1968 Fire

On January 4, 1968, Holyoke Community College's main building was destroyed by fire. The schedule was different in 1968 so Thursday January 4, classes were in full session and it was the final week of the fall semester classes and 1 week before final exams. HCC had renovated the old Holyoke High School and moved into their new campus in the Fall of 1967. A false fire alarm had taken place a few days earlier so many did not suspect anything was wrong when the alarm sounded and left behind books, notes, coats and personal belongings. An electrical fire had begun in the attic of the 3 story building. It was bitter cold with very low water pressure and fire hoses were quickly turned to ice. No one was injured but the building was a total loss. Administrative files including student transcripts were saved and the college was up and running in temporary locations and final exams were held days later. The Spring semester began a few weeks later in temporary locations and the city and alums rallied the state to keep the college in Holyoke and re-build. A new temporary building opened Fall 1968 and construction began on the Sheehan Farm on Homestead Ave for a new campus which welcomed students Spring semester 1974.