Built in 1874 Saugus Town Hall stands proudly. Its Gothic architecture is striking. This magnificent building served as more than just a town hall. It was the heart of the community.
The cornerstone was laid in 1874. A grand procession marked the occasion. The East Saugus Brass Band played. Nathaniel P Banks gave an oration. The event ended with a benediction.
The building’s construction was not without its challenges. It was built on low wet land. This required extensive filling. The project plunged Saugus into a $50000 debt. This debt fueled conflict. The East Saugus neighborhood even considered annexation to Lynn. The dispute eventually resolved. The town allocated $5000 for water pipes in East Saugus.
The dedication ceremony took place in 1877. It was a momentous event. Dignitaries from Saugus and Lynn attended. Wendell Phillips delivered the dedicatory address. The event culminated with a benediction by Rev Samuel Jackson.
Saugus Town Hall housed various town offices. It also served as a high school classroom and a public library. These moved later to their own buildings. The second floor functioned as a community room. It hosted everything from town meetings to boxing matches. In the basement the police department and jail resided until 1936.
The town hall has witnessed numerous notable events. In 1892 town collector William F Hitchings died during a town meeting. A fire in 1927 caused $5000 in damages. Yet town documents were saved. In 1929 Marchioness Townshend visited. She toured Saugus during Lynn’s tercentenary celebration. The hall also served as a place to lay in state fallen soldiers. In 1975 a theft of $30000 in municipal funds occurred.
By the 1990s disrepair threatened the building. Demolition was considered. But the Saugus Historical Commission intervened. A $3.5 million renovation saved Saugus Town Hall. The building reopened in 1998. The renovation included a new mural. Today Saugus Town Hall continues to serve the community. It stands as a testament to its history and resilience.