Even before the NRAS moved into the G.A.R. Hall, the building served as a community resource and gathering place for neighbors:

1826 - 1853

Episcopal Church (originally located in Marshfield center; relocated to current site).

 

1866

Local entrepreneur Wales Rogers converted the building into a paint and wheelwright shop, ultimately expanding it into a function hall, which he rented out for celebrations.

 

1892

The building was officially designated as the David Church Post #189 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), a veterans’ organization. David Church was the first of 26 Marshfield men to give his life serving in the Civil War. In total, 135 soldiers from Marshfield fought in the war.

 

1910 - 1919

The Hall served as a movie theater, playing silent movies accompanied by a piano player, to local audiences. 

 

1919

The G.A.R. Hall was given to the Town of Marshfield.

 

1930

The Marshfield Hills Players, a local theatrical troupe affiliated with the Leland Powers School of Theater, performed summer stock at the Hall.

 

1930 - '40

The Hall hosted community meetings and gatherings, church dinners, musicals and plays.

 

1950

The Curtain-Timers, a community theater organization, staged performances at the Hall.

 

1978

Leased to the North River Arts Society. 

Source: Marshfield—A Town of Villages 1640-1990, by Marshfield Historians Cynthia Hagar Krusell and Betty Magoun Bates, published by Historical Research Associates (1990)