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The former Advertiser Democrat building is a landmark not only because it housed Norway’s weekly newspaper for nearly two centuries, but also because of its hulking presence at Pikes Hill and Main Street, on what became known as Advertiser Block.
The newspaper, first published as the Oxford Observer in 1824, began operating in the building in 1826 after founder Asa Barton moved operations from Paris Hill to Norway, reportedly hauling the press by oxen cart at night so neighbors would not see him leave.
He supported John Quincy Adams, so his political views did not align with many on Paris Hill or with his editor, whose final edition was also the first published in Norway.
The building is not part of the town’s historic district and is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the former Grange hall is steeped in history, with an ornate stage and original paintings still intact on an upper floor.
The building has stood vacant since 2018, when the newspaper moved out. Although there was talk of converting it into apartments, no project ever materialized.
Todd Truman and Turn Key Homes of Maine in Oxford now own the building, but Truman told the Norway Select Board this week it is beyond repair and he is struggling to keep vandals out. He said he wants to shut off the electricity because people have been using it, but fears they would build fires instead, creating a community hazard.
Truman said he hopes to tear down most of the building and rebuild, perhaps creating retail and residential space.
"We want it to be a benefit to the town rather than a potential hazard,” he said, which seems a fine future for the historic block.
When the newspaper moved out, a trove of vintage editions was found throughout the building, many of which were donated to local historical societies for preservation. It would be fitting if the building’s next chapter included a nod to its long newspaper legacy.
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Wilton-Jay Police Collaboration Committee to present options to select boards: Options to be discussed Jan. 28 include keeping separate departments, contracting with the county, sharing services or creating a new joint agency. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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RSU 9 board of directors focuses on bus, student safety: Directors held a moment of silence for Griffin Mayhew, a board member elected five months ago and remembered as “kind, wonderful and considerate.” Read this story by Ben Hanstein |
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Norway Select Board considers plan to tear down historic Advertiser Democrat buildings: The rambling, vacant buildings are beyond repair and have become a hot spot for crime. Read this story by Jon Bolduc |
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RSU 10 towns move ahead with complex withdrawal process: All members of the RSU 10 Withdrawal Committee to begin work on the budget and have scheduled the first budget workshop for Jan. 8. Read this story by Bob Neal |
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Waterville City Council reviews 2025 goals, eyes year ahead: Goals for 2026 include stronger oversight of all aspects of administration, particularly grant writing and updates. Read this story by Charley DiAdamo |
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While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. |
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The Franklin County Commissioners voted to repay their health insurance stipends, ending a dispute over who has control over the budget. | Sun Journal
Maine’s loggers are up against a perfect storm of tariffs and falling market values. | The Maine Monitor
Oxford County’s 2026 budget raises spending by $1.5 million | Sun Journal
A long train grinds life to a halt every day in this rural Maine town | The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News
At a community forum in Paris, discussions focused on the police department, a busy intersection and property taxes. | Advertiser Democrat
RSU 73 school board directors defended their decision to keep the district’s transgender sports policy in place at a tense meeting. | Livermore Falls Advertiser
Maine timber companies to access revamped $32 million federal grant | Maine Public
Highland Plantation voted to move forward with disbanding. | Bangor Daily News
RSU 9 is seeking to collaborate with the University of Maine at Farmington on an initiative designed to build AI literacy. | Franklin Journal
Rumford’s new winter parking ban may need a bit of tinkering. | Rumford Falls Times
The next step in the revitalization of Skowhegan’s downtown may be the River Park project. | News Center Maine
Goal of $2.6M set for Oxford Hills Middle School construction fundraiser | Sun Journal
Maine regulators to contract for solar power | Maine Public |
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Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. You can reach Monitor Local editor Judy Meyer directly via email: judy@themainemonitor.org.
The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support. |
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