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Mechanics Hall/Theater

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

In 1909, the roller skating rink known as Mechanics Hall was converted to a theater. This theater came to be known as Mechanics Theater until it became a meeting hall called, “The Academy." A mysterious fire resulted in the building burning down. Today, it is a parking lot next to a Red Arrow Diner.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

At the address, 35 Lowell Street Manchester, NH, lies a destitute parking lot beside a Red Arrow Diner. Where this parking lot lies, however, once stood a roller skating rink known as Mechanics Hall. In 1909, the rink was converted to a theater for the purpose of preserving photographs, a somewhat new technology at the time. This theater came to be known as Mechanics Theater. It was the first building in Manchester to preserve and display photographs. However, attendance at Mechanics Theater died down due to the Star Theater opening across the street. It was repurposed as a meeting hall called, “The Academy.” A mysterious fire in 1938 resulted in the structure burning down.

Sources

Accessed April 28th 2021. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=ff6646933877433080e6850e0eecdc23.

Additional Information