Merrick Public Library, Banister Memorial Hall - Brookfield, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 12.820 W 072° 06.160
18T E 739155 N 4677564
The Romanesque Revival style Merrick Public Library is located at 2 Lincoln Street in Brookfield, MA.
Waymark Code: WM148DD
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/15/2021
Views: 1
Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice Pliny Merrick donated $10,000 and his personal book collection to form the library in Brookfield which was originally housed in the town high school. The land for the present library was donated in 1883 and the architectural firm of Wait and Cutter were commissioned to design a the present library building. The construction of the library building was made possible by a donation of $10,000 from Mr. William A. Banister. The Springfield contractor Levi Moody was selected to erect the building which was dedicated on January 31, 1884 and officially named the Merrick Public Library, Banister Memorial Hall.
The Romanesque Revival style brick building with brownstone trim rests on a granite foundation. The ridge and chimney are decorated with terra cotta finishings. The large tall windows and doors are framed by brownstone arches. A plaque embedded in the wall near the entrance is inscribed:
BANNISTER
MEMORIAL HALL
ERECTED BY
WM. A. BANNISTER
OF NEW YORK
A.D. 1833
IN MEMORY OF
Joseph Bannister died 1731
Seth Bannister died 1783
Col. Seth Bannister died 1819
Capt. Seth Bannister died 1852
Rev. Seth W. Bannister died 1861
ALL INTERRED IN BROOKFIELD CEMETERY
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