VIDEO: Scott Brown Visits Y; Ames Hall Restoration Embraces History

Senator Scott Brown spent some time touring the Salem YMCA Wednesday afternoon after .

His visit covered the entire facility, but centered on Ames Hall and the Creative Arts Program. The senator engaged a few of the Y kids in conversation and took off his jacket for a little basketball.

In October 2009, the Salem YMCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to begin a capital campaign to restore Ames Hall to its original 1901 purpose as a performing arts center for the overall Salem community.

Over the years, Ames Hall has served many purposes. In 1916, William Howard Taft, then in between his term as President and his time on the Supreme Court, addressed the citizens of Salem from the space. It was once the home of the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra. For many years, it served as the famous "Teen Town," where many a Salem teen danced and socialized. The 1980s saw it converted into a gymnasium and basketball court.

The current plans call for a full restoration to include rebuilding the balcony that once fringed the hall and use of the original entrance and its marble staircase. Also in the plans are air conditioning and improved handicapped accessibility. The overall intent is to create a state-of-the-art performance space while respecting and paying tribute to history.

The YMCA's theater program, which currently serves over 400 children in both theater and vocal programs, is already using the space for theatrical and musical productions. Beauty and the Beast and Cheaper by the Dozen are two of the main shows that have been produced and staged.

David Ives, a local philanthropist who grew up in Salem, and Dr. Nancy Harrington, a Teen Town alumni who went on to lead , are leading the capital campaign.

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