Abbot Hall (Marblehead, Massachusetts)

Abbot Hall

Location Marblehead, Massachusetts
Coordinates 42°30′8.94″N 70°51′10.04″W / 42.5024833°N 70.8527889°W / 42.5024833; -70.8527889Coordinates: 42°30′8.94″N 70°51′10.04″W / 42.5024833°N 70.8527889°W / 42.5024833; -70.8527889
Built 1876
Architect Lord & Fuller
Architectural style Other, Romanesque
Part of Marblehead Historic District (#84002402[1])
NRHP Reference # 74000374[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP September 6, 1974
Designated CP January 10, 1984
The Spirit of '76 by Archibald MacNeal Willard.

Abbot Hall is a town hall and historical museum located at 188 Washington Street, Marblehead, Massachusetts.[2] It is open year-round, though with restricted hours in the colder months.[3] Constructed in 1876 and designed in the Romanesque style by Lord & Fuller architects, the Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property in the historic district.

In addition to serving as the seat of Marblehead’s town government, Abbot Hall has holdings as a museum. It contains the original painting Spirit of '76 by American Archibald MacNeal Willard, which was widely reproduced;[2] the 1684 deed to Marblehead signed by descendants of Wenepoykin, youngest son of Nanepashemet, chief or sachem of the regional Pawtucket confederation of Abenaki peoples prior to Pilgrim settlement; a bust of native son and U.S. Vice-President Elbridge Gerry; a painting of Marbleheaders rowing Washington across the Delaware River during the American Revolution; a painting by primitivist J.O.J. Frost, and a number of other historical artifacts. A plaque on display in the Selectmen's room, discovered in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, proclaims Marblehead as the "Birthplace of the American Navy."[4]

Clock

The clock in the tower of Abbot Hall is a Howard #2S installed in 1877; it is governed by a 10 ft (3.0 m) pendulum escapement, driven by an 86 lb (39 kg) weight.[2] The clangor escapement is governed by a flutter vane assembly and is powered by a 292 lb (132 kg) weight.[2] The Bell was cast by Meneely & Kimberly in Troy, New York.[5] Every week the maintenance workers ascend the tower to wind the movements. Local authors have featured the clock in numerous stories.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2006-03-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 3 4 abbothall.org
  3. ↑ See Marblehead Museum or the Friends of Abbot Hall for details
  4. ↑ USS Hannah -Wikipedia
  5. ↑ Bell Casting in Troy - A Family Affair, by Charles Skinner Archived 2014-06-30 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ↑ "The Bell Of Abbot Hall", Text and Photos by Bill Purdin, Legend Inc.
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