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Alumni Hall on Haverhill Corner
Researched and Written by Janine Weins
(Posted 5/31/06)

Although Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, he received inspiration for much of his work from the white birches, stone walls, and country roads of New Hampshire. Best-selling authors Janet Evanovich and Jodi Picoult have homes just a few miles from my farm.

Some creative, successful people come to Northern New England to live and work, others come from their metropolitan homes between assignments in cities around the world for the peace, tranquility, and rejuvenation they find in the countryside and villages.

Two authors who come to Haverhill between their demanding work assignments—James Alexander, FAIA, an historical preservation architect whose projects have included the award-winning $150 million restoration of Ellis Island, and Betty Johnson, an internationally renowned vocalist who sang on The Tonight Show, at the London Palladium, and starred in musical productions—contributed their special talents to the revitalization and rehabilitation of Alumni Hall in the Haverhill Corner Historic District. Because of their contributions, and the contributions of others in the community, Alumni Hall is now a thriving arts and entertainment center.

Haverhill was the Grafton County seat from 1793 until 1891. In 1845–1846, Grafton County built a Greek and Gothic Revival brick court house. After the Grafton County Court moved north, the court house fell into disuse.

In 1919, the building was purchased by the Haverhill Academy graduating class and renamed Alumni Hall. Alumni Hall served as a gymnasium and auditorium until 1992 when the building again fell into disuse when the school moved north.

In 1993, a group of concerned citizens, under the leadership of Edith Celley, formed the non-profit Haverhill Heritage, Inc., and negotiated with the school to purchase Alumni Hall. Over the next few years, Haverhill Heritage, the Town of Haverhill, and the Haverhill Arts Committee raised money and developed proposals for the restoration of the building.

In 2000, Jim Alexander directed his considerable talents toward Alumni Hall, contributing plans and drawings for restoration. With the help of Jim's plans, volunteers were able to raise additional money and begin a comprehensive restoration of Alumni Hall.

On May 21st of 2005, more than a decade after Haverhill Heritage, Inc., purchased the building, Alumni Hall officially opened; the Heritage Brass Quintet played, local artists exhibited their works, and Willem Lange spoke. Since the opening, Alumni Hall has hosted art shows, concerts and community gatherings.

In December of the same year, Betty Johnson and her daughters gave a concert, "A Family Affair" at Alumni Hall to raise money for the building's continued maintenance.

On Sunday, June 4th at 3:00 PM, Alumni Hall will host "By George!," a concert featuring the songs of George Gershwin.