From where I live, Hadley is the neighboring town, just across the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts.
Historically, the farming community is famous for its asparagus and mile-long town green. Locally, it’s also known as being the town that opened their arms to commercial development in the 1970s in the eastern part of town. By the river, there are historic homes and a farming museum, but just down the road is a miracle mile lined by fast food and big boxes. Before you get to parking lots and flood lights, an impressive brick school stands across from town hall.
The Russell School building is one of my favorite local structures, and it anchors and defines Hadley’s Town Center Historic District. Naturally well lit and with stunning views of the Holyoke Range, it is a delight to spend time in.
In 1893, the townspeople voted unanimously to erect this building with its unique freestanding unreinforced masonry. Plans drawn by Architect Charles E. Parks of Boston were approved in April, and the building was completed in December. At the dedication ceremony, Municipal Building Committee member George B. Smith stated: “The new school building as it stands today is one of the most perfect buildings of its kind in the Connecticut Valley. It is a credit to the town and the surrounding towns and not a murmur is heard from one citizen against paying the $17,177.09 which it cost.”
A Historic Buildings Preservation Plan, conducted by Olde Mohawk Masonry & Historic Restoration in April 2013, stated: “The workmanship and materials of Russell School are of the highest quality. They have weathered well over the previous 120 years.”
From 1894 until 1909, it served as the home of Hopkins Academy and as Hadley’s elementary and middle school until 1996, educating generations of Hadley youth.
Currently vacant and unused, the building’s fate is now uncertain. I photographed this tour in the winter and spring of 2023, hoping that a future owner may see the tour and want to give the building the attention and use it deserves. Last I’ve heard, local advocates are still looking.
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