Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-02-16
Town Hall Dedication Mt West Brookne,d

Town Hall Dedication MT West BroOkheld.
The citizens of West Brookfeld had very
pleasant reunion with their removed sons, and
their neighbors and friends generally, yester-
day afternoon, ON the occasion of the compile
ton and dedication of their new and beautiful
Town Hail. This hall stands on the cold
brick store" site, where for nearly half a cen
fury the mercantile business of the town was
done, and where for the most of that time the
post office was located upon the land of the
late Allen Newell, Esq. The building is so by
80 feet on the ground, with 80 feet posts,
standing on a basement of some four feet, COW
cred in front by an ascent of hammered gran
lite. The front part of the firstfoor is divided
into two stores, very commodious and conven-
lent, and neatly finished for their work. In
the rear is room for the new town engine,
with room for the meetings of the gallant
company that man it.
Upon the second floor is the hall, so by 60
feet square, with % feet posts. The interior
of the hall is very chastely finished in white,
with a rostrum at the end, and movable set
tees for seats. The windows are protected by
light inside blinds, and the evening illumina-
ton proceeds from central chandelier, with
bracket burners on the walls. Convenient
ante-rooms are on either side of the stairway,
suitable for all the necessities of the hall and
the convenience of the officers of the town.
The building is surmounted in front with
nice cupola, which contains one of the Vickers
patent cast steel bells, from the mandatory
of Naylor & Co., of Sheffield, Eng, weighing
some 1925 pounds, and costing some $3.50 and
it has the finest tone and all pervading
sound of any bell in the vicinity, as all within
ten miles around can testify
The building on the outside is of fine pro-
portions and neat finish, which reflects great
credit upon Capt. Edward Lamb of this city,
its builder, and on the enterprise and industry
of the building committee. The whole ex-
pense of site and building is about $4,000.
The exercises of the dedication were opened
by congratulatory welcome from the chair
man of the committee, and president of the
day, Josiah Henshaw, Esq, who, in speech
of great beauty aud eloquence, dedicated the
hall to liberty and free speech. Prayer was
offered by Rev. w. B. Stone of West Brook
field, followed with singing by select volun-
| teer choir, under the direction of c. B. Lyon,
with G. II. Fales at the piano, who interspers-
ed the afternoon exercises with very choice
and beautiful glees and songs, rejecting great
credit on the skill and taste of the leader and
associates. Rev. Mr.. Cordley of West Brook
| field was then introduced, and made a speech
of great ability and adaptedness to the occa-
sion, charging with skill upon the various
uses of a town hall, for its ordinary town pur-
poses, and in its influence on the educational
moral, and religious interests of the place.
Hon. Amasa Walker of North Brookfeld,
being called on, said that although not native
of that Brookfeld, yet as native of the next
town, and as having first commenced business
for himself 80 years before on that spot, he
felt great interest in all the affairs of this
place, from which he enlarged upon the uses
OF the Town Hall and Lyceum, and sketched
the history of each to the present time, and
with some interesting "reminiscences and anec-
dotes he concluded very telling speech.
An interesting letter from l.. Merriam Esq
OF 1reenneid' was then read, regretting his
necessary absence, and adding his story of
personal interest and congratulation.
Geo. M. Rice, Esq, of Worcester Mr.
Walkers clerk of 80 years ago on that alto
then made brief but interesting address fol-
lowed by Nathan b. Chamberlin, ESQ. q
, Boston, Joseph A. Rowland of Worcester, Rev
d w. b. Stone Of West Brookfeld and Danic
e Allen, Esq, Of Boston. Singing closed tn
r exercises, and the audience adjourned from Oh
rich intellectual feast, 10 a bountiful suppt
y provided by our ancient hosts, Cowee & Haiti
away, at their hotel directly opposite.
In the evening, the youth and beauty of Ii
village filed the hall with the may dance,
the delicious music of our own ArbuckIe
PATS string band. Supper for the dance
was provided by George Crowell of the Vic
ed aboag House, and Cowee & Hathaway,
be their hotek
OF The whole occasion was one of great plea
ure, satisfaction, and joy, TO all the particip