Preparing For Christmas 100 years Ago

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

Days before the Christmas holiday 100 years ago (Thursday, December 25, 1924) Longmeadow residents were preparing for their celebration. Many families would be welcoming home family members. 

Springfield Republican
December 22, 1924

Other town residents would be traveling a short distance or a long distance to celebrate with their family. 

Groceries to be purchased were on "to do" lists and there were also gifts to purchase. The Somers Creamery located in Springfield, MA advertised serving their ice cream on that special day in December.

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

Some people enjoyed the option of dining out for their Christmas Dinner. The Oaks Hotel located in Springfield advertised their 25th Anniversary with a special dinner on Christmas Day. The cost of the dinner was $2.00.

Springfield Republican
December 24, 1924

The Highland Hotel on Hillman Street ("next to Steiger's") invited potential diners to their establishment, too.

Springfield Republican
December 22, 1924

On December 20th Longmeadow resident Phillip A. Williams, Jr. and his wife Helena (of 8 Westmoreland Avenue) held an Anniversary/ Christmas party for the employees of his company- Williams Motor Sales Company that was located in Springfield. On that Saturday evening the employees and their family members traveled to Longmeadow and celebrated at the Longmeadow Community House. 150 attendees enjoyed a chicken pie dinner and then dancing after dinner.  

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

On that same day- December 20, 1924 the surgeon Dr. Frederick D. LaRochelle of 113 Converse Street was married to Springfield resident Louise West Bolt. Miss Bolt was a former nurse and the wedding took place in Springfield.

In downtown Springfield business was booming.

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

The weekend before the Christmas holiday the large department stores (Steiger's, Forbes & Wallace and Meekins, Packard & Wheat) and also the smaller specialty shops did a brisk business. 

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

At Meekins, Packard & Wheat there was a special event advertised on Wednesday, December 24th. "The Goldenaires" were a "Quartet of Trumpeters" and they played Christmas Carols that afternoon for all to enjoy at that department store. 

Springfield Republican
December 24, 1924

The sidewalks on city streets and the trolleys were so crowded. City residents were shopping along with other shoppers that traveled into Springfield to purchase their gifts.

Springfield Republican
December 21, 1924

Preparing for the Christmas holiday was a very busy time for area residents. Longmeadow residents who celebrated this holiday were preparing for this special day in December 1924 as we are preparing in 2024.

Happy Holidays to all! 

~Written by Judy Moran