If you have any public domain photographs of historical interest to donate, whether scanned or printed please contact the webmaster, Roger Chartier and your submission will be credited if it is displayed on this site.
1897 New Bedford Library and Odd Fellows Hall
New Bedford, Ma.
In 1897, this image was taken showing the street scene on a sunny summer day facing the library.
The Odd Fellows Hall on 628 Pleasant Street is building on the right. The library, 133 William Street on the left was in the same building that is now City Hall.
In 1897, when the photo was taken the City Hall was in the building across the street to the right and behind the scene we are seeing here. The view is of William Street and Pleasant Street.
In 1910, a fire in the city hall brought about it's change of use to become the library.
The library books and operations were moved from 133 William Street across the street into 613 Pleasant Street which was the former City Hall.
The City Hall offices moved across the street to 133 William Street, where they are today.
They switched buildings. Odd Fellows Hall was built between 1890 and 1897.
The building materials bought from Charles S. Paisler. The Odd Fellows were a group somewhat similar to Freemasons or Elks etc.
Several businesses, as well as the Kinyon Commercial School, were located in part of the building.
Click the photos below for enlargement and more detail.
Below are 4 pictures of:
The Library and Odd Fellows Hall - Reading Room in the Library - Odd Fellows Hall - and a Modern View of the area.
Below - The reading room in the library
The picture above is of the Odd Fellows Hall taken after the turn of the century in or about 1910.
Below slightly similar as the top image view from 2009 or 2010.
Notice the change to the top floor of the Odd Fellows hall.
