduation and County Commissioners.
All an applicant needs to do is go to either the Town
website at www.graymaine.org and click on "Policies
and Procedures" on the left menu and that brings
you to the rental application link. The guidelines
are there and if you go to Town office you can get
the rental application. Elizabeth Bullen of Town Office
handles the applications.
Then keep your fingers crossed because the policy
states that "The Town of Gray retains the exclusive
right to make necessary decisions regarding schedule
changes and the acceptance, refusal or withdrawal
of permission for use of the facility at its own discretion."
Applicants need to provide proof of insurance and
rental fee and security deposit, but as Ms. Bullen
explained, "As a general rule, the Town doesn't
charge a rental fee to community-based, non-profit
organizations to use the facility. Most rentals are
one-time only, as opposed to long-term use."
If you are raising funds, be warned that the Town
gets a cut. "In cases of fund raising events,
only certified non-profit organizations and agencies
may conduct such activities in the rental facility.
In such cases, the Town shall be entitled up to fifteen
percent (15%) of the profit or the appropriate rental
fee, which ever is greater," the policy states.
Ms. Bullen said, "When Stimson Hall is rented,
the key is usually picked up ahead of time & the
security code is given then." Arrangements must
be made 72 hurs in advance.
Stimson Hall can fit 100 in the main floor and a maximum
of 75 people in the basement level. On the main level
there is a stage and a carpeted area in front, and
a handicapped accessible bathroom. Downstairs, there
is a large room and two more bathrooms. The balcony
and top floor are unavailable to the general public
because they are not handicapped accessible.
In the past four years, the Hall has been rented an
average of 10 times a year. For more information,
call Gray Town Office at 657-3339 and ask for Elizabeth
Bullen or Manager Mitchell A. Berkowitz.
