City Hall Urn
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
One of the most distinctive pieces of public art in Melrose is the striking green cast-iron urn that graces the entrance to City Hall. More than just a decorative object, this urn is a cherished part of the city’s historical fabric. Gifted to the town by its citizens in 1874, it represents both a spirit of civic pride and a commitment to beautifying shared spaces.
Crafted by M.D. Jones & Company — a Boston foundry celebrated for its ornate ironwork — the urn is a fine example of Victorian-era design. The company, located on Sudbury Street, specialized in elegant cast-iron creations such as fountains, urns, and grave markers, which were distributed throughout New England. Their work is renowned for both its artistry and enduring quality.
The urn at Melrose City Hall reflects the 19th-century movement to incorporate art into everyday public life. Its intricate design and prominent placement symbolize an era when communities embraced beauty as a public good.
I love its intricate design.
Today, it stands not only as a historical artifact but as a living reminder of Melrose’s long-standing dedication to art, culture, and civic identity.
