Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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REARS Saee sgaseienes sire MON URION CRN y ‘1. fhe light shines through the audi- ‘fortum at the turn of the century. 2. Black-out shades were necessary dur- ing W.W.IL. 3. Handcrafted and ele- fant, the iron staircases still “rise throughout the “maze.” eS ee (Tie Be i Be SSS BBB 16 [a] FEATURES

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Although we are living in the ’70’s and in a fast-moving, automated society, the grace and old elegance of Classical High School remains. An architectural extravagance is everpresent throughout Classical’s ‘‘maze”, but is it noticed? From the exterior, carved stone lion heads have gazed upon State Street and its student travelers, and have watched the changes and developments of each. These carvings, which almost surround the old section of the building, are situated beneath the shelter of a slate roof, trimmed with copper bands and ornate spindles. How many have been aware of their presence? The “maze” which is Classical has seven floors, and over two hundred rooms. On the attic floor, Classical’s topmost, is a cast-iron waterwheel. Although quite astonishing, it is easy to understand that the school was, at one time, run on waterpower. Below this floor are the three main floors, most widely traveled by Classical’s students and faculty. There are also a basement (cafeteria), sub-basement (gyms), and a lower-basement, which houses a rifle range. These floors are filled with obsolete “necessities.” Some of these necessities, if one has looked closely, are evident in the marble foyer, in the form of gas lamp outlets. Holes and protruding pipes on the stairs are clues to the once present i Sy ie sa a ta Lingering 0, eeeate, Matate, etete, Senet, fecenes tee PEE Me ee LE one” ont °, ° J 2, eo” aaseee® ere%s %e%e%e “aXe “e's “e%e%e lamps. Emergency gas lights, many of which are still present but have been converted to electrical fixtures, were also seen in Classical around the turn of the century. It seems that science was extremely important during the days of Classical’s youth. Evidence for this rests on the provision for an aquarium room, complete with fish tanks, palm trees, and a glass-roofed observatory. A conservatory was necessary for examining species of plants. Almost every room on the third floor has a skylight, a framed window on the ceiling, thought to be a contemporary innovation. These windows have since been covered with paint or boarded. Other details drawing little attention are the “black-out” shades on the auditorium loggia, meant to prevent light from being seen by enemy planes in the event of air raids, elegant arched ceilings, and double windows for insulation. Handy roll-up blackboards in some science rooms, and handwrought ironwork stair railings are other little-noticed details in the Classical maze. To see the uniqueness of this building’s design is a pleasure. Although it may be embarrassing, getting lost in Classical’s “maze” could be quite a learning experience. 6.2. 2, FEATURES [el 15 @QaNnce 2,0,9 0.9.9 Me? o%e%e Be ae ie Ee ee e586 OO esos, tee $e s.% 'e bes 9 , se es

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