Its initial primary purpose as a mechanics' institute (one of many established about this time throughout the country) was to provide educational opportunities, mainly through evening classes, for working men. Lectures for the general public were also provided of wide interest covering topics ranging from Arctic exploration to Shakespeare and philosophy. Luminaries like Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope and Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered talks and readings in the main lecture hall (now the architecturally restructured Sir Paul McCartney Auditorium of LIPA).

Kilgore Hall continued to be the home of the mainstream, more respectable theatre, even after it changed hands In 1869.

The Saengerbund Singing Society constructed Saenger Halle (Saengerhalle) at 14th & Elm. Business interests in the city contributed $5,000 toward the construction of the structure, and it was agreed that the building would be used for Cincinnati's first exposition.

Friends of Music Hall

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.

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“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. 

See The First United Methodist Church of Baldwinsville

See Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education