The Stone Building
About
The Stone Building is a Greek Revival landmark in East Lexington, built in 1833 as a lyceum, or public lecture hall. In the 19th century East Lexington was a regular stop on the lecture circuit, and the hall hosted debates over the pressing issues of the day, including abolition, transcendentalism and temperance. Leading thinkers who spoke here included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Theodore Parker and Charles Sumner, and perhaps Henry David Thoreau.
Later the building took on a quieter civic role as a branch of the town library. Today it is counted among the historic sites of Lexington’s cultural district and is listed with the town’s tourism office as a historical attraction. There are no public tours, but the Greek Revival exterior can be viewed year-round, and the interior is opened for events held in the building.
What to Know
- Eli Robbins constructed the building.
- It served as the East Lexington Branch Library from 1891 to 2007.
- The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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