A historic gathering space and 'tea house' in Hollis gets help from a local bank

Photo / Courtesy, Norway Savings Bank Dana Packard, of Saco River Theatre, holds a check representing the contribution by Norway Savings Bank. The historic tea house is in the background.

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By Alexis Wells

Norway Savings Bank has donated $1,000 to a fundraising campaign by Saco River Theatre, which will use the money to relocate the Indian Cellar Historic Tea House in Hollis.

In 2022, Saco River Theatre's executive director, Dana Packard, was approached by the town about the possibility of relocating the building to the theater's grounds about a mile away in Buxton.

The move is an effort to save the tea house from demolition.

“The Indian Cellar Tea House structure was built over 80 years ago and was a gathering place for tea, friendship, and community-building,” said Packard. “Over the years, it has served as a store, a restaurant, and even a canoe retail facility.

"It has a rich history, including being the subject of the classic Margaret Hammel Shea book, 'Tavern in the Town,' but has fallen into disrepair in recent years.”

Once the Tea House is at its new location, the theater can perform important renovations on the building, such as replacing the roof and shoring up the walls. Adding urgency to the move is the planned dismantling and reconstruction of the Salmon Falls Bridge, which spans the Saco River and connects Hollis and Buxton. The bridge is the only viable path for the building’s journey, Packard explained.

“The Tea House will be placed on a new foundation with the ultimate goal to have a daylight basement for a scene shop with prop storage, a costume shop and possibly even a small guest room upstairs for traveling actors and musicians,” he said.

Saco River Theatre, at 29 Salmon Road in Buxton, offers a variety of entertainment as well as cultural and educational programs. Built in the late 19th century as a Universalist chapel, the space has operated as a professional playhouse and performing arts center for the past 33 years.

“Whether it’s hosting a performance by the residential theatre company, the Originals, a concert, a contra-dance, or a silent film, Saco River Theatre stands as a hub of modern creativity, a tribute to generations of area individuals and families, and a tangible link to the past,” said Packard.

Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, said, “The enthusiasm of the group trying to save the building and enable its long story to add new chapters promotes the importance of maintaining the historical fabric of Hollis and Buxton. I think this passion for preservation and honoring the past is something that can inspire younger generations to appreciate those who came before them and celebrate the places they found meaningful.”

Norway Savings Bank ranks No. 7 among the largest Maine-based banks, based on assets of $1.83 billion on June 30, 2023, according to the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists.