July 1894 - ALL TOWNSEND CELEBRATES

Business Suspended for Town Hall Dedication

Intended for use of Town Officers and Citizens and as a Memorial to soldiers Who Fell in Civil War - Description of the Fully Appointed Structure

TOWNSEND: July 11,1894. Business was generally suspended here today, and the townspeople united with many visitors from adjoining places in the dedication of the new town hall building.

The completion of this structure is the result of the steady, preserving efforts of the Soldiers' Memorial Association of Townsend to erect a suitable testimonial, to the comrades who lost their lives during the civil war.

The first step was taken at the town meeting on March 8, 1886, when Capt.A.D. Fessenden secured the appropriation of $100 as the basis of a trust fund to be subsequently used for the erection of a monument or fitting memorial to Townsend's fallen heroes. A.D. Fessenden, Dr. L.G. Chandler and C.W.Hidreth were chosen trustees. Since then the following appropriations have been made: 1886, $75 unexpended from previous Decoration Day; 1887, $100; 1888, $200; 1889, $100; 1890, $500; 1891, $500; total $1575.

In 1892 it became evident that no better memorial could be erected than a hall of which the town stood greatly in need and at the March meeting a committee of 25 was chosen to consider the advisability of erecting such a building, as certain its probable cost. etc., and report at an adjourned meeting April 25 1894.

The committee reported favorably on the project, advised the purchase of a site on Main Street owned by A. L. Fessenden and recommended that the town appropriate $2000 and borrow $13,000 more to be paid in ten years at 4 percent, interest. The report was accepted, and A.D. Fessenden, T.S. Hittinger and Clarence Stickney were appointed a building committee.

The selection of plans and other unavoidable delays made it unexpedient to began work in 1892, but early in 1893 ground was broken.

The building is conveniently located on Main Street, in the Centre of the town. The lot on which it stands has a frontage of 143 and a depth of 157 feet, covering 22,000 square feet.

The building itself is a 1 1/2 story structure of the modern Queen Anne style of architecture. There is also total floor space of 14,000 square feet, every part of which is calculated for use.

The memorial tablet is placed directly over the main entrance, and contains the inscription: "Memorial Hall".

As one passes through the vestibule he comes to the cloak rooms, ticket office and stairs leading to the galleries.

Directly in front is the main hall, 46x66, having a seating capacity of 450, with standing room for 200 more. At the head of the main hall is an elevated platform or stage, 17x27, with dressing rooms on the sides. At the rear of the hall is a circular gallery, 23x46 feet, with a seating capacity of 150. Both auditorium and gallery are provided with the latest style of folding chairs. On the platform is a concert grand piano, purchased by the Young People's Musical Association.

On the left of the main hall are the library and reading rooms, 18x48. The reading room contains an ornamental fireplace and mantel, with French plate mirror. The library is furnished with the latest pattern of adjustable shelves and contains several thousand volumes.

Over the library is a room for the use of the Soldier's Memorial Association.

On the opposite side of the building are the town officers' rooms fitted up in the same style as the library and reading rooms.

Connected with the treasurer's office is a fire and burglar proof vault 10 feet square, below which is another for the preservation of town records which extend back to 1732.

On the lower floor is the banquet hall 46x49, back of which is the kitchen which is provided with every modern convenience and furnished by the Soldiers' Memorial Association. On this floor are the heating and ventilating apparatus.

The building is lighted by a large chandelier of 16 lamps and 39 hanging and wall lamps. Water is supplied from a tank in the attic.

The interior finish throughout is of cypress, with hard pine floors.

The town was arrayed in holiday attire, stores and many dwellings being elaborately decorated. The crowds of people were formally welcomed.

At 9:30 o'clock the Soldiers Memorial Association and prominent citizens met the invited guests at the railroad station and escorted by the Townsend cornet band, proceeded to inspect the new building.

From 12 to 2:30 pm dinner was served in the banquet hall, 600 covers being laid.

At 2:30 o'clock the dedicatory exercises at the hall began.

An invocation was offered by Rev. Granville Pierce.

The address was delivered by President Elmer H Capen of Tufts College. An historical sketch of the works was read by Capt. A.D. Fessenden, chairman of the building committee. This was followed by five minute speeches by invited guests.

The program was interspersed with selections by the Townsend cornet band.

This evening the Herbert D Johnson Quintet Club of Boston will give a concert in the hall.

Taken from Townsend Memorial Hall 1894 July 10,1994

Memorial Hall underwent extensive Restoration in 1998-1999. Click here to learn more.