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The Schell Chateau, Northfield, Massachusetts, historic photos
This stately home known as the Schell Chateau, Northfield Chateau or simply as The Chateau was constructed in 1903 in Northfield, Massachusetts as the summer home of Francis Robert Schell, a New York businessman. Schell and wife Mary were drawn to Northfield due to his interest in the work of the then widely known evangelist, Dwight L. Moody who established and operated Northfield Seminary and Mount Herman School. The Chateau was designed by the well known architect, Bruce Price, and has some design features of a French chateau. A total of 99 rooms fill the grand four story structure. This view is of the southeast and northeast elevation and recorded in August, 1963. See the additional photos below.
This view is of the southeast elevation of the Schell Chateau. From 1903 to 1928, Francis Robert Schell and his wife Mary used this as their summer home and to host events to raise funds to advance the work of Dwight L. Moody. Schell died in 1928 and his widow thereafter never returned to the house, preferring to instead stay at the Northfield Hotel. More photos below.
An early day view of The Chateau. Note the numerous persons on the steps. See the additional photos below.
A view of the northwest corner of the Chateau. More photos below.
An interior view the Chateau of one of the fireplaces and large mirrors located in the first floor salon. Reflected in the mirror is one of the mounting plates where a chandelier had been. More photos below.
A window niche in the salon of the first floor. See the additional photos below.
The Great Center Hall located on the second floor. See the additional photo below.
The Chateau featured a twin spiral staircase; this view is of the landing on the fourth floor.
After the death of Mrs. Schell, the building fell into considerable disrepair. It was eventually sold to the Northfield School for Girls with a plan to convert the house into a hotel. The design of the house, escalating maintenance expenses and many years of lack of maintenance prevented the plans of a hotel conversion. With the exception of the one photo above featuring the people on the steps, these photos were all recorded in August of 1963 by Cerda Peterich. Later that same year, the building was completely demolished, just sixty years after construction.
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