Faneuil Hall and Faneuil Hall Market; Or, Peter Faneuil and His Gift (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1901. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXI The Custodians of Faneuil Hall. The Market House Investment. Prog-. ross in Marketing in the Various Departments. THE intention of Peter Faneuil to give a hall for the benefit of the citizens of Boston has been faithfully carried out. The selectmen were the custodians as long as the town form of government continued. An application for the use of the hall was always granted, unless it appeared that the purpose for which it was wanted was contrary to the spirit of the gift. We have seen that the hall was refused at times, for obvious reasons, during the Revolution, but law-abiding citizens, regardless of sect or nationality, have enjoyed their rights of its free use. By a condition of the city charter of 1822, the hall cannot be rented, and the old rules for governing the use of it have been observed. There is, however, a nominal fee required in order to defray the running expenses. Any citizen of Boston desiring the use of the hall for a definite time makes application to the board of aldermen, who refer it to the Faneuil Hall committee, consisting of five of their number. This committee passes favorably upon the petition, if no one has a previous claim upon the date, and the signature of the mayor assures the applicant that his petition is granted. Dates are often fixed months in advance, but it is apparent to the close observer that favoritism has no influence, the citizens' hall being for the citizens, and first come is the first served. Although large sums of money have been expended to perpetuate Faneuil Hall, the appropriations have never been made as an investment. But in the management of the market, closely allied with the hall, the circumstances have been different. Stalls have always been rented to individuals for the purpose of c...