Historically Significant

The Russell School building is one of the most important, iconic, and highly visible historic buildings anchoring and defining Hadley’s Town Center Historic District. The Russell School served as the home of Hopkins Academy from 1894 until 1909, and as Hadley’s elementary and middle school until 1996, educating generations of Hadley youth.

In 1893, the townspeople voted unanimously to erect this building with its unique freestanding unreinforced masonry, knowing they didn’t have enough money, and borrowing funds from the Hopkins Trust. 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 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.”

The Russell School plays an important role in honoring the values stated in the Town of Hadley’s 2017 master plan, including “Enhance the Town Center as a Livable, Walkable Community Center,” and “Preserve Historic and Architecturally Significant Structures and Landscapes.” It is a reminder of the pride our predecessors and ancestors had for children’s education and for the Town of Hadley that we call home.