On January 2, 1926 Longmeadow's first wedding of the year 1926 took place! Benjamin F. Lewis married Jessie Spaulding in Longmeadow, MA at the home of her sister and brother- in- law Ruth G. and Chester P. Johnson. The wedding took place at 112 Benedict Terrace.
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| Springfield Republican January 3, 1926 |
Note: Chester P. Johnson was the step-son of the well known children's author Thornton Burgess.
The newly married couple Benjamin and Jessie Lewis moved to Longmeadow and lived at 158 Bliss Road. Jessie was a teacher and she opened a private school in Longmeadow- The Jessie Lewis School. She was the owner and the principal of this school. At first classes were held in the Longmeadow Community House. In 1928 her private school moved to 148 Bliss Road.
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| Springfield Daily News August 1, 1928 |
The new location for her private school was conveniently located in Longmeadow. The school offered a private playground for the children.
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| 1930 Longmeadow Street Directory |
Beginning in 1932 classes in Latin and French were taught by Miss Helen Begley. This private school was advertised in the local Springfield, MA newspaper.
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| Springfield Republican September 3, 1939 |
Then, the school closed.
148 Bliss Road became a private residence as it is today.
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| 148 Bliss Road Then and 21st Century |
Jessie and Benjamin Lewis lived at 158 Bliss Road for the remainder of their lives. Mr. Lewis passed away in 1962. Before retiring he had been employed in the men's department at the Albert Steiger Company. Jessie Lewis passed away at the age of 97 years in 1985. Many students began their educations at her private school that was located at 148 Bliss Road.
Additional Sources: 1929, 1930, 1938 Longmeadow Street Directory, Springfield Daily News- Oct. 6, 1938; Aug. 31, 1985 and The Springfield Union- Sept. 11, 1962.
~Written by Judy Moran/ Longmeadow Historian