Sesquicentennial Celebration- October 1933

Springfield Republican
Oct. 13, 1933

During the weekend of October 13th in 1933 many out of town guests joined Longmeadow residents to celebrate Longmeadow's 150th anniversary- the Sesquicentennial! Former residents and descendants of Longmeadow's old families arrived to celebrate this occasion. Many dinner parties took place in homes of residents- especially the evening of October 13th.

Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Official Souvenir- 1933
Title Page

The Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Official Souvenir was the official souvenir booklet for this very special time in the history of Longmeadow. It was edited and published in 1933 by Edgar Holmes Plummer. The booklet contained a wealth of information including a condensed history of Longmeadow, the weekend's schedule, and also the volunteers that made this weekend event possible. 
        
That Friday afternoon a historical pageant was presented to large audiences in the Longmeadow schools. The pageant had four interesting episodes about Longmeadow history and was written by town resident Mrs. Guy D. Miller (of 143 Maple Road). It was presented by students at the Junior High School, Converse Street School, Norway Street School and Center School. The public was cordially invited.

On Saturday, October 14th, a luncheon was served at the Community House for guests that were attending the Sesquicentennial. Mrs. Alexander Sharp (of 22 South Park Avenue) was in charge of this event. She and her committee welcomed many guests.

The Newly Constructed Richard Salter Storrs Library
in 1933
Photograph by The Harts
Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Official Souvenir

Then, in the afternoon at 3 PM the dedication of the new Richard Salter Storrs Library took place outdoors on the library grounds. The special speakers were Storrs Library President Charles H. Bump, former Minister of First Church Rev. Dr. Henry Lincoln Bailey and Rev. John J. Rogers of St. Mary's Church. After the dedication program the guests were invited to step inside the new library to view what this new building had to offer to town residents.

Later that afternoon in the Community House a reception and tea was given by town officials, their wives and members of the anniversary executive committee from 4:30- 6 PM. More than 600 people attended this reception. Some of the special guests included Springfield Mayor Dwight R. Winter, Westfield, MA Mayor Raymond H. Cowing, and State Senator Russell D. Chase of Longmeadow. Another guest Gordon W. Colton (of Brooklyn, NY) was a descendant of Quartermaster George Colton. Rev. Samuel Wolcott's nephew Charles H. Tool (of Amherst, MA) also attended.

That evening there was an anniversary costume ball at the Longmeadow Community House. Mrs. Douglas B. Wesson (of 109 Forest Glen Road) and her committee planned the costume ball. This event was open to Longmeadow residents and their guests with no admission fee. However, anyone wishing to take part in the dancing needed to be in costume. In keeping with the atmosphere, refreshments were served in a room that had been changed to resemble a tap room in a tavern. Old furniture and pewter were used. Cider, coffee, doughnuts and individual squash and pumpkin pies were served. For the Junior High School age group there was a dance at Center School. 

There were so many other activities that weekend to celebrate Longmeadow's 150th anniversary! An organ recital in the First Church was given by Mrs. Dorothy Birchard Mulroney. The Boy Scouts had an encampment on the Town Green and also an awards ceremony.  The Storrs House (home of the Longmeadow Historical Society) was open to visit and a band concert on the Town Green was given by the Lions' Boys' Club Band of Springfield.

On Sunday all of the churches had special Sesquicentennial services. Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Longmeadow was very important to the residents of Longmeadow. This special event took a lot of planning by so many people to make it a memorable event. Husbands and wives both served on committees to make this a celebration one to be remembered by all who attended!              

Other Sources: Springfield Republican- Oct. 13, 1933 and Oct. 15, 1933.  

Written by Judy Moran/ Longmeadow Historian
LongmeadowHistorian.org          

Mrs. Clara Brand- Community House Manager

Mrs. Clara MacDonald Brand
(Mrs. F. Tracy Brand)
The Springfield Union
May 18, 1949

It was in May of 1949 that Mrs. F. Tracy Brand notified the Town of Longmeadow that she would be retiring on July 1st of that year. Mrs. Brand (Clara MacDonald Brand) was the Hostess and Manager of the Longmeadow Community House. She had served in this role for 25 years! 

Longmeadow Community House- 1923
Longmeadow, MA
Emerson Photo
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

It was after her husband F. Tracy Brand passed away in 1923 that Mrs. Brand took on this new position for Longmeadow. Previously, Mrs. Brand had been the secretary of the Longmeadow Community House Association.

1949 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

Clara MacDonald (McDonald) Brand was a native of Maine and she had graduated from Colby College. After graduation she taught school in Bath, Maine. Then she moved to Springfield, MA. Miss MacDonald taught ninth grade at the State Street Elementary School, so she had experience with children and also with the public.

State Street Grammar School- Springfield, MA
Clara B. MacDonald
Teacher- Grade 9
Springfield Daily Republican- June 17, 1906

Then, on April 17, 1907 Miss MacDonald married Frederick Tracy Brand. He also worked in Springfield. Mr. Brand was a Teller at a bank- the Springfield Institution for Savings. Three years later they moved to Longmeadow. Mr. and Mrs. Brand had two sons- Thomas and Alexander.

Her husband died in 1923 and soon after Clara Brand was appointed to the position to become the Hostess and the Manager for the new Longmeadow Community House. There were so many activities to schedule for residents and other guests at this new venue. Early on the very well attended May Breakfast was one of the events that relocated to the Community House.

Springfield Republican
May 1, 1924

The Boy Scouts and the Brownie Scouts scheduled meetings. Dancing classes and community group meetings were held at this location. Special Lectures drew audiences from Longmeadow and also the greater Springfield area. The Community Players presented plays. Meetings of the Red Cross, Woman's Maternal Association and women's groups from all of the churches in town took place in this building. There were so many different activities at the Longmeadow Community House!

Springfield Republican
Sept. 28, 1924

In addition, town primaries, town elections and town meetings were also held here. The Longmeadow Community House was busy.

In 1944 teenagers enjoyed attending the "Jive Junction" Dances. The very popular Saturday afternoon movies began in the autumn of 1945. The average attendance at these movies for young people was 150 elementary and Junior High School students. Mrs. Clara Brand scheduled all of these activities.         

This lady lived in Longmeadow for 55 years. In 1959 she relocated back to Springfield. Clara MacDonald Brand passed away in December of 1962 at the age of 88 years. Both of her sons had married, raised their own families and were living in Springfield. Mrs. Clara Brand had come in contact with so many residents in the Longmeadow area. They remembered talking with her while attending the programs, the meetings and the special events that she scheduled at the Longmeadow Community House when she oversaw all of the events. There were so many wonderful special events held in this building! Longmeadow and area residents had so many long lasting memories.  

Other Sources: Springfield Daily News- May 18, 1949; Springfield Republican- Jan. 6, 1946; Springfield Weekly Republican- Jan. 24, 1924 and The Springfield Union- Dec. 14, 1962.

~Written by Judy Moran        

Longmeadow's First Tennis Club

Longmeadow Tennis Club
July 1914
Emerson Collection- colorized
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

111 years ago in 1913 the Longmeadow Tennis Club was established on the grounds of the Richard Salter Storrs Library to provide recreation activities for town residents. The Trustees of the Storrs Library had given permission for 3 tennis courts to be built.

The Evening Union
May 2, 1913

Individuals who were interested in using the future tennis courts had contributed money to build them. Those individuals who contributed at least $5.00 by July 1, 1913 would not be asked for additional monies for dues that year. They became members of the Longmeadow Tennis Club and they were given a membership ticket and a copy of the rules and bylaws of this new organization. The courts were prepared by Vaughan & Kibbe.

Springfield Republican
May 20, 1913
Click to enlarge.

 

 
Opening day was Saturday- June 28, 1913! It was a big event in Longmeadow and it was estimated that 150 people came to this event. The tennis courts were used all afternoon. In addition to tennis, archery, tether ball and croquet were also enjoyed by the attendees. Refreshments were served under an elm tree. The Refreshments Committee was chaired by Longmeadow resident Miss Alice Clark. 

The Springfield Union
June 30, 1913
Click to enlarge.

The tennis courts were a wonderful addition to Longmeadow. Some residents enjoyed playing tennis and other residents and their families came to watch the matches and to socialize with their friends. This also became a great place to meet new residents who had moved into Longmeadow. 

On the afternoon of June 5, 1915 a Tea was given by this club on the grounds of the Storrs Library. The tennis courts were used all afternoon. Clock golf and croquet were also played and children enjoyed playing on the lawn. At this Tea ice cream and punch were served under the apple trees. 

Longmeadow Tennis Club Tea
June 5, 1915
Emerson Collection- colorized
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

Time moved on. In 1932 the tennis courts were need of repair. However, they were not repaired. The town of Longmeadow was growing and the well visited small Richard Salter Storrs Library building became too small to meet the needs of the townspeople. A larger building for a library was needed. Plans were made to build a new larger library on the grounds for Longmeadow residents. The tennis courts were located on the property of the Storrs Library. It was stated in the Springfield Union, Dec. 31, 1932 issue that, "The space is needed for the parking of automobiles for those who will come to the new library, when that is completed and for the house of the caretaker of the library." 

The new Richard Salter Storrs Library was built (our current library) and the Dedication Exercises were on Saturday, October 14, 1933. This took place during Longmeadow's Sesquicentennial Celebration- when Longmeadow celebrated its 150th Anniversary. No longer were there tennis courts on this property.   

Additional Sources: Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Souvenir Booklet- 1783- 1933 and Springfield Republican- June 7, 1915.

Written by Judy Moran- Longmeadow Historian

Harry C. Beaver- Executive at Rolls- Royce of America

1923 Silver Ghost Oxford Touring Car
Rolls- Royce of America, Inc.
Springfield, MA
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gifted in 1923 to former President Woodrow Wilson for his 67th Birthday
Photo courtesy of Bonhams/Cars

On July 12, 1923 Rolls- Royce of America celebrated the 3rd anniversary of its manufacturing plant in Springfield, MA! Longmeadow, MA resident Harry C. Beaver was the Treasurer of this company. The address for the manufacturing facility was Page Boulevard. The British parent automobile company Rolls- Royce could better serve the American market with a manufacturing plant located in the United States. There were customers for this automobile here in the U.S. and Rolls- Royce could avoid the high tariffs that were put on imported luxury automobiles by having a manufacturing plant in the United States. Springfield, MA was chosen for the location of the plant because of the large pool of skilled workers in the greater Springfield, MA area.

Rolls- Royce of America Factory
Springfield, MA- circa 1920's
courtesy of Springfield Ma- Historic Crossroad of New England by Paul J. Meagher

One of the owners of a Rolls- Royce of America vehicle was former President Woodrow Wilson. In 1923 (after he had left office) anonymous individuals presented him this gift valued at $15,000 in honor of his 67th birthday. (Photo of this automobile is located at the beginning of this article.)

Buffalo Evening News
Dec. 29, 1923

The Treasurer of Rolls- Royce of America Harry C. Beaver had previously worked for the Springfield automobile company Stevens- Duryea and had left the Springfield area. However, he returned to the area when offered the position of Treasurer of Rolls- Royce of America. Mr. Beaver, his wife Jane, sons Paul and Harry, Jr. and daughter Joyce W. moved to their new home located at 38 Hopkins Place in Longmeadow, MA. (Note: This address no longer exists.)

Harry C. Beaver
Springfield Daily News
Date: April 3, 1947

The family enjoyed living in Longmeadow and became involved in the community. Mr. Beaver was on the planning committee for the Longmeadow Community House in Longmeadow. At Rolls- Royce of America he went on to become the Vice- President in charge of operations in 1925 when the President L. J. Belnap left the company.

Mr. and Mrs. Beaver's children attended high school traveling into Springfield, MA, because Longmeadow did not have a high school at that time. Their son Paul Beaver graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1920. In 1922 Harry, Jr. also graduated from Springfield Technical High School. Their daughter Joyce W. graduated from Central High School. In 1929 Mr. and Mrs. Beaver purchased a new residence in Longmeadow at 75 Meadowbrook Road. 

Mr. Beaver resigned from Rolls- Royce of America in 1931. The company was not as profitable as it had been in the past due to the Depression and the lack of interested customers for the expensive cars. Then, he went on to become President of the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corp. that had headquarters in New Jersey. 

Other Sources: 1913, 1914 Springfield, MA City Directory; 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940 U. S. Federal Census; 1921, 1929 Longmeadow Street Directory; Springfield Daily News- Sept. 7, 1934 and Springfield Republican- Sept. 9, 1919.

With deep appreciation to Bonhams/ Cars for the beautiful photograph of the 1923 Silver Ghost Oxford Touring Car gifted to President Woodrow Wilson.

Written by Judy Moran         

The Town of Longmeadow Splits

On July 1, 1894 the West Village and the East Village of Longmeadow, MA separated into 2 towns- Longmeadow and East Longmeadow. Once again, in early 1894 a petition had been sent to the State Legislature for the division. It passed. Massachusetts Gov. Frederic T. Greenhalge signed the Bill for the separation on May 22nd of that year. It did not require a vote of town voters.      

Springfield Republican
May 23, 1894

The Town Hall for Longmeadow had been built in East Village in 1882.

Longmeadow Town Hall/ East Village, built 1882

In 1883 there was a large Centennial celebration on the Longmeadow Town Green in the West Village commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Town of Longmeadow.  About 2,500 people attended this festivity.

However, for many years dividing the two villages was a hot topic with the residents. The population was less in the West Village than in the East Village. The members of the town government came from both villages, but the East Village residents outvoted the West Village residents at Town Meetings 2- 1. That included voting in town officials. The East Village had brownstone quarries that were prosperous and hired workers to work in the quarries. Many of the quarry workers had families and school age children. The children attended school as did the West Village children, but there were more children in the East Village. East Village grew and required more resources to take care of their residents.  The West Village was not growing with new young families. Most of the residents lived on Longmeadow Street and many of the younger folks were relocating to other areas. There were more roads in the East Village and they needed improvements. Geographically between the two villages there was a sandy plain. This all led to many voters wanting a separation of the two villages. On July 1, 1894 that did officially take place. 

A few days later on July 4th of that year there was a big Independence Day celebration on the Town Green (on Longmeadow Street) in Longmeadow. The Town Green was bustling with a large clambake. Town residents celebrated our country's independence and they also celebrated the separation of the two villages into two separate towns- Longmeadow and East Longmeadow. Many out of town guests also attended the celebration including former Rep. Edward S. Brewer (who later purchased the Wolcott Mansion in Longmeadow), Springfield, MA businessman Marvin Chapin, the Governor's private secretary Col. Thomas, Sen. Ledyard Bill and Rep. Charles Green of Andover, MA. East Longmeadow residents M. A. Glynn and Abel H. Calkins also joined the festivities. Mr. Glynn had supported the division and Mr. Calkins was a former Auditor, Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor in Longmeadow.

July 4, 1894- Longmeadow Town Green

That day the Town Green had brightly colored banners, tables for eating and a dancing platform that was used into the evening. In addition to the clambake, sandwiches, biscuits, cakes, lemonade and coffee were also enjoyed by the attendees. Numerous speeches were given.

The Boston Herald
July 5, 1894

Now that Longmeadow, MA was a separate town, town business needed to be taken care of. When Longmeadow consisted of the two villages residents of both villages served in Longmeadow's town government positions. Now each town needed to elect officers in their respective towns to oversee their town's government. The former Town Moderator was an East Longmeadow resident. 

So, in Longmeadow a Town Meeting took place on Monday- July 9, 1894. It was was held in the Chapel. Selectman Frank B. Allen called the Meeting to order at 2 PM. He had been a Selectman for the two villages and continued in this role for his hometown Longmeadow. Charles A. Birnie was elected Town Moderator and William B. Medlicott was the new Town Clerk and Treasurer. William C. Pease and Charles S. Newell were elected Selectmen and Fence Viewers. George W. Allen was the elected Constable. The positions were filled and Longmeadow, MA would be able to continue the business of running a town.

First Church + Chapel, Longmeadow

In 1906 the former North School located on Longmeadow Street became the Town Hall/ Police Station for Longmeadow, MA. It had been built in 1855.

Longmeadow Town Hall/ Police Station
Published by J. C. Parsons Co.

After the separation of the two villages, the town of Longmeadow grew. South Park Terrace was developed and new residents moved into their new homes on the north side of town. Trolleys became a method of transportation into Springfield, MA. Longmeadow was getting ready for the 20th century. It became the town that we know today.

Additional Sources: 1873- 4, 1874- 5, 1875- 6, 1882 and 1883, 1889 and 1890 and 1894 Longmeadow Annual Town Reports; Springfield Daily Republican- July 5, 1894 and July 10, 1894 and "Two Villages...Sandstone...Two Suburbs" written by Michael Gelinas in Oct 2010. Other photos: Longmeadow Historical Society Archives.       

Written by Judy Moran/ LongmeadowHistorian.org  

Arthur A. Hart- Artist and Teacher

Deepwood Hall
artwork by Arthur A. Hart
1961 Longmeadow, MA Annual Town Report 

 

For eight years beginning in 1961 a copy of original artwork by the artist Arthur A. Hart was showcased on the cover of the Longmeadow, MA Annual Town Reports.  Prof. Hart was a talented artist and he also was the Chairman of the Art Dept. at Bay Path Junior College in Longmeadow.   During that eight year period town residents could view a well recognized scene in Longmeadow on the cover of the Annual Town Report that is published every year. Most of the covers were his depictions of historical houses in town with a description, so everyone could also learn some Longmeadow history.

Prof. Arthur A. Hart
The Portico- 1968 Yearbook
Bay Path Junior College
Longmeadow, MA

Prof. Hart, his wife Novella and four daughters Susanna, Robin, Catherine and Allison moved to Longmeadow in 1955. It was at that time that Prof. Hart became a member of the faculty at Bay Path Junior College. The family lived at 39 Edgewood Avenue. In addition to teaching at Bay Path, this artist was interested in nature. Many people enjoyed his nature walks at Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Longmeadow. Also being interested in conservation in Longmeadow Prof. Hart served as chairman of the Conservation Commission. In addition to his responsibilities at Bay Path Junior College he and other water color colleagues formed the Valley Watercolor Society and he served as its president. This gentleman was also very interested in history and gave lectures in our area.

The Springfield Union
 Oct. 19, 1960

In 1969 Prof. Arthur A. Hart was offered a position as Director of the Idaho State Historical Museum in Boise, Idaho. This new role also included serving as Director of Education for the Idaho State Historical Society. He and his family had lived in Idaho before coming to New England. 

Arthur A. Hart lived in Boise, Idaho the remainder of his life. In 2020 this talented gentleman passed away at the age of 99 years. So many years ago he and his family left Longmeadow, MA. However, there are current town residents and also former residents who remember this gentleman and his family. We can continue to admire his works of art that he created for the covers of our Longmeadow Annual Town Reports.

Copies of the other 7 Longmeadow Annual Town Report covers with the artwork of Arthur A. Hart are below:   

1963 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

THE COVER PICTURE on this year's town report is of one of the most elegant of  the Georgian architecture  practiced in America in the early homes in the Connecticut Valley, built by Alexander Field  in  1794.  It is a variation late 18th and early 19th centuries.  The measurements of its beautiful proportions are on file in the Library of Congress and it has long been the subject of attention by students of American architecture.   The present owners are Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Richmond, who have done much to restore this exceptional house to its original style and beauty.  The painting is by Arthur A. Hart, Chairman of the Art Department at Bay Path Junior College.

1964 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

1965 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

This year's Town Report cover features the historic red brick Georgian house at 674 Longmeadow Street, traditionally known as the "Dauphin House". It takes its name from its most famous occupant, Eleazur Williams, who claimed to be the lost dauphin of France, son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette who died on the guillotine in 1793. Old accounts refer to the house as the finest between Springfield and Hartford on the old coach road. It has been well maintained by numerous owners through the years and is presently the property of Russell D. Chase. The Selectmen take this opportunity to thank Mr. Arthur Hart for the painting of the house for this year's cover and for the use of the painting to enhance the report.

1966 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

 

 A tavern, a hat factory and a house, whose present occupant has resided there for 71 years, are featured on this year's cover painting by Arthur A. Hart.

This familiar trio of Longmeadow Street houses on the East side of the Green, on its Northern end, have not always been neighbors.  #655, on the left in the picture, was built before 1758 on the opposite side of the street by Thomas Bliss.  It served for many years as a tavern, run by Nathaniel Ely, and was moved to its present location in 1855. The present owner is Dr. Stanley Teale.

Also moved to its present location, after an interesting early history elsewhere is #663, now owned by L. Curtiss Guild.  It was for many years a hat factory and was located on the Green Proper until 1831, when moved by Israel Gates.

#679 was built shortly after the Civil War on the site of Dr. Lawton's boys' school, which burned in 1859.  Mr.s William Goodman has lived in the house since November 1895, which is possibly the current record for Town residents.

1967 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

1968 Annual Town Report Cover Photo

For this year's cover Arthur A. Hart has chosen "The Old Red House", at 787 Longmeadow Street, which was built in 1735 by Simon Colton. Simon was the last child horn in the Longmeddowe, by the river. He was a grandson of the renowned Quartermaster George Colton and a son of John Colton, Simon's mother was a sister of Connecticut's first Governor Wolcott, The oldest complete house now in Longmeadow, it has a 14-foot square central chimney with a 50-inch deep beehive oven and five fireplaces. The front rooms have gunstock corner posts and center beams. There are indications of an original overhang, on the outside, in the fashion of 17th century England. Major Luther Colton, Simon's son, added a small room on the south side at the time of his marriage to Mehittabel (Boardman) Deming, widow of a member of General Washington's staff. Except for a brief period, Colton descendants have lived here. In 1935"The Old Red House" was conveyed to The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities as a memorial to Quartermaster George Colton.

Additional Sources: Springfield Daily News- Oct. 17, 1955 and Dec. 12, 1968; The Springfield Union- May 12, 1969. 

**With appreciation to LongmeadowMA.org for sharing their collection of many of the Longmeadow Annual Town Report covers that former local Longmeadow, MA artists created. Click here to view the complete collection.

Written by Judy Moran        

A Longmeadow Story Long Forgotten

Tannery + home of Edmund Evarts located on Wheelmeadow Brook
(image based upon For Sale ad shown below)

Edmund Evarts was a Tanner in Longmeadow, MA in the early 1800’s. His tannery was strategically situated along the Wheelmeadow Brook near the street now named Longmeadow Street. See the 1831 map below. Mr. Evarts’ house was located next to the Tannery.  

1831 Map Section of Longmeadow

He was a native of Guilford, Connecticut. After marrying Annis Booth in 1796 they settled in Longmeadow, MA. Annis was the daughter of Capt. Joseph and Mary Hale Booth of Enfield, CT. Her brother David Booth had married Margaret Colton- the daughter of “Marchant” Samuel Colton of Longmeadow. Together, Edmund and Annis raised a family of two daughters Mary and Nancy and a son Joseph. Joseph joined his father in the tannery business. His house was located north of his father’s house. (See map above.)

This tannery played a significant role in the local economy, because leather was the product of tanneries and leather was a very useful product. It was commonly used for clothing, footwear, horse saddles and other horse equipment including bridles, reins and harnesses. Some other uses of leather included military equipment, furniture upholstery and bookbinding. The durability and flexibility of leather made it indispensable in daily life.

At the Tannery animal hides were transformed into leather through a multi-step process. The Tannery itself would be a sturdy structure including housing vats for soaking hides, equipment for tanning, and tools for workers. The animal hides were first cleaned and de-haired before being tanned using substances like tree bark extracts or salts. The tanned leather was cured, typically by drying it in sheds or on frames. Finishing touches, such as shaving imperfections, dyeing, and treating with oils were then applied. Tanning was a smelly process.

Note: Longmeadow residents Edmund Evarts and Gaius Bliss were both tanners in Longmeadow in 1820.

Hampden Patriot
Date: June 14, 1820

Joseph Evarts joined his father in the tanning business.  In 1845 the Hampden Co. Agricultural Society listed their members and their specialities.  Joseph Evarts of Longmeadow was included.

Date: Sept. 18, 1845

In April of 1849 Edmund Evarts passed away at the age of 77 years. Before he died the Tannery was for sale. His son Joseph had placed an ad in the local newspaper selling the Tannery, the “dwelling house”, the barn and the property including 12 acres of land. In addition to advertising selling this property another property was for sale. It was another “dwelling house” and 11 acres of land- Joseph Evarts property.

"The Daily Republican"
Date: May 18, 1845

These sales marked the end of an era for the Evarts family’s tanning business in Longmeadow, MA.

Joseph Evarts, his wife Clarinda Cooley Evarts, daughter Sarah and two sons John Cooley and Edmund traveled to New York and then relocated to Michigan. Joseph’s unmarried sister Mary Evarts went with them. His two sons died fighting for the Union during the Civil War. Sgt. Edmund Evarts is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The other members of the Evarts family who had lived in Longmeadow, MA are buried in the Longmeadow Cemetery in Longmeadow.

As time moved on this location had other uses. While the date is estimated we understand that there was a fire at this location.

Date: Nov. 2, 1915
Springfield Republican

Then, another house was located next to Wheelmeadow Brook.  In 1915 the house was commonly known as Dr. Lester Noble's house. He had been a well known dentist. There was an article printed in the local newspaper describing this property. 

Springfield Republican
Date: Nov. 2, 1915

The Tannery that had been located on the Wheelmeadow Brook so long ago was one of the many important industries located in Longmeadow, MA.  This Tannery is now a memory.  

Additional Sources: Longmeadow Historian's Evarts, Bliss, Booth and Colton Family Trees.

~Written by Judy Moran