Originally a tannery and currier shop, this structure later housed a popular restaurant.
The Methuen Company once owned this area of Hampshire street, providing goods and services to the thriving mill town.
The home of the Methuen-based Hope Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows was originally an elaborate four-story clubhouse, featuring a post office, stores, and a banquet hall.
This historic hotel was converted to office space in 1930.
Built in 1853, this building housed Methuen's town hall before its move to the Searles Building.
This historic store, built and owned by James S. Dodge, sold flour, groceries, and other sundries in the late 1800s.
Most of the early wooden bridges over the Spicket were replaced in the 1830s by stone arch bridges. On Osgood Street, the single arch bridge below the falls, built in 1831, was rebuilt in 1869 and 1876. - Description courtesy of Dan Gagnon, historian.
This bridge, a relatively recent construction, commemorates the life and accomplishments of Walter “Red” Winn.
Once a prominent feature of Methuen, this old mill site has since been converted into apartment buildings.
This building represented a major upgrade for Methuen's fire services when it was constructed in 1899.
This bridge spans the top of the Methuen Falls, a dam that was important to the mill that existed in the area during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Built circa 1900, this site held a canoe livery that people could rent and explore the Spicket River north of the Methuen Falls Dam. - Description courtesy of Dan Gagnon, historian.
Once the home of one of Methuen's most distinguished industrialists, this site is now occupied by the Methuen Police Department.
The Nevins Library is significant as a well preserved institutional building, the only public/private library in Methuen. It was built as a result of the philanthropy of the family of mill owner David Nevins and was designed by recognized architect Samuel J.F. Thayer. This building was donated to Methuen by the Nevins family in the late 1880s. - Description courtesy of Dan Gagnon, historian.
This tavern functioned as a guest house for Edward Searles, prominent Methuen millionaire, during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
This site features prominent memorials to several wars.
Made of stone, the First Congregational Church is one of the architectural highlights of Metheun. The cornerstone was laid in September 1881 without ceremony. On May 13, 1882, the Rev. J. H. Selden was ordained in the church. The Transcript story of the ordination was accompanied by a cut of the church which showed the old vestry.
This gatehouse is all that is left of the sprawling Tenney estate.
This enormous structure was a school until 1975 and housed school department offices until 1983. Now it is the site of Methuen's City Hall.
This factory was part of the Tenney family's wealth.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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Welcome to the Magical History Tour! This tour, supported by the Nevins Memorial Library and Methuen historian Dan Gagnon, is available year-round through Clio. Join us annually in October for more material, food, and a community town walk starting at the Nevins Memorial Library! Admission is free. Check our website, www.nevinslibrary.org, for information on our events and for sign-ups.
