It is not known exactly when the first galamander was built or even where the idea came from. Some stories say the galamander was designed here in Vinalhaven by Elder Littlefield who worked as a blacksmith during the granite era.
In 2007 the galamander, which sits beside the Band Stand, was painted and while it appears to be in sound condition, two wheels show signs of deterioration and will soon need costly repairs.
2012: The roof covering the galamander was reshingled.
2017: It was noticed that the large rear wheels are beginning to toe-out. The large granite block that was attached under the rear axel was released and two post jacks were placed to relieve further stress on the joints. The Historical Society and Town of Vinalhaven are actively looking at options for restoring the wheels.
UPDATE! 2019: Molly O. Carlsen from Head Tide Archaeological Conservation was hired to conserve the Galamander. Molly took paint samples, treated and replaced rotten spots, treated and painted the iron, and filled holes with a flexible epoxy. The paint samples were analyzed by Amy Cole Ives of Sunderland Conservation in Augusta. The closest commerical color match is Benjamin Moore #777 Summer Nights, so Molly gave the galamander a bright, shiny new coat of historically-appropriate paint! She left the Board of Selectmen with a detailed report of her work and recommended continued treatment.
The Galamander should eventually be found an indoor, humidity controlled space - moisture being the enemy for this wooden and iron rig.
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