Longmeadow Junior High School

Longmeadow Junior High School
Date: April 27, 1923
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society
colorized
(click image to enlarge)

The new Junior High School in Longmeadow, MA opened on September 6, 1922!  This beautiful new school was located on Longmeadow Street across from the Town Green just north of the Center School.  (This building is now part of the current Center School campus.)  After completing the first 6 years of their education, the students were now attending the new Junior High School.  Previously, they all had attended Center School for Grades 7- 9 with the "Shop Work" class taught at Norway Street School.      

1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The Principal of this beautiful new school was Herman H. Brase.  Mr. Brase had this position for 2 years.   

Springfield Daily News
September 5, 1922

After graduating from Longmeadow's Junior High School many students continued their education in Springfield, MA at Central, Commerce or Technical High Schools.

1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The first class to graduate from this school in June 1923 are listed below:

1923 Longmeadow Annual Town Report

The principal, Mr. Brase, left his position when was offered an appointment at the State Normal School in Lowell, MA.  In 1924 Charles M. King became the new Principal.  He had previously been the Principal at Monson Academy in Monson, MA.

Additional Source: 1922 Longmeadow Annual Town Report, Boston Herald (Boston, MA)- Feb. 15, 1958 and Springfield Republican- Sept. 7, 1923. 

~Written by Judy Moran   

Harvest Supper

Nov. 8, 1916
The Springfield Union

In 1916 the Harvest Supper that was sponsored by the May Breakfast Association in Longmeadow, MA was held on Friday evening, November 10th!  This annual event in autumn featured a chicken pie supper and it took place in the Chapel that was located next door to the First Church.  The supper was served from 6 - 8 PM.   In addition to enjoying a delicious dinner, the guests had the opportunity to purchase fruit, vegetables, homemade candy and cakes.

Emerson Photo
Nov. 10, 1916
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

According to a Oct. 25, 1913 Springfield Union newspaper article, some of the seasonal decorations in the Chapel included half husked corn that was hung in a doorway.  Over the doorway many different squash were decorated to resemble fowl.  These decorations continued to be used and can be viewed in the photograph that Paesiello Emerson took on Nov. 10, 1916!

enlarged section of above photo

Many men and women served on committees for this successful event that took place in the Chapel.

Nov. 11, 1916
Springfield Republican

Guests from Longmeadow and the Springfield, MA area enjoyed attending this event that was held before Thanksgiving Day.        

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- Nov. 8, 1916           

~Written by Judy Moran

Children's Author Thornton W. Burgess Shared His Knowledge

Springfield Republican
November 7, 1926

In 1926 the children's author Thornton W. Burgess lived in Springfield, MA.  On November 6, 1926 he heard the news that early that morning an owl was perched on a radio aerial at the home of  Dr. and Mrs. James V. W. Boyd.  The home was located at 34 Ellington Street.  Mr. Burgess, "a local naturalist", learned of this very interesting news and arrived on Ellington Street to see for himself.  Perhaps he heard the news from his step-son, Chester P. Johnson or Chester's wife Ruth.  Chester, Ruth and their son Robert lived at 112 Benedict Terrace in Longmeadow.  

When Mr. Burgess first heard the news he had believed that the owl would be a Horned Owl.  That was what he believed until he saw the large bird.  An estimation was given of the owl's size.  Two feet in height as it was perched up high and the distance from wing tip to wing tip was 60 inches.  

It was a Great Northern Snowy Owl.  The home for these owls was Labrador, not Massachusetts.  For 3 hours the owl was perched up high with spectators watching below.  Suddenly, the owl flew to a nearby rooftop and watched the scene below for another half hour.  Then, it flew away.

Mr. Burgess eagerly shared his beliefs as to why this owl had ventured to Western Massachusetts.  Food such as fish may have become scarce, so it flew south.  The Great Northern Snowy Owl could see during the day and also at night, so hunting for food could be done anytime here in Western Massachusetts.  Rabbits, squirrels and ducks could become food for it.  

Thornton W. Burgess was well known in the area and throughout the country as the author of children's stories and books.  His stories were about animals and birds.  The short stories were published in newspapers across the country under the title  "Burgess Bedtime Story".  Whitey the Owl was one of the characters in his stories.                         

The Atlanta Journal
March 1, 1927

Mr. Burgess was born in Sandwich, MA in 1874.  His father had died when he was an infant.  He married Nina Osborne in 1905 and she died when their son Thornton was born in 1906.  Mr. Burgess worked for the Phelps Publishing Co. (in Springfield, MA) on the Good Housekeeping Magazine.  He began writing stories for his son about the Green Forest and about the Green Meadows.  These stories are in his first book, Old Mother West Wind.  

The author remarried in 1911.  Thornton and Fannie Burgess lived in Springfield.  In 1912 Thornton Burgess began writing children's stories for newspapers.  The first story that was printed in the Springfield Republican appeared on Feb. 17, 1920.

Springfield Republican
Feb 16, 1920

Mr. Burgess purchased Laughing Brook in Hampden, MA as a summer home in 1928 and later turned it into a year round home.  He died at the age of  91 after publishing so many daily stories for children including 70 children's books.

Laughing Brook is a familiar name and a familiar location in Hampden, MA to many area residents.  Many children have enjoyed expanding their knowledge about nature while attending camp during the summer at this beautiful Massachusetts Audubon Society education center and wildlife sacnctuary.       

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- June 6, 1965; Watertown Daily Times- May 19, 1928 and
Union-News- Jan. 14, 1988

~Written by Judy Moran      

Longmeadow Celebrated 150th Anniversary in 1933

Source: Springfield Republican
Sept. 10, 1933

In 1933 the town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts celebrated its 150th anniversary!  The Sesquicentennial was a 3 day event held from October 13th to October 15th.  Those 3 days brought many former residents back to visit Longmeadow and to enjoy the celebrations.  There were town residents who opened their homes for their guests who were family members and friends, so all could enjoy the celebration.  Longmeadow was the first town in MA that was incorporated after the Revolutionary War. 

A souvenir book was published to commemorate this anniversary of Longmeadow.  It was edited and published in 1933 by Edgar Holmes Plummer.

Click the link below to view inside this book.  

Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Official Souvenir:  150th Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts         

In this book the program for the 3 day event was published.

Click to enlarge and view.

There were many events that took place that weekend!  Of special interest was the dedication of the Richard Salter Storrs Library on Saturday, October 14, 1933.  Later that Saturday evening there was a Colonial Ball that was held at the Community House. 

Source:
Oct. 15, 1933
Springfield Republican

During that weekend the Community House was the location for a Historical Meeting, a Luncheon, a Tea and a Ball.  This 3 day celebration included activities for young people and for older people.  It was the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts and it was celebrated!

~Written by Judy Moran      

The Longmeadow Community House Opens in 1922

The Longmeadow Community House
1923 Photo from the Emerson Collection
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

It was 100 years ago today!  On October 9, 1922 the first big event took place in the Longmeadow Community House.  The Community House was a new beautiful building conveniently located on the corner of Longmeadow Street and Williams Street and was built to be used by all members of the community. 

The chapel that was owned by First Church was used for many events large and small including Town Meetings and the May Breakfast.  It began to need repairs and the town and the church needed a meeting hall. Longtime town resident Miss Emerett Colton (1833- 1917) of 1124 Longmeadow Street had bequested monies to First Church.  The sum she left in addition to funds raised by town residents were used to build the Longmeadow Community House.  Miss Colton was born in the family home on Longmeadow Street and was a descendent of Quartermaster George Colton, one of the first residents of Longmeadow. 

Miss Emerett Colton
Date:  1914
Source:  Wood Museum of Springfield History
at the Springfield Museums
Springfield, MA

The architects Smith & Bassett of Hartford, CT were hired. E. J. Pinney of Springfield, MA was the contractor.  The First Church parish property on the corner of Longmeadow Street and Williams Street was selected for the location.  The Parsonage was located in this area, so this plan required buildings to be moved.  Capt. Simon B. Parker's house (at 777 Longmeadow Street) that was located just south of the First Church and the Chapel was moved to Williams Street, so the Parsonage could be relocated to this spot- just south of the First Church and the Chapel.  

Building of the Community House began in October of 1921.

Entrance to the Community House

It was not until September of 1922 that plans were in place with moving timbers ready- to transport the Chapel behind First Church to get it to its new location on Williams Street.  The new location was behind the new Community House.   

The Community House is a colonial style building with a main entrance and two smaller ones- one on each side.  After entering the building using the main entrance the ticket offices were located on each side. 500- 600 people could be seated in the auditorium on the main floor.  More people could be seated in the balcony.  The stage could be used for events.  The manager's office, the coat rooms and the kitchen were easily accessible.                                

On Monday evening, October 9, 1922, residents of Longmeadow and also surrounding communities including Springfield attended the Opening Night performance at this new venue.  Ruth Cramer and Marian Whitman (both of New York City) performed "Play Dance".  The next day the Springfield Daily News described the event as an elaborate program.  The two women presented artistic dancing with Mrs. Elwood Jackson accompanying them on the piano.  Ruth Cramer and Mrs. Jackson's daughter, Janet Jackson, had developed this style of entertainment a few years earlier.  

Another large event at this new beautiful venue featured the well known author and playwright of the time, Joseph C. Lincoln.  Mr. Lincoln was born in Brewster, MA and spent many years on the Cape.  He wrote about Cape Cod, because he was very familiar with and also very interested in this area of the United States.  In his presentation on November 6, 1922 Mr. Lincoln told comical stories and read some of his poems and other interesting tidbits from some of the 23 novels that he had written by this time.  The lecture was titled "Cape Cod Talks".  It was one of three lectures that he gave in the United States in 1922.

Many organizations held their meetings in this new building.  Picture shows (movies) were viewed and dances were held here in addition to Town Meetings and elections.  It was a building to be used by all members of the community and it was.  The Longmeadow Community House was owned by First Church and was leased to the Town of Longmeadow.  At the December 17, 1926 Longmeadow, MA Special Town Meeting the townspeople voted unanimously to purchase the Community House from First Church for $62,500. 

To this present day- whenever you enter the Longmeadow Community House, walk down the hall to the right.  Just before entering the auditorium look at the wall on the left side.  There is a plaque honoring Miss Emerett Colton who bequested the funds that began the process to build this beautiful large building that we still use today. 

Plaque inside the Longmeadow Community House
honoring Miss Emerett Colton

This stately building that opened in 1922 has been a place for all members of the community.  Over the years anyone who has lived in Longmeadow has walked up the front steps, opened the door and walked inside this building to conduct business here.  Sometimes, it has been to vote in an election, sometimes to register their children for swimming lessons or get (family) pool passes and sometimes to attend meetings.  It is the Community House.         

Sources:  1915 Longmeadow Street Directory;  Springfield Republican- 20 Jan 1917, 9 Sep 1922, 8 Oct 1922, 7 Nov 1922, 18 Dec 1926 and 1926 Longmeadow, MA Annual Town Report.   

~Written by Judy Moran

Jackson V. Scholz- A Member of 3 Olympic Teams

Jackson "Jack" Scholz
Courtesy of University of Missouri
"Mizzou Magazine"

In the 1920's Longmeadow, MA and Springfield, MA area residents followed the accomplishments of the Olympic athlete Jackson "Jack" V. Scholz.  He had been a Track star at the University of Missouri graduating in 1920.  That same year his parents had relocated to Springfield, MA from the state of Missouri.  His father, Dr. Samuel B. Scholz, Jr., began his new position as the Medical Director of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Springfield.  At first, his parents lived at The Oaks Hotel in the city.  A year later in 1921 they purchased a home at 37 Hopkins Place in Longmeadow, MA. 

Jackson Scholz became well known throughout the United States, because he was a member of the 1920 Olympic Track Team that competed in Antwerp, Belgium.  He had been a "sprint king" while running and excelling in Track at the University of Missouri where he had also earned his degree in Journalism.  His next accomplishment was joining the Olympic Track Team after graduating from college.  At the 1920 Olympics Jackson Scholz and his three sprinter teammates ran the 4 person 400 meter relay- winning a Gold Medal.  At the Olympics that August they also broke the World Record that was set for this event in 1912.  The Longmeadow/ Springfield area residents were very proud of this young man!

(Click to enlarge)

1920 Olympics
400 Meter Relay Team
Arizona daily orb
Sept. 23, 1920

Jackson went on and competed in the 1924 Olympics.

Source: Springfield Republican
Jun 22, 1924

This young man earned a Gold Medal in the 200 meter event in France.  He also won a Silver Medal in the 100 meter event at the Olympics that year.  Longmeadow, the Springfield area and the United States followed his accomplishments.

When coming back to this area to visit his parents, Jackson donated his time and his talent to other sprinters on the Springfield College Varsity Track Team. He would attend their practices and give pointers to the young athletes.

In 1926 his parents moved to 73 Farmington Avenue.  He was the guest speaker at the Longmeadow Men's Club dinner meeting in February of 1928 where members of the club brought their sons to the "Father and Son" event.  It was held at the Longmeadow Community House.  That year in 1928 he once again earned a place on the United States Olympic Team. 

Source:  Springfield Union
October 30, 1986

Jackson V. Scholz competed in the finals in three different Olympics.  They were 1920, 1924 and 1928.  

His parents, Dr. and Mrs. Scholz, Jr., moved from this area in the early 1930's when Dr. Scholz became the Medical Director of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.  It had been an exciting time for Longmeadow/ Springfield area residents to have the opportunity to meet and to know the Olympic Track star.  

While training for the Olympics, Jackson also wrote short stories.  He had earned his degree in Journalism, so this talented sprinter continued writing after his Olympic career ended.   He authored many books for young readers.  Some of his many books included Batter Up and  Fielder From  Nowhere that were stories about baseball.  End Zone was a story about football.               

The 1981 Academy Award winning movie "Chariots of Fire" was set during the 1924 Olympics.  The actor Brad Davis portrayed Jackson V. Scholz in this movie.     

Sources:  Springfield Republican- Dec 25, 1920; Oct 20, 1921; Oct 22, 1921; May 8, 1934; "Mizzou Magazine"- May 22, 2020 and Boston Herald- Aug 23, 1920.

~Written by Judy Moran          

Longmeadow Begins New 20th c. Mail Deliveries

Cornelius J. Shine
Longmeadow, MA Mail Carrier
courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

The first week in July of 1915 brought a change in mail delivery to residents of Longmeadow, MA!  In fact the change began on July 1, 1915.  Cornelius J. Shine, the dedicated mail carrier for the town of Longmeadow for thirteen years, had used a horse and cart while making his deliveries.  That all changed that summer in 1915.  He was given an annual allowance from the Government to buy and to operate a car that would be used to deliver mail.  The allowance was in addition to his regular salary. It was believed that 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours would be saved on delivery service. This new method of delivering the mail later became known as the "motor truck division". 

The Longmeadow community had grown since Mr. Shine began delivering the mail in 1902. New streets were located off of Longmeadow Street. A mail carrier was needed to walk down the densely populated streets to deliver the mail to every house. Before 1915 Mr. Shine had an assistant to help cover his mail delivery route. 

Starting July 1, 1915 the 5 passenger automobile that was used for delivering the mail had two passengers, Mr. Shine and his assistant. The motorized vehicle was also loaded with mail and parcel post.  

This system worked very well- as long as the weather co-operated. Cornelius Shine and his family were Longmeadow residents in 1915, living at the corner of Longmeadow Street and Lawnwood Avenue. The December 1915 Blizzard halted transportation, food deliveries and mail service everywhere on the East Coast. The trolleys did not run. It was reported in the Dec. 14, 1915 issue of the Springfield Daily News that the Longmeadow mail carrier was snowed in and did not report for work that day. In order to deliver the mail two substitute mailmen from Springfield used a sleigh and made the Longmeadow deliveries.

Mail service had arrived to the 20th century and used motorized vehicles, but sometimes "Mother Nature" interrupted the flow.             

Sources:  Springfield Republican- June 23, 1915; June 30, 1915; Oct 2, 1935; Springfield Daily News- Dec. 14, 1915; Springfield Union- July 1, 1915 and 1915 Longmeadow Street Directory. 

~Written by Judy Moran 

Memorial Day- May 30, 1922

The Memorial Boulder
Location: Longmeadow, MA Town Green
(click photo to enlarge)

Memorial Day, May 30, 1922, was a very special day!  The Memorial Boulder located on the Town Green in Longmeadow, MA was unveiled and dedicated during the morning ceremony.  The 16 ton granite boulder had been donated to Longmeadow by Mrs. Joseph Wesson with the aid of her son-in-law Flynt Lincoln.  The origin of this large boulder was the Wesson Estate in Palmer, MA.  A bronze plaque on the boulder displayed the names of Longmeadow, MA residents who had served in all wars up to and including WWI.  For more information click here to visit last year's post.

Following a parade earlier that morning, the ceremony on Longmeadow's Town Green was very well attended by town residents, residents of surrounding communities and distinguished guests.  Area American Legion Posts were invited and attended.  During the ceremony the chairman of the Board of Selectman, John G. Maxfield, accepted the Memorial Boulder for the town.  It was unveiled by two children- Thomas Francis Cordis and Sallie Wesson.  There were many special speeches that day.  Maj.Gen. Clarence R. Edwards was the invited special guest who gave the dedication speech. He had been the commander of the 26th (Yankee) Division in France in the "World war" (WWI).

In his speech Maj.Gen. Edwards spoke of the bravery of the men who had served to protect their lands and their families.  He was proud that he was related to one of these men.  That individual was Lieutenant Nathaniel Burt (1711- 1755).  Lieutenant Burt had lost his life at Lake George on Sept. 8, 1755.  His name is the first name inscribed on the Memorial Boulder's bronze plaque.  Following the dedication ceremony on the Town Green everyone walked over to the Longmeadow Cemetery on Williams Street.   There, Maj.Gen. Edwards proudly placed a wreath of white carnations and pink snapdragons on the grave of his maternal ancestor.  

Following this, a procession through the cemetery was led by members of Longmeadow's Albert T. Wood American Legion Post and members of the Longmeadow Historical Society, so other deceased war Veterans could be honored and all of the graves of war Veterans could be decorated.  Attendees walked back to the Town Green for the historical address given by Rev. Henry Lincoln Bailey, former Minister of The First Church in Longmeadow.  

May 30, 1922 was a day that Longmeadow residents and area guests would remember for so many years to come.  Today is the 100th anniversary of that date!  The day the Memorial Boulder on the Longmeadow Town Green was dedicated!

Additional interesting information: Lieutenant Nathaniel Burt's widow, Sarah Chapin Burt was the second wife of Rev. Stephen Williams, Longmeadow's first Minister of The First Church.      

Sources:  Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration- published 1884, Springfield Republican- May 28, 1922 and May 31, 1922 and Through the Lens Longmeadow Into the New Century 1890- 1920 by Judy and Jim Moran.

~Written by Judy Moran                       

Old House on the Green

Courtesy of
Longmeadow Historical Society

Mother's Day has been celebrated for many years in our country!  In our beautiful town of Longmeadow, MA there was a restaurant located on the Town Green where families could enjoy a special dinner on the special day set aside to honor mothers.  The Old House on the Green was located at 797 Longmeadow Street.  George E. and Margaret Adams had purchased the house at this address in 1921 and moved with their family from Springfield, MA.  The house had been built for Justin Colton, ca. 1833 (perhaps earlier).  Justin Colton's granddaughter, Miss Elsie Hatstat and other heirs sold this home to Mr. and Mrs. Adams.

797 Longmeadow Street in 1909
from the Emerson Collection
Longmeadow Historical Society

On October 11, 1940 Mr. and Mrs. Adams opened their home to visitors during specific hours and the next day guests with reservations could enjoy dinner at their establishment.  For many years organizations from surrounding areas enjoyed luncheons and dinners here.  The private home located at 797 Longmeadow Street became a guest house and a tea room.  The name was the Old House on the Green.

Bridal showers, wedding receptions, anniversary parties and annual banquets were celebrated at this charming destination.  Advertisements appeared in our local newspapers.

Source:  Springfield Republican
Sept. 16, 1945

In 1953 advertisements for Mother's Day reservations were found in the Springfield Union newspaper.
                

Source:  Springfield Union
May 3, 1953

The 1950 U.S. Federal Census lists this business that Mr. and Mrs. Adams owned as a "Tea Room".   An undated Luncheon and an undated Dinner menu can be viewed.

(Click to enlarge.)
Menu- undated
Courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society

In October of 1958 Mr. and Mrs. Adams celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.  During that month and that year they also closed their destination restaurant.  Over the years the Old House on the Green had become a treasured dining experience for so many guests.  That dining destination became a wonderful memory for so many people in our area.

Some additional background information- George Adams did have insight into running a restaurant.  In 1899 his father Leroy Adams and his uncle Edward C. Crosby had purchased the Brooks House in Brattleboro, Vermont.  The Brooks House was well known in the Brattleboro area.  Leroy Adams sold his share of this establishment in 1907 and then spent part of his time in Springfield, MA.  He became the president of The Springfield Flour and Grain Company located on Liberty Street in Springfield, MA.  His son George E. Adams was the secretary and the treasurer of the company.

Sources:  1909 Springfield, MA City Directory; 1920 U.S. Federal Census; 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Springfield Republican-  Feb. 5, 1910; Oct. 31, 1921; Oct. 11, 1940; Springfield Union- Nov. 9, 1958 and Massachusetts Historical Commission- 797 Longmeadow Street written by Peter Santos. 

~Judy Moran

Meadowview Greenhouses

Meadowview Greenhouses
Rear 734 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA
Source: Springfield Republican
April 2, 1939

Flowers have been enjoyed on Easter Sunday for decades.  Easter Lilies and Potted Plants decorate homes and churches.  Perhaps not so much these current days, but many years ago women and girls happily and proudly wore an Easter Corsage pinned to their coat, jacket, blouse or dress.  It added that extra touch of beauty to their "Easter outfit".

The flowers were purchased from a florist.  Here in Longmeadow, MA there was a local florist.  Meadowview Greenhouses was located at the rear of 734 Longmeadow Street.  An advertisement in the Springfield Republican for this business was printed on April 2, 1939.  It was one week before Easter Sunday.  Easter Sunday that year was on April 7, 1939.  Mary Ida Young Denault was the owner of this business.

Source:
Report of the Planning Board
1939 Longmeadow, MA Town Report

In 1939 Mrs. Mary Ida Young Denault had been granted special permission by the Longmeadow Town Planning Board to construct a greenhouse on her property.  We recognize this address of 734 Longmeadow Street as the location of the beautiful Wolcott-Brewer-Young Mansion on the Longmeadow Town Green.     

~Written by Judy Moran         

Ninety Years Ago

Photo of St. Mary's Church
July 1976
Source: Seed Sown on Good Ground
A History of St. Mary's Parish
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
by Sister Mary H. Murray, S.S.J., Ph.D. 

The newly built St. Mary's Catholic Church was located on the corner of Longmeadow Street and Bliss Road. On December 31, 1931 parishioners were getting ready to attend the first Mass that would be celebrated.  It was Midnight Mass.  

On this day ninety years ago today, the first wedding in this Gothic style church took place.  The date was April 4, 1932.  Elias Andrew Baudin and Ethel Betty Miller were married by the Pastor,  Rev. John J. Rogers. 

Source:  Springfield Republican
April 6, 1932

There were other marriages that took place that year in St. Mary's Church.  Theresa Guidette lived on Maple Road in Longmeadow.  She and Francis Cuglietti of Thompsonville, CT were married on June 25, 1932. 

Source:  Springfield Republican
June 22, 1932

That year, a few months apart two sisters married their spouses.  Both young women were born in Ireland and had immigrated to the United States.  Beven Sears married Joseph E. Dwyer of Boston, MA on August 3, 1932.  

Source: Springfield Republican
Aug. 3, 1932

Her sister Anna Ita Sears married Francis M. Kennedy of Springfield, MA on November 10 that same year.  

 
Source: Springfield Republican
Nov. 9, 1932

 
Both times after each sister was married the newly married couple and their guests traveled to Springfield, MA for a wedding breakfast/ reception.  The receptions took place at the Hotel Clinton.  Before their marriages both young women made their home with their brother-in-law and their sister Mr. and Mrs. John (Nora Sears) Landers on Colton Place.          

1932 was the first year that marriages were celebrated in this new beautiful Catholic Church and these are just a few of them.  Since that date so many more couples have been married at this location at the corner of Longmeadow Street and Bliss Road.

Additional Sources: 1932 Longmeadow, Massachusetts Town Report- Marriage Records, Springfield Republican- April 6, 1932, June 22, 1932, Aug 03, 1932 and Nov 09, 1932. 

~Judy Moran   

Happy Birthday Paesiello Emerson!

Paesiello Emerson
Photo Date: June 10, 1918
Courtesy of the Longmeadow Historical Society

Today is February 10th. On February 10, 1832 Paesiello Emerson was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. It is fitting to remember him today, because 100 years ago this Union Veteran of the Civil War lived in our town at 476 Longmeadow Street.  He lived with his step-brother and step-sister Henry and Annie Emerson.

In 1891 Paesiello Emerson's wife Nancy E. (Hartshorn) Emerson had passed away in the town where they lived- Spencer, MA.  After he retired from his occupation as a boot maker, he took up the hobby of photography.  This was at the turn of the 20th century.  We Longmeadow, MA residents are so fortunate that Mr. Emerson enjoyed his new hobby when he visited Henry and Annie.  He took photographs and documented our town as it was developing as a suburb of Springfield, MA.  

After moving to Longmeadow Mr. Emerson continued to take photographs of houses, old and new.  He also took photographs of people and places in town.  Paesiello Emerson died on December 28, 1927 and his glass negatives are now in collection of the Storrs House Museum in Longmeadow, MA.

Today, on February 10th let us remember this gentleman on his birth date!

~Judy Moran    

Sources:  1832 Hopkinton, MA Birth Records, Civil War Soldier Records, 1891 Spencer, MA Death Records, 1912 Longmeadow Street Directory, 1910 and 1920 U.S. Census Federal Records,                        

"Marchant" Samuel Colton's Front Door- A Treasured Gift

"Marchant" Samuel Colton's Front Door
Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston, MA

 
On this day #OTD- October 29, 1921- an article was published in the Springfield Republican with the news that the Boston, MA architects William T. Aldrich and Robert P. Bellows had gifted the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with the front door of "Marchant" Samuel Colton's house.  The museum had described this door in its Bulletin as "typical of the finer houses of the Connecticut Valley during the early half of the 18th century and was well known to architects".  This gift was received during the time period of March 4- June 2, 1921.

(Click to enlarge)

During the 18th century "Marchant" Samuel Colton (1727- 1784) was a wealthy businessman.  His house had been located on the west side of Longmeadow Street, south of the Longmeadow Town Green.

He had a shipyard on the Connecticut River bank and his ships transported goods to the West Indies and to Bristol, England.  His beautiful house was built by John Steele.  

 
Attached to the rear of his house was his store that contained goods that this merchant sold to customers in the area.

 
In an interesting story that was read on October 6, 1905 to the members of the Longmeadow Historical Society at their annual meeting, Mrs. George E. Brewer (Caroline Brewer) gave a history of this house.  The information was found in "Marchant" Colton's ledgers.  Mrs. George E. Brewer was a Longmeadow resident, a reporter for the Springfield Republican in Springfield, MA and also a descendant of Quartermaster George Colton- one of the first residents of Long Meddowe (Longmeadow).  

In Mrs. Brewer's story she stated, "in June, 1754, five-days' work was done on the fore door" of this beautiful house.  She also stated that "Marchant" and Lucy Colton's only son, also named Samuel (1778- 1811), married Anne G. Warriner of Wilbraham and they "remained in the ancestral home" in Longmeadow.  After Samuel died in 1811 his widow married Rev. Gideon Leon Burt.  She survived her second husband, also, and died in 1853.  The property was purchased by the descendants of Thomas Colton who also owned the property next door.  For 45 years the house had been unoccupied and was falling into disrepair.     

Eventually, Longmeadow resident Everett B. Allen purchased it and then sold the house to W. Dillon to "remove" it.  The house was torn down in September 1916 and parts of it were saved and purchased by parties interested in antiques.  

"Marchant" Colton's door was gifted to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston by these two gentlemen, William T. Aldrich and Robert P. Bellows, who recognized the significance of this doorway.                               

Sources:  Boston Herald:  Aug. 7, 1921; Evening Gazette:  Oct. 17, 1921; Springfield Republican:  Oct 08, 1905;  Sep. 8, 1916; Sep. 17, 1916; Oct. 29, 1921 and Dec. 8, 1925; and Map and other Photos courtesy of Longmeadow Historical Society.    

~Judy Moran

"Great New England Hurricane of 1938"

On This Day, September 21, 1938 a destructive and powerful storm pounded Southern New England.  This storm is now known as the "Great New England Hurricane of 1938".   Several days before it had rained and with this storm many areas of the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts had a total of 10- 17 inches of rainfall.  In the Springfield, MA area the Connecticut River rose 6- 10 feet above the flood stage.

The New York, New Haven and Hartford Co. railroad tracks in Longmeadow's meadows became flooded in the early morning hours of September 21st.   

Source:  Springfield Republican
Friday, Sep 23, 1938

 
Longmeadow, MA Town Officials reported that more than 200 large trees were destroyed as a result of this hurricane.  Large elm trees were uprooted on the tree belt on Longmeadow Street and also on private property.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Coryden K. Litchard at 756 Longmeadow Street  suffered damage.  The former home of Arthur J. Skinner in the north end of town at 46 Longmeadow Street had the most damage.  A large tree fell against the northern ell of the house. 

756 Longmeadow Street (left)
Litchard Home
Source:  Longmeadow Historical Society

 Every day life was affected!  "Trolly" service was disrupted with trees across the "trolly" tracks and electric power was down.  In many areas sidewalks were no longer in good condition.  On the night of September 23rd the residents of Longmeadow continued to use candlelight, once again.

Sources:  Springfield Republican:  Sep 21, 1938; Sep 23, 1938 and The National Weather Service- Boston: "The Great New England Hurricane of 1938".        

The Estate at 588 Longmeadow Street

Deepwood Hall
Painting by Artist Arthur A. Hart
Source:  "1961 Longmeadow Annual Town Report" Cover
Currently- Administration Building
at Bay Path University

At the beginning of the 20th century George M. Hendee was very well known in the Springfield, MA area and also throughout the world.  As a young man he was a famous high wheeler bicycle racer.  Later, he and Oscar Hedstrom (another bicycle racer) formed the Indian Motocycle Company that was located in Springfield.  Mr. Hendee and his wife Edith C. began making plans to live in Longmeadow, MA.  In 1909 he purchased about 20 acres of land from J. B. Burbank. This land was part of the Ethan C. Ely estate located on Longmeadow Street.  Mr. Hendee removed the old S.C. Stebbins house that had been located on this property, so he could build his house.

(click to enlarge)

In 1910 the ground was staked out for the new Hendee residence.  However, the plans changed after the Hendees divorced. The residence was not built and the land was sold to David and James Hale.

In 1915 the Hale brothers sold this property to another distinguished and successful Springfield resident, Frank H. Page.  In 1916 the property was staked out once again for a beautiful house and the new residence was completed in 1917.  The Jan. 1, 1917 issue of the Springfield Republican stated, "Frank H. Page of Ingersoll grove has probably built the finest and costliest house ever put up in Longmeadow."  The property contained 20 acres of land and the house was built of Harvard brick.  The living room was located on the first floor and it overlooked Wheelmeadow Brook.  Some of the rooms in this beautiful home included a library, a billiard room, a dining room, a breakfast room and also a dining room for the servants.  There was an area for sewing and an elevator went to the third floor.  Chapman & Frazier of Boston, MA were the architects for this beautiful home at 588 Longmeadow Street.  A. G. Chapman of Springfield, MA was the contractor and the cost was $50,000.

(click to enlarge)

Frank H. Page was born in Holyoke, MA in 1864.  After graduating Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1885 he moved to Minneapolis, MN and worked in the knit goods industry. This led to his interest in candy manufacturing machinery.  In the early 1890's Frank H. Page and his wife Bertha moved to Springfield, MA and he founded the Confectioners' Machinery and Manufacturing Company in Springfield.  This company became the National Equipment Company.  It expanded and the location was on North Main Street in Springfield next to Bosch Magneto's property (near the Chicopee, MA boundary).

Frank H. Page
(1864- 1928)
Source: Unknown

The Page family lived in their beautiful home, known as Deep Wood, for ten years.  All three of their children were then married, so they sold their estate to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas V. Wallace.   

Douglas V. Wallace was the vice- president and treasurer of the Forbes & Wallace Company in Springfield, MA.  He died in 1930 and his wife Mary R. continued to live on this beautiful estate with their two sons, John R. and Mack F. Wallace.    

Time moved on and the property became the campus of Bay Path Institute of Commerce.  Thomas G. Carr was a Springfield businessman.  In 1945 he purchased Bay Path Institute that was located at 100 Chestnut Street in Springfield, MA.  After the Longmeadow Zoning Board of Appeals gave the "green light" to establish a private school for girls at this location, it moved from Springfield to Longmeadow.  Mr. Carr became the first president at the Longmeadow location and changed the name to Bay Path Secretarial School for Women.  It became Bay Path Junior College in 1949.  Years later, the name changed again to Bay Path College.  As of 2014, we know this institution of higher learning as Bay Path University.  The beautiful home that Frank H. Page built at 588 Longmeadow Street is now the Administration Building of Bay Path University. 
                                             
Sources:  Bay Path University: "Bay Path's 100-year Plus History", Springfield Republican- Oct 1, 1910, Jun 26, 1915, May 1, 1916, Jan 1, 1917, Dec 20, 1928, Jan 30, 1930, Jun 19, 1945, 1910, 1920, and 1930 U. S. Federal Census.  

~Judy Moran