Old Armory

Introduction

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One of the most unique landmarks in Williston, the Old Army building is significant in the areas of architecture and local social history. It was built in 1915 for the dual purpose of housing a unit of the National Guard and hosting various social, political and entertainment events for the community. As for its design, the armory resembles a castle. Interesting features include a two-shaded brick exterior, a large turret on the northwest corner, brick pilasters (features that look like columns), and decorative brickwork along the top edge of the exterior walls. The armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It appears to be currently used as a performing arts center.

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The Old Armory was built in 1916 and remains an important landmark in Williston.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Before the armory was built, the local National Guard unit, Company E, trained and met anywhere they could find, such as vacant lots. They decided to build the armory to not only have a place where they could train but to also provide a space where locals could gather. The project was a true community, state, and military joint effort. A local club agreed to oversee the fundraising and the state promised a loan if the community matched the amount. The building was dedicated on April 24, 1916.

The armory, which also has an auditorium, hosted public events for many years. The first was a two-day celebration welcoming home soldiers who served in World War I. Military celebrations of various kinds were held thereafter. Starting in the 1940s the armory began to be used for dances, roller skating, political rallies, theater performances, and other uses, including an annual rock and mineral show. Community use of the armory increased beginning in 1957 when a new armory was built.

The Old Armory was served as the city's community recreation center until a new building for that purpose was erected in 1983. Residents worked to save the armory from being demolished and it has been used as a performing arts center ever since. The building is available to rent for weddings and other gatherings.

Sources

Hagen, Diane. "The history of the Old Armory." August 8, 2015. https://www.willistonherald.com/community/the-history-of-the-old-armory/article_0dbc35b2-3de8-11e5-90e1-f3f1cc0750c4.html.

Parkinson, Crysta. "The Old Armory." Entertainment Inc! Accessed August 11, 2020. https://www.entertainmentinc.org/About/The-Old-Armory.

Schreiner, George D. & Perry, L. Marty. "Old Armory." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. April 11, 1985. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/85000787_text.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OLD_ARMORY.jpg

Additional Information

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Old Armory