Nomination for G.A.R. Hall and Museum

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 REV. (9/77) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PH0678961 FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM RECEIVED MAR 1 2 1979 MAY DATE ENTERED 7 1979 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES - COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS 1 NAME HISTORIC G.A.R. Hall & Museum AND/OR COMMON Same LOCATION STREET & NUMBER 58 Andrew Street CITY.

TOWN Lynn STATE -VICINITY OF CODE 025 _NOT FOR PUBLICATION CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Fifth COUNTY Essex CODE 009 Massachusetts 3 CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY _DISTRICT XBUILDING(S) STRUCTURE SITE _OBJECT OWNERSHIP FUBLIC _PRIVATE _BOTH PUBLIC ACQUISITION _IN PROCESS BEING CONSIDERED STATUS X OCCUPIED _UNOCCUPIED WORK IN PROGRESS ACCESSIBLE XYES: RESTRICTED _YES: UNRESTRICTED -NO PRESENT USE -AGRICULTURE XMUSEUM XCOMMERCIAL -PARK _EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE _ENTERTAINMENT -RELIGIOUS -GOVERNMENT -SCIENTIFIC _INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION _MILITARY _OTHER: 4 OWNER OF PROPERTY NAME City of Lynn, Trustees of the G.A.R. Hall & Museum STREET & NUMBER 58 Andrew Street CITY. TOWN Lynn _ VICINITY OF 5 LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC.

Essex County Registry of Deeds STREET & NUMBER Essex County Courthouse STATE Massachusetts CITY TOWN STATE Salem Massachusetts 6 REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE Inventory of the Historic Assets of the Commonwealth #405 DATE 1977 DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS _Massachusetts Historical Commission CITY.TOWN _FEDERAL *STATE _COUNTY _LOCAL Boston STATE Massachusetts 7 DESCRIPTION CONDITION EXCELLENT X GOOD -FAIR -DETERIORATED _RUINS _UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE _UNALTERED XALTERED CHECK ONE XORIGINAL SITE _MOVED DATE. DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

The G.A.R. Hall is a four-story brick structure of rectangular floor plan, which occupies almost its entire building lot. On the north and south it is separated from neighboring structures by six feet wide alleys set approximately five feet below sidewalk grade level. To the rear (east) is a parking lot which was formerly the site of commercial buildings. The G.A.R. Hall's facade is located on the property line, facing a sidewalk; it is constructed of pressed brick with rock-faced sandstone trim, while other walls (north, east and south) are built of common brick without decorative trim. The building is covered by a nearly flat roof. All facade windows above the first story have bronze finished storm windows (1970's). The facade is divided by projecting brick piers into twowwide outer. bays which flank a narrow center bay.

The piers rise from bases of dressed granite at the sidewalk to Ionic capitals at the top of the third story; set on the capitals are rock-faced sandstone blocks from which the piers rise (octagonal in section) to a parapet. Recessed in the center bay of the first story are aluminum and glass double, doors, surmounted by a plate-glass transom. Flanking the, entry bay are two store fronts, both of which have bases with vertical board siding, aluminum door and window trim, and vertical boarding in the position of a former transom. Entrance to the northern store front is centered, while that of the southern one is set north of center. Extending across the top of the first story and serving as a sill for second story windows is a course of molded sandstone.

Fenestration of the second story consists of three, grouped windows in each outer bay and two, narrower windows in the center bay, all of 2/2 sash with single-pane transoms. Window lintels consist of rectangular sandstone blocks set on square blocks at the windows', corners. These blocks are supported bysstylized foliate capitals. At the third story, windows of the outer bays are tri-partite, set in arched frames and divided internally by wooden stiles with stylized Ionic capitals. The center bay contains two narrow windows withrrectangular lintels set on foliate capitals which are identical to those of the second story. Located beneath these two windows is a semi-circular, sandstone balcony with a fluted base and molded lip. Separating the facade's third and fourth stories are three courses of sandstone, the top one of which serves as the sill for the fourth story windows.

Fenestration of the fourth story consists of groups of three wide windows in each outer bay and two narrow windows in the center bay, all with 2/2 sash and rectangular lintels set on blocks at the windows' corners. Over the center bay is a semi-circular sandstone placque inscribed "GEN. LANDERS POST 5" and "G.A.R." On a parapet above this placque is a second placque bearing the date ."1885". Above the fourth story windows of the northern bay is a row of circular sandstone medallions; this section has been re- built in the southern bay and the medallions removed. A parapet extends the length of the facade and has a coping of concrete, tinted to resemble sandstone. Fenestration of the building's side walls is irregular. All, however, are set in frames with low-arched heads, trimmed withbbrick.

Centered on the east (rear) wall is a projecting four-story bay whichccontains a rear stairway and, at the second story, an iron fire escape which leads to the north alley.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD _PREHISTORIC -1400-1499 - 1500-1599 -1600-1699 -1700-1799 X1800-1899 -1900- ARCHEOLUGY-PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC -AGRICULTURE XARCHITECTURE ART -COMMERCE _COMMUNICATIONS AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW _COMMUNITY PLANNING -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _CONSERVATION -LAW ECONOMICS _LITERATURE EDUCATION LMILITARY _ENGINEERING -MUSIC EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT _PHILOSOPHY. _INDUSTRY "_POLITICS/GOVERNMENT _INVENTION -RELIGION -SCIENCE _SCULPTURE XSOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN _THEATER -TRANSPORTATION _OTHER (SPECIFY) SPECIFIC DATES : 1885 BUILDER

Statement of significance

/ARCHITECT Frank Kelly (?) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The G.A.R. Hall possesses integrity of location, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association and reflects the popular nineteenth century institution of the fraternal organization. It also listed the majority of prominent Lynn business- men as members during its peak in the later part of the century. 1 :5 Organized on February 27, 1867 at Taylor's Building in Market Square, the General Landers post #5 of the G.A.R. became an important social force In Lynn during the late nineteenth century and also became the largest G.A.R. post in the United States. In the early years of its existence (1867-1868), Post #5 organized a number of "fairs and bazaars" which drew as many as 20,000 spectators and encouraged the organization's growth from 227 members in 1871 to more than 1,000 in 1885. In addition to G.A.R.

Hall, the Post #5 built and operated a theater (the Lynn "Coli- seum") on Summer Street) during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Limited to veterans of the Civil war, the size and importance of the G.A.R. gradually ureetj during wax, themenbe and deoinine of the c.a.lg diminished in the twentieth century with membership declining to 191 in 1922. Eventually, the' remaining members established a Board of Trustees to operate the building äs a museum under the ownership of the city of lynn, an arrangement which remains to the present. (1868-1870), the Masonic Hall (1870-1871), the Cross Building (1871-1881), all demolished, and, finally, the Exchange Building (1881-1885), partially demolished, all formerly in downtown Lynn.

Around 1885, the Andrew Street lot was purchased for $9,275 and plans were prepared for the construction of a three-story buffaing with a mansard roof and small balcony at the second story. For reasons unknown, these plans, which shared decorative details with the present structure, were dras- tically altered by October 26, 1885 when the cornerstone of the present building was laid. Contemporaneous accounts state that Frank G. Kelley, a local contractor and member of the G.A.R., obtained the plans for the structure but mention no architect. (It seems likely that the building was designed by a Lynn architect.) On April 26, 1886, the building was dedicated, having cost $18,400 to construct $5,000 to furnish. The Lynn G.A.R. Hall, is an important local example of Romanesque Revival archi- tecture.

It is also one of the few local buildings of its style pre-dating the fire of 1889 which destroyed most of the 'city's commercial area. In addition to the building's exterior which remains predominantly intact, the structure contains an especially fine hall on its third floor. Measuring *56 feét by 46' feet with a 20 feet high ceiling this hall was used as the main meeting room for the General Landers Post #5 of the Grand Army of the Republic. Original, unaltered interior decoration includes decorative stencilling, brass lighting fixture (designed by

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Lynn Reporter, Sept. 18, 1885, p.2; October 30, 1885, p.2. Lynn City Item, April 24, 1886, p. 3. Lynn Transcript, April 23, 1886, p.2: Daily Evening Item, May 29, 1914, P. 16; May 12, 1922, p.24. Lynn Scrapbooks, unpublished, Vol. 40, p.72. 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY 5,369 sq. ft. QUADRANGLE NAME Lynn UTM REFERENCES A|119 | |3|3,9|814 0) ZONE EASTING 14,7102/71210/ NORTHING LLud iLul GULILLL LILILLL VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION QUADRANGLE SCALE BL,J ZONE EASTING NORTHING NORTHING FLJ LyLLLyLLl Please refer to the attached map which is page 19 of the Lynn assesor's maps. The lominated property 1s lot #2 and 1s outlined in red.

_IST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE CODE COUNTY CODE STATE CODE COUNTY CODE 11 FORM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE Candace Jenkins, National Register Coordinator ORGANIZATION Massachusetts Historical Commission STREET & NUMBER CITY OR TOWN Brian Pfeiffer City of Lynn DATE January 1979 TELEPHONE 294 Washington Street (617) 727-8470 STATE Boston Massachusetts 12 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS NATIONAL- STATE _ LOCAL As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665). I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE Palum RNeslisk 3/1/74 DATE TITLE Exec. Director, Mass. Historical Commission FOR NPS USE ONLY I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER turste DATE 5-7-29 KEEPER OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER ATTEST: 5.3.28 DATE CHIEP OF REGISTRATIÓN GPO 921-803 Form No. 10-300a (Kev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED MAR 12 1979 MAY DATE ENTERED 7 1979 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 7 PAGE 2 Original Appearance: Originally the G.A.R. Hall had wooden front doors which were surmounted by a stained- glass transom. Both of the building's store fronts were framed withwwood and had center-entrances.

The facade's parapet bore crenellations, except at the center bay, where the top of the date placque rose to a broken scrodl pediment (now re- moved). Medallions also existed above the fourthsstory windows of the southern outer bay. Form No. 10-300a (Kev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTOR Y -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED MAR 1 2 1979 MAY DATE ENTERED 7 1979 CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE 2 F.W. Patten of Lynn) and furniture. Added to the room's walls in the nineteenth century is a wooden grid which contains photographs of all of the Post's members and provides a unique portrait gallery of nineteenth-century Lynn.

The building also contains an uncatalogued collection of Civil War memorabilia and , in the second floor library, an extensive collection of nineteenth century histories of the Civil War. Furnishings of the library are also original and include ornate bookcases built by Frank G. Kelley, one of the Post's members. ST. 3 19 OAD ACI MARKET HCE - 6; 061 100.34 IBERTY 6581 SUTTON ST: 129.69 REVISED MARCH 1625 18-6651 1974 4817 10,434 180 13,286 13. 42,318 /632 5663 Assesor's Map 117.29 Page 19 City of Lynn - 4833 71-69 CENTRAL 633 3928 1, 6570 6252 130.17 322 4622 100 271.72 85-61 38-85 ANDREW 61.40 3030 ST. 66 209.95 v.G. 25,037 OLYMPIA SQ. 100.12 161 108.20 LC. 15,35l LOTI.

4064 4141 5369 7272 8476 413 631 50.9 L.C 58.12 8 :2115 2025 2588 205 - 201 23 25 3228 9957 15,92 45.24 3; 3545 3178 7202 3516 3285 20728 3835387 141- 137 133-125 1.3125 OXFORD '829e 149 5; 6; 186.674 1; 5873 5449 9682 58-162 3 15 310 90.07 169. 11,848 6105 L.G L.C. 4 2). 3110. 2104 20. 1993 3380 g138 131803817 1933 C. 160.67 33 11. 4821 16. 3726 330,36 MUNROE 95830 8608 2759 2980 7396 8724 14. 7024 4010 17398 49.78 ST. 56 4928 6; 7808 6544 RECEIVED 1979, MAR 12 NATION REGIS 60 53 Map 19 Property G.A. R. Hall and museun state Mass. (Easef Working Number3, /2. 29.498 TECHNICAL CONTROL Photos. yel Maps OK 3.13.29 sijrufiont as Majir port yg.A.R mmentin U.S.

Substntall I HISTORIAN Unalkeed, Callutin plitos i main tall upens provile Decyt thet execlhtf let eenta, tgun bweinen conemanlhy' B.Hanls stlucgutly al-ered 78805 buck ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN sh ane aereatn nuened Brach 5/3/29 ARCHEOLOGIST OTHER HAER Inventory Review REVIEW UNIT CHIEF accept 5/3/79 BRANCH CHIEF KEEPER National Register Write-up Federal Register Entry 6-5-79 Send-back Re-submit Entered MAY 7 1979 United States Department of the Interior - Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service G.A.R. Hall and Museum Lynn, Massachusetts Brian Pfeiffer 1978 Brattle St., Cambridge, Mass. MAY 7 1919 Photo #1 Facade, facing southeast Esser countey MAR 18 PHONE REPORT CALL TO/FROM Phil O'Donnell TOWN: SUBJECT/PROJECT NO.: MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION ADDRESS: Speaker McGee's Office ZIP PHONE # BUSINESS: HOME: DATE: G.A.R.

Memorial Building, Lynn 12 February 1979 RECORD OF DISCUSSION The Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thomas McGee, would like us to know of his strong endorsement of the G.A.R. Memorial Building in Lynn for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. I told him that the Commission would be voting on the G.A.R. Memorial Building on Wednesday and I forsaw no problems in getting the Commission's approval for the structure. RECEIVED MAR 1 2 1979 NATIONAL REGISTER STAFF MEMBER: Kim City of iynn, Massarhuortta Offire nf the Mayor STUART S. DAVIS JR. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CITY HALL 01901 (617) 598 - 4000 Antonio J.

Marino Mayor RECT TT MAR 1 2 1979 SRNL February 12, 1979 Massachusetts Historical Cormission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts Dear Board Members : Ihis letter is to introduce the members of the Board of the Grand Army of the Republic, Menorial Building, 58 Andrew Street, Lynn, Massachusetts. It has come to my attention that these members have applied for acceptance of the Grand Army of the Republic as a historical Your consideration regarding this matter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, AJM/mr THOMAS W.MCGEE SPEAKER MA 9.A.R. Nall and museem 3/27/19 The Commonwcalth of Massachusetts SPEAKER'S ROOM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133 April 9, 1979 Mr. William J.Murtagh Keeper of the National Register United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20243 Dear Mr. Murtagh: I am writing to you in reference to the G.A.R.

Hall and Museum in Lynn, / Massachusetts and the consideration o6 same for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Your consideration will be greatly appreciated by all the citizenry of the City of Lynn. With kind personal regards. Sincerely, Thomas, W.MEtee Thomas W. McGee Speaker of the House TWM/h LMAL MSISTER OF FISTORIO PLASE APR 1 7 1973 c1/hc - - q.A.R. Hall & Museum 3/27/79 MA Lyun Mistoriral Soriety, Inr. 125 GREEN STREET. LYNN. MASSACHUSETTS 01902 TELEPHONE 592-2465 April 9, 1979 Dr. William J. Murtagh, Keeper of the National Register Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Department of the Interior Washington, D.'. 20243 Dear Dr. Murtagh, On behalf of the Lynn Historical Society, I am writing to express vursupport of the propusal to list the Grand Army uf the Republic Hall of Lynn in the National Register.

This butlding cuntains the original 1885 meeting hall of the Lynn G.A.R. Chapter with all its furnishings, as well as several rooms which are being developed into a museum of local mili- tary history. The meeting hall and its contents are in need uf extensive conservation work which is beyond the means of the city budget and which should be taken care of in the near future if the original fittings are to be preserved. The lack of cultural resources in this city make the efforts of the Irustees to turn the G.A.R. Hall into a historic site and museum particularly commendable and we feel this nomination for the negister merits serious consideration. Dincerely, railt leaço Faith Magoun Director THE NATION' L DATE RERD GISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES APR 1 2 1979 TITCHED) nGnCD) D: TE :C INITIALS YP MA 4.p.R.

Hall and museom 3/a>179 CITY OF LYNN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LYNN CITY HALL - ROOM 315 - LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS 01901 Telephone: (617)598-4000 Ext. 37 EDWARD T. CALNAN Executive Director In Reply Refer Tr 370/JC: js Ser. #535 April 10, 1979 Mr. William J. Murtagh Keeper of the National Register United States Department of the Interior Heritage Conservation and Recreation Services Washington, D.C. 20243 Dear Mr. Murtagh: We are pleased to hear of your intent to consider the Grand Army of the Republic Building for listing in the National Regis- ter of Historic Places. The GAR post was the largest in the United States and is one of the few left in the country. The building now serves as a memorial to the men who fought in the Civil War. The GAR's ori- ginal meeting hall is virtually intact, and is one of the City's most important Victorian interiors.

The Lynn Department of Community Development has supported the efforts of the GAR trustees to restore and maintain this urban historic asset. DCD funds have been expended to enhance the GAR's valuable exhibits and increase access to it. We wholeheartedly lend our support to future activities which would provide increased entity and urge you to favorably consider listing the GAR memorial building in the National Register of Historic Places. If we can be of further assistance with regard to additional information, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Sincerely, Ilward Calmar Edward T. Calnan Executive Director CC: Mr. Gilbert J. Lauzon, Acting Chairman GAR Trustees ISTORIC PLACES APR 17 1979 se/h er TIMOTHY F.CLEARY. Chairman Deceased JOSEPH E. SHANAHAN, Corresponding Secretary EDMUND T. GIRARD, Recording Secretary GILBERT J. LAUZON, Trustee q.A.R.

Hall and museum 3|27179 ELEANOR GUTHERIE, Trustee D. JOSEPH CONNERY, Truste JAMES O. WILLIAMS, Truste Uity of Ignn BOARD OF TRUSTEES GRAND ARMY MEMORIAL BUILDING 58 ANDREW STREET LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS 01901 TELEPHONE: 599-3055 Dr.William J. Murtagh April 13,1979 Keeper of the National Register Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service Department of the Interior washington,D.C. Dear Doctor Murtagh It was with a great deal of pleasure, pride and hope that I opened your letter of the twentieth and found that our plea was in your capable hands. The Board of Trustees feel that the "Grand army of the Republic" Memorial Build- ing should be on the National Register as a lasting memorial to the brave men of Lynn, who so nobly responded to their governments call to arms in 1861. According to the late Dr Richard Hale, Archivist for the state of Massachusetts, our Building is the last G.A.R.

Building in the state that is still maintained just as it was when they last met here and, further, one of the last thirteen such Buildings left in the whole country. The City of Lynn has very, very little left of significance historic value and this is one of our main reasons for our requesting that it be placed on the National Historic Sites Listing so that our children, grandchildren and the children of the future might have something to remind them of the "Patriotism", and "Loyalty" of their fore-fathers. I am enclosing a couple of interesting articles about the Building that I hope will further aid our humble request. The Board of Trustees wishes to thank you for your consideration and hope that our dreams and hopes will be realized in the very near future.

Thank you c:c Mayor Marino File Loupe Glanahan secretari Board of Trustees enc: 3 THE WATORAL REGIS INSTORIC PLACES APR " 0 1979 22/18 GI DSS mei lec Ma mej are: locE ficii con the CaF and mu esti stat Cou 101 Met This imp gath anal appl fund GAR Museum Filled with W BYDAN ALEXANDER The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum at 58 Andrew st. possesses a modesty which masks its historical significance. With its glass doers and recently repainted brick face it ap- pears no different from the buildings around it. Yet inside is a museum which preserves the memories of the Lynn men and women who fought in the nations' wars It was built during Lynn's heyday in 1885 by the city's branch of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the national Civil War veterans group. The Lynn post, The General Lander Post No.

5, was the largest GAR post in the United States according to Joseph E Shanahan, 60, the curator of the museum and an eighteen- year member of the building's board of trustees. POST 5 LYNN UNION VETERANS Only veterans from the Union side of the Civil War were allowed membership in the GAR Shanahan explained. So, when the last GAR veteran died the organization died as well. The Lynn GAR, however, planned for its eventual death and shortly after World War I arranged to turn the building over to the city who still owns it. The museum proper was spread over three floors of the building. Downstairs was banquet room which now serves as the World War I room. On the second floor were the Civil War rooms and the third floor housed the Spanish-American War room.

Also on the third floor is what Shanahan described as the museum's showpiece the restored main hall where the GAR held its official meetings. The hall hasbeen kept just as it was when the post last met in the mid-1930's. Shanahan said only 12 other GAR halls in the country have been maintained. As I went from room to room it was not the displays - interesting though they were that captivated me but rather Shanahan's anecdotes and asides. His historical commentaries gave the ar- tifacts and exhibits the breath of life. The Grand Meeting Hall of the GAR, General Lander's Post No. 5 has been preserved in its original state. According to curator Joseph Shanahan there are only 12 of these halls that have been maintained in the United St meetings at the Post. case. But the post had no books. Rather than buy any, thepost decided to set the price of a meal at a book in- stead of a quarter.

After two dinners the bookcase filled was WORLD WARI The main attraction of the World War I room is a collection of photographs of Lynn's World War I dead etched onto copper plaques. These photos were orginally intended to be shown publicly but ended up lying in storage for 35 years until Shanahan unearthed them a few years ago. At that time the World War I vets still met in the old banquet room. Between meetings Shanahan secretly put up the pictures and hid them behind drapes. At the nextmeeting Shanahan told the vets that the drapes covered some renovations that were underway Shanahan then interrupted the meeting on some phony pretext and began to speak ai some length. Some of the vets soon started to complain Suddenly Shanahan walked tr the drapes and dramatically pulled them aside to reveal the pictures of the dead soldiers "Tll never forget it.

I swea to God those guyssatther with tears in their eyes They'd never seen the picture before," Shanahan said He told a story abou General Lander after whon the post was named. The tal orginally came from a gen tleman, now forgotten, whi related it tothe post in the late 19th Century. FOUNDER OF POST BEAN AND HAM SUPPERS When he showed the World War I room he described the bean and ham suppers that the GAR used to hold for 25 cents per person. Soon after the building was completed, the post acquired a large book- The museum's curator Joseph Shanahan points out the signature of Sam Adams on the Massachusetts Bay Colony Document dated August 3, 1770. It is part of the museum's Revolutionary War collection. (Connick Photo) The year before the Civil War began, Lander lost his billfold while walking around Washington, D.C.

The gen tleman above found the wallet across the street fiom a hote and checked with the hotel desk clerk to see if Lander was staying there. "He sure is, "said the clerk, "but if you want to see him you'll have to wait in line" The clerk then escorted the gentleman to a room where a dozen or so men were waiting to see Lander. "I don't think you're gonna see him today. He doesn't seem to want to see no one today. We've been here over THE SUNDAY POST - JANUARY 28, 1979 Tar Mementos and History PAGE 7 ates. The hall was used for official (Connick Photo) an hour." said one of the men waiting to call on Lander. The gentleman with the wallet then prevailed upon the clerk and finally persuaded him to take him to Landers room. The clerk warned him however, that he would take no responsibility for anything Lander might do.

It seemed that besides being reclusive, Lander was in a foul mood The gent pounded on the door and Lander yelled out that he didn't want to see anvone. "But it's important," said the man who found the wallet. "Bah! Nothing is important after what happened to me today," Lander replied. Sensing the nature of Lander's problem, the gen- tleman rushed into the room to find Lander sitting on the bed with a gun poised at his head. Landerhad been on a sur- veying mission out west and the men in the waiting room were waiting to get paid for thework they did for him from the $4000 in Lander's wallet. winree months after the Civil Egan Lander was one of the first Union General *o die in 4hn ni. LARGEST DISPLAY The main Civil War room is the largest of the display rooms. In it are an array of artifacts and memoribilia from both the Union and Confederate armies.

Besides a varied collection of weapons, uniforms, utensils and photographs and pictures were some unusual exhibits. One display case contained miniature canteens that served as flasks. "The liquor companies knew that the soldiers liked their spot of tea," said Shanahan. At one end of the room is a tableau made by Robert Marcotte of Lynn, com- memorating the Battle of Bloody Angel which took place at the Battle of Gettysburg in early July, 1863. The craft- smanship is impressive. Marcotte hand-paintedthe HO-size soldiers and fashioned trees, grass and bulwarks from matches, sponges and paint. Shanahan beamed at the entrance of the old GAR meeting hall. The room was lined with long wooden ben- ches. At the compass points of the room are wooden chairs where the functionaries sat. In the middle of the room is a large brass ship's capstan.

Danglingfrom the ceiling which is trimmed in gold leaf, are three large cut glass chandeliers. At the rear of the hall was a large balcony which holds a cannon and two stuffed eagles. Everything in the room had its own story and Shanahan was eager to tell each one As he talked he flushed out details of the room that otherwise would have been missed. repairs. The museum and the GAR receive no endowments. Any money they receive comes from donations and from the rents collected from the two General Eleetric Union offices on the second floor. Shanahan is looking into grant possibilities. On Feruary 14 he will go to Boston and attend a hearing which he hopes will eventually land the building on the National Register's list of historical sites.

Although money is scarce, the enthusiasm of Shanahan and the other trustees lend a personal flavor to the better museum that other, endowed institutions lack. In the summer the museum is open Monday, and Friday Wednesday afternoons. During the winter months tours are by appointment only. Appointments can be made by phoning 599-3055. OPENED IN 1975 long time trustee, Shanahan began work on the museum when he retired from General Electric in June 1974. After a lot of hardwork by Shanahan and the other trustees the museum opened in April 1975. The trustees are unpaid, and even the curator Shanahan receives no money. The ceiling of the main hall is water stained, and the hall's rug - which is the original rug needs thorougn professional cleaning but no money for thaseue A variety of displays in the museum denict the history of the nation's wars.

A Civir War dress tunic top above is compared to a modern West Point full dress tunic at the bottom in this display. (Connick Photo) NICHOLAS MAVROULES , 6TH DISTRICT, MASSACHUSETTS OMMITSEES URMED SERVICE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1204 LON WISTINGYUSOOFFECE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-8020 DISTRICT OFFICES: 99 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM MAHUSETTS 01970 Congress of the United States Bouse of Kepresentatibes Wlashington, IB.C. 20515 124Y 2::979 TOLL FREE WITHIN MASSACHUSETTS (800) 272-6730 April 18, 1979 Dr. William J. Murtagh Keeper of the National Register Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Department of the Interior Pension Building, 440 G Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20243 Attn: NOM Dear Mr.

Murtagh: I am writing to urge you to include the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Building, which is located in Lynn, Massachusetts, on the National Register of Historic Places. I have visited this building on occasion and found it fascinating. In the past, it played a central role in the community and even today, it continues as a unique and important symbol of the history of Lynn. This builidng was constructed in 1885 by the members of the General Lander Post #5, G.A.R. - the largest veterans organization in any city in the United States. Many members of that Post were leading members of the community - some of whom made the initial efforts which brought electricity and ultimately, General Electric, to the city of Lynn.

Their photos, memoribilia and records, which are still on display in the Grand Army of the Republic Building, provide a remarkable collection of primary historical sources as well as enhancing a sense of continuity and heritage to the citizens of Lynn. The Grand Army Building served as a meeting house, for minstrel shows, New England bean suppers and sporting events. It is believed to be the last such building in Massachusetts and one of the remaining 13 in the country. It would truly be a tragedy if steps are not taken in the near future to preserve and protect this structure. . 'Dr. William J. Murtagh April 18, 1979 Page 2 Incredible steps have been made in recent years toward the revitalization and redevelopment of Lynn. All who are familiar with the area are optimistic and excited over the city's progress.

I believe that your decision to list the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Building on the National Register would further support the city's redevelopment efforts and likewise, the city's efforts will greatly enhance the status of the Building. I urge you to carefully consider my remarks regarding this situation. I would be grateful if you would keep me informed of the status of your decision. with warm regards, Sincerely, ulMauaules Nicholas Mavroules Member of Congress NM/crh THE NATIONAL REGTS AEP'D TR 24 1979 'NDIVIDUAL TRMATIVE MA.L. MONE CALL (ATTAU TORIC PLACES - WILLIAM PROXMIRE, WIS., CHAIRMAN HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, JR., N.J. JAKE GARN, UTAH ALAN CRANSTON, CALIF. JOHN TOWER, TEX. ADLAI E. STEVENSON, ILL. H. JOHN HEINZ III, PA. ROBERT MORGAN, N.C. WILLIAM L. ARMSTRONG, COLO. DONALD W. RI#GLE, JR., MICH. NANCY LANDON KASSEBAUM, KANS. PAUC S. SARBANES, MD RICHARD G. LUGAR, IND.

DONALD W. STEWART, ALA. TSONGAS, MASS. KENNETH A. MC LEAN, STAFF DIRECTOR M. DANNY WALL, MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR MARY FRANCES DE LA PAVA, CHIEF CLERK Mnited States Senate COMMITTEE ON BAN AENA, HOUSING, AND WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 April 23, 1979 Mr. William J. Murtagh Keeper of the National Register United States Department of the Interior Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Pension Building 440 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20243 Dear Mr. Murtagh: The Board of Trustees of the Grand Army Memorial Building in the city of Lynn, Massachusetts, has requested my support tor the placement of the Republic Memorial Building on the National Register of Historic Places. I heartily endorse the efforts of the Board of Trustees and hope that you will favorably consider the gomination. Singerely, Ianl Paul E.

Tsongas PET: dsj ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE MASSACHUSETTS MAY 7 1979 Date Entered Name G.A.R. Hall and Museum Location Lynn Essex County Also Notified Honorable Paul G. Isongas Honorable Edward M. Kennedy Honorable James M. Shannon NR State Historic Preservation Officer Mrs. Patricia I. Weslowski Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Conmission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Byers/bjr 5/8/79 For further information, please call the National Register at (202)343-6401. - H32-NR MAY 15 1979 5° Connally 5-14 Honorable Paul E. Tsongas United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Isongas: Thank you for your inquiry of April 23, 1979, concerning the nomination of the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, Essex County, Massachusetts, to the National Register of Histeric Places. We are pleased to inform you that the G.A.R.

Menorial Hall was entered in the National Register on May 7, 1979. Enclosed is a leaflet which describes the National Register. If we can be of further assistance to you, please let us know. We appreciate your interest in historie preservation. Sincerely, CHRIS T. DELAPORTE Chris Therral Delaporte Director Enelosure cc: Mrs. Patricia L. Weslowski Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 bcc: Director's Reading File Chief, OAHP FHR-Lumpkin FHR-CL CL / POR - 7181 FHR:B Frandsen:1w:343-6401:5-8-79 BASIC FILE RETAINED IN NR ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS H32-NR 518 Honorable Nicholas Mavroules House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Mavroules: Thank you for your inquiry of April 18, 1979, to Dr. William 3. Murtagh concerning the nomination of the S.A, B.

Hall - Museum, Essex County, Massachusetts, to the National Register of Historie Places. We are pleased to inform you that this property was entered in the National Register on May 7, 1979. Enclosed is a fact sheet which describes the National Register program. If we can be of further assistance to you, please let us know. We appreciate your interest in historic preservation. Sincerely, Chris Therral Delaporte Director Enclosure CCE Mrs. Patricia L. Weslowski Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 becz CL FHR-CL /chut, OAHP Director's Reading File FHR: S.LIGHTNER:VCC 05/14/79: 343-6401 BASIC FILE RETAINED IN NR