Town Hall      Number 9. Town Hall. 30 South Main Street. The Town Hall is relatively new to this exact site. It was built in 1833 to be the home of the Independent Congregational Society, known as Unitarian. They weren't successful in maintaining their membership, so they were obliged to sell to the town in 1843. In 1866, the town bought more land, moved the building to the center of the lot and enlarged it. Earlier in the 1800's, there was an old house there which was owned by Joseph Green Cogswell. He was a famous teacher and is credited with changing the course of American education. In the later years of his life, he worked for John Jacob Aster selecting the books for his new library.
     The upper picture was taken in 1906, after the second floor and steeple were added. At one time, the rear section housed the General Sutton hook and ladder. Accomodations were available for the workers, as well as the horses, used to pull the fire apparatus. Town Hall
From Susan Boice Howard's "Historic Ipswich."

1833 -- THE UNITARIAN CHURCH
     The first services were held at the Court House in the spring of 1833. Three years later, a lot was purchased on County Street where a church was built. The Unitarians caused many bitter feelings bringing about the collapse of the church. The town bought the Meeting House, using it as a Town Hall.
     In 1866, a piece of land on the south side of the lot was purchased. The Town Hall was moved to the center of the lot and remodeled. The lower floor was raised to a second-story level and a new first floor was built. A rear section was added, at one time being used to house a fire station and a dame school in the loft. Town Hall
Upper photos from Historic Ipswich by Susan Boice Howard ©1991.
Lower photo by Sandy Delano.

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