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

Remembering Johnny Appleseed- An Early Longmeadow Resident

Johnny Appleseed 5 Cent Stamp
Issued Sept. 24, 1966
United States Post Office

During the month of September so many of us enjoy picking apples in the local orchards, eating apples and also drinking apple cider!  The name "Johnny Appleseed" comes to mind.  Over the past decades we have learned that a man nicknamed "Johnny Appleseed" did travel west with apple seeds.  Walt Disney's 1948 animated segment portrayed him as a happy go lucky person wearing a pot for a hat.  That led some folks to believe that he was a myth.   

John Chapman was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774 to Nathaniel and Elisabeth (Simonds) Chapman.  Their daughter Elisabeth was almost 4 years old. Two years later Nathaniel (one of the Minute Men) left his family to fight in the Revolutionary War.  Money was scarce. In 1776 the mother was expecting her 3rd child and her husband was still fighting in the war.  Both she and her infant son also named Nathaniel died in July of 1776.  It is believed that the Chapman children Elisabeth and John then lived with their mother's relatives in Leominster. 

The father Nathaniel Chapman was a widower. He continued serving our new nation in 1777 by becoming a Captain at the Springfield Arsenal in Springfield, MA.  (Later the Springfield Arsenal became the Springfield Armory.)

Nathaniel met a young woman named Lucy Cooley of Springfield, MA. (Longmeadow was incorporated as a town in the year 1783 and at the time it was part of Springfield).  On July 24, 1780 Nathaniel and Lucy Cooley were married.  Lucy's father George Colton Cooley had died 2 years earlier after getting Smallpox "by innoculation".  Her father was a direct descendant of Ensign Benjamin Cooley one of the first settlers in Longmeadow.  Lucy had received an inheritance with property from her father.  

Young John and most likely his sister Elisabeth, too, traveled to Longmeadow to live with their father and their new step- mother in a small house.  John Chapman was 6 years old and Elisabeth was 10. Little information is available about Elisabeth's youth.  She did marry Nathaniel Rudd, Jr. in 1799 and they lived in Charlemont, MA.

Nathaniel and Lucy began raising their own family and their small house became smaller.  Young John was older than his step-brothers and step-sisters and was also adventurous.  It was the time period after the Revolutionary War when area residents packed up and traveled west to begin new lives for themselves. Three of John's step-mother's Cooley cousins who were about the same age as he was did travel west to live.  

Sometime in the 1790's John and his step-brother Nathaniel traveled to Pennsylvania.  Then, John continued his adventures alone- heading west.  He traveled with apple seeds collected from cider mills in Pennsylvania and planted the apple seeds in the Ohio/ Indiana area.  The seeds grew into saplings that he sold to settlers that were arriving in those areas.  Sometimes, the saplings were given free of charge or "bartered for".  It was easier for the settlers to purchase the saplings from his nurseries and replant them.  Soon the trees would produce apples.  The apples produced by these grown trees were sour and they were used in making apple cider.  Cider was the popular beverage of the time period.

Johnny Appleseed's Travels

 
John's father Nathaniel and his step- mother Lucy along with their ten children did all move out west.  Nathaniel and Lucy and the children that were still living at home in Longmeadow packed up their belongings and moved to Ohio in 1805.  Two years after arriving in Ohio, Nathaniel died.   

John Chapman was given the nickname "Johnny Appleseed"!  He was a businessman with apple tree nurseries and he was also a man who believed in and spread the teachings of the Swedenborgian religion.  This religion is also now known as The New Church.  According to this religion the grafting of trees would have been forbidden.  John Chapman's trees were grown from seeds. Branches had not been grafted onto them.

Johnny Appleseed died in March of 1845 in Indiana.  His accomplishments are celebrated in his hometown of Leominster, MA where he was born.  There are festivals in his honor in Autumn in many towns and cities where he traveled and where he lived.  On May 28, 1936 the city of Springfield, MA celebrated the 300th anniversary and the city celebrated Johnny Appleseed with a Memorial Pageant at the new Stebbins Park in Springfield. 

John Chapman was educated.  He was able to read the leaflets of the Swedenborgian religion that he practiced and that he also distributed.  He was a friend to the Native Americans.  John was known to have walked barefoot and wore hand me down clothes.  He was a businessman who did live part of his life in Longmeadow, MA.

 Additional  information:

According to legend the house in the photo below from the Emerson Collection at the Longmeadow Historical Society shows the small house that Nathaniel and Lucy Chapman lived in with their 10 children.  It had been moved to this location at 135 Bliss Road from another area in Longmeadow before this photo was taken on June 14, 1916.   
 

135 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA
Owner: Dr. Rolla W. Graves
Date: June 14, 1916

Then, this house was moved once again by Dr. Graves where it is now located at 14 Fairfield Terrace in Longmeadow.

Source: Springfield Republican
Date: Dec 13, 1916

This photo below from the Emerson Collection shows the house in the middle that was built by Dr. Rolla W. Graves on the property at 135 Bliss Road.

135 Bliss Road- house in middle
Longmeadow, MA
Owner:  Dr. Rolla W. Graves
Date: June 1919

Sources:  Johnny Appleseed Man & Myth by Robert Price; Johnny Appleseed and the American Orchard by William Kerrigan; Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio; Leominster, MA Historical Society; and Springfield Republican: May 29, 1936. 

~Written by Judy Moran                   

The Longmeadow News Remembered

The first issue (Vol.1/ No. 1) of the Longmeadow News was published on August 20, 1969 and the last issue was published on February 20, 2020- a legacy of 50+ years of publication.

Vol.  1, No. 1- August 20, 1969

The Longmeadow News was first published in East Longmeadow, MA and then moved to Westfield, MA.  The community newspaper initially focused upon the "News of the Longmeadows" including both Longmeadow and East Longmeadow but later moved to primarily report the community news for the town of Longmeadow.

With the arrival of the Internet in the late 1990's and social media including Facebook shortly thereafter, the fortunes of this weekly newspaper slowly diminished while still fulfilling its mission of reporting local news.  Wedding/ birth announcements, obituaries, local event coverage, community calendar, letters to the editor, etc. were only a portion of the content that could be found in each weekly edition.  Local advertisers and mail subscriptions provided a revenue source to pay for its publication and the salaries of a few dedicated reporters.

Here are few of the business ads that appeared in the early editions of the Longmeadow News- all of which are no longer in business.

Storrs Library has initiated a project with Digital Commonwealth/ Boston Public Library to digitally scan the 50+ years of the Longmeadow News.  The project is still underway but when it is completed, people will be able to conduct online full text searches to find articles of local interest.

Our family was a 35+ year mail subscriber of the Longmeadow News and we welcomed each issue as a source of what was happening in our town.  We miss the many articles, letters to the editor and other features made possible by dedicated reporters including most recently Dale Oleksak, Hope Tremblay, Jeff Hanouille and Chris Maza.

~Guest column written by Jim Moran