Town House 150th Anniversary

I’ve written on the subject before, but today North Brookfield celebrated the 150th anniversary of our beloved Town House, and I couldn’t resist writing about the block party I attended this afternoon.

As most of you (you, my loyal readers) know, architect Elbridge Boyden designed the Town Hall, which was completed in 1864.  Back in those days, there were no federal or state grants; after a disastrous fire in 1862 destroyed the existing Town Hall, as well as Town, bank, and school records, a new Town Hall was funded by the community itself.  The building was the center of town life for many years, until it fell into disrepair in the first years of this century and was closed to public use.  However, it remains on the National Register of Historic Places (it earned the designation in 2001), and with a recent million dollar state grant, we have a chance to bring it back to life.

By 1 pm, I was standing at the corner of Summer and Main, listening to the newly restored bell ring, along with an enthusiastic crowd of fellow townspeople. A children’s chorus sang You’re A Grand Old Flag, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance, then we sang the Star-Spangled Banner.  Town Moderator Jim Caldwell took the stage as Master of Ceremonies; he first introduced both Senator Stephen Brewer and Representative Anne Gobi.  On various occasions Senator Brewer has helped our town secure funding for historic preservation; in gratitude for his years of service to this district and to our Commonwealth, we presented him with a special gift of a stationery box, made from wood recovered from the building during previous structural repairs.

Over the next hour, we were regaled with stories about the Town Hall; probably the best reference for its history is the new book written by Marilyn Horst titled George M. Cohan Was Here! North Brookfield’s Town House Past, Present and Future.  We learned that in years past, the building housed a fruit store, a barbershop, a doctor’s office, the Police Department and other town offices; the great hall was the venue for plays such as Eugene O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness and for school dances.

After the speeches were over, I looked over the display of Town House memorabilia, as well as the entries in the school art contest (they were clearly done by children).  I also admired the Belgian draft horses pulling the hay wagon and taking people for rides.  There were Civil War re-enactors camped out nearby and vintage cars on display; there was face and pumpkin painting; and in the evening, there would be a dance at the North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club, with a $1 admission and live music. Before I returned home, I signed the birthday card and enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream.

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North Brookfield residents and friends gather in front of the Town House.

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The building looks very festive.

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Note the citation from Preservation Works.

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Senator Brewer is honored with a gift.

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We were entertained by old-time musical numbers.

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I did sign the birthday card.

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The birthday cake was delicious.

Won’t it be a great day for North Brookfield when I write about the Town House grand re-opening!