Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

State Armory

— Stop 2 • Springfield Experience Walk —

December 15, 2018

1. State Armory Marker

Inscription. The Springfield Armory was built in 1895 for the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. The building was designed by architects Robert Wait and Amos Cutter from Boston, who were responsible for many county courthouses and state buildings in Eastern Massachusetts in the late Nineteenth Century. It was significantly renovated in 1914-1915 and a new, larger drill shed was added.

While the Armory's principal use was for the training of soldiers, it also held community events such as fairs, youth activities and concerts. After the Massachusetts National Guard vacated the building in the 1970's it became home to the South End Community Center, an important fixture in the neighborhood that offered activities such as basketball and boxing, karate training, classrooms, and youth development programs.

Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, was born across the street. The castle-like facade is thought to have been an inspiration for many of the buildings in his books.

A tornado in 2011 caused severe damage and the drill shed was torn down. The truss over the plaza behind the building evokes the former drill shed structure.

Erected 2018.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location.

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42° 5.944′ N, 72° 35.172′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. Marker is on Howard Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 Howard Street, Springfield MA 01105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. YWCA (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Street School / WCA Boarding House (within shouting distance of this marker); Theodore Seuss Geisel Was Born Here in 1904 (within shouting distance of this marker); French Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Spiritualist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union House / Chandler Hotel / Edisonia Theater (about 400 feet away); Burbach, Bangs, and McKinney Blocks (about 500 feet away); 95 State Street (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Springfield Experience Walk

Additional commentary.
1.
The State Armory built in 1895 was built on 29 Howard Street. The article states that Dr. Seuss was born across the street. Dr. Seuss was born on 77 Fairfield Street, Springfield, MA - which I do not believe is "across the street" from the Armory.

— Submitted
December 15, 2018

2. State Armory
August 22, 2019.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2018. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on December 19, 2018. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.