Tarbell Hall
Location
42.38839, -71.20972History
Tarbell Hall was built in 1934 as a residence for Fernald employees. Located on Chapel Road just south of the West Building, its location is somewhat distanced from other employee residences. It was named after Dr. George G. Tarbell, an assistant superintendent and trustee of the school in its early years. By the 1980s, the institution had greatly downsized, leaving several empty surplus buildings, including Tarbell. In the 1980s, the building was re-named "Sandra's Lodge" and renovated to become public housing (Middlesex County Shelter) until the Fernald Center closed.
Architectural Description
Tarbell Hall is rather unique in that it is the only Tudor Revival style building at Fernald. The center of the structure lies under a hipped roof, while wings projecting to the south and west are flat-roofed. The building ranges from three to four stories, with an unfinished attic inside the hipped portion. A projecting bay on the building's northeastern facade holds a large stone ornament engraved with the Seal of Massachusetts within the parapet. The other main face of the building is flat, however it contains an interesting triangular bay window which extends from the third and fourth story. Several decorative limestone lintels adorn the windows, which have been replaced with 1/1 sash during renovations in the 1980s. Much of the interior has been modernized in these renovations, though some character remains in the coffered ceilings of the large day rooms, which contain original brick fireplaces and paneling. A curved stone staircase provides access to Tarbell from Chapel Road, although this may predate the building.
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