Mechanics Hall
	Title: Mechanics Building, Huntington Avenue Date: circa 1900 Creator: Not identified Original Media: 4½" x 7¼" silver print on 11" x 14" mount
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	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.
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