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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMunicipal-Buildings-Report P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Cover.doc A History of the Lexington Municipal Buildings Lexington, Massachusetts Prepared by: Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. 300 A Street Boston, MA 02210 617-350-0450 Prepared for: Town of Lexington Department of Public Facilities September 21, 2011 BH+A Project No. 3042.00 Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 1  A History of the Lexington Municipal Buildings- 1682 to Present Timeline of Municipal Buildings in the Town of Lexington 1639 The first Post Office in the Colony of Massachusetts was designated by the General Court. 1642 The beginning of settlement on land known as Cambridge Farms. 1692 The first meeting house was constructed in the Common at Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street. Demolished 1713. 1713 Lexington was incorporated into a Town. 1713 The second meeting house was built on the Common and expanded in 1722. 1795 The third meeting house was built on the Common, north of previous meeting house. Burned in 1846. 1813 The first Post Office was located in the ell of Buckman’s Tavern when Rufus Merriam was commissioned Postmaster. 1829 Sheds were built to house the first fire engines, one in Center Village on the Common and one in East Village. 1836 The East Village Post Office was established in “The Brick Store” when Amos Adams was commissioned Postmaster. 1841 The Center Village Post Office moved to the Davis House on the lower corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Muzzey Street when John Davis was commissioned Postmaster. 1845 1557 Massachusetts Avenue residence was built by Hammond A Hosmer. 1847 First Lexington Town Hall built at 1474 Massachusetts Avenue by David Tuttle. 1854 The Lexington High school opened on second floor of the Town Hall building. 1857 The Hancock and Adams Engine Fire Companies formed. 1867 Center Post Office moved to the old Savings Bank building at 1776 Massachusetts Avenue when Leonard G. Babcock was commissioned Postmaster. 1867 Augustus Childs was appointed Postmaster of the East Village Post Office and moved the office to his store in the former Adams School building. 1871 Second Town Hall built at 1735 Massachusetts Avenue, opposite of Waltham Street. It housed Town offices, the Free Library, a Town Hall, and a Masonic Hall. It was demolished in 1928. 1873 Town of Lexington bought the Universalist Society Church to remodel the lower level to house the East Lexington fire station and the upper level for a meeting hall. The building was then called Village Hall. 1874 Mr. Babcock moved the Center Village Post Office when the Central Block buildings on Massachusetts were completed by John L Norris. 1876 The Hancock Engine Company relocated to Meriam Street Station. 1879 The Adams Engine Company moved into Village Hall. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 2  1895 Renovations to Meriam Street Firehouse. 1904 Postmaster Leonard A Saville moved the Center Village Post Office to the new Savings Bank building. 1909 The East Lexington Post Office was discontinued when the free delivery of mail was established. 1913 The Lexington Post Office moved to 1756 Massachusetts Avenue. 1924 The Post Office moved to the remodeled Old Frank Holmes barn on Waltham Street. 1927-1928 Third and present Town Hall Building and Cary Memorial Building built at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. 1936 The Town of Lexington bought the Hammond A Hosmer property for $25,000 and used it as overflow for the Town offices. 1938 The new Post Office at 1661 Massachusetts Avenue was dedicated. 1947 The Lexington Center Fire station was built at 46 Bedford Street. 1950 The Custance Brothers contractors restored the Hammond A Hosmer house to its original appearance by removing the porch. 1951 The East Lexington Fire Station was demolished and a new station was erected on the same site. 1957 The Police Station was built at 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, completing the municipal 3-building complex. 1958 Hammond A Hosmer house was used as the Lexington School Administration Offices. 1970-1971 New rear addition to the Town Office Building. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 3  The Municipal buildings of Lexington include the original Meeting houses, Town Halls, Town Office Building and Cary Memorial Building, Police Stations, Post Offices, Fire Stations and School Administration Building. These civic buildings all have unique stories to tell about the development of Lexington from a small farming settlement to a prosperous community. Lexington Meeting Houses, 1682-1846 Meeting houses in Lexington were the center of religious and political society and were used for a variety of purposes. These buildings were early church buildings and used as gathering places for religious services as well as public meeting spaces to conduct business.1 The origin of the meeting house in Lexington is traced back to 1682 when the settlers of Cambridge Farms petitioned the General Court for a separate parish. After ten years, the petition was granted and the residents were allowed to collect taxes to fund their own parish. Benjamin Estabrook of Concord was chosen for the minister and the first Puritan meeting house was constructed in 1692. The meeting house was located on the common, where Captain Parker’s statue stands, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street. The simple, unpainted wood structure had a shingle roof and cost sixty pounds to build. During church services, the thirty members had assigned seating determined by age, property and social position, with males on one side, and females and children on the other.2 When Lexington was incorporated into a Town in 1713, the parish voted to build a new meeting house on the Common. It was built on land purchased by Mr. Muzzey3 just behind the previous meeting house, and constructed at the cost of 416 pounds.4 This meeting house was a two-story box structure5 that resembled the plan of the meeting house in Concord, measuring 50 feet long and 40 feet wide, with one tier of galleries for extra seating.6 Membership increased to over 100 families in 1722. At this time, a second gallery was added for the town’s slaves and poor, and families were allowed to sit together.7 1775 Lexington Commons Map. (Worthen, Edwin B. Map of Boston and Vicinity, 1924. http://historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov/lexmaps/period_maps_lexington.htm). The second meeting house in Center Village accommodated Town meetings and religious activity for 80 years, but in March of 1793, the Town voted to erect a third Meetinghouse.8 With opposition from the some East Village residents wanting the building                                                              1 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts. Recorded by David Ostrow, Management Intern, Town of Lexington. August 16, 1981. Pg 1. 2 Richard Kollen. Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb. Great Britain: Arcadia Publishing, 2004. Pg 11. 3 Edwin B. Worthen. A Calendar History of Lexington, Massachusetts, 1620-1946. Lexington, 1946. Pg 24. 4Charles Hudson. History of the Town of Lexington. Cambridge: The Riverside Press Co., 1913. Pg 42. 5 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 12.  6 Hudson, 42.   7 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 12.  8 Worthen, 39.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 4  closer to East Lexington, the Town decided the third meeting house would also be erected on the Common, twenty feet back from the previous meeting house9. Members of the congregation donated money for the new building, including John Hancock, who donated 100 pounds.10 This meeting house was two stories tall and painted pea-green.11 The building was originally constructed with a steeple, but some years afterwards, the steeple became unsafe and was removed.12 On January 15, 1794 the meetinghouse was dedicated13 and this time, the seating was determined by auction.14 At Town meetings in 1831 and 1833, an idea of constructing a building for the town was declined.15 East Lexingtonians petitioned for a meeting house closer to East Lexington for many years. In 183316 and again in 1835, the Town refused to consider building a new meeting house in a more convenient location for the residents of East Lexington.17 Before 1833, the only church in Lexington was the meeting house on the Common.18 Other churches and meeting halls were established in East Lexington, starting with the Stone Building in 1833. It was built by Eli Robbins as a worship hall and public assembly19 and currently houses the East Lexington Branch Library. The First Universalist Society built their church (later called Village Hall) in 1839 in East Lexington on the corner of Massachusetts Ave and Locust Ave.20 Adjacent to the Stone Building, Follen Church was built in 1840 for the Second Congregational Society of Lexington.21 In 1846, Mr. S.B. Temple was hired to remodel the meetinghouse on the common. When it was substantially complete, it tragically caught fire and burned to the ground on December, 17, 1846.22 The parish was replaced by the present First Parish Church on Harrington Road.23 This was the beginning of the Town Hall buildings in Lexington with a separation between Town meeting hall and religious congregation space. Lexington Town Halls, 1847-Present                                                              9 Hudson, 252.  10 Worthen, 39.  11 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 43.  12 Worthen, 39.  13 Ibid.  14 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 43.  15 Worthen, 57.  16 Ibid.  17 Worthen, 59.  18 Worthen, 57.  19 Worthen, 58.  20 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 59.  21 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 58.  22 Hudson, 336.  23 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 43.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 5  1875 Map showing Town Halls and Meeting House locations. (J.B. Beers and Co, 1875 Map of Lexington Center, pg 72. http://historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov/lexmaps/period_maps_lexington.htm). Town Hall location from 1871‐1928  Town Office Building location from 1928‐Present Town Hall location from 1847‐1871  Meeting House locations from 1682‐1847  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 6  The first Town Hall building, built by David Tuttle in 1847, was a two story, Greek revival building with colossal columns and a pedimented entry.24 It was located at 1474 Massachusetts Avenue, shown on the 1853 Map of Lexington. The second floor was originally intended as a committee room, but the first Lexington High school opened in the space in 1854. The High School enrolled 30 students in the first class. The conditions were not ideal for a classroom because of windows on only one side of the building and one stove to heat the whole room.25 1853 Map of Lexington shows Town Hall on bottom right corner. (Walling, H.F. Map of Lexington, 1853. http://historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov/lexmaps/period_maps_lexington.htm). “Old High School.” (Kelley, 62. Date Unknown). Moved to Vine Street in 1902. In this photograph, a rear addition is seen under construction. The stone cannon on the grounds can still be seen today.26                                                              24Beverly Allison Kelly. Lexington: A Century of Photographs. Lexington Historical Society. Boston: Thomas Todd Company, 1980. 25 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 45.  26 Ibid.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 7  1847-1871 Town Hall. (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 52. Date Unknown. ) Moved to Vine Street in 1902. When a new Town Hall was built in 1871, the school expanded and occupied the whole building.27 At a Town meeting in 1901, $55,000 was appropriated for the construction of a new High School on the same grounds.28 The Town voted in 1902 to sell the of Town Hall building to Mr. William E. Denham for $11029. He cut the building into two sections and moved it to Vine Street to remodel into tenement houses.30 1908 Sanborn Map of Vine Street. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950).The old Town Hall was moved to Vine Street and converted to tenement buildings.                                                              27 Richard Kollen, Joo-Hee Chung, Heather-Marie Knight, and Kendra Whiteside. Lexington, Images of America. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2001. Pg 52. 28 Worthen, 100.  29 Kelly, 62.  30 Worthen, 101.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 8  The pillars and columns from the old Town Hall building were salvaged and reused at the entrances of the new high school.31 In 1951, the building became Muzzy Junior High when a new high school was constructed and presently the building is converted into the Muzzy Condominiums.32 “Muzzey Junior High School.” (Kelley, 63. Date unknown). Note the columns and pillars have been reused from the old Town Hall building from 1847. The Cary Family of Lexington were great beneficiaries of town institutions. Mrs. Maria Hastings Cary, wife of William Harris Cary, offered the Town $1,000 in 1868 to fund a public library.33 The next year, a free library was established on the second floor above the general store owned by Bradley C Whitcher.34 Whitcher General Store. (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America 23) The library was so successful in its first year that Mrs. Cary proposed the erection of a library building at a Town meeting in 1869. She offered a gift of $4,000 for a Memorial Hall and $6,000 toward a free Library to be housed in a new Town Hall provided that the Town build the municipal building. The first Town Hall was not adequately meeting the needs for the Town departments and a committee had already been appointed in 1866 to consider the erection of a second Town Hall.35 The Town approved the proposal and purchased land where the Dio Lewis’ Seminary formerly stood at approximately 1735 Massachusetts Avenue, opposite of Waltham Street.36 Fighting ensued between East and Center Village residents about the location for the second                                                              31 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 45.  32 Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 54.   33 Worthen, 72  34 Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 23.  35 Worthen, 71  36 Worthen, 73  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 9  Town Hall. The residents of East Village wanted the new Town Hall to be constructed closer to them, even though a spot was already picked out in Center Village.37 The second Town Hall was a brick, 4-story building designed in second empire style by architects Gridley J. F. Bryant and Louis P. Rogers of Boston38 at a cost of $42,150.39 A dedication ceremony was held on April 19, 1871 with a banquet in the Center railroad station.40 1887 Sanborn Map of Town Hall. (Sanborn Fire Insurance 1927 Sanborn Map of Town Hall. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). A vault on the rear of the building is seen on the 1918 Sanborn map. This 1927 map indicates that the building has electric lights and steam heat. The first floor layout was designed around a central corridor with a staircase up to the second floor on either side. Further down the hall, an octagonal Memorial Hall in the center served as a vestibule to the Free Library.41 The Town Offices were located in a long, narrow room on the right side of the building. The Lexington Savings Bank occupied a small part of the back of the room for 22 years. In 1895, the bank moved to its own building at 1776 Massachusetts Avenue.42 Cary Hall was used for Committee meetings and smaller public gatherings and was located in a similar size room on the left side of the building. The Library occupied the rest of the space in the rear of the building.                                                              37 Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 90.  38 Hudson, 290.   39 Worthen, 73.    40 Ibid.   41 Hudson, 444.   42 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 110. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 10  On the second floor, a large auditorium with a balcony filled the two-story space. The auditorium was used by the community for public assemblies, Town meetings, sun-light dances, and shows.43 The top floor contained a Masonic hall, a banquet hall, and a service kitchen. The police station was located in the basement of the Town Hall.44 Edwin B Worthen explains that, “The lock-up was in the basement and our Town Report for 1892 states that a letter box has been placed on the outside door of the police station so that during any absence of the officer, communications may be dropped into it and have prompt attention.”45 “Lexington Town Hall ca. 1885 - 1895.” The Edwin B. Worthen Collection, Cary Memorial Library, 2011. Demolished 1928. Lexington Town hall and Public Library, c. 1899, Town Hall, 1928. (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America 90). from a library publication. (Lexington Historical Society). Demolished 1928. Demolished 1928.                                                              43 Edwin B Worthen. Worthen Slide Collection, Cary Library, 2011. 44 Worthen, 91.    45 Worthen, Old Town Hall. Worthen Slide Collection.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 11  Memorial Hall was designed to memorialize and honor those who served and died in battles. Four niches were set aside for life- sized marble statues.46 Funds were donated by Mrs. Maria Cary to purchase the first two statues: a Revolutionary War militiaman and a Civil War soldier. The Lexington Monument Association funded statues of John Hancock and Sam Adams for the Memorial Hall four years later. A special unveiling was planned for April 19, 1875, exactly four years after the dedication of the building. The statues were late shipping from Italy and finally arrived the day before the event.47 These statues can be seen today in the Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building. The side walls of Memorial Hall held marble tablets; one listing Lexingtonians who died in the Battle of Lexington on April 19 1775, and the other listing soldiers who died in the Civil War.48 The building also had a collection of Revolutionary relics. Congress granted a condemned cannon to the collection, which was placed in the hallway. An inscription over the entryway of the hall reads: “Lexington consecrates this hall and its emblems to the memory of the founders and the defenders of our free institute.”49 “John Hancock, Memorial Hall in Town Hall,1875” “Statue of Samuel Adams, Memorial Hall in Town Hall,1875” Lexington, Birthplace of American Liberty. Lexington, Birthplace of American Liberty. Lexington Historical Society, 1995. Pg 37. Lexington Historical Society, 1995. Pg 36. The niches of the Memorial Hall with molding around the arch and vertical paneling at the walls can be seen behind the statues.                                                              46 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 101.  47 Hudson, 291.   48 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 102.  49 Porter, Reverend E.G. and H. M. Stephenson. Souvenir of 1775. Lexington 1775-1875. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co, 1875. Pg 14.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 12  “Old Town Hall Interior, 1885.” (The Edwin B. Worthen Collection, Cary Memorial Library, 2011). Demolished, 1928. Image of the second floor auditorium where town and public meetings were held. Note the ceiling decoration and swags at the crown molding. “Library in Old Town Hall” (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 91). Demolished 1928. In 1871, Mrs. Cary donated $5,000 more to the Library. For 35 years, the Library occupied the rear of the Town Hall, until 1906 when Mrs. Cary’s daughter, Miss Alice Butler Cary, and other family members donated land and the present Cary Memorial Library Building at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street.50                                                              50 Worthen, 83.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 13  “View of the Library in the Old Town Hall 1871-1906” (Image from the Cary Memorial Library Collection, Lexington MA.) Demolished 1928. This image shows most of the rear of the building that was set aside for the Free Library. “View of the Library in the Old Town Hall 1871-1906” (Image from the Cary Memorial Library Collection, Lexington MA). Demolished 1928. The columns are an extension of the main corridor that ran through the building. Note the decorated ceilings and brackets at column capitals. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 14  When the Library vacated the Town Hall in 1906, the space was remodeled (exact date unknown) to add more offices and departments on the first floor. Offices that can be seen on the floor plan are: the Police Headquarters, a Committee room, the Assessor’s office, Selectmen office, Town Clerk and Treasurer’s office, Water and Sewer Commission office, Tax collector’s office, School Superintendent’s office, and Cary Hall. “First Floor Plan of Town Hall” (Date unknown) “Second Floor Plan of Town Hall” (Date unknown). The main auditorium space for Town and public meetings was located on the second floor. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 15  “Fourth Floor Plan of Town Hall” (Date unknown). The top floor in the mansard roof has a Masonic hall, banquet hall, and kitchen. Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building and Town Office Building- 1928-Present The Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building was a gift to the Town of Lexington from the estates of Susanna E. Cary and her sister Eliza Cary Farnham as a memorial to their father Isaac Harris Cary; brother-in-law to Mrs. Maria Hastings Cary. In 1927 at a Town Meeting, the town accepted a gift from the Isaac Harris Cary Trustees for the proposed Memorial Building and land for the Town to build a new Town Office Building. The Cary sisters wanted to construct a fireproof building for the display and storage of revolutionary relics and a hall for lectures and public meetings.51 Although funding for land, grading and landscaping was donated to the Town for a Town Office Building, funding for a building with administrative offices was not authorized by the terms of the Carys’ will.52 A committee was appointed to consider the erection of a new Town Office Building and sale of the old Town Hall. Later that year, $106,500 was appropriated for a new Town Office Building.53 The Old Town Hall was sold for $50,001 and dismantled in 1928.54 “Demolition of Town Hall, 1928.” (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, pg 92).                                                              51 Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Harriet White from MAPC in August 1,1978 with supplemental information recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009. 52 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 5  53 Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building.   54 Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Harriet White from MAPC in August 1,1978 with supplemental information recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 16  The Town Office Building, at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, was built at the site of the former Harris E. Shaw house and the Cary Memorial Building, at 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, was built on the site of the former Plumber house55 (both demolished in 1927).56 1918 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. 1935 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). Shows the Harris Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). New Issaic Harris Cary Memorial E Shaw and Plumber Houses Building and Town Office Building. . Designed by architects Kilham, Hopkins,& Greely, with associate architect Williard Brown, the municipal complex placed the Cary Memorial Building in the middle of the site with the entrance facing Massachusetts Avenue and the Town Office Building on the west side of the site with the entrance facing the Cary Memorial Building.57 Both buildings were designed in the Colonial revival style with red “waterstruck” brick walls, white wood trim, and slate roofs. The Cary Memorial Building has a projecting central pavilion that is adorned with Corinthian capital pilasters and fanlight windows above the doorways and at the center of the pediment.58 The pediment of the Town Office Building is adorned with a white wooden scroll with the Town of Lexington’s crest.59                                                              55 Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building.  56 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 4.  57 Ibid.  58 Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building.   59 Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 17  “Artist’s Rendering of Layout of new Municipal Buildings.” (Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 14). Unlike the previous Town Halls, the Town Office Building was designed to house town offices only. The police station was on the first floor and other town departments on the second floor.60 Metal rings that contained the bars on the jail’s western windows can still be seen today.61 Weekly Board of Selectmen meetings take place at the Town office building, but all public meetings are held at Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, including the Town Meeting sessions.62 The Cary Memorial Building consists of a large auditorium named the Main Hall that holds up to 780 people, with half on the floor and half on the mezzanine.63 An interior plaque in the Cary Memorial Building contains a quote about Isaac Harris Cary; “Commemorates his interest in the early history of Lexington, his assistance to young men in improving their conditions in life and his desire to promote the intellectual and moral growth of this community which both father and daughter’s loved.”64 The Town Office Building was occupied in June of 1928.65 There was no dedication of the Town Office Building but there was a dedication for the Cary Memorial Building on October 18, 1928.66 The total cost of the land, grading, construction and furnishing for the Cary Memorial Building was $420,000.67                                                              60 Ibid.  61 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 8.  62 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 1.  63 Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building.  64 Ibid.  65 Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building.  66 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 6.  67 Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 18  “First Floor Plan, Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Hall.” (Kilham, Hopkins,& Greely, Williard Brown, 1927). “Second Floor Plan, Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Hall.” (Kilham, Hopkins,& Greely, Williard Brown, 1927). Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 19  “Section, Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Hall.” (Kilham, Hopkins,& Greely, Williard Brown, 1927). Milan, John. “East Elevation of the Town Office Building.” Town of Lexington. Washington D.C: Historic American Buildings Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 20  The Police Station, at 1575 Mass Ave was built 30 years later in 1957, as the third building in the municipal complex. The Police, Assessors, and Building and Health departments moved out of the Town Office Building and into the new Police Station due to lack of room in the Office Building. Designed by Hopkins, Greely, and Brodie, the successors of the architectural firm that designed the Town Office Building and Cary Memorial Building, the Police Station is a mirror image of the Town Office Building. An open house was held in February of 1958.68 1961 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1961).                                                              68 Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B (Building Survey Form): Lexington Police Station, 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 21  In 1970 to 1971, the Town Office building was remodeled and expanded by architects Perry, Dean and Stewart. The rear addition doubled the size of the exiting building, but was sympathetic by using the same materials, massing and scale.69 The new two story addition of 22,893 square feet increased the sizes of offices for the Town Administration, Town Manager, and the Comptroller, along with 1,000 square feet of new conference and committee rooms. The building systems were updated, air conditioning was added, an elevator was installed and the roof was repaired.70 The Assessors and Building Departments returned to the Town Office building and the building was reopened on October 15, 1971.71 Milan, John. “End of Southern Wing.” Town of Lexington. Washington D.C: Historic American Buildings Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983.                                                              69 Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building.  70 Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Pg 7.  71 Form B (Building Survey Form): Town Office Building.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 22  Milan, John. “Interior, Selectmen’s Meeting Room.” Town of Lexington. Washington D.C: Historic American Buildings Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983. “Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Hall” BH+A, 2011. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 23  “Town Office Building.” BH+A, 2011. “Police Station.” BH+A, 2011. Lexington Post Offices, 1813-Present Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 24  The first Post Office in the Colony of Massachusetts was designated by the General Court in 1639,72 but Lexington did not establish a Post Office until 1813 when Rufus Merriam was commissioned Postmaster. The first Post Office was located in the ell of Buckman’s Tavern for 28 years.73 “1830 Map of Central Lexington” (Worthen, Edwin B. Map of Lexington, 1915. http://historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov/lexmaps/period_maps_lexington.htm).  This map shows the location of the Post Office in Center Village in Buckman’s Tavern.   East Lexington Post Offices                                                              72 Worthen,19.  73 Worthen, 52.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 25  1892 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). Post Office in former Adams School building  (1867‐Before 1887)  Post Office in The Brick Store (1836‐1867) Post Office at Curve Street (Before 1887‐1909) Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 26  The first brick building in Lexington was built in 1828 on Massachusetts Avenue in East Village as a grocery store.74 In 1836, the East Village Post Office was established in “The Brick Store”75 when Amos Adams was commissioned Postmaster.76 “The Brick Store in 1910.” (Kelley, 130). A grocery store “The Brick Store.” (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 22) This and post office were located on the first floor of the Brick image is looking down Massachusetts Avenue in East Village, Store with a meeting room on the second floor.77 showing the Brick Store with the Stone Building and Follen Curch in the background. Note the removal of the porch. When Augustus Childs was appointed Postmaster of the East Village Post Office in 1867, he moved his office to his store in the former Adams School building, located across the street from Follen Church in East Lexington78. The old schoolhouse was sold for $310 and moved diagonally across Main Street (now Massachusetts Avenue) and used as a post office. It later became Carl Mandelborg’s wagon shop.79 This building was demolished for the Filling Station80 (sometime between 1918 and 1927). 81 Mr. Childs moved with the East Village Post office to the corner of Curve St and Massachusetts Avenue when the building pictured below was constructed (Sometime between 1867 and 1887. Building is seen on 1887 Sanborn Map).82 The East Lexington Post Office was discontinued in 1909 when the free delivery of mail was established.83                                                              74 Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 22.  75 Worthen, 56.  76 Hudson, 296.  77 Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 22.  78 Worthen, 60.  79 Worthen, 68.  80 Worthen, 60.  81 1887 Sanborn Map. 82 Worthen, 60.  83 Hudson, 296.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 27  “Carl Mendelborg’s Shop,” Kelley, 123. “Massachusetts Avenue at Curve Street.” (Kelley, 132). Lettering on the Demolished sometime between 1918 and 1927 storefront reads “Post Office” and “Groceries.” The Central Post Office moved many times after leaving the Buckman Tavern in 1841. The Office moved to the Davis House on the lower corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Muzzey Street84 when John Davis was commissioned Postmaster in 1841.85 It then moved to the old Savings Bank building at 1776 Massachusetts Avenue86 in 1867 when Leonard G. Babcock was commissioned Postmaster. Mr. Babcock moved the Post Office to Cary Hall in the Town Hall opposite Waltham Street for a brief time.87 Mr. Babcock moved the Post Office again when the Central Block buildings on Massachusetts were completed in 1874 by John L Norris.88 “Central Block, c.a.1950.” (Kelley, 130). Destroyed by fire in 1971.                                                              84 Worthen, 62.  85 Hudson, 295.  86 Worthen, 72.  87 Hudson, 295.  88 Worthen, 77.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 28  “Savings Bank Building in 1928.” (Kelley, 113). Leonard “Post Office on Waltham Street.” Date of Photo unknown. A Saville became Postmaster in 1901 and moved the (Kelley, 91.) The Post Office moved in 1913 to 1756 Office to the new Savings Bank building when it was built Massachusetts Avenue89 and again in1924 to the newly in 1904.The Savings Bank Building (on far right of image) remodeled Old Frank Holmes barn on Waltham Street. 90 housed the bank on the second floor and the Post Office and a store on the first floor. 91 “Stoneheap Inn in 1936.” (Kelley, 115.) This was the former site of Edward T. Harrington’s stone residence constructed around 1903 and demolished in 1936 for the construction of the Post Office at 1661 Massachusetts Avenue.92 The U.S. Government proposed to build a Post Office Building in 1936 at 1661 Massachusetts Avenue. The Colonial Revival, one story brick building was designed by Louis Simon. It features a golden eagle statue sitting in an arched opening at the main entrance. The building also has a slate roof and white cupola with a sheet metal dormer added above the front entrance in 1981. The Post Office was dedicated on November 28, 1938 and is known for a canvas mural of “The Arrival of Paul Revere in Lexington, April 19, 1775,” hanging on the wall. This building was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and is a landmark in the community.93                                                              89 Worthen, 110.  90 Kelley, 91.  91 Kelley, 113.   92 Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B (Building Survey Form): U.S. Post Office, 1661 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by E.W. Reinhardt from the Lexington Historical Commission on March 27, 1976. 93 Ibid.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 29  1950 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). Post office on Massachusetts Avenue. A one story porch is shown at the rear of the building. Lexington Post Office. BH+A, 2011. An addition is seen at the rear of the Post Office. Lexington Fire Stations, 1829-Present Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 30  Sheds to house the first fire engines, one in Center Village on the Common and one in East Village, were built in 1829. The Hancock and Adams Engine Companies formed in 1857. The Hancock Engine Company covered Center village and relocated to Meriam Street Station in 1876. The Adams Engine Company covered East Lexington and moved to Village Hall in 1879.94 The Town of Lexington bought it Universalist Society Church on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Locust Avenue in East Lexington in 1873 and remodeled the lower level to house the East Lexington Fire Station. The main floor became Village Hall and was used as a community center, meeting place for clubs, and venue for plays, parties, and fairs until 1950 when it was demolished.95 “East Village Fire Station.” (Kelley, 128) Demolished 1950. “In the foreground is the first chemical engine Lexington owned, which was built in 1874 at a total cost of $750.”96 Village Hall was remodeled in 1898 by removing the main entrance portico and adding another stall and door for the fire engine.97                                                              94 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 112. 95 Kollen. Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 59.  96 Kelley, 128.   97 Sasher, 11.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 31  “Village Station, ca. 1900.” (Sasher, 13). Demolished 1950 “Village Hall” (Kollen, Lexington, Images of America, 87) Demolished 1950. The 40’ hose tower can be seen above the roofline.98 1908 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, 1918 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. MA. 1886-1950). East Lexington Fire Station Lexington, MA. 1886-1950). East Lexington Fire Station The 1908 map states that the Fire Department has one chemical engine, one hose wagon, three horses and one man. Just 10 years later, the 1918 map states they have two permanent men, five call men, one auto combination chemical hose engine and hose wagon.99 This map also shows an addition of a 40’ hose tower at the rear of the main building.                                                              98 1918 Sanborn map.   99 Sasher, 18.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 32  In January 1895, the Cary homestead was destroyed by a fire, causing $25,000 worth of damage. This was due to inadequate water pressure and deficient firefighting equipment.100 In April of 1895, $6,000 was appropriated by the Town to buy a steam fire engine and to remodel the Meriam Street Firehouse in Center Village.101 The station was renovated by adding brick to the exterior of the first level and wood shingles to the exterior of the second level, as well as enlarging the station’s doors. ”Meriam Street Fire Station circa 1892.” (Kelley, 80) “Meriam Station.” (Sasher, 32). Meriam Station after Meriam Street Fire Station located on Meriam 1895 renovations. Note additions on the rear of the building. Street in Center Village. 1887 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, Lexington 1927 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, MA. (1886-1950). Lexington MA. (1886-1950). The 1887 Map states the Center Village Fire Department had one hose and latter truck, one chemical engine and a supply wagon. Rear additions in 1895 are shown on the 1927 map along with brick around the exterior. The map also shows a 30’ hose tower at the rear of the building.                                                              100 Kollen, Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb, 113.   101 Worthen, 93.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 33  At a town meeting in 1944, plans were made to build two new fire stations to replace the Center and East Lexington stations. The new Central Station headquarters cost $110,000 and $55,000 for the new East Lexington Station.102 It was decided that the second level of the Meriam Station was still usable space and could be salvaged. In 1947, the second level was removed from the site, loaded on a flatbed truck and moved to the corner of Woburn Street and Hayes Lane. Today it is the V.F.W. Hall.103 “Relocating the Fire Station,1947.” (Kelley, 81.) The second story of the Meriam Fire Station rolling down Massachusetts Ave.                                                              102 Worthen, 133.  103 Kelley, 81.  Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 34  “Lexington Station.” Sasher, 32. The present-day Lexington Center Fire station was built in 1947 at 46 Bedford Street.104 1961 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1961). Center Lexington Fire Station.                                                              104 Sasher, F. Leonard. A History of the Lexington Fire Department. Lexington: Lexington Firefighters Union, 1977. Pg 32.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 35  East Lexington Fire Station. BH+A, 2011. The present East Lexington Fire Station was erected on the same site at Massachusetts Avenue and Locust Street and opened on January 20,1951.105 1961 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. 1961). East Lexington Fire Station.                                                              105 Sasher, 36. Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 36  School Administration Building This Greek revival residence at 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, was built by Hammond A Hosmer in 1845. The housed passed to his daughter and then was sold to other owners in 1871 and 1889. In 1916, Dr. Barnes bought the property for $6,300. Dr. Barnes used the ell as his office for twenty years. The Town of Lexington bought the property in 1936 for $25,000 and used it as overflow for the Town offices. During the early 1950’s, the Custance Brothers contractors restored the house to its original appearance by removing the porch, and new windows were installed on the first floor.106 Since 1958, the house had been used as the Lexington School Administration Offices. At one time, it was the headquarters for the Sachem Council, Boy Scouts of America.107 Most recently, the offices have been occupied by the Department of Public Works. The building has been vacant since 2009 when the Department of Public Works moved to a new building on Bedford Street.  “South view of Hammond A. Hosmer House with early ionic column porch, ca. 1880.” (Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B Building Survey Form: 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded Ruth Beebe from the Lexington Historical Commission on October 14, 1975. Pg 7).                                                              106 Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B Building Survey Form: 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded Ruth Beebe from the Lexington Historical Commission on October 14, 1975. 107 Kelley, 65.   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 37  “School Administration Building.” (Kelley, 65). “Southeast view of Hammond A. Hosmer House with second story ell addition.” Date unknown. (Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B Building Survey Form: 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded Ruth Beebe from the Lexington Historical Commission on October 14, 1975. Pg 1). Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 38   1908 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. (1886-1950). The “Hammond A. Hosmer House.”        1961 Sanborn Map. (Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA. (1961). The “Hammond A. Hosmer House.”   Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 39  “1557 Massachusetts Ave.” ( BH+A, 2010). Lexington Municipal Buildings Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Town of Lexington September 21, 2011         P:\3042_Lexington_Study\doc\report\Final Draft\Lexington Municipal Report_Final Draft_092111.doc 40  Bibliography Hudson, Charles. History of the Town of Lexington. Cambridge: The Riverside Press Co., 1913. Kelly, Beverly Allison. Lexington: A Century of Photographs. Lexington Historical Society. Boston: Thomas Todd Company, 1980. Kollen, Richard, Joo-Hee Chung, Heather-Marie Knight, and Kendra Whiteside. Lexington, Images of America. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2001. Kollen, Richard. Lexington: From Liberty’s Birthplace to Progressive Suburb. Great Britain: Arcadia Publishing, 2004. Lexington, Birthplace of American Liberty. Lexington Historical Society, 1995. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Form B (Building Survey Form): Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Harriet White from MAPC in August 1,1978 with supplemental information recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009. Dr. Barnes Property, 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded Ruth Beebe from the Lexington Historical Commission on October 14, 1975. Lexington Police Station, 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009. Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by Harriet White from MAPC in August 1,1978 with supplemental information recorded by Lisa Mausolf in December 2009. U.S. Post Office, 1661 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA. Recorded by E.W. Reinhardt from the Lexington Historical Commission on March 27, 1976. Porter, Reverend E.G. and H. M. Stephenson. Souvenir of 1775. Lexington 1775-1875. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co, 1875. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Lexington, MA.: 1886-1950. 1961. Sasher, F. Leonard. A History of the Lexington Fire Department. Lexington: Lexington Firefighters Union, 1977. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Historic American Buildings Survey for the Town Office Building, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts. Recorded by David Ostrow, Management Intern, Town of Lexington. August 16, 1981. Worthen, Edwin B. A Calendar History of Lexington, Massachusetts, 1620-1946. Lexington, 1946.