In the early years there was no Town Hall. Meetings were held at The Meeting Houses, in the Brick School or in taverns. In later years they utilized the Community House.
First Town Hall: In 1870 the population was 1,318. South Britain was the center of commerce due to the milling operations on The Pomperaug. A two-story structure was built in 1873. The first floor, with its vault, served The Town Clerk. The second floor was used for court proceedings, selectmen’s meetings and for community purposes. Some officers managed their business out of their homes. It was opened for business two days a week.
Second Town Hall: By 1960 the population was 5,186. The South Britain Town Hall had become obsolete, having no running water or sanitary facilities, an inadequate vault and little heating. In 1964 a new hall was built at Main Street South and Peter Road, closer to Interstate 84 which opened in 1963.
In the next decade the local population exploded. So, in 1976 the third Town Hall is built. The architectural style was inspired by the Brick School at Bullet Hill. Importantly it had a meeting room suitable for the town’s needs.
John Dwyer
Town Historian