THE BLOCK Jack Plummer Hollis Town Report 1996

     The building at 22 Main Street has been a cornerstone for the main square in Hollis for well over a century. It was called the Crawford Inn and the Worcester Block but is now generally known around town simply as "The Block". It has housed Roby's General Store, the Post Olfice, the Hollis Times and a number of local families who took up residence in the apartments at the Block. The first telephone was hooked up in the Block.

      Through the years, "The Block" has been owned by some familiar Hollis names including Nichols, Coniaris, Hildreth, and Mercer. Unfortunately, in the late eighties and early nineties it began to show signs of deterioration.

      Without any knowledge of the historic value of the building, it continued to catch my attention as its visual appearance continued to be out of balance with the rest of Hollis Center. When it became available for sale, my wife and I began to wonder what could possibly be done with the building ... and did we dare! We loved a challenge but.....

      Having been brought up to believe that nothing was impossible, we decided to take on the project of renovating the entire building to single bedroom apartments. This project was certainly going to put this belief to the test.

     As we began putting the plan together, we began to learn the historical value to the town and many of the townspeople "The Block" represented. We can truly say that restoring The Block turned out to be a labor of love. Often asked if the venture was financially successful, we can only respond that it depends on how you measure success.

    It has personally been very satisfying. We are proud to have had the opportunity to work on such a historic building which is now ready for a new century. This was undoubtedly the fastest way to meet the people of Hollis. The encouragement and support from everyone kept us going during difficult and discouraging times. We had no idea that Hollis had such valuable resources right in reach; our strategy included primarily using Hollis contractors everywhere possible. It seemed as though everyone took pride in the project and it really showed in their work.

      We were going to need all the help we could get. A condemned building with buried gas tanks, a failed septic system, a leaky roof; and on and on. After putting together our plan, we decided that our first order of official business was to meet with the Selectmen. They assured me that they would support the plans as best they could and they certainly did. As I look back, I give them credit for trusting in our vision for The Block. They had no idea that the project would be successful based on all of the problems we had to deal with and resolve.

      Not only did the Selectmen show the much needed support, they also guided me through the complex process. Special thanks to Tom Hildreth for his personal involvement. We were fortunate to receive the support of all the town boards including zoning, planning, historic district, and the historical society. We received great support during the town meeting in a much needed land swap that enabled us to fit in a new septic system.

     We could fill the annual report with names of people who helped and supported us with encouragement throughout various stages of the project. To name a few, we recognize Tom Hildreth, Eleanor Whittemore, Dick Walker, Ed Lehoullier, Shirley Cohen, John Greenaway, Hollis Nichols, David Caldwell, Bob Cormier, Arthur LeBlanc, Ben Frost, Rick Jones, Kevin Reilly, Ted Chamberlain, Richard Smith, Carroll Spaulding, the Hollis Police Department, who kept a watchful eye during construction, Tim Desclos, Doug Orde and the crew at Hollis Construction; Joe Marcum, Dennis Beaudry, Jim Belanger, the crew at Dunwell Electric, Tom Morin and his crew, and the Hollis Times and Chronicle who kept everyone up-to-date on our progress. Special thanks goes to Dave Nichols the site supervisor and his crew, without whose help we could not have accomplished so much so fast.

     As the project came to completion, we felt so fortunate to find people who really wanted to live in Hollis and understood the historic nature of the town and the building they now call "home". Many have been very generous in showing their apartment to townspeople interested in seeing the "new" Block - some of whom actually lived there in years past or have a story or memory to share about the store, post office or barber's chair.

We're proud to have completed the project and are gratetul for the town's support. We're glad to have added to such a great neighborhood along with our neighbors the Historical Society. Little Nichols Ballfield, the High School, and the Always Ready Engine Company. Hollis has lots to be proud of and we can smile and be proud for contributing to the best place around.

       Jack and Patricia Plummer