Cheney Hall, built by the same immigrant labor who worked the historic Cheney Mills 150 years ago, was always meant to be a cultural arts center. The Cheney Brothers wanted a place where their employees could gather to hear great orators, poets, dramatists and musicians of the time.  And so they did . . .Susan B. Anthony, Henry Ward Beecher, Presidents Grover Cleveland and William H. Taft graced the hall.  In more recent days, the noted names have been Janis Ian, Ritchie Havens, John McEwen, Jonathan Edwards, Nils Lofgren and Kenny Rankin.

For over six decades the Hall served as a library, armory (during the Spanish American War), banquet hall, hospital, school, church and tea room. With social and political changes, the silk industry (for which the Cheney’s were famous along with velvet and yarn) and use of Cheney Hall declined.  It ironically became a fabric showroom in 1925 and finally closed its doors in 1976.

Years of decay threatened its existence, but in 1978 it was designated as a National Historic Landmark building and three years later donated to the Town of Manchester. Non-profit organizations were called upon to raise money for the restoration of the hall and The Little Theatre of Manchester (organized in 1960) took on the project.  The all-volunteer organization raised the funds, supervised the 1991 restoration, and for 20 years have called it ‘home’.
 
With five main stage productions annually (50 performances), play-readings, a summer children’s theater program, and other cultural activities and offering the historic hall for rented use by brides and grooms, families and businesses, this active facility is certainly a treasure for Manchester, and the New England region.The Hall is the central focal point of Heritage Day, a 20 year celebration by Manchester residents who are proud of our cultural roots and of the roots we’ve laid in this New England town called the “City of Village Charm”.
 
Centrally located in the National Historic District along with the Manchester Historical Society, the Connecticut Fireman’s Museum and the Cheney School House, you can enjoy an overnight stay at the Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast (on the grounds of the Cheney mansions of Hartford Road) and on the same street, several fine restaurants such as CW’s Chops ‘n Catch and pubs like the Hartford Road Cafe.
 
Parallel to I-384, and within walking distance to downtown Manchester, Cheney Hall is a 10 minute drive from Hartford and easy access to I-84. Information about the Hall can be found at www.cheneyhall.org or by calling 860-647-9824.

Submitted By: Joyce Hodgson, Executive Director, Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall