Horace Mann was the driving force that created the Normal Schools throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He served in both the house and senate and on the Massachusetts Board of Education. In 1838, under his aggressive leadership, state funds were appropriated to establish the first state-supported institutions in the United States for the training of teachers.

In September, 1839, the State Normal School in Barre Massachusetts opened as a co-educational school with 8 men and 8 women. The principal was Dr. Samuel P. Newman.

Leading the effort to have the school relocated to Westfield was Rev. Emerson Davis of the First Congregational Church of Westfield and William Gelston Bates, a Westfield attorney and member of the House of Representatives. The school opened in Westfield in September, 1844 in the Westfield Academy Building and later transferred to the Town Hall, which was located next to the First Congregational Church.

Community support for an adequate school was very strong. James Fowler donated a building on the corner of Washington and School Streets. The school was ready for opening day in 1846. David Rowe served as principal to 47 students and 10 faculty members. Daily classes began with a prayer and bible reading by Rowe.

William Harvey Wells became the fourth principal of the Westfield Normal School, even though he never earned a college degree. In 1855, Westfield held its first graduation. By 1856, the school had grown to 260 students. In 1860, the building was enlarged with additional wings. Nine years later, the roof was raised to add a 3rd floor.

John Dickinson became principal of the Normal School. He required teachers to take daily exercise. Graduations during his tenure included gymnastic performances set to music. Enrollment began to climb and more housing was needed.

$75,000 was provided by the Legislature to provide housing for Westfield Normal School students. This building was used until a new dormitory was built in 1903. Joseph G. Scott became principal in 1877. He was a naturalist and spent his free time wandering the hills around Westfield. He went on leave in 1887 and contracted pneumonia and died in 1889.

During James C. Greenough’s time as principal, the Normal School on Washington and School Streets was deteriorating. He put a campaign in motion to convince the legislature to fund a new building. A site on Court Street was selected, and the new building was erected in 1892.

New admission standards set by the state and a modification of the curriculum made it difficult for students to attend the college, and enrollments declined. Faculty revolted and Greenough resigned. Changes in faculty and curriculum restored the prestige of the school.

Charles Chapin began rebuilding the school and by the time he left in 1901, the student body had doubled in size. In 1900, a new training school was opened on the site of the old college building on Washington and School streets. 9 grades plus kindergarten were housed in the school, and the teachers supervised the students while they practiced teaching.

Clarence Brodeur began his 22 year service as principal in 1901. He rallied to meet the needs of modern industrial and social conditions, and the normal schools throughout Massachusetts introduced programs including household arts, gardening, basket making, chicken raising and commercial arts.

Dickinson Hall was built behind the current Westfield City Hall, and dedicated in 1903. This remained the primary residence hall until the campus moved in 1956.

Dr. Charles Russell became principal during this time. In 1928, the course of studies was expanded from two to three years. In 1932, all of the normal schools were renamed state teachers’ colleges, and could now offer a four year degree.

In 1932, the first May Day pageant was held. Celebrations included a May Pole Dance.

Edward Scanlon held the office of president for 22 years, and was president when the college moved from Court Street to the present day campus on Western Avenue.

Westfield State Teachers College.

The Westfield City Council conveyed a tract of 26 acres of land to the Commonwealth for $1 for the site of Westfield State Teachers College. The state funding of $3,025,000 was appropriated for an educational building, a dormitory, a dining hall and a central heating plant. The campus opened in September, 1956 with an enrollment of 358 students.

In the 1960’s, the state authorized the Bachelor of Arts degree as an alternative to the teaching program, and the college was renamed Westfield State College. As enrollment quadrupled between 1960 and 1967, the College added new buildings, including Bates Hall, Davis and Dickinson Halls and instituted continuing education and graduate programs.

The campus center, built in 1972, is the heart and hub of campus life at Westfield. Lammers Hall was also constructed in 1972, and named after Dr. Theresa Lammers, who pioneered women’s athletic programs at Westfield State.

Wilson Hall was built in 1971 and houses academic spaces, auditoriums, dining services and administrative departments.

The College added the apartment complex in 1975, which houses 282 junior and senior students.

The Interfaith Center was constructed in 1982 through the philanthropic generosity of community members Albert and Amelia Ferst.

The new dining commons was constructed in 1988, and renamed Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons in 2010, after two long-standing employees of Westfield State, Tim Murphy and Jeanne Julian.

Courtney Hall, named after Samuel E. Courtney, alumnus and colleague of Booker T. Washington, opened in 1989. Courtney is most notable among our campus buildings for having a pitched rather than flat roof.

The College acquired the former Stanley Home Products corporate facility, which is now renamed the Horace Mann Center.

The Woodward Athletic/Academic Center, named for former Westfield State president Frederick W. Woodward, officially opened in 2004. It houses the Athletics Department, and Athletic Training and Movement Science Departments as well as state of the art athletic facilities.

New Hall, an apartment style residence hall opened in 2005. A unique feature is the glass “bridge” that connects the residential areas.

In 2010, the College, along with its sister institutions within the Commonwealth, became part of the State University System, and is now Westfield State University.

University Hall is the newest of the residence halls, which opens in September 2013.

In recent years, the University has instituted pacesetting programs, such as the Westfield River Environmental Center and the Center for Teacher Education and Research, and encouraged academic success through the First Year Experience and Honors programs.

A revitalized emphasis on international programs is widening the University’s horizons by sending our students to study in other countries, and inviting students from around the world to study at Westfield State.

Westfield State’s mission continues to emphasize the educational ideals alive at its foundation: broad intellectual growth, civic engagement, and invigorating preparation for graduate school and professional careers. A strong tradition of opportunity, aspiration, and transformation continues to energize our faculty and students.