About the CTMH
Built in 1898 by the local chapter of the Knights of the Maccabees and later acquired by the Cheshire Grange in 1920, the hall served as a central hub for community gatherings until 1970.
In 2009, the building was purchased by The Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT), with plans to bring back the glory days of the hall. The goal is to rebuild and refurbish the Cheshire Theater & Meeting Hall (CTMH) to its original function - a gathering place for community activities, offering entertainment, cultural events, youth development programs, instructional programming and more.
Memorial Day, 1913 - Cheshire Theatre and Meeting Hall (2nd building from left), formerly Maccabee Hall and Cheshire Grange.
Phase II Updates
As of March 2024, Phase II is well underway! West side structural improvements, plumbing/electrical work, the pouring of the lower level concrete floor and installation of new windows has kept the team busy. The theater-level has a new upper section on the east side of the building for audio/visual needs, the ceiling has been restored and paneling installed, milled to match the existing materials.
As we embark on Phase II of the project, the CTMH enjoyed an upgrade via the repainting of the front facade of the hall by Patrick J. Carey Painting of Clifton Springs, NY in August 2023. We thank them and our painter, Art Dispasqale who worked diligently to provide a welcomed facelift to our building.
Phase II Begins
Following Phase I work, the CTMH project paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, CCAT was awarded funding from Ontario County via the Federal American Rescue Plan, which funds projects that support the development and expansion of arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities from non-profits, private entities, and municipalities that were negatively impacted by COVID-19.
This funding of $100,000 along with a generous donation from a former board member (2022) enabled CCAT to pursue Phase II of the CTMH project.
Phase I Restoration
Thanks to two $50,000 legislative grants provided by Empire State Development, donated professional services and skilled labor, Phase I (2010-2016) entailed improvements to structural elements and restoring the front facade.
Structural & foundational work rendered by contractor Mariannaci, Inc., who has extensive experience in historic preservation.
