Stow, Maine · Oxford County
Keeping the story of Stow
We collect, preserve, and share the history of our small town on the Cold River, starting with two of its oldest landmarks: the Stow Baptist Church and the old Stow Town Hall.
About the Society
The Stow Historical Society was brought back to life in June 2026 by a group of neighbors who care about the town's past. Our first priority is restoring the Stow Baptist Church. Our second is saving the old Stow Town Hall, built around 1836.
We are also working to gather Stow's scattered records and photographs in one place, including the research the late David Crouse collected over many years, and to welcome new members who want to help.
A short history of Stow
Stow was made from several older land grants: Batchelder's Grant, the Fryeburg Addition, and the Eastman and Bradley grants. Residents wanted to call the town Cold River, but a legislator from Stow, Massachusetts, saw to it that the new town was named Stow instead.
- 1822
The schoolhouse is built. Town meetings are held there in the early years.
- 1833
Stow is incorporated as a town.
- 1836
The Stow Town Hall is built, most likely this year, by Jonathan Fifield for $300.
- 1858
Stow appears on the wall map of Oxford County.
- 2026
The Stow Historical Society reorganizes and begins work on the Stow Baptist Church and the old Town Hall.
First priority
Restoring the Stow Baptist Church
The Stow Baptist Church is a cherished part of the town's history, and it needs repair. Restoring it is the Society's first priority.
We are seeking grants and donations for the work. If you have photos, stories, or records of the church and the families who worshipped there, please share them with us.
Second priority
Saving the old Town Hall
Townspeople gathered in the old Town Hall for nearly two centuries, parking along the edge of the road. Today the building needs care. The Society is having it assessed and is applying to list it on the National Register of Historic Places.
We are seeking grants and donations for the repairs. If you have photos, stories, or documents about the Town Hall, we would love to hear from you.
Glimpses of old Stow
More photographs are coming. If you have old pictures of Stow, please get in touch.
Officers
- President
- Jim Wilfong
- Vice President
- Rob Flint
- Treasurer
- Jim Siragusa
- Secretary
- Dr. Candice McElroy
Join us or get in touch
New members are welcome. The Society meets regularly; call or email for the date and place of the next meeting.