The Barn

In 1908, Lasell acquired the Carpenter Barn, “The Barn '' from the Mayor of Newton at the time. It was a carriage house filled with stables for horses. In 1934, Lasell students were tasked with designing the Barn into a recreational space for the girls to use. Thus, in 1935, the space was transformed from a stable to a hang-out place. The Barn became a smoking room, which was considered a privilege for the girls. Informal programs were initiated at the barn, like club meetings, ping-pong, and dances. All of these recreational activities were presented as privileges to the girls. To the upset of the school, the girls used the space irresponsibly. They often left the space untidy and a fire hazard with their cigarettes filling the room. In the 1940s, the Barn was remodeled again to welcome the bookstore, telephones, and a food bar. Through the 1950s, the space was abused as an area for the girls to slack off of their school work and messily smoke and eat. In 1967, the Barn moved a couple of yards away from its original location near Carpenter House. In 1990, the Barn was transformed into a daycare center to allow education students to engage in connected learning. It has remained a daycare and preschool center ever since.