Another week has gone by and despite yesterday’s rain, more work has been to the exterior of Greater Napanee’s town hall in Market Square.
At the end of this week, you can see more of the copper colour on the north side of the building, and chipping paint has been removed from the pillars facing John Street.
In this week’s update, we’re looking at the early days of the building.
In 1855, as the Grand Trunk Railway was nearly done, the settlement near Appanea Falls shifted westward. Napanee, a police village since 1849, became a fully incorporated village on September 29, 1854.
Market Days were held monthly on John Street, connecting the riverfront cargo system to the new railway station. A public meeting on July 18, 1855, discussed building a Market House and Town Hall, with the new building facing John Street. Despite opposition, a brick building was approved, financed through a 6% debenture.
The cornerstone was laid on June 11, 1856, and By-Law No. 29 set rental fees on May 31, 1858. Renting the hall with lights and fuel cost $4, while religious meetings were $0.50. Hiring the Constable for security was an extra $0.50.
Stay tuned for weekly updates as the project progresses.
Written by Emily Chatwood