“Did they really roller skate here?” a child’s voice might have echoed through the Arlington Coal and Lumber building back in 1885. Arlington Coal and Lumber, a landmark at 41 Park Avenue in Arlington, Massachusetts, has witnessed a fascinating evolution since its construction in 1875. Originally, this striking example of Late Gothic Revival architecture served as a vital community hub. Its second-floor auditorium, known as Union Hall, hosted a kaleidoscope of activities. Religious services filled the hall while various denominations awaited their own churches. Dancing classes and dramatic productions graced the stage. The Arlington Zouaves, a spirited marching society, practiced their drills. And yes, even roller skating enthusiasts found their place within these historic walls. While the upper floor pulsed with community life, the ground floor, as it does today, served commercial purposes. Arlington Coal and Lumber wasn’t always about lumber. In 1914, the Arlington Coal Company opened its doors at this very location. It provided coal, a crucial commodity in the early 20th century, alongside lumber, hay, straw, lime, and cement. Coal shipments arrived via the Boston & Maine Railroad, feeding into large coal shoots. Imagine children sliding down those massive coal shoots, a memory many still share today. Sadly, those iconic shoots were destroyed in a devastating fire in 1951. The company officially embraced its lumber focus on May 12, 1923, when its name changed to Arlington Coal & Lumber Company. The building itself has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985, a testament to its enduring presence in Arlington’s history. Today, Arlington Coal and Lumber continues its legacy, providing quality building materials and expert service to contractors and homeowners alike. It stands as a reminder of a time when a single building could house the heart of a community and the commerce that sustained it.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to