Memorial Hall 100th Anniversary Celebrations This May

Submitted by Julie Salickram.

It was 1912 when the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Building in Melrose, started by contributions from Mr. John Slayton, was built and officially dedicated to the brave soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. And now, 100 years and countless events later, the City of Melrose is set to celebrate these hallowed halls that have been a source of joy, merriment and remembrance for so many over the years.

“This is truly a celebration of the city’s centerpiece of community events for the past 100 years,” says Melrose Mayor Robert J. Dolan. “Memorial Hall has been enjoyed by generations of citizens from Melrose and surrounding communities. Many fond memories have been cultivated at the historic hall as it continues to enrich our lives today and surely will into our future.”

Festivities will occur over the course of three days from Friday, May 18 through Sunday May 20, the weekend proceeding Memorial Day weekend. On the evening of Friday, May 18 the Hall will invite active duty servicemen and women as well as veterans of Melrose, along with their families, for an evening of music provided by a renowned local military band.  

Then, on Saturday evening, May 19 a black and white gala celebration will be held, reminiscent of the early days of the hall. Dan Gabel and the Abletones, an 18-piece big band orchestra will provide timeless entertainment throughout the night. Mark your calendars now for this once in a century celebration!

And finally, on Sunday, May 20, the annual Melrose Memorial Day parade will be moved up one week this year to coincide with the Memorial Hall celebrations. Please note that only the parade itself has moved dates and that all other Memorial Day Veterans ceremonies will still take place during Memorial Day weekend as it typically does.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration is being sponsored by Mayor Dolan and the Soldier and Sailors Memorial Hall Building Board of Trustees. Tickets for both the Friday and Saturday evening events will be available starting in early March. Further details will be released at that time. For further information regarding any of these events, please feel free to contact Kathy Pigott-Brodeur at memorialhall@cityofmelrose.org or 781.979.4185.

About Memorial Hall in Melrose – Memorial Hall was originally dedicated in 1912 in remembrance of the soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. With a seating capacity of 800, a full commercial kitchen facility on the premises and a grand stage measuring 30’ x 40’, Memorial Hall is a beautiful facility available for rental for a variety of events, functions and performances. Visit the hall’s webpage at
http://www.melrosememorialhall.com for more information.