Methuen

Methuen is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population of the city in 2390 was approximately 200,000.

Methuen was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1726; it is named for the British diplomat Sir Paul Methuen.

Government

Historically, Methuen had a town meeting-selectmen form of government and was known as the Town of Methuen until it adopted a charter replacing its traditional town meeting and selectmen with a council and manager. Even with a form of government that had historically and legally been exclusive to cities, the community, in a gesture of traditionalism, retained the name Town of Methuen in its charter. However, because Massachusetts cities have self-governing powers not available to towns, it became known for legal purposes as "The City Known as the Town of Methuen". A subsequent charter, which adopted a strong mayor form of government, officially changed the community name to the "City of Methuen".

Methuen's city government currently consists of a Mayor, three Councilors-at-Large, two East District Councilors, two Central District Councilors, two West District Councilors, and six School Committee members.

Historic District

The "Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District" established by the City of Methuen in 1992 to preserve the "distinctive architecture and rich character of one of Massachusetts’ most unique neighborhoods" is named after the three "Methuen city fathers": David C. Nevins, Edward F. Searles and Charles H. Tenney. According to the City of Methuen:

Today, the trio’s collective vision can be seen in mills, housing, schools, mansions, churches, monuments, playgrounds, the library, and the architectural fantasies that resulted from their artistic rivalry. The historic district boundaries were established to include properties and buildings constructed or used by the Searles, Tenney and Nevins families and the people who worked for them.

According to a description by the Essex National Heritage Area, the district:

...reflects the major influences that shaped Methuen's architecture and economy. The Spicket River provided water power for the local industry housed in large brick mills along the river. Corresponding commercial growth resulted in Gaunt Square, which has been the commercial center of Methuen since the mid-19th Century. In addition to economic forces, three individuals, David Nevins, Charles Tenney and Edward F. Searles, left an architectural legacy which defines the district's character today.

Points of interest

• Methuen Memorial Music Hall was built specifically to house the Great Organ, built originally by Walcker Orgelbau for the Boston Music Hall, and procured by philanthropist and city benefactor Edward Francis Searles more than a century ago. The organ case, which in approximate terms is as large as a typical house, is ornate, and features a bust of J.S. Bach as a central ornament.
• The landmark Nevins Memorial Library, founded in 1868 by David Nevins Sr, the building of this grand brick and stained glass library wasn't completed until after his death.
• The main location for the the Basilian Salvatorian Order is located in Methuen with a community of religious priests of the Greek Catholic rite.