Lyman School for Boys, Reform school historic district in Westborough, Massachusetts.
Lyman School for Boys is a historic campus set on extensive grounds near Lake Chauncy, with red brick cottages and multiple buildings in different architectural styles. The layout included separate residential units alongside workshops and other structures arranged to combine living spaces with training facilities.
The school was founded in 1846 and became one of the first state-operated reform schools in the country, introducing a new model for handling youth. It operated until 1971, maintaining its mission for over a century through changing times.
The school functioned as a place where young people learned practical trades through hands-on work in various workshops. This vocational focus shaped daily life on the grounds and defined how students spent their time and developed skills.
The site is located at the intersection of Oak and South Streets in Westborough and consists of several preserved buildings in various architectural styles. Plan to spend time exploring the different areas and structures, as the grounds cover a substantial area.
The school's print shop produced official documents for the state of Massachusetts, giving real economic value to student training. This workshop demonstrated that students worked in genuine, productive environments rather than practicing through simulations.
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