Architecture Note: Pearson Hall, c.1814

Pearson Hall, c. 1814-1817 (Edmund Stevens, builder) was recently added to the "Seven to Save" list compiled by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and announced at the annual meeting in fall 2011.  Pearson Hall is an important visual and physical anchor to the graceful double Common at Haverhill, NH.  In combination with the red brick Federal style Congregational Church (1827), they puncture the surrounding white late Georgian and early Federal style structures which ring the Common. Pearson Hall, now nearing its bicentennial, has always served a public purpose, housing the Haverhill Academy, the Courthouse and Library. Pearson, the Church and later Academy Building (Southard Hall,1897)  provide visual interest to streetscape with their multi stage towers and belfries.

Pearson Hall features well patinaed Flemish bond red brickwork and simple but elegant Federal era trim, including the door surround which has a stylized rosette and trigplyh motif found on at least three other Haverhill buildings perhaps indicating the same hand.  The open octagonal belfry caps the structure, which, for a short time, would have been the dominate visual icon of the town, the North County seat. Of particular interest is the "faux" modillion block cornice which reads from the ground as having actual mutules - they are however incised and darkened rather than in relief. A clever solution to achieving effect without extra expense.

As presently planned, Pearson Hall will be renovated as the new home of the Haverhill Historical Society, Museum and Library.  Discussion is currently underway to more fully reuse the structure as a home for training in preservation and traditional building trades.

For further information on New Hampshire architecture and construction, see James Garvin, A Building History of Northern  New England (University Press of New England, 2001); Bryant Tolles, New Hampshire Architecture (University Press of New England, 1979) and National Register and Building Files, Haverhill Historical Society.