Connecticut western news., 1878-08-08
sa,,.s.ry,. New Town Hall.
GENEROUS APPROPRIATION, ENERGETIC COM NfTTEE AND GOOD WoRkMkN,
 WORK GREAT CHANGE. sssrs

NrrrRR AND GOOD woRKMEN,
 WORK A GREAT CHANGE. s
 The good old town of Salisbury, organ ixed in l74l, with all her good deeds in the past, in patriotism, in the many good men and true," she has sent out into the world, in her industries, her wealth, and so on to the end of the chapter, has gone a step in advance, again, and probably shows the finest town building of any rural com nunity in this commonwealth. It is just now ready for occupancy, and one who a year ago, looked upon it's dilapidated walls, sunken floors, weather-beaten gables, al- most minus paint, inside and out, and then to behold to-day a structure, pleasing to the eye. both in architectural taste and me chanical skill. arranged for the business transacted there, he could hardly restrain an exclamation of delight, that so soon the transformation had taken place. A NRws reporter had the pleasure of being shown through the building the other day, through the courtesy of Town clerk Pratt and Se lectmen Hubbard, and we need not add that these gentlemen take great delight in tho prospect of better. quarters for the transaction of their business, and the con- venience of all the residents of that town. A century has elapsed since the first build ing was erected on the site: first as a church, which accounts for the old ceme tery just back of it next as town hall, then as hotel, with a lease of 999 years, certain privileges being retained, to the eff feet that the upper portion be forever the towns, and the offices for the proper offic- ials, the landlord to heat and light the same. A few years ago, through the gen. erosity of John Fl. Cofang, Esq, who gave his interest in the old building to the town, and the remainder was purchased at reas- onable figure. it reverted to Salisbury, and hereafter it will be no more sanctuary or . hostlery. Within those walls the Con- nectieut Western NEws first saw the light, and it's early struggles, not unlike other newspaper experiences, wrought many cu- Eious fancies in it's reporter as he stood on the self-same spot Q few days ago.
 The necessity of a hall, for years appar- ent, eliminated in 6 town meeting Septem- ber 2sd, last, and $5, 900 were appropriated to repair it, and Messrs. Martin Harris, Dr. H. Knight and Robert Little being ap- pointed committee to supervise the work. In March another appropriation was made, of e700 to finish the hall, and 5000 for grading, lighting, etc., making $6,3OO in all. By October lst operations were commenced and pushed right along, with out delay or hindrsnce. Outside, the ap- pearance IS very pleasing. The old nn- slightly sheds have been removed, and the grounds graded, levelled of and put in proper order. A tower has been built on the west corner, adding much to the beauty of the structure, in which is broad, wind ing stairway leading to tho hall above; a private stairway is also in the east end. The exterior is painted light drsb, with dark trimmings, and is very pretty indeed, giving it cheerful appearance. A wide hallway on the first floor, runs the whole width of the building. To the left, as you enter, is the selectmen's room, 35xl5, and 3 very convenient, roomy place it is. The doors are of yellow pine, the ceilings ash, oiled aud shellaced, with dark trimmings. Large windows give plenty of light, and high ceilings make 1t exceedingly we'll ven tilated. The room has. number of chairs large table and other conveniences fol the business in that department. Across the hall, fronting the street, is the probate room, and here our friend. Col. Tupper will find the snuggest quarters imaginable for holding bis courts. Just in the rear il the vault, large enough for the convenien storage of the papers and records of the of flee. The ceilings are like those in the se- lectmen's room. Back of the probat, room Is the town clerks office, where tha veteran scribe and town functionary 10 years. Daniel Pratt, feels quite elated ove the fact that the remainder of his off1cis years can be passed in such cozy rooms despite the fact that his windows open ol to the solemn grave yard in the rear. Tn vault has also-ample room for records, an' an interesting hour we spent looking owe the account of the first meeting, in l74l when the inhabitants voted to form them selves into Q town.
 On the second floor, access to which i up the broad stairway Tn the tower. is tn town hall proper. Its dimensions ar s5x60, with high walls, large windows, al fording splendid light. The floors are ye low pine, finished in oil the ceilings ar ash, and there are some handsome specimen of graining here noticeable. the hand work of German who happened to dro
 along to Salisbury just in time to secur the contract. Some little difficulty is expt rienced in hearing distinctly in the bac
 part of the room, but this defect will b remedied soon. A large stage, lsx20.
 in the east end, giving ample convenience
 for dramatic entertainments and the likt
 The hall has seating capacity of 300, an
 the old-time benches have given place
 Morse's patent folding settees. They al
 moveable, and so arranged as to fold U
 and be taken away, clearing the floor f'
 dancing parties. Three large chandelie
 have been ordered, and the stsge has als
 side-lights. The dooIs swing both way
 and are covered with green rep. 1T
 walls throuaht the building are all hard-fi
 finished, and in fact all the materials enterir
 into the construction of the building, a
 of the best quality. The work was (
 done by local mechanics, by the day,
 there is no slight in that particular. It
 no wonder that Salisbury has public hs
 m which the citizens all take pride. not O
 ly as an ornament. but credit to their c