Nahant Town Hall 100th anniversary coming

NAHANT – The Town of Nahant has a big birthday ahead of them, and selectmen are putting together a committee for the occasion.Chairman Mike Manning said at the meeting Thursday night he is looking for residents to serve on a committee that will plan festivities for the Town Hall?s 100th anniversary celebration.With the date less than two months away, Manning is hoping to get residents who are interested in helping to put together a town-wide event to contact Town Administrator Andy Bisignani before the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 20, when Chairman Mike Manning is hoping to appoint committee members.?Between now and the next meeting we should talk to people who would be willing to serve on a committee,” said Manning. “It?s only two months away but I think we have enough time to get something together.”Manning said there was originally town-wide tension over how to spend the $75,000 to build the Town Hall before it was unveiled on Nov. 9, 1912, with architects fighting over what the building should look like.Manning and Vice Chairman Richard Lombard said the celebration may not take place on the actual anniversary because it is only three days after election day.Manning said he already reached out to the Nahant Historical Society to do an exhibit or ornamentation for an event.Lombard said the celebration should be an all-day event held on a Saturday so children can partake in the fun. “We should get the kids involved in the history, and have cake and ice cream or something. I think the kids would be interested in the historical significance,” said Lombard. “Then at night we can open it up for adults and have a square dance or something.”Manning suggested having students at the Johnson School incorporate it into their curriculum and extend an invitation to pro-art organization 01908 to include an art project.?It?s a good building,” said Manning. “Maybe it will last 100 more years if we take care of it.”Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].