Community House (Hamilton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Community House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hamilton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Guy Lowell |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000265 |
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 2011 |
The Community House at 284 Bay Road in Hamilton, Massachusetts is a special historic building. It serves as a social and civic center for the towns of Hamilton and Wenham. This beautiful brick building was built in 1921. It was designed by a famous architect named Guy Lowell and has a style called Colonial Revival. In 2011, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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What is the Community House?
The Community House is a place where people from Hamilton and Wenham can gather. It's designed to bring people together for fun, learning, and community events. Think of it as a central hub for activities and meetings.
How Did the Community House Start?
The idea for the Community House came from George Snell Mandell and Emily Mandell. They lived in Hamilton and were also publishers of the Boston Transcript newspaper. The Mandells, along with other Hamilton residents, wanted to create a place for the community.
They worked with a group called Community Service, Inc. This national non-profit organization helped improve places for recreation. The Mandells bought the land for the building. It was in a quiet neighborhood, away from the main business area. They then gave the land to a new group called Hamilton House, Inc., which was created to own and care for the property forever.
What's Inside the Community House?
The Community House has two floors, plus a basement. On the first floor, you'll find a large auditorium, a cozy sitting room, a library, and a kitchen. These spaces are perfect for different kinds of events and gatherings.
The second floor has several meeting rooms. These rooms are used by various community groups. The basement originally had bowling lanes, a game room, and a lounge just for men.
Programs and Activities
The building is managed by Community Service of Wenham and Hamilton, Inc. Over the years, this group has offered many different programs. These include social events, fun recreational activities, and educational classes. The Community House is also available for other community groups to use for their meetings and special events.
How Has the Building Changed Over Time?
The biggest changes to the Community House have happened in the basement. When bowling became very popular, more lanes were added in 1934. Even an extra building next door was used for bowling!
Later, the original bowling lanes were changed into a shooting range for law enforcement. As bowling became less popular, the building next door was rented out. It was eventually sold after being turned into medical offices. The 1934 addition, which once held more bowling lanes, was also changed into meeting spaces. This shows how the Community House has adapted to the changing needs of the community over many years.
Images for kids
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The historic Community House in Hamilton, Massachusetts.
