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Green Street

Washburn House

Washburn is near academic and administration buildings, libraries and the athletic complex. It also has a 24-hour computer lab. Downtown Northampton is within a five-minute walk.

Washburn House was built by Smith College in 1878 to house the incoming class of 1882. One of the original three houses constructed to integrate a full academic experience for women, Washburn was named for William Barren Washburn, one of the first trustees of the college.

Washburn House has evolved a great deal in its 117 years. From 1933 to 1938, it was a cooperative house, and residents performed all the household chores. During the Spanish Civil War it served as the Spanish-speaking house on campus, due to the impossibility of sending students to Spain for academic study.

Past residents of Washburn have remained devoted to their college home, and have returned to Smith to celebrate significant reunions. Former Washburn residents presented Washburn with a 400-book collection on the house's 50th birthday.

Year Built 1878
Renovations 2009
Capacity 43
Residential Floors 3
Singles 15
Doubles 14
Triples 0
Approximate number sharing a bathroom 17
Handicapped accessible Yes
Elevator No

Floor Plans

First floor (PDF)

Second floor (PDF)

Third floor (PDF)

Fourth floor (PDF)