pit as well, according to Creative Ground. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House supports the cultural needs of communities on either side of the border, hence performances can be viewed in either English or French.

History

The design of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House was created by local Stanstead architect James Ball and his partner, Gilbert Smith, who was from Boston. Its cornerstone was laid on October 15th, 1901, by Colonel Horace Stewart Haskell and members of Stanstead’s Golden Rule Lodge with help from well-known Masons from either side of the U.S.-Canada border. Construction was overseen by Nathan Beach, a contractor from Georgeville, Quebec, and after several delays its construction was completed in 1904 at a cost of about $50,000, a huge sum at that time. TheHaskell Free Library and Opera House is classified as a historic site by the Canadian, the United States', and Province of Quebec's governments.

Motivation for the Construction

Construction of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House was initiated by Martha Stewart Haskell and her son, Colonel Horace Stewart Haskell. Martha dedicated it to her late husband Carlos Haskell, who was a prominent merchant, according to Haskell Opera History (HOH). Martha and her son viewed the arts facility as a gift to the border communities, wherein they could learn and be culturally enriched at this center on the U.S.-Canada border. The Opera house on the second floor was also designated according to a 1908 original charter to support and maintain the library downstairs, according to HOH.

Quirky Uniqueness

The Haskell Free Library and