A Longmeadow Story Long Forgotten

Tannery + home of Edmund Evarts located on Wheelmeadow Brook
(image based upon For Sale ad shown below)

Edmund Evarts was a Tanner in Longmeadow, MA in the early 1800’s. His tannery was strategically situated along the Wheelmeadow Brook near the street now named Longmeadow Street. See the 1831 map below. Mr. Evarts’ house was located next to the Tannery.  

1831 Map Section of Longmeadow

He was a native of Guilford, Connecticut. After marrying Annis Booth in 1796 they settled in Longmeadow, MA. Annis was the daughter of Capt. Joseph and Mary Hale Booth of Enfield, CT. Her brother David Booth had married Margaret Colton- the daughter of “Marchant” Samuel Colton of Longmeadow. Together, Edmund and Annis raised a family of two daughters Mary and Nancy and a son Joseph. Joseph joined his father in the tannery business. His house was located north of his father’s house. (See map above.)

This tannery played a significant role in the local economy, because leather was the product of tanneries and leather was a very useful product. It was commonly used for clothing, footwear, horse saddles and other horse equipment including bridles, reins and harnesses. Some other uses of leather included military equipment, furniture upholstery and bookbinding. The durability and flexibility of leather made it indispensable in daily life.

At the Tannery animal hides were transformed into leather through a multi-step process. The Tannery itself would be a sturdy structure including housing vats for soaking hides, equipment for tanning, and tools for workers. The animal hides were first cleaned and de-haired before being tanned using substances like tree bark extracts or salts. The tanned leather was cured, typically by drying it in sheds or on frames. Finishing touches, such as shaving imperfections, dyeing, and treating with oils were then applied. Tanning was a smelly process.

Note: Longmeadow residents Edmund Evarts and Gaius Bliss were both tanners in Longmeadow in 1820.

Hampden Patriot
Date: June 14, 1820

Joseph Evarts joined his father in the tanning business.  In 1845 the Hampden Co. Agricultural Society listed their members and their specialities.  Joseph Evarts of Longmeadow was included.

Date: Sept. 18, 1845

In April of 1849 Edmund Evarts passed away at the age of 77 years. Before he died the Tannery was for sale. His son Joseph had placed an ad in the local newspaper selling the Tannery, the “dwelling house”, the barn and the property including 12 acres of land. In addition to advertising selling this property another property was for sale. It was another “dwelling house” and 11 acres of land- Joseph Evarts property.

"The Daily Republican"
Date: May 18, 1845

These sales marked the end of an era for the Evarts family’s tanning business in Longmeadow, MA.

Joseph Evarts, his wife Clarinda Cooley Evarts, daughter Sarah and two sons John Cooley and Edmund traveled to New York and then relocated to Michigan. Joseph’s unmarried sister Mary Evarts went with them. His two sons died fighting for the Union during the Civil War. Sgt. Edmund Evarts is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The other members of the Evarts family who had lived in Longmeadow, MA are buried in the Longmeadow Cemetery in Longmeadow.

As time moved on this location had other uses. While the date is estimated we understand that there was a fire at this location.

Date: Nov. 2, 1915
Springfield Republican

Then, another house was located next to Wheelmeadow Brook.  In 1915 the house was commonly known as Dr. Lester Noble's house. He had been a well known dentist. There was an article printed in the local newspaper describing this property. 

Springfield Republican
Date: Nov. 2, 1915

The Tannery that had been located on the Wheelmeadow Brook so long ago was one of the many important industries located in Longmeadow, MA.  This Tannery is now a memory.  

Additional Sources: Longmeadow Historian's Evarts, Bliss, Booth and Colton Family Trees.

~Written by Judy Moran/ Longmeadow Historian

The "Washington Elm"

In the recorded history of some towns and cities in Massachusetts a "Washington Elm" tree is mentioned.  That particular tree is also mentioned in Longmeadow, MA.  Longmeadow's 1901 Annual Town Report cover has a sketch of this tree. The large tree in front of this house on the Town Report cover is an Elm tree.

1901 Longmeadow Annual Town Report Cover

 

Inside this Town Report information is given regarding this photo engraving by architect and Longmeadow, MA resident L.C. Fay.     

Many of you will recognize this house that is located at 787 Longmeadow Street.  It is known as the "Old Red House"- the Captain Simon Colton House that was built in 1734. After Simon Colton died, his son Major Luther Colton and his family lived here. 

Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration
of the Incorporation of the Town of Longmeadow (1884)

The Old Red House and the very large Elm tree were so interesting to so many residents over the years.  Longmeadow resident Paesiello Emerson also took photos of them.  

Red House and Elm
Date:  Sept. 21, 1918
Emerson Photo/ Longmeadow Historical society

There is information regarding this tree included in the 1938 Longmeadow Annual Town Report.  The 1938 hurricane that uprooted so many well established trees in New England was not kind to the large Elm that stood in front of the house at 787 Longmeadow Street. The name given to this tree was the "Washington Elm" and it was located in front of the Old Red Colton House.

1938 Longmeadow Annual Town Report
(click to enlarge)

In the Old Red Colton House Capt. Simon Colton had a tavern and many travelers stopped here on their way to other destinations. It was not uncommon to believe that some travelers would sit in the shade of this tree and enjoy their beverages that had been purchased in the tavern. 

Massachusetts Historical Commission Surveys
(click to enlarge)

While there's no evidence that it did occur it was possible that Gen. George Washington could have stopped at this tavern at the Old Red House. He could have enjoyed a beverage in the shade of this glorious long standing Elm tree. This tree was known as the "Washington Elm".  It no longer provides shade to residents and visitors alike, but we have a wonderful memory, sketches and photos of this grand tree.         

Other Sources:  1900 U.S. Federal Census and 1901 Longmeadow Directory

Written by Judy Moran

The 1919 Myth: Reconstructing Longmeadow's Architectural History

In Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a historical anomaly has come to light, challenging the perceived origins of many local homes. A surprising discovery within Longmeadow’s Vision Appraisal Database has revealed that numerous houses, previously believed by homeowners to have been built in 1919, actually predate this year.

The issue centers around the database's use of "1919" as a default construction year for houses whose true build dates were unknown. This practice has led to a significant discrepancy in the town's historical records, affecting approximately 7% of the approximate 5,600 houses in Longmeadow. It is believed that around 400 houses were assigned the 1919 build date due to lack of precise information.  According to sources, there was no fire in which records were destroyed, it was simply a matter of a lack of information.  A former Longmeadow Town Assessor suggested that the 1919 build date was acceptable since the assessed value of the property would not change if the actual build date was determined to be earlier than 1919.

However, a multi-year investigation by the Longmeadow Historian and other local researchers has started to uncover the true build date for some of these homes. Utilizing a wide array of historical resources, including detailed local maps, census records, archival newspaper articles, and local street directories, some of these inaccuracies have been identified.  This effort has been partly motivated by the discovery that, contrary to the assumption that 400 houses were built in 1919, local newspaper accounts indicate that only 26 houses were actually constructed that year (see above newspaper article). 

Here is the story of one prominent house in the north end of Longmeadow Street (#43) for which the correct build date has not as yet been identified.  Using some of the above listed historical resources,  the build date of this house was determined to be pre-1905 rather than the Vision Appraisal database listing of 1919.  It is not currently listed on the Longmeadow Structures Built Prior to 1901.

43 Longmeadow Street
[click image to enlarge]

 

 

The Longmeadow Historian has played a pivotal role in this process, identifying a number of houses previously listed as built in 1919 but found to have been erected in earlier years. This correction not only enriches the architectural narrative of Longmeadow but also has practical implications for the town's Demolition Delay Bylaw. Accurately dating these homes is important for determining which buildings fall under the bylaw's protection, aimed at preserving structures of historical significance.  It is possible that Longmeadow’s Demolition Delay Bylaw may be expanded for years later than 1901 so research may be needed to identify which houses will be included under a revised bylaw.  

One fascinating aspect complicating the task of accurately dating these homes is the early 20th-century practice of "moving houses" to new locations within the town. This practice has obscured the history of some properties, making it challenging to trace their origins and accurately determine their construction dates.

Unraveling the true history of these homes highlights a broader commitment to preserving Longmeadow's architectural legacy. It reflects a deep-seated value placed on historical accuracy and the stories embedded within the town's structures. 

This work not only seeks to amend the historical record but also to reconnect residents with their homes' true pasts. It's a journey that goes beyond mere dates, touching the very essence of heritage and belonging. As more houses are correctly dated, Longmeadow's residents are not just discovering the age of their homes; they're reconnecting with a piece of the town's shared history, ensuring that the legacy of these structures is honored and preserved.

Written by Jim Moran/ Guest Historian

A Changing Landscape- Longmeadow Town Green

734/ 720/ 702 Longmeadow Street (1883)
[click images to enlarge]

The west side of Longmeadow Street at the north end of the Town Green has changed greatly over the past 140 years.  The above photo (date ~ 1883) found in the Proceedings at the Centennial Celebration of the Incorporation of the Town of Longmeadow shows a different view from today's scene.  Two of these homes have disappeared and been replaced as shown in the current 2024 photo below:

734/ 720/ 702 Longmeadow Street (2024)

 

 

 Most people will recognize the Brewer-Young Mansion at 734 Longmeadow Street built in 1884-85 which has recently undergone a major renovation converting a large abandoned residential property into a small business entrepreneurial center.  The renovation retained a large portion of the architectural identity.

Below are some recent article describing the background of these landscape changes.

by Jim Moran- Guest Historian

"The Great Altantic Coast Blizzard"- February 1899

"The Great Atlantic Coast Blizzard"
February 11- 14, 1899
Courtesy of National Weather Service
Click image to enlarge.

Before Valentine's Day in 1899 snow began falling in Western Massachusetts.  That included the Springfield, MA area.  This snowstorm affected Southern New England.  We now know this storm as "The Great Atlantic Coast Blizzard".  Many residents could easily recall a blizzard that they witnessed 11 years earlier.  That was the March Blizzard of 1888.  

On February 13, 1899 snow began falling in the Springfield area at 3 o'clock in the morning.  The snowfall continued all day and it was still snowing at midnight.  Not only were the snowflakes coming down to hinder everyday lives, but the thermometer readings were in the single digits that day, too.  Trolley travel was hindered and business was not as usual anywhere in the area.

Springfield Republican
Feb. 14, 1899

The hotels in Springfield were filled with travelers who could not continue on to their destinations, because some of the trains could not leave Union Station and some others could not arrive at Union Station to take on travelers. There were also people who could not get home from Springfield, because the trolleys had a difficult time with the weather conditions.  The Longmeadow trolley line was hampered by the snow.  Two trolley cars that started their route from the MA/ CT state line traveled on and then became stuck at Pecousic (near the Barney Mansion).  Much later in the evening a snow plow came to the rescue.  Certainly the freezing temperatures did not make for a pleasant evening.
 

Springfield Republican
Feb. 14, 1899

The wind blew and the snow drifted.  In Springfield, MA over 20" of snow fell.

Springfield Republican
Feb. 15, 1899
Click image to enlarge.

"The Great Atlantic Coast Blizzard" was one that required the patience of people to "weather the storm" and the hard work of others to come to their aide.

Written by Judy Moran          

The Lost Legacy of Pecousic Villa: The Barney Mansion and the Making of Forest Park

Pecousic Villa- Home of Everett Hosmer Barney

Map of Forest Park- 1898
[click map to enlarge]

The above 1898 map of Forest Park shows the location of Pecousic Brook and the other structures including the Pecousic Villa. This map was drawn after the change in the Springfield/ Longmeadow boundary in 1890 giving the historic King Philip Stockade to Springfield.

 

 

Pecousic Villa (left)/ Carriage House
[click image to enlarge]

In the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts lies Forest Park, a sprawling 735-acre urban oasis offering residents and visitors alike a retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. While today it stands as one of the largest city parks in New England, its creation and expansion came at a significant cost, most notably the disappearance of a historic gem, the Pecousic Villa, also known as the Barney Mansion. This blog post delves into the history of the villa, its integral role in the creation of Forest Park, and the series of events leading to its unfortunate demolition.

The Birth of Pecousic Villa
Pecousic Villa was the elegant home of Everett Hosmer Barney, a prominent industrialist known for his invention and manufacture of the clamp-on ice skate. Constructed in the late 19th century, this grand mansion was nestled on the bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River in Springfield. The villa not only served as Barney's residence but also as a symbol of his success and contributions to the city's industrial growth.

Everett Hosmer Barney 1835 - 1916

The Creation of Forest Park
The story of Forest Park begins with Everett Hosmer Barney's visionary act in 1884. Recognizing the need for public green space in Springfield, Barney generously donated approximately 178 acres of his land, including the grounds surrounding Pecousic Villa, to the city. This donation laid the foundation for what would become Forest Park. Over the years, the park expanded through additional land acquisitions, growing to its current size and offering an array of recreational and cultural amenities, from hiking trails and sports facilities to the Forest Park Zoo.

Barney Hill Overlooking Connecticut River
[click image to enlarge]

Redrawing Boundaries for Progress
The expansion of Forest Park necessitated the redrawing of boundaries between Springfield and its neighboring town of Longmeadow. This change that took place in June 1890, primarily for additional acreage for the park, underscored the city's commitment to creating a substantial public green space. The adjustment of boundaries was a significant administrative move, reflecting the lengths to which the city was willing to go to ensure the park's growth and accessibility to the community. This was the first time that the Springfield/ Longmeadow boundary was changed followed by another change in June 1914.

Longmeadow/ Springfield Boundary Changes

The Impact of Interstate 91
The construction of Interstate 91 in the 1960s marked a pivotal moment for Springfield and, tragically, for Pecousic Villa itself. The new highway was part of a broader trend of urban development during the era, which often prioritized transportation infrastructure over historical preservation. Its construction led to the demolition of the Barney Mansion in 1959, erasing a piece of Springfield's history to make way for progress and connectivity. The loss of Pecousic Villa to the interstate project is a stark reminder of the costs associated with urban development, especially when it comes at the expense of preserving historical landmarks.

Pecousic Villa being demolished
Photo courtesy of Paul Meagher/ Robert Goff/ Rob Brogle

Approximate Location of Pecousic Villa
[click image to enlarge]

Reflections on the Legacy of Pecousic Villa
The disappearance of Pecousic Villa is a poignant chapter in Springfield's history, embodying the complex interplay between progress and preservation. While Forest Park remains a cherished green space, serving as a testament to Barney's legacy and philanthropy, the absence of the Barney Mansion leaves a void in the historical tapestry of the city. It serves as a reminder of what is lost when the wheels of progress roll forward without due consideration for the past.

As Springfield continues to evolve, the story of Pecousic Villa and the creation of Forest Park offers valuable lessons on the importance of balancing development with historical preservation. It challenges future generations to remember and honor the past, even as they forge ahead to build new legacies. The story of Everett Hosmer Barney, his mansion, and the park that grew from his generosity continues to inspire a vision of community, green space, and the delicate balance between preserving history and making way for the future.

________________________________

 Written by Jim Moran/ Guest Historian

A special thank you to Paul Meagher- Springfield Ma- Historic Crossroad of New England for some of the photos used in this article.

Dr. Ruth Bliss Boggs- A Physician From Longmeadow

Ruth C. Bliss
Graduation Photo- Class of 1887
Courtesy of  Northfield Mount Hermon Archives

Ruth C. Bliss was born in Longmeadow, MA on November 2, 1866. She was the daughter of William E. and Mary Wood Bliss.  William Bliss was a farmer.  In 1881 when Ruth was 14 years old her father died.  He left his wife and a large family behind.  The Bliss family were members of the First Church in Longmeadow, MA.  

Ruth Bliss completed her education in Longmeadow's schools and then she was able to continue on with her studies.  She was accepted at the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies located in East Northfield, MA.   According to her application to this school "A friend chose the school for her".  Ruth was described as "Cheerful & studious" and "Has always held a good rank in school".  The studies that she had taken in the Longmeadow schools were "Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, Grammar, History U.S., Commenced Latin & Natural Philosophy".     

The Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies was founded by the Evangelist Dwight Lyman Moody.  It opened its doors in 1879.  Later, this school merged with Mount Hermon School for Boys that was also founded by D. L. Moody. 

To attend this school each student paid a tuition.  The yearly tuition for Ruth Bliss was paid by a generous benefactor.  The generous benefactor was the prominent Springfield, MA resident and businessman Marvin Chapin.  Mr. Chapin was the founder of both the hotel Massasoit House and the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company.  Both were located in Springfield.

Mr. Chapin's son-in-law David Allen Reed contacted D. L. Moody regarding accepting Ruth to the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies.  David Allen Reed went on to found Springfield College in Springfield, MA.       

Miss Bliss completed her education at the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies and was one of the members of the graduating Class of 1887.

Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies
Graduating Class of 1887
(Ruth C. Bliss first row on left.)
Photo courtesy of Northfield Mount Hermon Archives

After graduation Miss Bliss enrolled in the Womens Medical College at Philadelphia.  There, she earned her Medical Degree.  After graduation this young woman was appointed by the Presbyterian Board of Missions to be a missionary physician to women and children in a Chinese clinic in China.   Dr. Bliss collaborated with another individual to translate a standard book on nursing from English to Cantonese.  The book was very helpful to individuals in the Chinese clinic.

While in China Dr. Ruth C. Bliss met the Missionary Rev. John J. Boggs (from Iowa).  They were married in Canton, China in April of 1896.  Their daughter Agnes Louise Boggs was born in Canton in 1899.

Springfield Daily Republican
Feb. 9, 1900

From time to time Rev. and Dr. Boggs would travel back to Longmeadow, MA to visit her family and also for special occasions.

Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 6, 1910

Another occasion was the 200th anniversary celebration of The First Church in Longmeadow.

Springfield Republican
Oct. 17, 1916

They returned to live in the United States after completing their missionary work in China.  Rev. Boggs became a professor at Rollins College in Florida and then at Hastings College in Nebraska.  

On October 18, 1930 Dr. Ruth Bliss Boggs died in Hastings, Nebraska. In her lifetime she had become a physician and a missionary.  The young girl who grew up in Longmeadow, MA attended a private school with the financial help of a distinguished Springfield, MA businessman.  She earned her medical degree and traveled to China to help other women and children. Dr. Ruth Bliss married and also raised a daughter.  Her daughter Agnes became a teacher.  Dr. Ruth Bliss Boggs was a kind thoughtful and caring woman who helped other people.     

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- June 27, 1899 and Oct. 20, 1930;
Northfield Mount Hermon Archives, Registrar's Office, Student Files, Northfield, Bliss #242N"

With Special Thanks to the Northfield Mount Hermon Archives

~Written by Judy Moran