Here in Massachusetts, as we look to the future and approach the twenty-first century, there is an unmistakable longing to make connections with our past. At the grass-roots level this longing manifests itself in the private restoration of many lovely and historic homes. Another sign is the growth of local historical societies and small museums. The Holyoke Museum at the public library and the Wistariahurst Museum are two nationally recognized organizations that are bringing the history of Holyoke to the forefront. Holyoke draws from the priceless photograph collections of these two archives,...
Here in Massachusetts, as we look to the future and approach the twenty-first century, there is an unmistakable longing to make connections with our p...
In 1852, the community that began as Broughtons Meadow officially became the Village of Florence. This small, New England community prospered with the rise of the silk industry and its businesses, such as the Northampton Silk Company, the Nonotuck Silk Company, and Corticelli Silk Mills. Local mills and factories manufactured goods that were shipped around the world while local shops and storefronts continued to grow and change the face of the village. The population expanded due to the success of companies like the Florence Casket Company and Florence Savings, which created more jobs. By the...
In 1852, the community that began as Broughtons Meadow officially became the Village of Florence. This small, New England community prospered with the...