Mechanics Hall
Back Bay, Massachusetts
ca. 1905
The Massachusetts
Charitable Mechanics Association Building, popularly known as
“Mechanics Hall” was built by the Association in 1881. Designed by
the renowned architect William Gibbons Preston, the building had a
facade of red brick and included a large turret with arched windows.
Located on Huntington Avenue not far from Copley Square, and adjacent to
the old Boston & Albany Railroad yards, the building’s vast
auditorium served as a meeting hall and convention center. It was used for many other activities including
indoor sporting events.
Although not
primarily a sporting venue, track meets, wrestling matches and other
popular sporting activities were held over the years in Mechanics Hall.
Other events such as dog shows, flower shows, and sportsmen shows were
also well attended. Sadly, this sprawling Victorian structure was
demolished in 1959 to make way for the Prudential Center.
Original drawings of
Mechanics Hall are available for review at the Boston Public Library
Fine Arts Department.
Sources:
- “Mechanics Hall” in Boston
A to Z by Thomas H. O’Connor, Harvard University Press, 2000.
1. Mechanic's Building, Huntington Avenue
Image number: 05_02_010092
Photographer: Stebbins, N. L. (Nathaniel Livermore), 1847-1922
Back Bay, Massachusetts (ca. 1900)
Exterior view of Mechanics Hall, looking west down Huntington Avenue. Boston & Albany Railroad yard visible to right of the building.
3. Sportsman's Show Mechanic's Hall Boston, Mass.
Image number: 05_02_010595
Back Bay, Massachusetts (ca. 1905)
Hunting display at Sportsman's Show. Sign reads, "John Cushman. Moose Hunting, Specialty. Moose and deer heads mounted on log cabin decorated with snowshoes, paddles and other gear. Man stands next to display holding paddle and animal skin over his sho
4. Sportsman's Show Mechanic's Hall Boston, Mass.
Image number: 05_02_010596
Back Bay, Massachusetts (ca. 1905)
Two men seated in front of log cabin in display from New Brunswick, Canada. Log cabin is decorated with mounted moose and deer heads. An array of stuffed animals to the left. Man on left holds small stuffed and mounted animal.
5. Mechanics Building, Huntington Avenue
Image number: 05_02_010652
Photographer: Abdalian, Leon H., 1884-1967
Back Bay, Massachusetts (1920)
View west down Huntington Avenue showing Mechanics Hall, the Boston & Albany Railroad Yard and the dome of the Christian Science Church in the background. Sign in foreground reads, "Sunning Restaurant, American-Chinese Food."
8. Huntington Avenue showing Mechanics Hall
Image number: 05_02_011342
Back Bay, Massachusetts (1897)
Corner of West Newton Street, elevated cars and horses and carts on Huntington. To left apartment buildings with awnings.
Sports
Temples of Boston: Images of Historic Ballparks, Arenas and Stadiums,
1872-1972
has been made possible through a Library Services and
Technology Act grant
administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners.
