MEMORIAL HALL
By PATRICK DeVIVO
MELROSE — Melrose has always been a city that takes immense pride in its past even as it plans and builds for the future. There is no better manifestation of this spirit than Memorial Hall located on Main St. adjacent to City Hall.
Originally known as The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, it was completed in 1912 during an era of unbridled development and expansion across the American continent. Even in that era, Melrose citizens did not lose site of the legacy of those who had fought a bloody and costly civil war some 50 years earlier a conflict that saved the union and ushered in this era of growth. These soldiers, in President Lincoln’s words, “gave the last full measure of devotion” and their comrades were by 1912 rapidly passing from the scene. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building was constructed to pay tribute to all of these soldiers as well as veterans of all subsequent wars by serving as a space to honor the past and a venue for the events, performances and celebrations of future Melrose generations.
Ever since its doors opened, Memorial Hall has been at the center of political and cultural life in Melrose. It has provided space for Melrose veterans to conduct meetings and commemorative ceremonies and has been the setting for countless events honoring the famous and not so famous.
Early in its history Calvin Coolidge attended a flag raising ceremony as Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor in 1918 and Massachusetts governors John Bates and Channing Cox attended ceremonies in 1919 and1922 respectively. More recent political figures who have visited include Massachusetts Governors Deval Patrick in 2007 and Charlie Baker 2010 and 2016 and Arizona Senator John McCain who attended a rally supporting senatorial candidate Scott Brown in 2012.
In addition to serving as home for the Melrose Symphony Orchestra noted musicians hosted by Memorial Hall include the Makem Brothers for a series of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the early 2000s, Arlo Guthrie in 2008 and the Dropkick Murphys in 2018.
However, it’s been the citizens and families of Melrose whom Memorial Hall has most faithfully served by providing a setting for the gatherings and celebrations that mark the important passages in the life of the city and each of its citizens. From the inaugurations of Melrose’s city counselors and mayors to youth sports award presentations, to dance recitals, plays and concerts, to graduation ceremonies and art and craft fairs to fundraisers of all kinds including wrestling matches and Texas Hold’em poker nights, the granite edifice of Memorial Hall has stood as a timeless witness.
But like all of us who survive the New England weather year after year, the grand old building has shown signs of its age and constant use. Over the past two years costly and extensive cleaning and patching of the building’s exterior has been completed. Now, additional funds are needed to repair the interior walls, floors and ceilings of both the Main Hall and the Grand Army of the Republic Room. At the same time, clean-up and restoration of paintings, draperies, a colonial era American flag and the plaques that adorn the “Wall of Honor” is long overdue.
In 2023 the Melrose Friends of Memorial Hall, an all-volunteer not for profit group that raises funds to support the Hall, organized a 1920s-themed gala that raised $50,000 and provided an entertaining night out for all who attended.
This year the Friends have established a Legacy Donation Program. While donations of any amount are always welcome, individuals, families or organizations donating at one of the amounts below will have their generosity permanently recognized with a plaque engraved with the individual’s, family’s or organization’s name.to be permanently displayed at Memorial Hall: John C. F. Slayton, sponsor, $10,000 and up; Admiral Forrest P. Sherman, USN sponsor, $5,000-$9,999; and General Ulysses S. Grant, USA sponsor, $2,500-$4,999.
The names of the sponsorship levels pay tribute to noted leaders with ties to Melrose. John C. F. Slayton was a Melrose alderman, the first member of the Melrose Planning Board and chairman of the Memorial Hall building committee. Admiral Forrest P. Sherman born and raised in Melrose was a distinguished officer in the United States Navy and one of the most prominent naval leaders in the mid 20th century. And Ulysses S. Grant in addition to serving as the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later the 18th President of the United States visited Melrose on August 24, 1880 during his post-presidential tour of the United States.
Julie Nolan, a longtime Melrose resident active in the Melrose community was an early contributor to the Legacy Donation Program along with her five siblings. Julie credits the legacy of her late father Jim Driscoll with being her touchstone. “My father loved Melrose and was always involved in projects like the Victorian Fair and Home for the Holidays that promote the city he was so proud to live in. He passed on this love for the city to us and he also instilled in us a deep appreciation for those who give back to their community. He would often caution us against just complaining about a problem or waiting for others to act. ‘Things don’t happen on their own, he’d say.’”
To help the repairs to Memorial Hall happen or for more information about the Legacy Donation Program, please call 617-600-8175 or email memorialhallrestoration@gmail.com. A Legacy Donation form contains additional information at bit.ly/4eB1jjH. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Melrose Memorial Hall c/o Joan Cassidy, 61 Clifton Park, Melrose.
