West Farms Schoolhouse

The oldest portion of this brick schoolhouse dates from shortly after December 1856, when Calvin Stockwell conveyed to the West Farms School District a parcel "a little northerly from the meetinghouse." The tract of land measured 11 rods by 6 rods and was purchased for $37.50.

West Farms is a hamlet located west of the city. First called Lonetown, Northampton residents changed the name to "West Farms" as the original name was thought pessimistic. The center of the settlement now consists of the school and a nineteenth century meetinghouse. Religion, Methodism in particular, played an important role in the growth of the tiny village. The brick schoolhouse is 1 1/2 stories in height and simple in plan and appearance. Three widely spaced windows and a door are placed in the gable end. A dentillated cornice runs beneath the roof and encloses the gable end. Much repair work is evident: various tone of brick and mortar are present.

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