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