STOCKHOLM IN WELLESLEY (The Wellesley Townsman, October 26, 2006)

The Wellesley High School tower stands as a brilliant decision on the part of the architects of the 1938 building. Not only is it visible as a landmark of a distinguished educational institution, but also it services an architectural purpose of unifying and anchoring the auditorium and classrooms.

Robert Dean of Wellesley, architect of the High School and member of the firm of Perry Shaw Hepburn of Boston said in a 1981 letter to Mary Rich of the Wellesley Historical Commission that a tower is “…a symbol of a public building.” The architects had for their inspiration the tower of Stockholm’s town hall, designed by Ragnar Ostberg and constructed between 1909 and 1923. Imagine Stockholm in Wellesley!

The eight level structure of the Wellesley High School tower was further described in the 1938 dedication program:

“Even the tower has a suggestion of functional design in that it provides a mounting for the 7_ foot clock face (designed by the architect with gold-leaf) and includes an additional large room which may be used for student activities. The upper portion is covered with lead coated copper which will retain a soft gray color, and on the top is mounted a 3’ 4” gold leaf covered ball and weather vane. At the very peak is perched a spread eagle to symbolize the soaring of youth’s ambition …”

Today the tower is in need of restoration. The roof and the clock need repair. The balustrade is falling apart, and the entire structure is in a deteriorating condition. All the gold leaf has worn off. The tower’s spacious room, formerly used for reading classes, could be renovated for new usage. The tower, a symbol of Wellesley High School, can be carefully and imaginatively restored as a beacon for future generations.

Next week: Wellesley High School: Lobby and Auditorium