By E.L.
Exeter News-Letter, September 30, 1892
[The following article is courtesy of the Exeter News-Letter and Seacoast Online.]
HAMPTON, September 28, -- The above cut is a good representation of the exterior of our town house. The main portion off this building, which was 45 by 60 feet, with 25 foot-posts, was erected by the Congregational society in 1797; dedicated on November 14 the same year, and occupied ;by said society for religious purposes until 1843, when they built a new church on the opposite side of the street.
After the old church was vacated the town began to use it for town purposes, and continued to do so without any alterations up to 1860. The old meeting house, as it was then called, stood sidewise of, and mainly in the street, with a tall steeple at the west end, which contained Grandsir Hardin’s favorite pet - (the bell) and its apex crowned with a quaint weather vane that many still remember. During this year, however, land was purchased, the steeple taken down, and the old building was swung around and moved back, end to the street. The gallery, which occupied three sides, and most of the box pews, were removed; the upper story floored over and other alterations and repairs made until it became quite a respectable building.
Notwithstanding, as time wore on, it became apparent that a more commodious and modern structure was needed, and as the massive frame work of the old building was found to be in a good state of preservation, the town decided four years ago thoroughly to renovate the same and build an addition to the front, which was accordingly done.
This affords a spacious hallway, at the head of which is the selectmen’s room, light and airy. Farther to the left is the entrance to the upper hall, which has two ante rooms, sufficient stage room, and back stairway, and a seating capacity for 350.
On the lower floor, at the right of the main entrance, is the library room, 15 feet by 30 feet; a hall, 45 by 50 feet, that is ample for town business, as the rear of which is a large kitchen, desk room and a lockup with two cells and other conveniences. Under the front stairway is wood and coal room, the safe and ticket office. The building is well lighted and heated by two furnaces. Upon the whole we pride ourselves with having as well an appointed town house as most of the country towns.