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

The "Washington Elm"

In the recorded history of some towns and cities in Massachusetts a "Washington Elm" tree is mentioned.  That particular tree is also mentioned in Longmeadow, MA.  Longmeadow's 1901 Annual Town Report cover has a sketch of this tree. The large tree in front of this house on the Town Report cover is an Elm tree.

1901 Longmeadow Annual Town Report Cover

 

Inside this Town Report information is given regarding this photo engraving by architect and Longmeadow, MA resident L.C. Fay.     

Many of you will recognize this house that is located at 787 Longmeadow Street.  It is known as the "Old Red House"- the Captain Simon Colton House that was built in 1734. After Simon Colton died, his son Major Luther Colton and his family lived here. 

Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration
of the Incorporation of the Town of Longmeadow (1884)

The Old Red House and the very large Elm tree were so interesting to so many residents over the years.  Longmeadow resident Paesiello Emerson also took photos of them.  

Red House and Elm
Date:  Sept. 21, 1918
Emerson Photo/ Longmeadow Historical society

There is information regarding this tree included in the 1938 Longmeadow Annual Town Report.  The 1938 hurricane that uprooted so many well established trees in New England was not kind to the large Elm that stood in front of the house at 787 Longmeadow Street. The name given to this tree was the "Washington Elm" and it was located in front of the Old Red Colton House.

1938 Longmeadow Annual Town Report
(click to enlarge)

In the Old Red Colton House Capt. Simon Colton had a tavern and many travelers stopped here on their way to other destinations. It was not uncommon to believe that some travelers would sit in the shade of this tree and enjoy their beverages that had been purchased in the tavern. 

Massachusetts Historical Commission Surveys
(click to enlarge)

While there's no evidence that it did occur it was possible that Gen. George Washington could have stopped at this tavern at the Old Red House. He could have enjoyed a beverage in the shade of this glorious long standing Elm tree. This tree was known as the "Washington Elm".  It no longer provides shade to residents and visitors alike, but we have a wonderful memory, sketches and photos of this grand tree.         

Other Sources:  1900 U.S. Federal Census and 1901 Longmeadow Directory

Written by Judy Moran

The 1919 Myth: Reconstructing Longmeadow's Architectural History

In Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a historical anomaly has come to light, challenging the perceived origins of many local homes. A surprising discovery within Longmeadow’s Vision Appraisal Database has revealed that numerous houses, previously believed by homeowners to have been built in 1919, actually predate this year.

The issue centers around the database's use of "1919" as a default construction year for houses whose true build dates were unknown. This practice has led to a significant discrepancy in the town's historical records, affecting approximately 7% of the approximate 5,600 houses in Longmeadow. It is believed that around 400 houses were assigned the 1919 build date due to lack of precise information.  According to sources, there was no fire in which records were destroyed, it was simply a matter of a lack of information.  A former Longmeadow Town Assessor suggested that the 1919 build date was acceptable since the assessed value of the property would not change if the actual build date was determined to be earlier than 1919.

However, a multi-year investigation by the Longmeadow Historian and other local researchers has started to uncover the true build date for some of these homes. Utilizing a wide array of historical resources, including detailed local maps, census records, archival newspaper articles, and local street directories, some of these inaccuracies have been identified.  This effort has been partly motivated by the discovery that, contrary to the assumption that 400 houses were built in 1919, local newspaper accounts indicate that only 26 houses were actually constructed that year (see above newspaper article). 

Here is the story of one prominent house in the north end of Longmeadow Street (#43) for which the correct build date has not as yet been identified.  Using some of the above listed historical resources,  the build date of this house was determined to be pre-1905 rather than the Vision Appraisal database listing of 1919.  It is not currently listed on the Longmeadow Structures Built Prior to 1901.

43 Longmeadow Street
[click image to enlarge]

 

 

The Longmeadow Historian has played a pivotal role in this process, identifying a number of houses previously listed as built in 1919 but found to have been erected in earlier years. This correction not only enriches the architectural narrative of Longmeadow but also has practical implications for the town's Demolition Delay Bylaw. Accurately dating these homes is important for determining which buildings fall under the bylaw's protection, aimed at preserving structures of historical significance.  It is possible that Longmeadow’s Demolition Delay Bylaw may be expanded for years later than 1901 so research may be needed to identify which houses will be included under a revised bylaw.  

One fascinating aspect complicating the task of accurately dating these homes is the early 20th-century practice of "moving houses" to new locations within the town. This practice has obscured the history of some properties, making it challenging to trace their origins and accurately determine their construction dates.

Unraveling the true history of these homes highlights a broader commitment to preserving Longmeadow's architectural legacy. It reflects a deep-seated value placed on historical accuracy and the stories embedded within the town's structures. 

This work not only seeks to amend the historical record but also to reconnect residents with their homes' true pasts. It's a journey that goes beyond mere dates, touching the very essence of heritage and belonging. As more houses are correctly dated, Longmeadow's residents are not just discovering the age of their homes; they're reconnecting with a piece of the town's shared history, ensuring that the legacy of these structures is honored and preserved.

Written by Jim Moran/ Guest Historian

A Changing Landscape- Longmeadow Town Green

734/ 720/ 702 Longmeadow Street (1883)
[click images to enlarge]

The west side of Longmeadow Street at the north end of the Town Green has changed greatly over the past 140 years.  The above photo (date ~ 1883) found in the Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration of the Incorporation of the Town of Longmeadow shows a different view from today's scene.  Two of these homes have disappeared and been replaced as shown in the current 2024 photo below:

734/ 720/ 702 Longmeadow Street (2024)

 

 

 Most people will recognize the Brewer-Young Mansion at 734 Longmeadow Street built in 1884-85 which has recently undergone a major renovation converting a large abandoned residential property into a small business entrepreneurial center.  The renovation retained a large portion of the architectural identity.

Below are some recent article describing the background of these landscape changes.

by Jim Moran- Guest Historian