Although a contract was signed in 1949 to demolish the old Carpenter Hospital, located west of the homes on Queen Street, the process was delayed for several years.
Neil Doherty, a longtime prominent Holyoke photographer, captured an aerial image of the new Soldiers Home site in 1949 and, just beyond the photo’s lower left, identified the location of the former Carpenter Hospital, well down Cherry Street Hill.
In May 1952, the trustees of the forthcoming Soldiers’ Home requested $75,000 from the State to construct 2 homes for the commander and medical director. Each home would be allocated $25,000 for construction.
The final $25,000 would be used to restore the northern portion of the former Carpenter Hospital. The plan would be to convert the building into living quarters for the Soldiers’ Home’s 2 resident physicians, 2 assistant physicians, and two student interns. There was no living space available at the Soldiers’ Home for these employees.
The plan included tearing down the old boiler building, which was irreparable and rehabbing the north building to accommodate 3 3-room apartments and 9 single-room apartments. Occupants would be charged rent for the 2 homes and the former Carpenter Hospital apartments. This would facilitate hiring and retaining staff. In December 1952, it was announced that the cost to convert to apartments would be around $100,000. It appears the plan was abandoned.
On July 21, 1952, there was a flag-raising ceremony at the site of the future Soldiers’ Home. The flagpole was unearthed from the former Carpenter Hospital and positioned at the Soldiers’ Home.
The unused buildings of the Carpenter Hospital were a magnet for vandalism. The city was concerned for the safety of children, given that the building’s ruins posed a hazard. In May 1956, the state informed city officials that funds were appropriated to demolish the buildings. The State also planned to build a storage area for the Soldiers’ Home on the parcel.
The requirements for Invitations to Bid were issued on August 9, 1956. The Bay State Wrecking Company of Boston was the successful bidder. The demolition of the former Carpenter Hospital was completed in November 1956, ending the building's 39-year life.
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