The Suffield Players--History of Mapleton Hall

The History of Mapleton Hall

1880s

Lyceum and Farmer’s meetings are held in the brick schoolhouse located at the foot of the hill on Crooked Lane.
Committee organized to create a larger meeting and gathering place.
Money raised from local community to construct new building in 1882.
Building completed in January 1883 and named Central Hall.
Crooked Lane renamed Mapleton Avenue.
Central Hall renamed Mapleton Hall.
Farmer meetings continue to 1885 when Grange is organized to take their place.

1896

Construction begins to expand Mapleton Hall and additions to North and South halls meet the Hall’s needs for increased meetings, card parties and "entertainments."

1897

May Breakfasts begin and become an annual fund-raising affair, which draws hundreds of people who come by trolley from Springfield and Hartford.

1978

Hall falls into disrepair and dwindling Grange membership forces them to turn the building over to the Mapleton Hall Association.
Under President Merwyn Spaulding, the Hall is furbished with floors refinished, plumbing and electrical work completed, interior and exterior repainted.
Annual "Give Your Heart to Mapleton Hall" cocktail parties become one of the elite events for the Who’s Who of Suffield.
The Suffield Players move from Suffield High School to Mapleton Hall to become the main renter.

1982

300-pound locomotive bell installed in the bell tower (which can still be rung if you can find someone who knows where the rope is).
40-foot ship’s mast added for use as flagpole.

1980s

Players continue to convert the building to be more "theatrically friendly." A new boiler, electrical system with emergency lights, and bathroom facilities are installed. Volunteers added fireproof sheetrock and waterproofing to basement, repaired porches, and painted inside and out.

1989

1990s

1999

Mapleton Hall Association transferred ownership of Mapleton Hall to The Suffield Players.

2001