• 1892 - A Middlesex County Truant School was authorized to serve Middlesex County, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop

North Chelmsford's Marinel and Willsteed Stone Works provided granite foundations for the Middlesex County Truant School (Chelmsford Public Library CPL_19_1 colorized by FM)

• 1894 - The Truant School was opened for the reformation of boys aged 7 to 16 who were habitual truants or had committed other minor offences. The property was formerly a 62.5-acre farm located at 255 Princeton St. The initial campus consisted of administration and dormitory (Read Hall), workshop, laundry, and bakery (Upham Hall), Superintendent's cottage, and multiple farm outbuildings

Courtesy of Harvard Arts Museum / UMass Lowell

Circa 1896, Read Cottage named after County Commissioner J. Henry Read of Westford (Chelmsford Public Library CPL_16_1 colorized by FM)

Courtesy of Harvard Arts Museum / UMass Lowell

Circa 1896, Upham Cottage named after County Commissioner Samuel O. Upham of Waltham (Chelmsford Public Library CPL_16_2 colorized by FM)

• Mar 1898 - Dormitory cottage Bigelow Hall opened to house an increasing population

Courtesy of Harvard Arts Museum / UMass Lowell

Circa 1899, Bigelow Cottage named after County Commissioner Francis Bigelow of Natick, with a stone bridge constructed by inmates for training (Chelmsford Historical Society 2015_5_2 colorized by FM)

Circa 1899 Group portrait of the inmates with sports and band equipment. Training included freehand and mechanical drawing, sewing, cooking, gardening, tailoring, carpentry, laundry, and farming (Chelmsford Historical Society 2015_5_3 colorized by FM)

Lowell Sun, February 18, 1899

Circa 1900, Bigelow and Upham Halls (Chelmsford Public Library CPL_17_1, colorized by FM)

Circa 1900, Bigelow, Upham, and Read Halls looking across the campus pond (Chelmsford Historical Society 2015_5_1 colorizzed by FM)

• 1904 - Dormitory cottage Gould Hall opened

Courtesy of Harvard Arts Museum / UMass Lowell

June 10, 2007, Gould Hall named after County Commissioner Levi S. Gould of Melrose, with later portico modifications and disabled access ramp (photo by FM)

• 1908 - The name of the school was changed to Middlesex County Training School
• 1909 - The Massachusetts Acts of 1909 forbade any child under 14 who could not read or write from working in any factory, workshop, or mercantile establishment.

Cambridge Chronicle, January 16, 1909

• 1910 - The new child labor law drove the need for a third dormitory cottage (Richardson Hall)

March 14, 2009, Richardson Hall, abandoned since March 1972 (photo by FM)

Lowell Sun, February 16, 1916

• 1925 - A fire broke out in Read Hall, but the fire was extinguished, and damage repaired

1925, Fire companies battling a fire in Read Hall (Chelmsford Historical Society, colorized by FM)

Lowell Sun, October 27, 1957

Training School Building Damaged By Fire (March 14)
The entire Fire Department was called to the Middlesex County Training School’s Read Building on Tuesday afternoon for a 2-alarm fire which completely gutted the dormitory area of that building and made slight progress into the thurd floor. The dormitory was unoccupied at the time and so no evacuation was necessary. Cause of the fire is under investigation. The first alarm came in at 5:36 p.m., from the school’s automatic alarm system. After the second alarm, all local apparatus responding, other apparatus from Lowell and Billerica filled in at the local stations, and Lowell supplied one aerial ladder at the scene. Read Building is a 3-story brick building used for dormitory and recreation room purposes. Smoke damage was heavy throughout the building but the second floor dormitory area sustained the greatest damage. The recall sounded at 9:38 p.m., but companies stood by during the night on a fire watch fire officials said.

Another Fire Damages County Training School (March 26)
Two juveniles, residents of Richardson Cottage at the Middlesex County Training School, North section, which was heavily damaged last Sunday night, appeared in Lowell District Court Monday in connection with the blaze. They were ordered to appear for trail on April 19; meantime, one of the boys was released on personal recognizance and the other was remanded to the Youth Service Board pending notification of his family. The Sunday night fire was the second major blaze at the school in less than 2 weeks. On March 14 a two-alarm fire caused extensive damage to Reid Cottage, unoccupied at the time. In the Sunday night fire, 3 alarms were sounded within 20 minutes and apparatus from Lowell, Billerica, Dracut, Westford and Tyngsboro were called to the scene.

Richardson House, a 4-story brick building built in 1910 had been renovated 2 years ago at a cost of some $100,000. It was estimated after the fire that replacement of the building now would cost about $75,000. The fire started, according to Fire Chief Frederick Reid, on the second floor in a dormitory section at about 6 p.m. and quickly spread to the top floor. The approximately 50 occupants of the “cottage" were in the basement recreation area at the time and were evacuated immediately when the automatic alarm went off at 5:50 p.m. Chief Reid said the fire was under control at 7:15 p.m. The 2 top floors were destroyed; the first floor and basement suffered heavy smoke and water damage. The displaced boys are living in the gym temporarily, and in Gould Cottage. Classes are continuing as usual this week.

In connection with the first of the 3 recent fires at the School - a minor blaze in Richardson Cottage in which a calendar on the wall was burned and the wall and ceiling scorched -- one boy was remanded to the Youth Service Board for violation of rules and regulations. In connection with the second fire - that at Read Cottage -- three boys were involved, according to Chelmsford Police, and one was remanded to the Youth Service Board pending trial while the other two were permitted to remain at the school pending trial. Two boys were taken to court in connection with the most recent - Richardson Cottage - fire, and charged with arson One of them was released on personal recognizance and sent home, while the other was turned over to the Youth Service Board to await his parents and then to be taken home.

The following letter has been received by the Selectmen following the fires at the County Training School:
March 16th, 1972, Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall Chelmsford, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
In behalf of our students and our staff I wish to express the sincere gratitude and appreciation which we have toward the Fire Chief and the Fire Department of the Town of Chelmsford. During outbreaks of fires on March 13th and 14th of this year in the Richardson and Read cottages, respectively, here at the Middlesex County Training School the immediate response of the Chelmsford Fire Department, under the personal direction of Fire Chief Frederick H. Reid, was responsible for constraining and limiting a fire which could have otherwise have reached and resulted in fires of enormous magnitude, including the possible loss of life. 1 cannot too highly commend the heroic efforts and peak efficiency displayed by the Fire Department of Chelmsford, and I wish to personally state my own deep appreciation to these fine men. With warmest regards, I remain Very truly yours. (Signed) James F. McMahon Superintendent

Five youths appeared in Lowell Court this morning in connection with Arson committed at the Middlesex County Training School in March, 1972. Sgt. Armand Caron and Inspector Ronald Leach were the arresting officers. The youths were all found guilty and sentenced to the Youth Service Board.

June 10, 2007, right rear of abandoned Richardson Hall with holes in roof (photo by FM)

June 10, 2007, left rear of abandoned Richardson Hall with broken window in basement (photo by FM)

Fitchburg Sentinel, April 19, 1972

Board Endorses SHARE'S Coming To Training School
The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen have unanimously endorsed the usage of one of the cottages on the grounds of the Middlesex County Training School by SHAKE The decision to endorse was not made at the meeting with SHAKE last week as the Selectmen had not seen the proposal This document was received by the Board this week and they will forward their approval to the County Commissioners who are scheduled to meet today tThursday) to discuss the usage.

First Io speak to the proposal was Sel Lannan who indicated he had read the proposal upon receipt together with a letter from the Lowell Police Department and said he would give his approval on the condition that SHAKE lives up to the proposal of a drug-free program

Sel. Hart referred to the proposed new SHAKE site as an opportunity for the Selectmen to help some young people and Sel. Humphrey agreed with his colleagues adding that the Chelmsford Board was the first town to endorse the SHAKE at its inception and they couldn't turn back now Mr. Humphrey sympathized with the people who objected to SHARE’S location in this area and hoped they would never have a problem where they might need SHARE'S help

Sel. Markham stated that it appeared to him that the proposal was jusl a transfer of the operation in Lowell due to the fact St. Joseph's now needs the property. He said he had not seen or heard any objections to the proposed location. Mr. Markham commented the region has a need for SHARE no matter how unfortunate it was. He concluded that because he had heard no objections he would support the transfer and also asked the Board to send a letter to SHARE asking them that if their proposal changed to notify the Selectmen.

Sel. Humphrey moved to inform the County Commissioners of the complete endorsement by the Selectmen and included in the motion Mr. Markham's request to SHARE. The vote on the motion was unanimous.

Selectmen Express Interest In Training School
Sel. Thomas Markham accepted the invitation of the County Commissioners together with Mrs. Evelyn Haines, Administrative Assistant, to join them in a tour of the Middlesex Training School, January 10th. Mr. Markham reported to the Selectmen that at the time he also had an opportunity to discuss with the new Commissioners the proposal of Superintendent McMahon for the buildings and possible uses of the buildings by Chelmsford. He commented that he made known to them his own thoughts but stated he would have to get back to the Board to learn their feelings.

The proposal by Supt. McMahon is for the use of the buildings to house courses in special education. Mr. Markham said he strongly suggest Mr. McMahon’s proposal but if that did not come about he could see several uses of the land by Chelmsford. He referred to the need for a new Town Hall, School Administration Building, Civic Center, Youth Center, Senior Citizens and Kindergarten Classrooms. Mr. Markham said he found most of the buildings in excellent condition with the exception of the one which was recently burned.

Sel. Markham suggested that the Board write a letter to the County Commissioners that if the proposal by Mr. McMahon was not accepted that they discuss uses of the facilities by Chelmsford.

Chairman Lannan said he agreed the Board should take definite action on the use of the property for purposes beneficial to Chelmsford and that he was also in favor of Mr. McMahon's proposal.

Speaking to the suggestion of the letter Sel. Humphrey said he could not endorse something he had not seen. Mr. Markham explained that the proposal called for servicing educationally-handicapped children in the community. To this Mr. Humphrey said this is what he read but he could still not endorse hearsay. He would endorse it subject to receipt of the proposal. He further commented that he hoped this proposal was not a desperate attempt on the part of many who will lose their jots to save them. He added that the Board had already endorsed the use of one of the buildings to SHARE and he was of the opinion this should be confirmed. He questioned the use of the other buildings by the Town referring to the dollars necessary to put them into shape and the single heating system involved.

Sel. Markham referring to the Board’s endorsement of SHARE said many things had happened since then and the school was going to be closed. He said before the Selectmen endorsed any program now the Town should know the total use of the facilities as SHARE may not be able to integrate with programs mentioned.

Sel. Humphrey moved to reaffirm endorsement of the use on one building for SHARE. Sel. Markham said he would second the motion if it included that use by SHARE did not interfere with other uses of the facilities. The motion maker would not include this so Sel. Lannan seconded the motion. The motion passed 2 to 1 with Sel. Markham voting no

Sel. Markham then moved to send a letter to the County Commission indicating support of the concept of McMahon's proposal and also indicating to the Commission that the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen had interest in the facilities for other Town uses and requesting a meeting prior to any final decisions. This motion was so voted.

• Feb 1973 - Congress previously mandated that public schools could not expel or transfer "exceptional" children without due process of law. With need drastically reduced, the county commissioners voted 2 to 1 to close the Middlesex County Training School
• 1973-1984 - Following the closure, local sports and civic organizations had the opportunity to hold events and meetings on campus

September 6, 1973, Anabasis Program

Selectmen Push For Use Of Training School
On Monday night the Selectmen discussed with Robert Engler of the firm of Justin Gray the present land use study for the County owned lands being conducted by his firm. The Board’s main interest was in relating to Mr. Engler the Town’s desire to take the land for its own use.

Mr. Engler informed the Board that the study had just begun and the contract called for his firm to look at all County-owned land for the best possible use of this land. When the study was in its initial stages the firm discovered the only land that could fall under this category was the Middlesex Training School, Billerica House of Correction and Waltham Hospital. He told the Board he was aware of the bill Chelmsford had before the legislation to obtain the land for the Town. His purpose of meeting with the Board that evening was to look to them for the ideas they had for the land use.

Sel. Lovering, the Selectman to the Board has assigned the task of the Middlesex County Training School, said that the town had approached the use of the land by the Town in two ways, a piecemeal basis and total complex. He stated he had been assigned by the Board to develop a proposal that might be used by the Commissioners in terms of what Chelmsford could use the property for.

He added that the Board felt the property should be put to use by the Commissioners as soon as possible and the Town felt it was in the unique position of being better able to serve that purpose. He reminded Mr. Engler that the Town had serviced the facilities for 80 years with no compensation and also had at the time of acquisition received no compensation for the land.

Uses by Chelmsford as suggested by Sel. Lovering were School Administrative Offices, Housing for the elderly, Town Hall facilities, open park area, library and sports facilities for the Recreation of the Town's children. In conclusion the Selectman told Mr. Engler that the Town if given the go on Middlesex would be willing to continue the present programs on the premises. (SHARE is now using one building, and has plans for the Superintendent’s home).

Mr. Engler told the Board that the Commissioners were interested in looking at opportunities for regional use of the school. To date nothing has been developed along these lines.

Each Selectmen in turn echoes Mr. Lovering’s stated beliefs that Chelmsford with 10,000 children in the 33,000 population could best use the School.

June 6, 1974, Camp Tiny Tot

• 1974 - The DARE (Dynamic Action Residence Enterprise Inc.) opened on campus for male youth offenders ages 12-18

Softball Clinic
Recreation Commission Softball Clinic will be held next Tuesday evening Feb. 1H. at the Middlesex Training School Gym between 6:30 - 9:30 P.M. for girls 14 yrs. of age and up. This will be the last feature session on pitching and catching. The next two sessions will be for every girl wishing to learn the techniques of fielding the infield positions including pitchers and catchers. Those sessions will also be held on consecutive Tuesdays at the Middlesex Training School Gym. Further information call 256-6264 between 5 - 6:30 P.M. evenings.

July 4th Parade
A larger than usual crowd is expected to attend this year’s celebration because of accompanying Bicentennial events and the economic and energy situation which limits travel and forces people to remain in Town. The meeting was held in a brightly lit room, once a classroom, in the Administration Building of the former Middlesex Training School. The County is allowing the Minutemen use of this room lor meetings and storage of equipment. The fresh paint, bright collection of flags and bold Minuteman sign establish the CCM's claim on that corner of the sprawling training school complex as "theirs" at least until the County has another use for it.

Town To Try Again To Get Training School
An emotionally charged meeting was held Monday night Feb. 10, during which the Selectmen, State Rep. Freeman, Shea and O’Rourke, State Sen. MacKenzie, Cong. Tsongas, a representative of DARE and a representative of the Dept. of Youth Services got together to discuss present' and future use of the Middlesex County Training School facility in North Chelmsford.

The meeting was called by the Selectmen after it was learned ilast month) that County Commissioners Ralph and Danehy had approved use of space at the training school by DARE, a private agency which is involved in a program for the rehabilitation of young offenders. According to reports DARE's program calls for approximately 12 youths, ages 7 to 17. to tie housed in the Bigelow Bldg, at the school supervised by an equal number of staff members. News stories had described the youths as "dangerous incorrigibles.”

Reacting strongly to this news, the Selectmen took issue with the fact that the town had not been notified by the County that DARE was seeking space nor had the people of the area been informed as to the type of program conducted by DARE. It was further charged that this was not the first time the County had acted without due regard for the people of Chelmsford. In an effort to get to the bottom of things, the Feb. 10 meeting was arranged.

In addition to invited dignitaries the large second floor room of the Town hall was filled with a crowd of over 50 townspeople. For the most part they sat quietly, their patience obviously strained by what one older gentleman called “the same old stories", waiting to hear the answers to these questions; (1) what was DARE? (2) why hadn't they been told about DARE before the program landed in their laps? and (3) what future programs were being considered at the Middlesex County Training School?

Sel. Lannan began the discussion by announcing that Commrs. Ralph and Danehy would not be present nor would Senator B. Joseph Tully or Representative Flaherty, members of the House Committee on Counties. Reviewing the steps which led to the meeting Lannan emphasized that contrary' to items in the news media he was neither for or against any programs at the Training School now or in the future. He repeated that the purpose of the meeting was to give the people and the Selectmen some idea of what the lacility is being used for now. The facility was closed as a training school a year ago, he said, but the programs going on now would lead one to believe it was re-opening "piecemeal" as a corrective rehabilitation center.

Lannan stressed the importance of the Town's knowing what programs were being conducted there so that the proper police and fire protection services could be provided both lor the school as well as the town.

Dare had come to the Board's attention, said Lannan, because of the State-imposed building inspection code (Chapter 802) which demanded additional inspections and more paperwork. Before Lannan could continue, a storm of protest arose from a member of the audience. Edward Fallon Hater identified as Assist. Chief of Security at the Training School) who shouted that Lannan's words implied that the presence of DARE resulted in the forced building inspections. Quieting him down, Lannan continued saying that an inspection of the school showed that alterations were being done without the proper permits forcing the Bldg. Insp. to file a Bill of Complaint in Superior Court, following which a restraining order was issued preventing DARE from continuing with its plans to occupy the building. The case had been heard that morning. (Feb. 10) Lannan informed the audience, and Judge Cross was taking it under advisement but later lifted the order and DARE may now proceed.

Lannan repeated he was not against DARE and went on to tell how the Board had approved the SHARE (drug rehabilitation) program when it had asked for space at the training school SHARE had conducted a public meeting, he said, so that the people could make their feelings known.

Before concluding, Lannan listed the many different proposals he has heard are being considered for use of the school. These include space for use by Concord Reformatory as well as space for use by a Belmont doctor for "schizophrenics ", It has also been suggested as a police academy.

"Let the people of Chelmsford know what the future holds" demanded Lannan. Although he did not feel the Town would get the property for its own use he saw it being used as an extension of Lowell University, a police academy, and possibly the site of the Kennedy Library. Finally Lannan suggested that the State take over the school and make a determination.

Each of the Selectmen in turn added their comments to Lannan’s opening remarks. All repeated that the people of Chelmsford should be made aware of what was happening and all shared the feeling that the property should belong to the town.

Sel. Lovering who had prepared 'and submitted a proposal outlining the Town's use of the complex bitterly complained that the County Commissioners, with the exception of Cong. Tsongas, who was then a Commissioner, took no heed of his proposal and refused to negotiate with the town although the town was prepared to negotiate "in good faith” for the property. His proposal saw the property being used for a civic center, park. Town administration buildings. Art center, recreation facility, etc. "Not only for Chelmsford residents, but for all the people ol the area." he said.

Again Fallon attacked, demanding to know at what cost to the people would Lovering's plans lx? implemented? and how much would be added to the tax rate if the town acquired the property? He was answered with the reminder that whatever the cost, the people would be informed and by their vote a decision would be made, if and when they were given a chance.

Reps. Freeman. Shea and O'Rourke spoke as did Sen. MacKenzie and Cong. Tsongas (who was there as "just a human being"). Although the words were dif ferent the thought was the same, that is. "Chelmsford should acquire Ihe property."

Freeman indicated that the House, has set up a special committee, of which he is a member, to study properties in Essex. Middlesex and Shirley Counties. This committee was awaiting the final report from Justin Gray Associates, the firm which had conducted a study to determine the future use of the Middlesex County Training school. Freeman said that the committee would tour the No. Chelmsford property the first week in March and anyone was invited to meet with the group at that time to express their feelings or submit these feelings in writing if they could not attend. After this tour and receipt of the Justin Gray report a recommendation would be made for disposition of the property said Freeman.

The Representatives also promised to look into legislature which might be filed authorizing Ihe County to negotiate with Chelmsford. Objecting that legislature would only "authorize" and not "mandate" negotiations. Lovering feared such action would not suffice. Tsongas responded that "if logic did not work there were other means of applying pressure."

Means of acquiring the property were discussed at length until, sensing that the audience was anxious to express itself, the people present were given an opportunity to speak. First to be heard was Joseph Leavey. Commissioner of the Dept. of Youth Services who described his department's involvement with DARE and told how the program has helped hundreds of kids and has a "good track record" of success. He was followed by a representative of the Clergyman's Association who said that the problem was an obvious "failure to communicate" which, he hoped, would not result in difficulty for the program he labelled a "good" one. Apparently the "last to know" what is going on are residents from North Chelmsford. Saying that they were given a "railroad job".

Unique Housing Proposal For Training School
CMFD-Members of the Interfaith Housing Corporation met with the Board of Selectmen Monday night (July 23) to discuss plans to convert the former Middlesex County Training School property in North Chelmsford into an all encompassing housing complex for the elderly which would Include not only several types of living quarters but also a health care center and nursing home unit. In addition the complex would be linked with the University of Lowell in a teaching relationship.

"It is a totally unique concept,” said Dr. Albert Boulanger, Assistant Professor of Lowell University’s Health Department, who is serving as Interfaith's consultant on this project. Boulanger gave to each Selectman a multi-paged booklet describing the proposal in detail. On Tuesday morning (July 24) Interfaith will meet with the County Commissioners to present plans and request an option to purchase the property at “a fair market value." The meeting with the Selectmen was to obtain the Board's endorsement of the project and convey this endorsement to the County Commissioners. Interfaith already has letters of recommendation from Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Bruce Freeman as well as from the Episcopal Bishcp of Mass. Although University of Lowell President, John Duff, has yet to send official word of his approval, said Boulanger, ULowell's Dean Gertrude Barker has indicated her support. Duff’s approval is anticipated.

Individually the Selectmen expressed enthusiasm and excitement for Interfaith's plans. Each said, however, that he wanted time to thoroughly review the written material before endorsing anything more at this stage than the project's concept. As a Board they voted unanimously to "go on record” as being “receptive" to the idea and would do nothing to discourage negotiations with the County Commissioners. Sei. Shanahan mentioned that the Board's action should not be interpreted as a waiver of the town's right of first refusal on the North Chelmsford property. This was agreed upon by the County Commissioners at the suggestion of the task force which made recommendations for disposition of the property. (Shanahan served on this task force). When the Commissioners establish a price. Chelmsford will be offered an opportunity to purchase the 63-acre parcel before it is offered for sale to anyone else.

Interfaith Housing Corporation became involved in the elderly housing project through one of its members. Janet Lombard. Edgar Campagna, who is also now a member of IHC, described to her a similar place in Pennsylvania, Cathedral Village, which provides both housing and health care for retired people. They spoke about the need of such a place in this area. He indicated that Boulanger would design a similar facility for this area if a church or organization would sponsor it. Ms. Lombard brought the matter to the attention of Interfaith and it agreed to be the sponsoring group. In the past. Interfaith Housing Corporation, a 10-year old organization, was successfully involved in purchasing homes in the Greater Lowell area, renovating them, and selling them to low-income families. It will now direct its activities to elderly housing.

ICH President. Rev. Walter Sobol of All Saints' Episcopal Church, stressed that Interfaith is not looking for “freebies" from either the town of state. Money to purchase the Middlesex Training School property will be raised through private sources. The complex, referred to as The Village Complex, would pay taxes Ito the town. Boulanger said that it would provide 300-400 Jobs for area residents and "feed some $4,000,000. into the local economy." Each tenant will pay rent for his living quarters, explained Boulanger, who then asked that the town be "tender about taxes" inasmuch as rents will reflect costs.

Boulanger spoke at length about how the proposed housing facility would differ from present retirement villages. There are no health care centers or nursing homes in retirement villages, he said When residents become ill they are forced to leave their homes and go off to a nursing home. The Village complex, as., described by Boulanger, would have apartments for couples or individuals who were totally independent and could take care of all their own needs.

There would also be living quarters for those whose needs did not require an apartment. They would have a private room but utilize community laundry, living and game rooms, etc. These individuals would have their meals in a group dining room and be involved in group social activities. When someone became ill, he or she could be cared for at the health center or the nursing home. In short, said Boulanger, when someone's circumstances changed, such as a spouse passing on. or they became ill. it would not force a complete change in environment. People would not have to be wrenched from familiar surroundings and sent to some strange place. Retirement communities are great, he said, "as long as you are hale and hearty and can take care of yourself. If you become ill, out you go; you have to leave that place."

He was very excited about the link with the University of Lowell which will allow for specialized geriatric care. He spoke of a grant recently received by the University for improving health care in the Lowell area.

It is anticipated that, at first. 300 residents would be accommodated at the complex with health care facilities providing for 100-160 people. The site is ideal for future growth, said Boulanger, and if the need arises it can accommodate 600-900 people He stressed that the complex would be for middleincome people.

The Selectmen warned that there would be many hurdles to pass, such as zoning, etc. A major hurdle, said Shanahan, is the political and philosophical road to be travelled to the County Commissioners. It is no secret that the Selectmen feel the Commissioners' lack of action resulted in Chelmsford's losing Wang Industries to Tyngsboro. Wang had proposed to purchase the former Middlesex County Training School for conversion as a graduate school for computer studies. The County's delay in making the property saleable is said to be the cause for Wang's purchasing the former Marist Brothers property instead.

The proposed elderly housing complex would be completely nondenominational, said Mr. Sobol in answer to one final question from the Board.

• Sep 1979 - The Lighthouse School moved to Old Westford Road after several years at the Training School campus

Chelmsford Newsweekly, October 9, 1980

• 1982 - Fay A. Rotenberg School, operated by the Robert F Kennedy Children 's Action Corps, opened in Bigelow Hall

Chelmsford Newsweekly, November 24, 1982

Chelmsford Newsweekly, April 21, 1983

Chelmsford Newsweekly, April 28, 1983

Chelmsford Newsweekly, September 15, 1983

Chelmsford Newsweekly, October 6, 1983

Chelmsford Newsweekly, October 20, 1983

• May 1984 - Wang Laboratories Inc. was riding a wave of prosperity in computer development and purchased the 62.5-acre property for a corporate headquarters
• Oct 1984 - Wang Laboratories had a change of plans, gifting 34.0 acres of their property to U-Mass Lowell and selling the remaining 28.5 acres. It was stipulated that the gift was for educational purposes only and "if the University does not adhere to this agreement the land will revert back to Wang Laboratories." This and several other restrictions were to remain in effect for 30 years
• 1985 - The University of Lowell moved its College of Education into the West Campus (Upham, Read, and Gould Halls)

Upham Hall Graduate School of Education (courtesy of John Wren, UMass Lowell)

Chelmsford Independent, January 30, 1986

• Jan 1990 - The University of Lowell proposed to renovate Richardson Hall as a demonstration school in partnership with Lowell Public Schools, but gave up after fully accessing the cost to renovate the fire-damaged building

Lowell Sun, January 2, 1990

Circa 1990, Richardson Hall (courtesy of John Wren, UMass Lowell, colorized by FM)

Lowell Sun, February 12, 1990

2013, Aerial view of five major halls and superintendant's residence site (Google Earth)

• 1991 - The University became part of the University of Massachusetts system
• 1998 - The College of Education became the Graduate School of Education
• 2003 - The Graduate School of Education left West Campus and relocated to the O'Leary Library in the South Campus
• 2006 - The Fay A. Rotenberg School left Bigelow Hall and moved to Westborough, MA

June 10, 2007, Front of Bigelow Hall with Rotenberg School sign still in place (photo by FM)

June 10, 2007, Upham Hall with new roofline, closed openings, and rear addition (photo by FM)

June 10, 2007, Right side of Upham Hall with air conditioned administration addition (photo by FM)

June 10, 2007, Upham Hall left side, modern administration addition at left (photo by FM)

March 14, 2009, Front right view of Read hall with long-obsolete satelite TV dish,

March 14, 2009, Front left view of Read Hall, grass on chimney and satelite dish (photo by FM)

March 14, 2009, Rear of Read Hall with Bigelow at left and Gould at right (photo by FM)

March 14, 2009, Inside Read Hall, looking through a rear porch window (photo by FM)

March 14, 2009, Right rear of Bigelow Hall with new fenced enclosure (photo by FM)

March 14, 2009, Bigelow Hall rear view, showing brand new fenced enclosure (photo by FM)

Spooky adventures by abandoned building enthusiasts

June 10, 2007, Gould Hall left rear, favorite entrance for abandoned building explorers (photo by FM)

June 10, 2007, Gould Hall right rear, heating plant stack and boiler room (photo by FM)

Personal anecdotes about growing up near the Middlesex County Training School campus

• Aug 2013 - Unpowered and unoccupied Read Hall was a victim of arson on August 28 and had to be demolished

Read Hall was hit by an arson fire on August 28, 2013, and is seen here a week later

Aftermath of the Read Hall arson fire, September 4, 2013

Rear of gutted Read Hall, September 4, 2013

Read Hall demolition underway, main chimney still standing, September 25, 2013

• Jun 2014 - The State Senate included money in an infrastructure bond bill to demolish three remaining buildings on the West Campus
• Oct 2014 - The Commonwealth of Mass filed a Declaration of Termination of Restrictions, ending the 1984 restrictions
• Sep 2017 - Chelmsford created a "West Campus Vision" detailing a mix of age-restricted and subsidized housing units
• Aug 2018 - UMass Lowell was cleared by the state Legislature and Governor Baker to sell the West Campus

Upham Hall boarded up, April 29, 2018 by Gabriel DeBettencourt, UMass Lowell

Upham Hall and addition, April 29, 2018 by Gabriel DeBettencourt, UMass Lowell

Rear of Bigelow Hall, April 29, 2018 by Gabriel DeBettencourt, UMass Lowell

Gould Hall boarded up, April 29, 2018 by Gabriel DeBettencourt, UMass Lowell

• June 2019 - The Commonwealth of Mass sold the West Campus to 255 Princeton Realty Holdings LLC
• May 2021 - Trammell Crow Residential shared redevelopment plans with the Chelmsford Select and Planning boards
• Aug 2021 - The Commonwealth of Mass advised that the proposed use of West Campus is suitable and eligible

Bigelow Hall boarded up and abandoned, January 2019, posted by Mark Duffy

• Feb 2022 - An overlay district was approved at Special Town Meeting on February 24 allowing a 396-unit multi-family rental residential development, with a 54-unit senior complex, to proceed.

Development site plan, page 11, from public presentation on November 30, 2021

CHELMSFORD -- Development of the former West Campus site -- including senior housing - - moved closer to reality, with Town Meeting approval of a zoning overlay for multifamily residences. Representatives voted 89- 13 at the Feb. 24 special Town Meeting to authorize the UMass West Multi-Family Housing Overlay District at the 32-acre site at 255 Princeton St. The site, formerly owned by University of Massachusetts Lowell, is the planned location of the development, dubbed "Alexan Chelmsford." The overlay is necessary because the area is zoned only for single-family homes. The zoning changes opens the way for developer Trammell Crow Residential's proposed 394- unit complex, with 50% as studios or one-bedroom apartments. The complex will also include townhouses, and two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.

The project will include Maple Farm Senior Residences, a 54-unit housing complex for residents ages 62 1/2 and older -- a cooperative venture between the Chelmsford Housing Authority and the state's CHOICE program. The complex will be a three-story building with elevators. For this part of the project, Town Meeting representatives voted 92-2 to authorize $1,235,000 -- $635,000 from the housing stabilization fund, and $600,000 from the Community Preservation fund reserve. Margaret Smith Wicked Local "We have now opened the door for 54 new units of affordable senior housing. This for me is another dream come true, and for seniors waiting for housing," said David Hedison, director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority. The funds mean $22,000 toward each unit -- with an eligibility of $11 million and possibly more in state funds, Hedison said. Representatives voted on the zoning overlay and the funds for senior housing respectively in Articles 5 and 6 of the Town Meeting warrant. Article 5 required a simple majority, with Article 6 requiring a two-thirds majority. With a total of 60 units, or 15%, priced as affordable, Community Development Director Evan Belansky said the project helps keep the town above 10% affordable housing needed for exemption from Chapter 40B. Currently, the town is at 10.4%. Belansky said state census data means the percentage will likely fall, with the town 44 units short of the quota.

Belansky noted that the Select Board and Planning Board began conversations with Trammell Crow and the Housing Authority about the project. Trammell Crow representatives spoke with neighbors and abutters. Numerous meetings, including with the Select Board, Planning Board, Finance Committee and Conservation Commission took place to hammer out a pact with the town. Trammell Crow also met with neighbors of the site. Belansky said working out details, including traffic studies, plans for an on-site wastewater treatment plant, buffering and landscaping, have already taken place. The units will be housed in three- and four-story buildings. The plan calls for a total of 658 parking spaces, with more than 1.67 parking ratio per unit -consistent with other multifamily developments in town, Belansky said . The Select Board, Planning Board and Finance Committee recommended the project.

Town Meeting representative David Rand asked how many people will live in the development. "It's a broadranging question," said Trammell Crow representative Mark Baransky, but said projections based on the number and size of dwelling units means an estimated 739-850, with up to 1,150 allowable. Representatives asked questions, including about parking, the possible impact of school children, and water usage, and whether the zoning overlay approval would be precedentsetting. Belansky said a precedent is unlikely, in part due to the fact that the town has few open parcels comparable in size. The town's sewer connection moratorium remains in effect until Oct. 22. The on-site facility complies with the town's moratorium requirements, Belansky said.

The campus is reduced to a pile of granite blocks, October 2021, by Lisa Grasso