Washington Hall

Washington Hall was built in 1854 at a high cost and the building was to become Greenfield’s 2nd town hall. However, it wasn't just a town hall, it was also a meeting space and an auditorium that hosted many performances, lectures, and meetings. It stood in the location of the current Veteran’s Mall before being demolished.

In 1935, Greenfield’s police station was added to the back of Washington Hall. It stood there until 1999 when the station moved to High St.

Washington Hall was razed in 1964.

Many things occurred at the Hall besides basic legislature:

On February 22, 1854, a ceremonial ball was held at Washington Hall. More than 1,000 people were in attendance as part of the dedication festivities. On March 6, 1854, it was voted that the new town hall be called, “Washington Hall”.  

On April 20, 1861, just days after the Civil War, a war focused meeting was held at Washington Hall. In 1863, the Montague, Colrain, Greenfield, and Shelburne Falls companies of the 52nd Regiment arrived in Greenfield by train. They were greeted by many people with torches, a band, and engine company No. 2. Sick soldiers were transported to Franklin Hall or their homes while those who weren’t were taken to Washington Hall where they were greeted by friends and refreshments. 

Frederick Douglass spoke here in 1866 about the assassination of Lincoln. Original flyers for this event can be found at the Greenfield Historic Society.

As early as 1904, short films were being shown in Washington Hall on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for small gatherings since there was a lack of theatrical entertainment in town. Only small gatherings were allowed because previously in 1894 it was determined that the building could not support large crowds. In 1908, it could no longer accommodate movie goers.  

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Photo of a circa 1940s thread-cutting tool (http://americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=18398) 

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