Wonder what stories these brick walls could tell you? This is the Mairie de Bois-Colombes. It stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Today I will share some insights about this special place.
The Mairie de Bois-Colombes wasn’t always here. Bois-Colombes officially became a commune on March 13 1896. Before that it was part of Colombes. People began settling here in the 1840s. Auguste Thiéfine opened an inn called Villa Thiéfine in 1843.
The arrival of the Paris to Argenteuil railway in 1857 increased interest in the area. People wanted affordable land. They built holiday homes that became permanent residences. The idea of forming a separate commune gained traction after the war of 1870. The area’s first public facilities were constructed. A church was built in 1870. A Protestant temple followed between 1883 and 1884. A covered market opened in 1888. An elementary school was established in 1889.
The determined separatists worked hard. They rallied residents and public authorities to their cause. They faced setbacks and successes. A plan to integrate part of Asnières-sur-Seine failed in 1889. Finally Bois-Colombes became a commune in 1896. Bois-Colombes celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2021.
Look at the Mairie de Bois-Colombes. In the 1930s the population grew to around 26000. The original number in 1897 was only 10000. A new town hall was needed. Construction took place from 1935 to 1937. Other public amenities appeared around the same time. The Square des Tourelles was created in 1930. It is now the Parc Franklin-Roosevelt. The gymnase La Sauvegarde was built in 1932. The municipal dispensary opened in 1934. The Paul-Bert and Jules-Ferry school groups were expanded in the late 1930s. Three of the five railway lines crossing the town were placed underground. This made crossing the tracks safer for residents. The piercing of the future Rue Félix-Braquet and the development of the Place de la République were underway. The construction of the Paul-Bert nursery school were also in progress.
The Mairie de Bois-Colombes has witnessed its fair share of historical events. During World War II Bois-Colombes prepared for potential bombardments as early as 1938. The town was a possible target. It housed companies involved in the war effort. Shelters were created in building cellars. The municipality built three trenches to protect many people. One was under Place de la République. Another was under Square Émile-Tricon. The last was under Place Jean-Mermoz.
Between 1940 and 1944 bombers frequently flew over Bois-Colombes. The planes were first German then Allied. Bois-Colombes was bombed three times in 1943. The dates were September 9 September 15 and December 31. The south of the town suffered the most. The neighborhoods of Les Vallées and Les Bruyères experienced widespread destruction. The area around Place de la République was also hit. In 1943 Bois-Colombes mourned 72 deaths. On August 19 1944 the Resistance seized the Mairie de Bois-Colombes. The French flag was raised. Bois-Colombes was liberated on August 25 1944.
Today the Mairie de Bois-Colombes stands as a symbol. It represents the town’s resilience. It is a testament to its growth and enduring spirit.