Where the parking garage stands today at the corner of Downer Place and Stolp Avenue, there once stood the grand old city hall/police station opened in 1868 and U.S. Post Office, built in 1895. But did you know this spot was a compromise born from Aurora's famous East vs. West rivalry?
The structure served as Malden's Town Hall (later City Hall) from 1857 until 1975. Designed by a Boston architect, it was the second brick building erected in the town. This prominent building, facing Malden Square, served as a focal point for community activity for many years. At different times it housed the local high school, the public library, the local police, and a series of dry goods stores in addition to town offices. The great hall on the second floor was used for town meetings and was rented out to local community and fraternal organizations.
Andover Town Hall is located near the central intersection of Andover's main business district, on the east side of Main Street (Massachusetts Route 28) between Park and Barnard Streets. It is a 2+1⁄2-story brick structure, with a front-facing gable roof and Romanesque Revival styling. Its main facade (facing west) is divided into three bays, each set in a panel with a round-arch top. The entrance is in the center bay, recessed within a round-arch opening and sheltered by a canopy with balcony.
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First steps to form an institute in Melrose were taken in 1869. First meeting held on 10 June 1869 in the Courthouse. Mr T B Marshall’s offer of a room, rent free, for 4 months was accepted.
On August 20 a lease of 2 cottages at the rear of the stables of the North Star Inn for 7 years, at 1/- per annum, was signed. A sum of £10 was spent putting the cottages in order, and there the Institute grew, and prospered.
“The first gifts recorded are 16 volumes donated by Horace Bemis; 22 volumes by Martin Adset; 10 volumes by Andrew Charles, a bust of Henry Clay given by S.F. Gilbert, and one of Daniel Websters which was presented by W.W. Osgoodby. An order for 90 books was made June 4th 1868, and on June 17th of the same year the Library was opened in the office of Dr. E.J. Johnson, in the Adist Block. The original bookcase, was made by the McConnell’s and paid for by a certificate of membership, in which these books were contained is now installed in the corridor of this building.
The building with the peaked roof next to Continental Hall, was Arcade Hall, another stone edifice. The Arcade was built in about 1850 and was different from the Continental as it was more of a multi-use building. The four-floor structure had a basement with a saloon and the 1st floor had offices for businesses and the U. S. Post Office. On the 2nd floor had rooms rented by professionals and businessmen. The top floor contained a large room with a stage for performances. For 20 years, the Arcade hosted shows that came to Lockport until the Hodge Opera House opened in 1871.