Kensington Town House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kensington Town House
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 95 Amesbury Road, Kensington, New Hampshire |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000155 |
| Added to NRHP | April 9, 2013 |
The Kensington Town House is the main building where the town of Kensington, New Hampshire handles its local government business. It's like the town's office and meeting place. Located at 95 Amesbury Road, this wooden building was built way back in 1846. It's special because it was designed specifically to be the town's hall.
The Town House is a great example of Greek Revival architecture in the area. This style was popular because it looked like ancient Greek temples. For many years, the hall inside was used for important town meetings and fun community events. In 2013, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
What Does a Town Hall Do?
A town hall is a building where local government happens. It's where people meet to make decisions for the town. It can also be a place for town offices. Think of it as the heart of the town's community life.
A Look at the Kensington Town House
The Kensington Town House is in the middle of town. It sits on Amesbury Road, near other important buildings like two churches. The building has one main floor and a half-story above. It's made of wood and has a pointed roof.
The front of the building faces east. It looks balanced, with two doors and a window in the middle. The doors have fancy columns next to them and small windows above. The corners of the building also have decorative columns. Above the main part, there's a triangular section. This is where a flagpole usually holds an American flag.
Inside, the main floor has a large space for meetings. There's also a basement area. This is where some of the town's offices are located.
History of the Kensington Town House
Kensington became its own town in 1762. Before that, it was part of other towns like Hampton. The first meeting house for the town was built in 1733. A second one replaced it in 1770-71.
By the 1840s, religious groups no longer used the old building. People also thought it was too big for the town's needs. So, the old building was taken down. The current Town House was built in its place in 1846. Some of the stones from the old building's foundation were used for the new one. It's even possible some old wooden beams were reused!
The building has been changed a few times over the years. In the 1880s, it was made bigger. In 1918, a two-story addition was built. At that time, a stage was added to the main hall. This made it perfect for performances and events.
Besides town meetings, the Town House has hosted many fun events. These include private parties, meetings for community groups, dances, and balls. In the 1970s, the town started using a bigger hall for its main meetings. However, the Kensington Town House remains a very important part of the town's history.
