Historic Classical, Inc.

235 State Street  Springfield, Massachusetts  01103

- Preserving the Legacy of Classical High School -

Back By Popular Demand:

Classical Tours, With An Added Twist

On Sunday, June 28, from 2-4 p.m., the Historic Classical association will sponsor unique 45-minute building tours of the interior and exterior of the former Classical High School located at 235 State Street in Springfield.  These tours have been extremely popular in the past, and this year there will be a special attraction for graduates to “leave their mark.”

The tours will provide significant historical information about the former school and will highlight architectural details that made the building so exceptional in the past, as well as today. Tours will also point out changes that were made during the conversion of the school to condominiums in 1989, with a particular emphasis on ways in which the architect preserved original details in creative ways.  Along the tours, visitors will also see some places where graduates etched their names on the walls.  Because the architect chose not to remove these etchings, they now remain as a lasting reminder of the students who attended Classical. 

The June 28 event will have a new attraction in the creation of an “Alumni Wall,” which will allow Classical alumni to legitimately leave their mark.  Those who wish to sign their name and class year on the Alumni Wall may do so for a donation of $1.  An extended message for up to 12 words can be made for $5. In this way, signers can be part of history, much like those encountered on old school desks and walls throughout the building. 

The school in the Renaissance Revival design was renowned in its day for its exceptional level of instruction and became a blueprint for subsequent halls of learning.  Lecture halls, an observatory, planetarium, science labs, music hall, gymnasiums, rifle range, and an auditorium with a mural entitled “The Light of Education,” by nationally known artist Robert Reid were all part of the unique Classical experience. The building tours on June 28 will show how these areas were transformed during the conversion.

Four current residents of Classical Condominiums will conduct these extensive  tours.  Tours will begin at 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.., and additional tours will begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., as needed.  Donation for the tours is suggested at $5 per person.

The Historic Classical Museum will also be open, providing a wealth of  memorabilia for visitors to see, including trophies, yearbooks, class rings, photographs, Classical Recorders, old athletic apparel, and a Dr. Seuss exhibit.  Classical sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and mugs will be available for purchase.

Refreshments will be provided.  Ample free parking will be available in the adjacent Library/Museums lot.  For more information, leave a message on the Classical phone at 413-733-3030.