Historical Society of Bloomfield | Photo Gallery | Town Improvement Association (TIA) Lantern Slides |
TIA Center School Planting

Liberty Street opposite Austin Place

Before Center School was destroyed by fire in the 1970's, it had been purchased by Bloomfield College. A parking lot was planned for the site but preservationists lobbied to save the historic old structure, despite spirited opposition from its new owner. The problem was solved when it conveniently burned down.

An odd note to the catastrophe: The appearance of a large crane on the scene before the flames has been extinguished and rumors that the building had been over insured, led some to question the cause of the fire.

One change in the original architecture were two second floors on each of the semi-circular passageways in the corners of the facade. The architect of the school was Joseph Kingsland Oakes.

Frederick Branch, July 2010

---