Abbot Hall (Marblehead, Massachusetts) facts for kids
|
Abbot Hall
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
Abbot Hall, Marblehead, Massachusetts.
|
|
| Location | Marblehead, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | Lord & Fuller |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| Part of | Marblehead Historic District (ID84002402) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000374 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 6, 1974 |
| Designated CP | January 10, 1984 |
Abbot Hall is a special building in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It serves as both the town's main office and a historical museum. You can find it at 188 Washington Street. This beautiful building was built in 1876. It was designed by architects Lord & Fuller in the Romanesque style. Abbot Hall is recognized as an important historical site. It is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of Abbot Hall
Abbot Hall is not the first town hall in Marblehead. It is actually the fourth one! Before it, there was the First Meeting House from 1638. Then came the Old Meeting House in 1696. After that, the Old Town House was built in 1727.
Who Was Benjamin Abbot?
Abbot Hall is named after a man named Benjamin Abbot. He was a barrel maker and a trader. When Benjamin Abbot passed away in 1872, he left all his money to the town of Marblehead. This generous gift helped build the hall.
Treasures Inside Abbot Hall
Besides being the town's government center, Abbot Hall is also a museum. It holds many interesting historical items.
- The Spirit of '76 Painting: One of the most famous items is the original painting The Spirit of '76. It was painted by Archibald MacNeal Willard around 1875. This painting shows three American Revolution soldiers. It has been copied many times.
- Ancient Deed: The hall has a very old document from 1684. This is the original deed for Marblehead. It was signed by the family of Wenepoykin. He was the youngest son of Nanepashemet. Nanepashemet was a chief of the Pawtucket people. They were a group of Abenaki people who lived in the area.
- Important People and Events: You can also see a statue of Elbridge Gerry. He was from Marblehead and became a U.S. Vice President. There is a painting showing Marblehead residents helping George Washington. They rowed him across the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War.
- Local Art and History: The museum also displays a painting by J.O.J. Frost. He was a self-taught artist. Many other historical objects are also on display.
- Birthplace of the Navy: In the Selectmen's room, there is a special plaque. It was found in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. This plaque proudly states that Marblehead is the "Birthplace of the American Navy."
The Abbot Hall Clock
The tower of Abbot Hall has a large clock. It was made by Howard #2S and put in place in 1877. This clock is very precise.
How the Clock Works
The clock uses a long pendulum to keep time. This pendulum is about 10 feet long. It is powered by a heavy weight that weighs about 86 pounds. Another part of the clock, called the clangor escapement, makes the bell ring. It is powered by an even heavier weight, about 292 pounds.
The Bell and Its Care
The large bell in the tower was made by Meneely & Kimberly. They were a famous bell foundry in Troy, New York. A man named James J. H. Gregory donated the bell. Every week, maintenance workers climb the tower. They wind up the clock's movements to keep it running. The clock has even been featured in many local stories.
See also
