The Next 100 Years …

One hundred years ago this year, the community of Randolph received an extraordinary gift from a native who had worked with President Lincoln and gone on to make a fortune in the telecommunications industry. Col. Albert B. Chandler presented a Music Hall to the citizens of Randolph in 1907, though it was actually owned by Bethany Church for several decades.

This is a gift that has made a difference. It has raised Randolph's reputation in the state and raised the well-being of its residents. It has become known as simply one of the most perfect concert halls in New England.

Further, since the early 1970s, the very existence of Chandler Music Hall and the attached gallery has created the impetus for a wide variety of performing groups and opportunities for young people and adults. The managers of the building have made an effort to make sure that activities there reach people of all tastes. Classical music? Sure (perhaps the best in the state), but also the community-building talent shows (a new one for kids this year), the July 4 musicals, magicians, and offerings that include folk, blues, and traditional or "heritage" styles, as well as theater.

The town government performs routine maintenance, but the non-profit Chandler Center for the Arts has put enormous energy and money into the hall. Most recently, it raised $100,000 to install the hall's first air conditioning system. Tens of thousands of dollars have been pumped into dramatic upgrades of the lighting and sound systems. The organization paid for half of a recent heating upgrade. The Chandler Center also purchased the adjoining laundromat property, which extended to within a few feet of the Music Hall's north wall.

Now, it's 2007, and Col. Chandler's gift is about to enter its second century. The Randolph selectboard has placed on the Town Meeting ballot a proposal for a 20-year, $750,000 bond to bring the elegant and historic building into full compliance with 21st century codes. Descriptions of the exact work to be done can be found elsewhere in The Herald; the provision of new rest rooms alone is likely to draw a hearty sigh of relief from many.

Passage of the bond would also provide persuasive talking points for a separate campaign among foundations and private givers, to raise funds for an addition and technical improvements. Annual payments on the bond would cost the owner of a $150,000 home about $20 a year in taxes.

To pass this bond would be a great gift to future generations of Randolph people. It is a substantial amount of money. However, there's a certain tradition of great gifts in Randolph that goes back 100 years. If in 2007 the town's residents are generous, the residents of 2107 will be thankful.