Sycamores was the 1788 home of Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge and a Mount Holyoke College dormitory for much of the 20th century.  Attached at the rear is Rawson House, the 1733 home of Grindal Rawson, South Hadley’s first minister. 

These two houses are under the jurisdiction of the Sycamores Committee of the South Hadley Historical Society.

Following a Brief History you will find the names and affiliations of the Sycamores Committee.  The Outline History of the two houses will be filled in over time.  Under Mount Holyoke Alumnae are photos of alums who have lived in Sycamores taken when they return to the college at reunion time.

The Brodsky Exhibit, honoring the 70th anniversary of the poet’s birth took place in 2010.

Sycamores is a long exposition of the exterior and interior renovation with many “before” and “after” photos.

New Wallpaper and Paint shows the most recent results of work at Sycamores.

Concealed Shoes details the three shoes found in the west wall of the Sycamores ell.

Rawson House gives the history of the oldest house in South Hadley, now attached to Sycamores.  The actual move of Rawson House is detailed on these pages.  And at the end of this page are links to Grindal Rawson in Hadlyme and photos of Grindal Rawson’s church and his 1741 home in Hadlyme, CT.

The Water Tower with its accompanying Photos details the restoration of this unique structure.

The Historic American Buildings Survey displays photos and architectural drawings made of Sycamores in 1935.

Reflections from the House, 1928-1929 are the reflections of Adaline Pates Potter, Mount Holyoke class of 1931, who lived in Sycamores during the ‘28-’29 academic year.

The Letter from Sycamores, 1832 is a transcription of a letter written by a student when Sycamores was a school for boys. 

The “A Better Chance” program was housed in Sycamores between 1972 and 1982.

Our Store features the plates, pitcher, books and pamphlets that we have for sale.

The Bark of the Tree is the annual newsletter of Sycamores/Rawson House.  It is the work of Liz Brewer:  Editor, Publisher, Writer, Photographer, Typesetter, Designer, Mailer, Reporter,..!  All the newsletters, now entirely in color, show the enormous  progress that has taken place during the last decade.

Contact:  Ken Williamson, Chair, Sycamores Committee of the South Hadley Historical Society, 43 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA 01075. 

Tel (413) 534 048