The issues surrounding the fate of the former Bartels Lodge continue to rage with no clear denouement in sight, but the basic arguments haven't evolved beyond the originals.
Those who see the old inn building, which later became a boarding house, in its latter form are refusing to acknowledge its historical significance. This building dates to the early days of the state and of the United States, and it was an inn and at one time an artists' colony.
That is historic when it comes to early 19th or late 18th century buildings of any type. Think in terms of the River Bend Farm house in Williamstown, Mass., which was an inn and tavern and once a stopping point for militia heading for the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
On the other hand, Bartels Lodge appears to be in rough shape following years of being vacant and a fire. It doesn't seem clear, however, whether that means it is unsalvageable, despite the expected significant cost of renovating an old wooden structure.
So this comes down to money, and most likely an infusion of private money. The town has never shown a serious interest in funding improvements, and grant funding can never bear the entire burden for this type of project.
If there is someone out there, or some group willing to put up some serious money, now is the time to step forward. So far, that has been conspicuously lacking, and the longer this drags on, the more Pownal residents are likely to resign themselves to pulling the plug.
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