Holyoke, Mass

01 February 1901

The first wedding to take place in Grace Church was that of Mathilda, daughter of William Engel to Paul Theilig. The ceremony was performed by Rev. F. P. Remhold in the presence of a large number of friends. The bride was prettily dressed in a gown of white organdie. Misses Koegel, Bluemer and Engle acted as bridesmaids and the ushers were Harriet Stratton and Mabel Whiting. After a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Theilig will reside at  656 Bridge Street.

From The Springfield Republican.

Shad

01 February 1895

The old fishway that has stood for over 20 years at the east end of the dam is doomed, for it will have to be torn out of the way when the water-power company gets thoroughly at work on the dam. The company has asked the Legislature to take notice of the facts, and permit it to be abolished. As far as being of any use is concerned, the fishway may be destroyed and not be missed. It was built to accommodate the shad when they wished to go up the river to spawn, but as far as anyone knows, not a shad has been taken north of the dam since the way was built. There have been fish seen in the pools at the base of the dam, but they are few in number, as the pound nets of the Nutmeg State fishermen catch nearly every one that comes along. The pollution of the water by sewage of all the cities and towns along the Connecticut has discouraged much migration of fish. This work was put it 21 years ago and cost about $30,000. The way has a fall of one foot in 15, and it has a total fall of 28 feet, because it enters the dam. Thus it is about 430 feet long. and the lone fish that attempts to go up has to travel many feet more. They way is 16 feet wide and is broken by partitions, so that the current is not too swift at any time. The course is serpentine and plenty of water has been afforded in the way. It is always sufficient unless the water gets more than two feet below the crest. The company has been obliged to keep the way in repair, and has spent much money on it that has probably been useless. The fishermen who go up the river for their sport do not think that the way is of any practical value. The state authorities had also spent considerable money on the place.

From The Springfield Republican.

01 February 1925

Passes Away At House of Providence Hospital

Miss Annie Sheaffer, 54, widow of Abner Sheaffer, died January 30 at the House of Providence Hospital. She was a member of Endeavor Temple, Pythian Sisters, and the Women’s Relief Corps. She leaves four sons, George W., Ralph G., Robert A., all of this city, and Edward D. of Chicago, and two daughters. Esther B. and Josephine M., also of Holyoke. The funeral will be held at Foster’s funeral parlors Monday afternoon. Rev. E. B. Robinson will officiate and burial will be in Forestdale.

From The Springfield Republican.

Looking at aerial maps via bing.com, it appears this house still exists, with some modification in the form of an addition around the left side in the image below, with a sun porch (was mentioned elsewhere) that extends around the fireplace. I’ll have to drive by the place next time I am in Holyoke. What is amazing about this house is the “modernism” in the building of it — rubber floors, rubber tile, and plenty of other modern details outlined in this article. Would love to have seen it in its original form, the description of the decorating is pretty interesting. The open house must have been a big deal, and all the companies that supplied products in the building of the place were on board with advertising (a few in the post, after the jump). Wonder if there are any old photos of the interior from this period. Anyone know?

Permanesque House, Corner of Northampton and Madison, 1932

31 January 1932

Follows Lines of Old English Country House

Holyoke’s First Example of Permanesque Home Construction is Thoroughly Modern in Every Detail

The Permanesque type of fire-safe residential construction will be given another interesting demonstration beginning today when the attractive new nine-room residence of the English country house type, recently completed at Northampton Street and Madison Avenue, Holyoke, is to be opened for public inspection by A. Choinere & Sons of Holyoke, the builders. The house enjoys tho distinction of being the first of Permanesque construction to be built in Holyoke.

The house, completely furnished throughout, will be opened at 2 o’clock this afternoon and remain open until 10 o’clock this evening. Thereafter It will be open every day, Sundays included, from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m., during the entire month of February. Florimond and Armand Choiniere, who have had personal supervision of the work during the entire period of construction, will be present during the opening clay, and will spend a major portion of their time there during the coming month.

Located in the very heart of the attractive Highland Park section of Holyoke, the house sits perfectly with its immediate surroundings. Of masonry, steel and concrete construction, it follows the popular English country house type of construction in every detail so far as exterior lines are concerned, while the interior arrangement conforms perfectly to the modern residential needs of houses of this character.

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Random Smiths Ferry Cemetery Tombstone

Thomas Upson - Esther Dickinson

Thomas Upson

1862 - 1845

Esther Dickinson

His Wife

1864 - 1847

With Their Children

From The Springfield Republican, 31 July 1845.  Died, At Northampton, July 21, Mr. Thomas Upson, aged 83.

Appears to be a newer replacement tombstone, located in Smiths Ferry Cemetery, Route 5, Holyoke MA.  This Cemetery is on the Holyoke-Northampton line.  Originally it was Northampton land but was later annexed to Holyoke. Any existing death records would likely be found in Northampton, Hampshire County, MA.