A Christmas Tree at the Turn of the 20th Century

Harry E. Bisco- December 1905
Photo colorized by Longmeadow Historian
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society
(Click photo to enlarge.)

In 1907 the Spencer, MA resident Paesiello Emerson moved to Longmeadow, MA.  Many of us recognize his name.  He was the gentleman who took up the hobby of photography later in his life.  Mr. Emerson took photographs of people, places and objects in Longmeadow, MA- documenting our town at the turn of the 20th century.  

Before moving to Longmeadow, Mr. Emerson enjoyed using his camera and took photos in the town where he lived, Spencer, MA.  The photograph above was taken in Spencer in 1905.  It is very interesting to see a young boy standing next to an early 20th century Christmas tree. We have the opportunity to view decorations on the tree and also gifts that he enjoyed.  Strands of popcorn decorate the tree along with treasured manufactured ornaments and other keepsakes.

The boy is 6 year old Harry Evelith Bisco.  He was born in Spencer, MA in 1899.  Harry's father Leonard was a farmer in Spencer where Harry, his dad and his mom Nellie lived.  

Perhaps this was a Christmas keepsake photo that Mr. and Mrs. Bisco paid Mr. Emerson to take.  Or maybe it was a gift from Mr. Emerson to Harry's parents.  Harry's name (first name misspelled) and the date is written on a sign under the tree.  

This 1905 photograph gives us a wonderful opportunity to view a Christmas tree from 117 years ago!

Paesiello Emerson took another photo also dated December 1905.  It was a photo of the Bisco family.

Bisco Family- December 1905
Photo colorized by Longmeadow Historian
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society
(Click photo enlarge.)

 

This is a beautiful family photo of 3 generations of Harry E. Bisco's family.

Left to Right:
Joel F. Draper (his maternal grandfather), Nellie and Leonard A. Bisco (his parents), Harry sitting in front, Ella and Felix Cassavant (his step- sister and her husband)

Thank you Mr. Emerson for taking these interesting photographs 117 years ago!

Sources:  1899 Spencer, MA Marriage Records, 1899 Spencer, MA Birth Records, Springfield Republican- May 15, 1907, 1880, 1900 and 1910 U.S. Federal Census, 1903-04 Spencer, MA Marriage Records and 1907 Spencer, MA Street Directory.

~Written by Judy Moran            

1923 King Tut Lecture Given at Community House

Egyptologist Arthur Weigall
"at the Temple of Edfu
before 1913"
courtesy of Roger Bragger

It's so interesting to learn about subjects that fascinated residents of Longmeadow and the surrounding communities 100 years ago! One topic of interest to them was the discovery of mummies in Ancient Egypt.  In November of 1922 the British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered and opened the tomb of King Tut-ankh-Amen (King Tut) in Egypt's "Valley of the Kings" at Thebes.  News traveled and so many people everywhere including the United States were very interested in this discovery!  That included the residents of Western Massachusetts!  

The following year, on December 14, 1923, a lecture was given at the Longmeadow Community House about this discovery!  The British Egyptologist Arthur Weigall captivated his audience with his lecture titled, "Recent Discoveries in Upper Egypt"!  Mr. Weigall had been present when the "inner shrine" of King Tut-ankh-Amen (King Tut) was opened.

Springfield Republican
Dec. 11, 1923
(Click to enlarge.)

Arthur Weigall toured the United States in 1923/1924 giving a lecture tour and sharing information about this discovery. 

Arthur Weigall
Archeologist and Author
former Inspector General of Antiquities
for England

Local residents were very curious and very interested in learning about "King Tut".  Advertisements for this special lecture at the Community House were found in the Springfield Republican newspaper. Tickets for this event cost $1.00 and could be purchased at Steinert's in Springfield, MA and the Longmeadow Drug Stores in Longmeadow. 

Springfield Republican
Dec. 13, 1923

It was an event that so many people attended and enjoyed!  Today in the 21st century, many of us remain curious about the Egyptian Pharoah Tutankhamun.  We are fascinated with Egyptian history and the ancient pyramids and their contents.  We take opportunities whenever possible to visit special exhibits at museums and/ or read articles about "King Tut".  We do have similar interests as the residents of Longmeadow and the surrounding area did- 100 years ago. 

Additional Sources: Springfield Republican-  Dec. 14, 1923.   

~Written by Judy Moran  

Longmeadow on the Internet- 25 Years Later

Longmeadow News article announcing the
official launch of the town website
[click to enlarge]

On this day 25 years ago (December 8, 1997) Longmeadow became one of the first towns in Western Massachusetts to have a presence on the World Wide Web or Internet as it is called today. The town’s web address was www.Longmeadow.org that predates the launches of Facebook, Twitter and the many other social media platforms that are available today. MS Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers were not yet developed so early Internet users employed Netscape, Mosaic and Cello browsers which have since disappeared.

Earlier this year (2022) the Town of Longmeadow decided to move its Internet web address to one better reflecting its current purpose as a town government website ---> www.LongmeadowMA.gov. 

______________________________

Here is a little history about the development of the town's website….

In early 1997 Jim Moran, a town resident and member of the town’s Technology Planning Committee organized a group of volunteer town residents including Rick Beale, Jane Berg, Donna L.S. Fisher, Mark Gold and Farida Pomerantz to create the town’s first website. The primary purpose of this original website was to be a “community” website including content ranging from town government announcements, online access to Storrs Library, school lunch menus, links to diverse civic group websites, etc. After many months of effort this volunteer group was able to launch the new town website. Below is a screenshot for the homepage of the new website as it appeared in 1999….

[click image to enlarge]

 

After the new website was launched in late 1997 and interest by the design team waned, self-appointed webmasters Mark Gold and Jim Moran continued to spend thousands of hours updating the website design and content over the next 13 years.  Because of this volunteer effort, cost to the town was estimated to be less than $100/ year for domain name registration and web hosting.  The Longmeadow website-  www.Longmeadow.org became a valuable information resource for the Longmeadow community.

[click article to enlarge]

Below is a screenshot for the homepage of the website as it appeared in early 2010….

[click image to enlarge]

During the early years there were a couple of serious conflicts with Select Board members created by disagreements about what should be considered allowable content on the “town” website. Moran and Gold both had a broad vision of the website as a community resource while some Select Board members wanted it to be much more restricted. At one point the webmasters proposed creating a non-profit organization funded by private donations and run by a board of directors (see newspaper article below).

[click article to enlarge]

By 2010 certain members of the Select Board wanted to impose significant content moderation policies about issues involving the building of the new high school and to remove unapproved postings of other community information.   At this point the webmasters removed the “objectionable” content as well as their support for maintenance of the “town” website.   Over the next 5 years the website quality significantly deteriorated and became much less of an effective town communications resource due to the lack of active support.
 
Below is screen capture of www.Longmeadow.org home page as it appeared in late 2010.

[click image to enlarge]

The new Longmeadow website launched earlier this summer at www.LongmeadowMA.gov is a vast improvement over earlier versions and hopefully it will become a valuable town government and community information resource. Below is screen capture of the new home page in 2022. 

~written by Jim Moran/ town resident and owner of LongmeadowBiz, LLC

Longmeadow Junior High School

Longmeadow Junior High School
Date: April 27, 1923
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society
colorized
(click image to enlarge)

The new Junior High School in Longmeadow, MA opened on September 6, 1922!  This beautiful new school was located on Longmeadow Street across from the Town Green just north of the Center School.  (This building is now part of the current Center School campus.)  After completing the first 6 years of their education, the students were now attending the new Junior High School.  Previously, they all had attended Center School for Grades 7- 9 with the "Shop Work" class taught at Norway Street School.      

1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The Principal of this beautiful new school was Herman H. Brase.  Mr. Brase had this position for 2 years.   

Springfield Daily News
September 5, 1922

After graduating from Longmeadow's Junior High School many students continued their education in Springfield, MA at Central, Commerce or Technical High Schools.

1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The first class to graduate from this school in June 1923 are listed below:

1923 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The principal, Mr. Brase, left his position when was offered an appointment at the State Normal School in Lowell, MA.  In 1924 Charles M. King became the new Principal.  He had previously been the Principal at Monson Academy in Monson, MA.

Additional Source: 1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report, Boston Herald (Boston, MA)- Feb. 15, 1958 and Springfield Republican- Sept. 7, 1923. 

~Written by Judy Moran   

Harvest Supper

Nov. 8, 1916
The Springfield Union

In 1916 the Harvest Supper that was sponsored by the May Breakfast Association in Longmeadow, MA was held on Friday evening, November 10th!  This annual event in autumn featured a chicken pie supper and it took place in the Chapel that was located next door to the First Church.  The supper was served from 6 - 8 PM.   In addition to enjoying a delicious dinner, the guests had the opportunity to purchase fruit, vegetables, homemade candy and cakes.

Emerson Photo
Nov. 10, 1916
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

According to a Oct. 25, 1913 Springfield Union newspaper article, some of the seasonal decorations in the Chapel included half husked corn that was hung in a doorway.  Over the doorway many different squash were decorated to resemble fowl.  These decorations continued to be used and can be viewed in the photograph that Paesiello Emerson took on Nov. 10, 1916!

enlarged section of above photo

Many men and women served on committees for this successful event that took place in the Chapel.

Nov. 11, 1916
Springfield Republican

Guests from Longmeadow and the Springfield, MA area enjoyed attending this event that was held before Thanksgiving Day.        

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- Nov. 8, 1916           

~Written by Judy Moran

Children's Author Thornton W. Burgess Shared His Knowledge

Springfield Republican
November 7, 1926

In 1926 the children's author Thornton W. Burgess lived in Springfield, MA.  On November 6, 1926 he heard the news that early that morning an owl was perched on a radio aerial at the home of  Dr. and Mrs. James V. W. Boyd.  The home was located at 34 Ellington Street.  Mr. Burgess, "a local naturalist", learned of this very interesting news and arrived on Ellington Street to see for himself.  Perhaps he heard the news from his step-son, Chester P. Johnson or Chester's wife Ruth.  Chester, Ruth and their son Robert lived at 112 Benedict Terrace in Longmeadow.  

When Mr. Burgess first heard the news he had believed that the owl would be a Horned Owl.  That was what he believed until he saw the large bird.  An estimation was given of the owl's size.  Two feet in height as it was perched up high and the distance from wing tip to wing tip was 60 inches.  

It was a Great Northern Snowy Owl.  The home for these owls was Labrador, not Massachusetts.  For 3 hours the owl was perched up high with spectators watching below.  Suddenly, the owl flew to a nearby rooftop and watched the scene below for another half hour.  Then, it flew away.

Mr. Burgess eagerly shared his beliefs as to why this owl had ventured to Western Massachusetts.  Food such as fish may have become scarce, so it flew south.  The Great Northern Snowy Owl could see during the day and also at night, so hunting for food could be done anytime here in Western Massachusetts.  Rabbits, squirrels and ducks could become food for it.  

Thornton W. Burgess was well known in the area and throughout the country as the author of children's stories and books.  His stories were about animals and birds.  The short stories were published in newspapers across the country under the title  "Burgess Bedtime Story".  Whitey the Owl was one of the characters in his stories.                         

The Atlanta Journal
March 1, 1927

Mr. Burgess was born in Sandwich, MA in 1874.  His father had died when he was an infant.  He married Nina Osborne in 1905 and she died when their son Thornton was born in 1906.  Mr. Burgess worked for the Phelps Publishing Co. (in Springfield, MA) on the Good Housekeeping Magazine.  He began writing stories for his son about the Green Forest and about the Green Meadows.  These stories are in his first book, Old Mother West Wind.  

The author remarried in 1911.  Thornton and Fannie Burgess lived in Springfield.  In 1912 Thornton Burgess began writing children's stories for newspapers.  The first story that was printed in the Springfield Republican appeared on Feb. 17, 1920.

Springfield Republican
Feb 16, 1920

Mr. Burgess purchased Laughing Brook in Hampden, MA as a summer home in 1928 and later turned it into a year round home.  He died at the age of  91 after publishing so many daily stories for children including 70 children's books.

Laughing Brook is a familiar name and a familiar location in Hampden, MA to many area residents.  Many children have enjoyed expanding their knowledge about nature while attending camp during the summer at this beautiful Massachusetts Audubon Society education center and wildlife sacnctuary.       

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- June 6, 1965; Watertown Daily Times- May 19, 1928 and
Union-News- Jan. 14, 1988

~Written by Judy Moran      

Longmeadow Celebrated 150th Anniversary in 1933

Source: Springfield Republican
Sept. 10, 1933

In 1933 the town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts celebrated its 150th anniversary!  The Sesquicentennial was a 3 day event held from October 13th to October 15th.  Those 3 days brought many former residents back to visit Longmeadow and to enjoy the celebrations.  There were town residents who opened their homes for their guests who were family members and friends, so all could enjoy the celebration.  Longmeadow was the first town in MA that was incorporated after the Revolutionary War. 

A souvenir book was published to commemorate this anniversary of Longmeadow.  It was edited and published in 1933 by Edgar Holmes Plummer.

Click the link below to view inside this book.  

Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Official Souvenir:  150th Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts         

In this book the program for the 3 day event was published.

Click to enlarge and view.

There were many events that took place that weekend!  Of special interest was the dedication of the Richard Salter Storrs Library on Saturday, October 14, 1933.  Later that Saturday evening there was a Colonial Ball that was held at the Community House. 

Source:
Oct. 15, 1933
Springfield Republican

During that weekend the Community House was the location for a Historical Meeting, a Luncheon, a Tea and a Ball.  This 3 day celebration included activities for young people and for older people.  It was the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts and it was celebrated!

~Written by Judy Moran      

The Longmeadow Community House Opens in 1922

The Longmeadow Community House
1923 Photo from the Emerson Collection
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

It was 100 years ago today!  On October 9, 1922 the first big event took place in the Longmeadow Community House.  The Community House was a new beautiful building conveniently located on the corner of Longmeadow Street and Williams Street and was built to be used by all members of the community. 

The chapel that was owned by First Church was used for many events large and small including Town Meetings and the May Breakfast.  It began to need repairs and the town and the church needed a meeting hall. Longtime town resident Miss Emerett Colton (1833- 1917) of 1124 Longmeadow Street had bequested monies to First Church.  The sum she left in addition to funds raised by town residents were used to build the Longmeadow Community House.  Miss Colton was born in the family home on Longmeadow Street and was a descendent of Quartermaster George Colton, one of the first residents of Longmeadow. 

Miss Emerett Colton
Date:  1914
Source:  Wood Museum of Springfield History
at the Springfield Museums
Springfield, MA

The architects Smith & Bassett of Hartford, CT were hired. E. J. Pinney of Springfield, MA was the contractor.  The First Church parish property on the corner of Longmeadow Street and Williams Street was selected for the location.  The Parsonage was located in this area, so this plan required buildings to be moved.  Capt. Simon B. Parker's house (at 777 Longmeadow Street) that was located just south of the First Church and the Chapel was moved to Williams Street, so the Parsonage could be relocated to this spot- just south of the First Church and the Chapel.  

Building of the Community House began in October of 1921.

Entrance to the Community House

It was not until September of 1922 that plans were in place with moving timbers ready- to transport the Chapel behind First Church to get it to its new location on Williams Street.  The new location was behind the new Community House.   

The Community House is a colonial style building with a main entrance and two smaller ones- one on each side.  After entering the building using the main entrance the ticket offices were located on each side. 500- 600 people could be seated in the auditorium on the main floor.  More people could be seated in the balcony.  The stage could be used for events.  The manager's office, the coat rooms and the kitchen were easily accessible.                                

On Monday evening, October 9, 1922, residents of Longmeadow and also surrounding communities including Springfield attended the Opening Night performance at this new venue.  Ruth Cramer and Marian Whitman (both of New York City) performed "Play Dance".  The next day the Springfield Daily News described the event as an elaborate program.  The two women presented artistic dancing with Mrs. Elwood Jackson accompanying them on the piano.  Ruth Cramer and Mrs. Jackson's daughter, Janet Jackson, had developed this style of entertainment a few years earlier.  

Another large event at this new beautiful venue featured the well known author and playwright of the time, Joseph C. Lincoln.  Mr. Lincoln was born in Brewster, MA and spent many years on the Cape.  He wrote about Cape Cod, because he was very familiar with and also very interested in this area of the United States.  In his presentation on November 6, 1922 Mr. Lincoln told comical stories and read some of his poems and other interesting tidbits from some of the 23 novels that he had written by this time.  The lecture was titled "Cape Cod Talks".  It was one of three lectures that he gave in the United States in 1922.

Many organizations held their meetings in this new building.  Picture shows (movies) were viewed and dances were held here in addition to Town Meetings and elections.  It was a building to be used by all members of the community and it was.  The Longmeadow Community House was owned by First Church and was leased to the Town of Longmeadow.  At the December 17, 1926 Longmeadow, MA Special Town Meeting the townspeople voted unanimously to purchase the Community House from First Church for $62,500. 

To this present day- whenever you enter the Longmeadow Community House, walk down the hall to the right.  Just before entering the auditorium look at the wall on the left side.  There is a plaque honoring Miss Emerett Colton who bequested the funds that began the process to build this beautiful large building that we still use today. 

Plaque inside the Longmeadow Community House
honoring Miss Emerett Colton

This stately building that opened in 1922 has been a place for all members of the community.  Over the years anyone who has lived in Longmeadow has walked up the front steps, opened the door and walked inside this building to conduct business here.  Sometimes, it has been to vote in an election, sometimes to register their children for swimming lessons or get (family) pool passes and sometimes to attend meetings.  It is the Community House.         

Sources:  1915 Longmeadow Street Directory;  Springfield Republican- 20 Jan 1917, 9 Sep 1922, 8 Oct 1922, 7 Nov 1922, 18 Dec 1926 and 1926 Longmeadow, MA Annual Town Report.   

~Written by Judy Moran

Remembering Johnny Appleseed- An Early Longmeadow Resident

Johnny Appleseed 5 Cent Stamp
Issued Sept. 24, 1966
United States Post Office

During the month of September so many of us enjoy picking apples in the local orchards, eating apples and also drinking apple cider!  The name "Johnny Appleseed" comes to mind.  Over the past decades we have learned that a man nicknamed "Johnny Appleseed" did travel west with apple seeds.  Walt Disney's 1948 animated segment portrayed him as a happy go lucky person wearing a pot for a hat.  That led some folks to believe that he was a myth.   

John Chapman was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774 to Nathaniel and Elisabeth (Simonds) Chapman.  Their daughter Elisabeth was almost 4 years old. Two years later Nathaniel (one of the Minute Men) left his family to fight in the Revolutionary War.  Money was scarce. In 1776 the mother was expecting her 3rd child and her husband was still fighting in the war.  Both she and her infant son also named Nathaniel died in July of 1776.  It is believed that the Chapman children Elisabeth and John then lived with their mother's relatives in Leominster. 

The father Nathaniel Chapman was a widower. He continued serving our new nation in 1777 by becoming a Captain at the Springfield Arsenal in Springfield, MA.  (Later the Springfield Arsenal became the Springfield Armory.)

Nathaniel met a young woman named Lucy Cooley of Springfield, MA. (Longmeadow was incorporated as a town in the year 1783 and at the time it was part of Springfield).  On July 24, 1780 Nathaniel and Lucy Cooley were married.  Lucy's father George Colton Cooley had died 2 years earlier after getting Smallpox "by innoculation".  Her father was a direct descendant of Ensign Benjamin Cooley one of the first settlers in Longmeadow.  Lucy had received an inheritance with property from her father.  

Young John and most likely his sister Elisabeth, too, traveled to Longmeadow to live with their father and their new step- mother in a small house.  John Chapman was 6 years old and Elisabeth was 10. Little information is available about Elisabeth's youth.  She did marry Nathaniel Rudd, Jr. in 1799 and they lived in Charlemont, MA.

Nathaniel and Lucy began raising their own family and their small house became smaller.  Young John was older than his step-brothers and step-sisters and was also adventurous.  It was the time period after the Revolutionary War when area residents packed up and traveled west to begin new lives for themselves. Three of John's step-mother's Cooley cousins who were about the same age as he was did travel west to live.  

Sometime in the 1790's John and his step-brother Nathaniel traveled to Pennsylvania.  Then, John continued his adventures alone- heading west.  He traveled with apple seeds collected from cider mills in Pennsylvania and planted the apple seeds in the Ohio/ Indiana area.  The seeds grew into saplings that he sold to settlers that were arriving in those areas.  Sometimes, the saplings were given free of charge or "bartered for".  It was easier for the settlers to purchase the saplings from his nurseries and replant them.  Soon the trees would produce apples.  The apples produced by these grown trees were sour and they were used in making apple cider.  Cider was the popular beverage of the time period.

Johnny Appleseed's Travels

 
John's father Nathaniel and his step- mother Lucy along with their ten children did all move out west.  Nathaniel and Lucy and the children that were still living at home in Longmeadow packed up their belongings and moved to Ohio in 1805.  Two years after arriving in Ohio, Nathaniel died.   

John Chapman was given the nickname "Johnny Appleseed"!  He was a businessman with apple tree nurseries and he was also a man who believed in and spread the teachings of the Swedenborgian religion.  This religion is also now known as The New Church.  According to this religion the grafting of trees would have been forbidden.  John Chapman's trees were grown from seeds. Branches had not been grafted onto them.

Johnny Appleseed died in March of 1845 in Indiana.  His accomplishments are celebrated in his hometown of Leominster, MA where he was born.  There are festivals in his honor in Autumn in many towns and cities where he traveled and where he lived.  On May 28, 1936 the city of Springfield, MA celebrated the 300th anniversary and the city celebrated Johnny Appleseed with a Memorial Pageant at the new Stebbins Park in Springfield. 

John Chapman was educated.  He was able to read the leaflets of the Swedenborgian religion that he practiced and that he also distributed.  He was a friend to the Native Americans.  John was known to have walked barefoot and wore hand me down clothes.  He was a businessman who did live part of his life in Longmeadow, MA.

 Additional  information:

According to legend the house in the photo below from the Emerson Collection at the Longmeadow Historical Society shows the small house that Nathaniel and Lucy Chapman lived in with their 10 children.  It had been moved to this location at 135 Bliss Road from another area in Longmeadow before this photo was taken on June 14, 1916.   
 

135 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA
Owner: Dr. Rolla W. Graves
Date: June 14, 1916

Then, this house was moved once again by Dr. Graves where it is now located at 14 Fairfield Terrace in Longmeadow.

Source: Springfield Republican
Date: Dec 13, 1916

This photo below from the Emerson Collection shows the house in the middle that was built by Dr. Rolla W. Graves on the property at 135 Bliss Road.

135 Bliss Road- house in middle
Longmeadow, MA
Owner:  Dr. Rolla W. Graves
Date: June 1919

Sources:  Johnny Appleseed Man & Myth by Robert Price; Johnny Appleseed and the American Orchard by William Kerrigan; Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio; Leominster, MA Historical Society; and Springfield Republican: May 29, 1936. 

~Written by Judy Moran                   

The Longmeadow News Remembered

The first issue (Vol.1/ No. 1) of the Longmeadow News was published on August 20, 1969 and the last issue was published on February 20, 2020- a legacy of 50+ years of publication.

Vol.  1, No. 1- August 20, 1969

The Longmeadow News was first published in East Longmeadow, MA and then moved to Westfield, MA.  The community newspaper initially focused upon the "News of the Longmeadows" including both Longmeadow and East Longmeadow but later moved to primarily report the community news for the town of Longmeadow.

With the arrival of the Internet in the late 1990's and social media including Facebook shortly thereafter, the fortunes of this weekly newspaper slowly diminished while still fulfilling its mission of reporting local news.  Wedding/ birth announcements, obituaries, local event coverage, community calendar, letters to the editor, etc. were only a portion of the content that could be found in each weekly edition.  Local advertisers and mail subscriptions provided a revenue source to pay for its publication and the salaries of a few dedicated reporters.

Here are few of the business ads that appeared in the early editions of the Longmeadow News- all of which are no longer in business.

Storrs Library has initiated a project with Digital Commonwealth/ Boston Public Library to digitally scan the 50+ years of the Longmeadow News.  The project is still underway but when it is completed, people will be able to conduct online full text searches to find articles of local interest.

Our family was a 35+ year mail subscriber of the Longmeadow News and we welcomed each issue as a source of what was happening in our town.  We miss the many articles, letters to the editor and other features made possible by dedicated reporters including most recently Dale Oleksak, Hope Tremblay, Jeff Hanouille and Chris Maza.

~Guest column written by Jim Moran

Jackson V. Scholz- A Member of 3 Olympic Teams

Jackson "Jack" Scholz
Courtesy of University of Missouri
"Mizzou Magazine"

In the 1920's Longmeadow, MA and Springfield, MA area residents followed the accomplishments of the Olympic athlete Jackson "Jack" V. Scholz.  He had been a Track star at the University of Missouri graduating in 1920.  That same year his parents had relocated to Springfield, MA from the state of Missouri.  His father, Dr. Samuel B. Scholz, Jr., began his new position as the Medical Director of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Springfield.  At first, his parents lived at The Oaks Hotel in the city.  A year later in 1921 they purchased a home at 37 Hopkins Place in Longmeadow, MA. 

Jackson Scholz became well known throughout the United States, because he was a member of the 1920 Olympic Track Team that competed in Antwerp, Belgium.  He had been a "sprint king" while running and excelling in Track at the University of Missouri where he had also earned his degree in Journalism.  His next accomplishment was joining the Olympic Track Team after graduating from college.  At the 1920 Olympics Jackson Scholz and his three sprinter teammates ran the 4 person 400 meter relay- winning a Gold Medal.  At the Olympics that August they also broke the World Record that was set for this event in 1912.  The Longmeadow/ Springfield area residents were very proud of this young man!

(Click to enlarge)

1920 Olympics
400 Meter Relay Team
Arizona daily orb
Sept. 23, 1920

Jackson went on and competed in the 1924 Olympics.

Source: Springfield Republican
Jun 22, 1924

This young man earned a Gold Medal in the 200 meter event in France.  He also won a Silver Medal in the 100 meter event at the Olympics that year.  Longmeadow, the Springfield area and the United States followed his accomplishments.

When coming back to this area to visit his parents, Jackson donated his time and his talent to other sprinters on the Springfield College Varsity Track Team. He would attend their practices and give pointers to the young athletes.

In 1926 his parents moved to 73 Farmington Avenue.  He was the guest speaker at the Longmeadow Men's Club dinner meeting in February of 1928 where members of the club brought their sons to the "Father and Son" event.  It was held at the Longmeadow Community House.  That year in 1928 he once again earned a place on the United States Olympic Team. 

Source:  Springfield Union
October 30, 1986

Jackson V. Scholz competed in the finals in three different Olympics.  They were 1920, 1924 and 1928.  

His parents, Dr. and Mrs. Scholz, Jr., moved from this area in the early 1930's when Dr. Scholz became the Medical Director of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.  It had been an exciting time for Longmeadow/ Springfield area residents to have the opportunity to meet and to know the Olympic Track star.  

While training for the Olympics, Jackson also wrote short stories.  He had earned his degree in Journalism, so this talented sprinter continued writing after his Olympic career ended.   He authored many books for young readers.  Some of his many books included Batter Up and  Fielder From  Nowhere that were stories about baseball.  End Zone was a story about football.               

The 1981 Academy Award winning movie "Chariots of Fire" was set during the 1924 Olympics.  The actor Brad Davis portrayed Jackson V. Scholz in this movie.     

Sources:  Springfield Republican- Dec 25, 1920; Oct 20, 1921; Oct 22, 1921; May 8, 1934; "Mizzou Magazine"- May 22, 2020 and Boston Herald- Aug 23, 1920.

~Written by Judy Moran          

Longmeadow Begins New 20th c. Mail Deliveries

Cornelius J. Shine
Longmeadow, MA Mail Carrier
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

The first week in July of 1915 brought a change in mail delivery to residents of Longmeadow, MA!  In fact the change began on July 1, 1915.  Cornelius J. Shine, the dedicated mail carrier for the town of Longmeadow for thirteen years, had used a horse and cart while making his deliveries.  That all changed that summer in 1915.  He was given an annual allowance from the Government to buy and to operate a car that would be used to deliver mail.  The allowance was in addition to his regular salary. It was believed that 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours would be saved on delivery service. This new method of delivering the mail later became known as the "motor truck division". 

The Longmeadow community had grown since Mr. Shine began delivering the mail in 1902. New streets were located off of Longmeadow Street. A mail carrier was needed to walk down the densely populated streets to deliver the mail to every house. Before 1915 Mr. Shine had an assistant to help cover his mail delivery route. 

Starting July 1, 1915 the 5 passenger automobile that was used for delivering the mail had two passengers, Mr. Shine and his assistant. The motorized vehicle was also loaded with mail and parcel post.  

This system worked very well- as long as the weather co-operated. Cornelius Shine and his family were Longmeadow residents in 1915, living at the corner of Longmeadow Street and Lawnwood Avenue. The December 1915 Blizzard halted transportation, food deliveries and mail service everywhere on the East Coast. The trolleys did not run. It was reported in the Dec. 14, 1915 issue of the Springfield Daily News that the Longmeadow mail carrier was snowed in and did not report for work that day. In order to deliver the mail two substitute mailmen from Springfield used a sleigh and made the Longmeadow deliveries.

Mail service had arrived to the 20th century and used motorized vehicles, but sometimes "Mother Nature" interrupted the flow.             

Sources:  Springfield Republican- June 23, 1915; June 30, 1915; Oct 2, 1935; Springfield Daily News- Dec. 14, 1915; Springfield Union- July 1, 1915 and 1915 Longmeadow Street Directory. 

~Written by Judy Moran 

Memorial Day- May 30, 1922

The Memorial Boulder
Location: Longmeadow, MA Town Green
(click photo to enlarge)

Memorial Day, May 30, 1922, was a very special day!  The Memorial Boulder located on the Town Green in Longmeadow, MA was unveiled and dedicated during the morning ceremony.  The 16 ton granite boulder had been donated to Longmeadow by Mrs. Joseph Wesson with the aid of her son-in-law Flynt Lincoln.  The origin of this large boulder was the Wesson Estate in Palmer, MA.  A bronze plaque on the boulder displayed the names of Longmeadow, MA residents who had served in all wars up to and including WWI.  For more information click here to visit last year's post.

Following a parade earlier that morning, the ceremony on Longmeadow's Town Green was very well attended by town residents, residents of surrounding communities and distinguished guests.  Area American Legion Posts were invited and attended.  During the ceremony the chairman of the Board of Selectman, John G. Maxfield, accepted the Memorial Boulder for the town.  It was unveiled by two children- Thomas Francis Cordis and Sallie Wesson.  There were many special speeches that day.  Maj.Gen. Clarence R. Edwards was the invited special guest who gave the dedication speech. He had been the commander of the 26th (Yankee) Division in France in the "World war" (WWI).

In his speech Maj.Gen. Edwards spoke of the bravery of the men who had served to protect their lands and their families.  He was proud that he was related to one of these men.  That individual was Lieutenant Nathaniel Burt (1711- 1755).  Lieutenant Burt had lost his life at Lake George on Sept. 8, 1755.  His name is the first name inscribed on the Memorial Boulder's bronze plaque.  Following the dedication ceremony on the Town Green everyone walked over to the Longmeadow Cemetery on Williams Street.   There, Maj.Gen. Edwards proudly placed a wreath of white carnations and pink snapdragons on the grave of his maternal ancestor.  

Following this, a procession through the cemetery was led by members of Longmeadow's Albert T. Wood American Legion Post and members of the Longmeadow Historical Society, so other deceased war Veterans could be honored and all of the graves of war Veterans could be decorated.  Attendees walked back to the Town Green for the historical address given by Rev. Henry Lincoln Bailey, former Minister of The First Church in Longmeadow.  

May 30, 1922 was a day that Longmeadow residents and area guests would remember for so many years to come.  Today is the 100th anniversary of that date!  The day the Memorial Boulder on the Longmeadow Town Green was dedicated!

Additional interesting information: Lieutenant Nathaniel Burt's widow, Sarah Chapin Burt was the second wife of Rev. Stephen Williams, Longmeadow's first Minister of The First Church.      

Sources:  Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration- published 1884, Springfield Republican- May 28, 1922 and May 31, 1922 and Through the Lens Longmeadow Into the New Century 1890- 1920 by Judy and Jim Moran.

~Written by Judy Moran                       

Old House on the Green

Courtesy of
Longmeadow Historical Society

Mother's Day has been celebrated for many years in our country!  In our beautiful town of Longmeadow, MA there was a restaurant located on the Town Green where families could enjoy a special dinner on the special day set aside to honor mothers.  The Old House on the Green was located at 797 Longmeadow Street.  George E. and Margaret Adams had purchased the house at this address in 1921 and moved with their family from Springfield, MA.  The house had been built for Justin Colton, ca. 1833 (perhaps earlier).  Justin Colton's granddaughter, Miss Elsie Hatstat and other heirs sold this home to Mr. and Mrs. Adams.

797 Longmeadow Street in 1909
from the Emerson Collection
Longmeadow Historical Society

On October 11, 1940 Mr. and Mrs. Adams opened their home to visitors during specific hours and the next day guests with reservations could enjoy dinner at their establishment.  For many years organizations from surrounding areas enjoyed luncheons and dinners here.  The private home located at 797 Longmeadow Street became a guest house and a tea room.  The name was the Old House on the Green.

Bridal showers, wedding receptions, anniversary parties and annual banquets were celebrated at this charming destination.  Advertisements appeared in our local newspapers.

Source:  Springfield Republican
Sept. 16, 1945

In 1953 advertisements for Mother's Day reservations were found in the Springfield Union newspaper.
                

Source:  Springfield Union
May 3, 1953

The 1950 U.S. Federal Census lists this business that Mr. and Mrs. Adams owned as a "Tea Room".   An undated Luncheon and an undated Dinner menu can be viewed.

(Click to enlarge.)
Menu- undated
Courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

In October of 1958 Mr. and Mrs. Adams celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.  During that month and that year they also closed their destination restaurant.  Over the years the Old House on the Green had become a treasured dining experience for so many guests.  That dining destination became a wonderful memory for so many people in our area.

Some additional background information- George Adams did have insight into running a restaurant.  In 1899 his father Leroy Adams and his uncle Edward C. Crosby had purchased the Brooks House in Brattleboro, Vermont.  The Brooks House was well known in the Brattleboro area.  Leroy Adams sold his share of this establishment in 1907 and then spent part of his time in Springfield, MA.  He became the president of The Springfield Flour and Grain Company located on Liberty Street in Springfield, MA.  His son George E. Adams was the secretary and the treasurer of the company.

Sources:  1909 Springfield, MA City Directory; 1920 U.S. Federal Census; 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Springfield Republican-  Feb. 5, 1910; Oct. 31, 1921; Oct. 11, 1940; Springfield Union- Nov. 9, 1958 and Massachusetts Historical Commission- 797 Longmeadow Street written by Peter Santos. 

~Judy Moran