Rambles about Portsmouth. Sketches of persons, localities, and incidents of two centuries: principally from tradition and unpublished documents. By Charles W. Brewster.

JEFFERSON HALL. 29
architectural symmetry was wholly destroyed when, about
twenty years ago, the roof was raised and slated, and the
eaves drawn in. Up to 1826, the arches of the Market, on
the north and south sides, were filled with large loose doors
without lights. In the coldest weather the doors were
kept open through the day, and the hardy butchers kept
their blood warm by stamping the feet and thrashing with
the arms-for a stove in the Market had never been thought
of. In 1826 the arches were contracted by brick work,
and tight doors put in, with windows over each to admit
the light. For a quarter of a century the only light to
the Market when it was closed had been that from the
semi-circular window over the front entrance, which is still
retained there. This desire for light, as well as the arrangement made for warming the Market, were certainly
evidences of progress.
Now we will leave the Market for the room over it,
which, like many children, was several months old before
it had a name. In Jan. 1801, we find it spoken of as " the
Town Hall." At the annual town meeting held in the
Court House March 25, 1801, it was voted, that the chamber of the Brick Market be hereafter called Jefferson Hall.
Thus it appears that Jefferson Hall received its name just
three weeks after Thomas Jefferson had taken his seat as
President of the United States. The first public use of
the Hall we can find was on the 24th of June, 1801, when
the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire convened at Jefferson
Hall on St. John's Day, and after proceeding to St. John's
Church returned to Jefferson Hall, where an elegant repast
was partaken.
On the 4th of July, 1801, a company dined in Jefferson
Hall. We find no record of any other use of the first Jefl
ferson Hall until the next 4th of July, in 1802. In that
year there were celebrations by both political parties.
The FIederaists dined at Piscataqua Bridge, in Washington