A BIT OF THEATER & OLD LABOR HALL HISTORY:
In 2006 I reached out to the Old Labor Hall to see about renting it for the rehearsals and initial production of a new DIY community “folk opera” called “Hadestown”. The Hall seemed spiritually right for a piece that contained a lot of Depression-era imagery as well as themes of industry and labor. If I remember right, I put a deposit down and started selling tickets to the show before it even existed– it was basically a handful of songs scribbled in a notebook! I started working with director/designer Ben t. Matchstick, who pulled together a gorgeous local cast and readied the show with just two weeks of rehearsal, and arranger/orchestrator Michael Chorney, who worked at a similarly furious pace to ready the music and the musicians. It was a complete leap of faith on the part of everyone involved, including the Old Labor Hall, and I don’t think the thing could have been born any other way. The rest is some kind of history, as “Hadestown” finally landed on Broadway in the spring of 2019 after a long and winding path of development. I’m forever grateful to the folks at the Old Labor Hall for giving us our first home, and also grateful that in addition to their passion for history, they also have a keen interest in “the now”– in helping to foster what is vital today in the community they serve. Sending love and gratitude to this wonderful organization. – Anais Mitchell, May 18, 2002
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Happenings at the Hall:
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Thomas C. Davis: A Life in Vermont
Oral history recollections by a 17th generation Vermonter, the son of a former governor, and himself a life-long public servant.
Tom Davis was a political activist, public speaker, storyteller, author, and statesman. Also known as “Tom Terrific,” he was widely admired for his quick wit, humor, humility, kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Read more →
News:
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Bakery Open—Fresh Bread for You at Last!
How can bread be both fresh and historic? If you buy it directly from the… →
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Rise Up Bakery gets its own Baker—Jim Haas
The historic Union Cooperative Store bakery building is now completely restored and equipped with a… →
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Scott Skinner Dies — Former Board Member and Volunteer
Scott Skinner, former board member and long time Barre Historical Society volunteer died on December… →
History:
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Barre, the Socialist Labor Party Hall, and the Lawrence Strike of 1912
The Lawrence ("Bread and Roses") textile strike was one of the most important labor disputes in American history. This is the story of the part played by Barre and the Old Labor Hall in its success.
Read more →
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Action, Camera!
Check out the Old Labor Hall YouTube channel for video excerpts from events at the Hall. Below are the most recent additions: