Travel Back in Time: Town Hall

is one of the most recognizable buildings in town. Home to local government, as well as annual Town Meeting and many community events, it's a landmark in the town

Many people are unaware of its history, however, so we'll provide some highlights.

• The structure now known as Town Hall was built in 1854, and the architect was Thomas Silloway. It replaced the original brick structure that dated to 1819.
•  An addition was added in 1900 by architect Robert Allen Cook.
• Beginning in 1880, Town Hall was home to the , until it moved in to its current location, which originally was the post office.
• A court room was on the first floor of Town Hall and the basement held several small jail cells.

Renovations over the years have removed most signs of this history. But the break room for town employees still has the old jail cell walls and barred windows, including the small space that allowed jailers to pass meals to the prisoners.

The court is long gone, as well. But the street that runs alongside Town Hall reveals this former use: Court Street.

Click through the photos to see some of this history.