Mechanics Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts) facts for kids
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| Address | 321 Main St. |
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| Location | Worcester, MA |
| Public transit |
Framingham/Worcester Line
Union Station |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1855 |
| Renovated | 1977 |
| Website | |
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Mechanics Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Architect | Boyden & Ball |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| Part of | Mechanics' Hall District (ID80000577) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000152 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 9, 1972 |
| Designated CP | March 5, 1980 |
Mechanics Hall is a famous concert hall located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was built a long time ago, in 1857. The building has a beautiful design called Renaissance Revival style.
In 1977, it was carefully restored to its original glory. Mechanics Hall was first built to help workers learn new skills. Today, it is known as one of the best concert halls in North America. People also use it for other performing arts events. It even has a special recording studio inside!
History of Mechanics Hall
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In 1842, workers in Worcester created a group called the Mechanics Association. Their goal was to help members learn new skills. These skills were important for working with machines in factories.
In 1857, the association built Mechanics Hall. It was a place for learning and cultural activities. The third floor had a large concert hall. This hall had amazing acoustics. This means that voices and music sounded clear. You could hear them well without any electronic speakers. A large pipe organ was added in 1864.
The building became a busy place. It had meeting rooms and a library. Many famous people spoke there. These included writer Charles Dickens and women's rights activist Susan B. Anthony. The hall's great sound also attracted top musicians. Performers like Ella Fitzgerald and Yo Yo Ma played there.
On April 3, 1910, President William Howard Taft visited the hall. He spoke about issues important to railroad workers. A large parade welcomed him to Worcester.
By the middle of the 1900s, downtown Worcester changed. The old building was not as popular. Mechanics Hall was rented for sports like boxing and basketball. The building started to look run down. The people in charge of the Mechanics Association thought about selling it.
But then, a group called the Worcester Heritage Society stepped in. They wanted to save the hall from being torn down. The community worked together. They raised $5 million to restore the building in 1977. This big effort helped bring new life to downtown Worcester.
The Hook Organ
The Hook Organ is a very special pipe organ. It is located in the Main Hall of Mechanics Hall. E. & G.G. Hook built it in 1864.
This organ has 52 stops and 3,504 pipes. It is the oldest organ of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. It has four keyboards and has not been changed much since it was built. The organ was also restored in 1982.
