Winter's Weight: Hastings Farm, 1950
— From The Southwick Time Machine Archives
Early Thursday morning, February 23, the accumulated weight finally proved too much.
The roof of a large stock barn on the Hastings farm—part of the barn about 100 years old—suddenly gave way. The entire upper structure, including the roof and hay loft, crashed down onto the first floor, burying farm equipment beneath tons of hay, snow, and ice. The force was so severe that part of the first floor failed as well, sending heavy machinery plunging into the basement below, where 35 animals—cows, hens, and two horses—were housed.
Wallace Hastings and his sister, Lena, were inside the Hastings home when the barn came down. Likely alerted by the crash, they looked out a window and were met with a scene of devastation.
Neighbors soon arrived to help the siblings search the wreckage for survivors. Against all expectations, the loss of animal life was minimal. Only three cows suffered slight injuries. Three hens were not so lucky—they were crushed to death.
The damage, however, was extensive. Water and electricity were knocked out and would not be fully restored until nearly the end of the day. By Saturday, between 12 and 15 men arrived to help in the bitter cold. They worked to clear debris and haul away massive blocks of ice—some measuring more than three feet thick. Even with the aid of a bulldozer, progress was slow. The frozen snow, combined with frigid temperatures and wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour, made every task harder.
The damage, however, was extensive. Water and electricity were knocked out and would not be fully restored until nearly the end of the day. By Saturday, between 12 and 15 men arrived to help in the bitter cold. They worked to clear debris and haul away massive blocks of ice—some measuring more than three feet thick. Even with the aid of a bulldozer, progress was slow. The frozen snow, combined with frigid temperatures and wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour, made every task harder.
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Neighbors helping after the Hastings barn collapse, February 1950. (Actual image digitally restored for clarity) |
New lumber was delivered that same day. By Sunday morning, rebuilding had begun at one end of the barn, creating shelter for the surviving livestock. Machinery that had fallen into the basement remained buried; the immediate priority was protecting the animals from the elements.
Throughout the ordeal, the Hastings family kept the workers going with hot coffee and doughnuts.
At the time of the collapse, Wallace Hastings was a dairy farmer who ran a milk route in Agawam, Massachusetts.
The Hastings farm stood along Springfield Road—known today as Feeding Hills Road. Wallace’s father, Francis, built both the family home and the stock barn, which was renovated and expanded over the years.
Francis passed away unexpectedly in 1899, yet the barn he constructed endured for generations, standing firm until a harsh winter finally brought it down. More than just a functional structure, the barn was a place of community: neighbors gathered there for work, celebrations, and events like the large cornhusking held in 1919.
The collapse of the Hastings’ barn remains a vivid reminder of both the power of New England winters and the resilience of a rural Southwick farming family. It is also a testament to the neighbors who showed up when it mattered most—offering help, support, and care in the face of sudden hardship.
Just two weeks earlier, the Hastings were already grappling with grief. Wallace and Lena’s sister, Lavina, had died on February 10 following a short illness. She was only 61.
The collapse of the Hastings’ barn remains a vivid reminder of both the power of New England winters and the resilience of a rural Southwick farming family. It is also a testament to the neighbors who showed up when it mattered most—offering help, support, and care in the face of sudden hardship.
Just two weeks earlier, the Hastings were already grappling with grief. Wallace and Lena’s sister, Lavina, had died on February 10 following a short illness. She was only 61.
— Another story preserved by the Southwick Time Machine.
Francis Creighton Hastings: April 29, 1835 — January 29, 1899.
Wallace Herbert Hastings: September 18, 1886 — September 24, 1966.
Lavinia Gertrude (Hastings) Hall: August 8, 1888 — February 10, 1950.
Lena G. (Hastings) Carr: August 28, 1891 — September 4, 1980.
This article is based on original primary-source research, including but
not limited to official records, census data, and period maps, directories, and newspapers. Southwick Time Machine stories are living documents. Research is ongoing, and this account may evolve as new information comes to light.
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