A contest was held in the Wakefield Daily Item newspaper with 81 residents suggesting possible names for grand old building. After some much needed repair, the town moved to rename the structure. Richardson Light Guard re-organized as Company K, 101 st Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard, and the Armory became the Massachusetts National Guard Armory.Īfter years of proud service as a National Guard Armory, in 1975, the building was de-accessioned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the town of Wakefield took the opportunity to purchase the building for the sum of $1.00. It served as the location for the launch of the Wakefield Chapter of the American Red Cross in 1920, and as the setting for the grand Welcome Home ceremony for returning soldiers from World War I in 1919. Since its erection, the building was not only an armory, but also the home of landmark events and activities. Built of brick in the neo-historical style that had become popular in public buildings, the structure was dedicated with a ceremony that drew 500 people, including Massachusetts Governor Eugene Foss. Located across the street from the previous armory, the new building adjoined the estate of Cyrus Wakefield and a grove of elm trees. The Light Guard moved to their ninth temporary home in the Taylor Building (corner of Main and Lincoln Streets). Luckily, the Richardson Light Guard, assisted by Spanish American War veterans, had been successful in saving their records before the flames consumed the building. Despite valiant efforts by the town’s fire department, the building was destroyed by fire. The town’s wooden Armory served it well, but on July 6, 1911, the Cutler Building, which stood on the corner of Main and Water Streets (site of the present Hart’s Hardware), was struck by lightning during a violent thunderstorm. The town appropriated $12,000, purchased a lot of land near the Town Hall, and erected a large wooden structure, with an attached drill hall. In 1894, Town Meeting finally voted to build a dedicated home for the military company. It was later relocated to the Rink Building on Main Street until 1895. From 1861-1866, it was housed in Kingman’s block, on the corner of Main and Albion Streets, then, from 1866 – 1869 in the ‘Albion Hall’ on Foster Street From 1871-1873 it moved to Town Hall on the corner of Main and Water Street, and thence to the old Town House, which had been moved to Main and Salem Streets. Its first home was the old Town House on the Common later it would move to the old bank building on the corner of Albion and Railroad St (now North Avenue). The company would later distinguish itself in the Civil War and the Spanish American War as Company A of the Sixth Massachusetts Infantry. Richardson would continue to support the company throughout his lifetime. Richardson, a local businessman and philanthropist who, in becoming the sponsor of the company, donated $500 toward its support. The company took the name of “Richardson Light Guard” in honor of Solon O.
The RLG was founded in 1851 and was composed, mainly, of men from South Reading. It was actually the tenth home of the fabled “Richardson Light Guard.” We can help with this too! Just email us with a request.The handsome brick building on the corner of Main and Armory Streets was built in 1913 to house the town’s military company.
Make flyers and send emails with details.Do groups, clients, or departments want to challenge each other?.What types of food do you want to collect?.Please email for more information.īelow are some tips for running a successful food drive to help your Wakefield neighbors in need! Don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance and resources. Invite your colleagues to bring non-perishable food to your next function, workplace or civic facility for a day, week or month.
Organize a food drive at your business, club or house of worship.
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