North Main

20 North Main Street

Built by the International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) in 1891. Originally three stories, the 1st floor contained a restaurant and a pool hall; the 2nd and 3rd floors were used by the l.O.O.F. In 1897, the Fire Company rented half of the Ist floor for its fire engine. Note the double parapet gable on the upper facade and the flush fan above the main center window between two smaller arched radiated windows. Became Borough Hall in 1929. Interior notable for pressed tin ceiling on the 2nd floor. Front of the 1st floor was radically changed to a "colonial" appearance after WW 11. At rear of building is the borough's former one room jail built circa 1911.

The building was formerly shared by the Borough Hall and the Fire Department. Later, after the Fire Department moved to Broome Street, the building was shard by the Borough Hall and the Borough Library. Currently, the Borough Hall and Borough Library have relocated to a separate building, and this building is being used for commecial purposes.

Try to visualize the two big doors in the front of the building, for use by the fire engines. The large window on the right side is an easy clue. However, the left side is more difficult, because the former door includes the small window and the entrance door.

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