Spencer Hollow Schoolhouse celebrates new life on 4th of July

According to Don Whitney, local historian and lifelong resident of Springfield, the Spencer Hollow Schoolhouse opened its doors not long after the country’s first Independence Day. “We don’t have a deed recording the exact date,” he said during an open house at the school, July 4, “but we believe the school was completed in 1781.”

Defective $25,000 playground set gets repair

The play set in North School Recreation Park was found to be cracking last year. It was restored this past week using replacement parts. Peter Budish from Pyramid Construction of Methuen, Mass. did the work, aided by Andy Aldrich (left) of Springfield.

Construction on Woolson Block expected to start in the fall

The Woolson Block building renovation has come with hurdles, including revenue shortfalls and added construction costs, but despite challenges developers say they expect construction to begin this fall and finish in about a year.

‘COVERing’ repairs for those in need

The nonprofit group COVER Home Repair Inc. provides urgently needed home repairs and improvements for people with low-income, the elderly or disabled. But when you ask the organization’s staff and volunteers, they say their main work is mending communities.

Group repairs homes for those in need in Springfield

At SHS, desks have been swapped out for inflatable air mattresses, cots, and even an inflatable couch as WorkCampNE, a faith-based summer program, sets up camp throughout the classrooms, cafeteria, and auditorium. It’s all part of an effort to bring free home repairs to communities with financial need.

Developers seek to partner with town for Woolson Block project grant

The Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) and Housing Vermont are hoping to partner with the town of Springfield to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the purposes of developing the Woolson Block, which sits currently unoccupied in downtown Springfield.

What's it like to volunteer for COVER?

Home repair volunteers needed in Springfield, the last 2 days of June.

Woolson Block project secures more funding

A planned project to renovate the Woolson Block in Springfield is gaining momentum after the announcement that project organizers were awarded an additional $850,000 from the Vermont Housing Conservation Board earlier this month.

State wants town to use existing grant funds for Community Center

Everyone agrees that the Springfield Community Center needs some love and attention. But the town shelved a plan to apply for a $25,000 state planning grant to lay out a strategy for renovations Monday because state officials want the town to spend some of its revolving loan funds on the project instead.

Work begins on former Bryant Grinder building

Work began Monday on removing asbestos and repairing sections of the roof of the former Bryant Grinder building just south of the Springfield Police Department at 257 Clinton St. to make the space usable for light industrial businesses.

Former Bryants building update

People are starting to notice some activity at the former Bryant Grinder building, which is owned by Springfield Regional Development Corporation.

Springfield Community Center to reopen next week after repairs

If everything goes right, the Springfield Community Center will reopen late next week.

Community Center set to close for a month this spring for repairs

The Springfield Community Center will be closed for a month later this spring for repairs to its foundation.

Repairs to Community Center look to be 'significant'

It's going to cost real money to fix the foundation problems at the Springfield Community Center.

State grant for Bryant Grinder building

Springfield Regional Development Corp. Executive Director Bob Flint accepts a $25,000 grant from VT Buildings & General Services Commissioner Michael Obuchowski at the Statehouse today. The grant will help to fund roof repairs at the former Bryant Grinder facility in Springfield.

SWCRPC receives $200,000 grant for Bryant Grinder building cleanup

SWCRPC receives $200,000 grant for Bryant Grinder building clean up.

Historic manufacturing plant revamped into upscale business center

The Fellows Gear Shaper Plant in Springfield has been turned into an upscale business center, complete with a Great Hall to host meetings and art exhibits.

McDonald’s could be closed 90 days

McDonald’s USA wants to tear down the current restaurant in Springfield and build a new, smaller, more energy efficient one.

Opportunity in Vermont’s brownfields

Looking across the Black River at the refurbished building that used to house the former Fellows Gear Shaper factory, the last adjective to pop into my mind was “brown” or “field.” Once completed, the beautifully restored 19th century factory will hold medical offices, restaurants, shops and more.

A look inside Spencer Hollow School

On Saturday, Don Whitney hosted an open house inside the oldest brick school house in Vermont. He and his group Friends of Spencer Hollow School are restoring it.