Mechanics' Hall (New York City)

For other buildings called Mechanics Hall, see Mechanics Hall (disambiguation).

Detail of 1852 New York City map showing location Mechanic's Hall. Narrow corridor provided frontage on Broadway to lot formerly occupied by New York High School

Mechanics' Hall was a meeting hall and theatre seating 2,500 people located at 472 Broadway in New York City, United States. It had a brown façade. Built by the Mechanics' Society for their monthly meetings in 1847,[1] it was also used for banquets, luncheons, and speeches held by other groups.

The building eventually became a playhouse. During this time, it was variously known as the Abbey Theatre, Butler's American Theatre, and other names. The blackface minstrel troupe Buckley's Serenaders saw great success there until 1846. Christy's Minstrels became the resident minstrel company in February 1847, buying the building later in 1847. They remained until July 1854, when the troupe disbanded. Bryants Minstrels played at Mechanics' Hall for the first time in 1857.

In 1866, showman Robert Butler took over management of Mechanics' Hall following a fire that destroyed his former theater at 444 Broadway. Butler's luck was no better in the new venue as Mechanics' Hall was also destroyed by fire later that year.[2]

References

  1. Dimmick, R.C. (1913). Our Theatres To-day and Yesterday. H.K. Fly Company. p. 42. Retrieved 2015-01-31.
  2. (8 April 1868). Another Theatre Gone, The New York Times

Coordinates: 40°43′16″N 74°00′00″W / 40.721°N 74.000°W / 40.721; -74.000

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