First Town-House, Boston

A sketch drawn in 1930 based on the original specifications shows an open-walled public market (a traditional medieval form) on the ground floor.

Three rows of seven stout posts supported the upper stories, which were walled by broad planks three inches (76 mm) thick, "well grooved into one another" and planed smooth on both sides.

The three-foot overhang "everie way", a very rare feature in non-military architecture, was braced by diagonal struts from the posts and ornamented by corner pendants.

It was the focal point of Boston's civil and political life: receptions held by governors and prominent citizens; assemblies of the Legislature; meetings of the colony and town officers; the marketplace with its stalls and stores all made it so.

There the revolt against Governor Andros was centered; the same year the first Episcopalian service in Boston was held in the deputies' room.