Among the busiest landmarks of Meredith
for nearly two centuries, the "Ladd Block" is
now headquarters of the Meredith Historical Society. Built
about 1820 as a store and residence, the building took
on greater significance in 1854 when Seneca Ladd bought
it and moved his piano and melodeon business there. After
selling his piano business in 1869 Mr. Ladd was instrumental
in founding the Meredith Village Savings Bank and supplied
space in the building for the town's first banking office.
The bank remained there until 1925, when it built the
brick office across Highland Street that now serves as
town offices. Another well-known occupant of the building's
lower level was the Meredith Village post office. Villagers
collected their mail at "Post Office Square"
for several decades until a permanent post office was
built in 1936. Another tenant of the building from 1888-1901
was the Meredith Public Library. Various commercial interests
have owned or rented space in the building over the years
until a public/private partnership succeeded in purchasing
the building in 1994 as a historical museum.
Historical Society
Museum can be found by taking Route 3 to the lights in
Meredith. Turn left and go up the hill onto Lower Main
Street. The Society is on the right, next to the Town
Hall.