Grand Army of the Republic Hall (Orange, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Grand Army of the Republic Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Grand Army of the Republic Hall, circa 1933
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| Location | 14 Prospect Street Orange, Massachusetts |
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| Part of | Orange Center Historic District (ID89000057) |
| Added to NRHP | April 27, 1989 |
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall was an important historic building. It was made of brick and stood at 14 Prospect Street in Orange, Massachusetts. This hall was built by a group called the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). They wanted to create a special place to remember the soldiers who fought for the Union Army in the Civil War. Many such halls were built across the country. This hall was also a part of the Orange Center Historic District.
Remembering Civil War Heroes
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall was a meeting place for a local group. This group was called the Gen. Sedgwick GAR Post No. 17. A "post" is like a local chapter or club. This particular post was named after a famous Civil War general, John Sedgwick.
In the 1930s, a government project studied old buildings. This project was called the Historic American Buildings Survey. It was part of the WPA, which helped people find jobs during tough times. They found that this hall was one of only 20 GAR halls left in Massachusetts. Only four of these remaining halls were made of brick. What made this hall extra special was that it was the only brick hall with a unique turret tower.
Sadly, the Grand Army of the Republic Hall is no longer standing. According to the local historical society in Orange, Massachusetts, the building was taken down in the early 1990s.
Gallery
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Side and front views of the hall
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Inside the Grand Army of the Republic Hall
