Chris Hadsel of Curtains Without Borders kept a group of nearly 30 people spellbound on October 27 as she related the history of northern New England stage curtains – and the Danbury Grange’s in particular – and their meaning to the communities fortunate enough to have them.

New Hampshire born and raised, Egbert Foster created the four large curtains in the early 1920s, complete with the side panel “ears” that give dimension to the stage. This is one of the few complete sets still in existence. An additional advertising curtain, which features businesses current in the 1930s when it was painted, is radically different in content and style, but equally valuable. For such a small town, it’s a mystery why Danbury was fortunate enough to have this quantity and quality.

Ms. Hadsel rounded out her talk by describing the process of restoration and how funding for restoration might be sought. She is the author of Suspended Worlds: Historic Stage Scenery in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

A bountiful potluck supper followed, with more conversation.