Discover: Memorial Hall

Location: Oakes Ames Memorial Hall

About the Location

Location: Oakes Ames Memorial hall - 3 Barrows Street
Date Constructed: 1879 to 1881
Original Purpose: Town Hall
Architects: H. H. Richardson, F.L Olmstead
Notable people involved in construction: Children of Oakes Ames: Oliver Ames, Oakes Angier Ames, Frank Morton Ames

The Oakes Ames Memorial Hall was commissioned by his children to commemorate their father. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives. The building was originally intended to serve as a town hall, but never in its history would it be used for that purpose. Inside the building are two large rooms and two stages. Outlooking stained glass panels. The third floor houses the masonic hall. Around the large tower is a carving of the zodiac, so next time you peer up at the building, see if you can find your own!

What is it used for now?

The building is used as a function hall and events are commonly hosted here, Along with this it is a popular spot to hold weddings and for wedding photos. In the winter, the holiday fair is hosted outside, with artistic displays, concession stands, and of course meeting Santa. Up the many steps and filling the building are various vendors selling all sorts of handmade goods.

Audio Tour:

History is right around the corner!

Looking outwards from the hall, you can see much of historical Easton. From here you can visit the Rockery, and main street for shopping, or visit the library and the experiences it has to offer. Behind the Rockery is where the Original Oliver Ames high school was.

☎ 508-238-9995

https://www.oakesameshall.org

Hello! June closes with a beautiful weekend of sun and warm, summer temperatures. This weekend would be terrific for sunning on the beach, working in the yard, cooking out, or taking in a ball game.

Sixty-five years ago that is exactly what was going on at Frothingham Park. In the summer of 1957, someone took a photo of a baseball game being played at Frothingham. The photo is taken from the hill near the Sheridan Street gate, and overlooks the outfield towards home plate. Though the photo is printed in black and white, one can easily see why playing ball at Frothingham Park is such a special experience! The field is well manicured, the basepaths smooth, the infield and outfield grass short and sturdy. Dozens of people are watching from the concrete stands. Others find the shade of the beautiful trees is the best place to watch from. Since the trees are well leafed out, I think this might be a summer game, perhaps our beloved Easton Huskies. How many of us have trekked to the Park to watch the Huskies, or our Oliver Ames High School teams, or Little League teams play? Even better, how many of us played in any of those games? With its beautiful baseball field, shade trees, natural beauty, and welcoming water fountain, Frothingham Park has no equal when it comes to a great place for sports. Today the Park is still a wonderful place to play in, or watch a baseball game. This photo, taken from approximately the same location as the 1957 photo, looks over that same green outfield towards the area of home plate. The field itself, aptly named for the late Robert "Buddy" Wooster who took such great care of the field, the park, and played games there, is as nicely kept as ever. The trees have matured since that 1957 photo was taken, providing even more beauty and shade. Driving by one can still catch a good ballgame, and certainly catch memories of heroics of years past. Does anyone remember Ken MacAfee hitting a ball onto Sheridan Street, over the iron fence? That must have been a truly Ruthian blast! Today the Park provides a safe playspace for young people, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a track and paths for walking. A new pavilion adds a nice piece to an already inviting area. How many people packed a picnic lunch and escaped to the shady places at the Park to escape the summer heat? The Park is many things to many people, and a true treasure to our town since its establishment in 1930 as a gift from Mrs. Mary Ames Frothingham in memory of her late husband, Congressman Louis A. Frothingham. By the way, Mr. Frothingham was an excellent athlete and one of the best baseball players ever at Harvard. During the Great Depression, the Park was an anchor for so many. During this past pandemic, the Park once again proved its importance to so many people as a place to play, a place to relax, and a center of our community. Until next week, stay well,
Frank