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