Town Hall, 274 Main Street, c. 1906

The land on the corner of Main and College Streets was originally the site of a college- seminary and a public school. In 1882, the Roman Catholic Church sold the property and building to the Federal Government and the structure was converted into a Post Office; it was later moved behind the Court House. In 1905, $15,000 was allocated for the construction of a new brick Post Office. According to the original blueprints, the Customs Office would be housed in the basement, while the attic storey would serve as a residence for the janitor and his family. Capped with its clock tower, the Post Office, which opened in July 1907, became a strong architectural presence on Main Street as well as the primary architectural statement of the federal government's influence. This building presently serves as the Town Hall. In 1972, the Town of Antigonish bought the building and land for $57,300.

It is difficult to trace precisely the architectural pedigree of this structure. Since the construction of Post Offices fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works, designs for federal government buildings tended to be generic expressions of the "national image"; after all they emanated from the office of the Ottawa-based Chief Dominion architect. The square tower, a prominent visual landmark, is characteristic of the traditional pavillon of the Second Empire design. And yet the huge chimney, roof line parapet and the steeply pitched front facing gables are redolent of the Tudor Revival style popularized in the early 20th century. The multiple dormers and busy roof line give the Town Hall Chateau qualities, while the asymmetrical design, rough textured stone base and wide, arched windows are distinctly Romanesque Revival in inspiration. This blending of styles, however, was typical of many turn-of-the-century architectural designs. The prominently displayed clock (which started running in August 1907) was also a symbol of a maturing town and modernization. The rhythm of "Main Street" would now keep step with the hours and minutes of a time-defined world.

Lisa Illsley

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