The City of Holyoke Celebrates 150 Years

THE CITY OF HOLYOKE CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

THE CITY OF HOLYOKE CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

From the Mayor of Holyoke

Being Mayor of this city — being Mayor of any city — is a mix of duty and responsibility, achievement and challenge. Rare is the Mayor who has the good fortune to report on a year of pride and celebration.

Since January 2023, when we launched Holyoke’s 150th Anniversary observance, I have joined the residents of this great city in learning more about our history, our ethnic and cultural forerunners, and our strengths and common interests as Holyokers.

From the Three Kings Festival to the dedication of our City Hall, from the joyous downtown Patronales Festival to the amazing Gala that lit up our grand ballroom, the 150th Anniversary celebration has been a constant reminder of Holyoke’s riches, its bygone days, and its exhilarating future. Coming together as a community to celebrate one another’s cultures, food, music, and traditions has brought immense joy to me and my family.

As I stated above, being Mayor is a many-faceted role. The encounters and experiences of a single day might be affirming, humbling, soaring, or frustrating. But against the backdrop of Holyoke’s proud embrace of where it’s been, where it is, and where we are going, I have felt energized and blessed.

I wish to thank the 150th’s co-chairs, committees, and volunteers for serving up a yearlong celebration that is one for the ages.

Thank you,

Joshua A. Garcia, Mayor

Copyright© 2024 by The Republican • All Rights Reserved • ISBN: 978-1-7373241-4-0

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner or the publisher.

Book Design by: Michelle Johnson and Curtis Panlilio

Editors: Joseph Carvalho III, Wayne E. Phaneuf and Cynthia G. Simison

Back cover photo courtesy of Joshua Rivera

Printed by: Sheridan • Published by: Headline Studios Massachusetts, 1860 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103

Foreword by the Co-Chairs

A note from the 150th Committee Co-Chairs, Aaron Vega, Director Of Planning & Economic Development (OPED) & Sharon Konstantinidis, OPED Head Administrative Clerk .

Ushering in the city’s 150th Anniversary Celebration has been a true honor and fun experience. I have always been fascinated, like most Holyoker’s by the city’s history. My dad, Carlos Vega, would explain how Holyoke’s history has always been a mirror of America’s history. From the industrial revolution to the stories of immigration and migration, Holyoke is a city of innovation, compassion, and struggle. I was only 3 when the city celebrated its 100th Anniversary so I was not very aware of what was occurring, but now in this role as OPED Director, I have a front row seat to witness the new opportunities and growth this city is going through. Celebrating the Sesquicentennial of Holyoke is a time to reflect but mostly a time to look forward, to capture the hope and dreams of the city and its people in the year 2023.  This book, the time capsule and all the events through the year are a snapshot in time of the city’s long history and unwritten future.

The planning of a 150th Anniversary celebration is no easy undertaking. It takes dedicated individuals who are passionate about their city and proud to celebrate its accomplishments! It’s been a real treat to work with my Co-Chair Sharon Konstantinidis as she fits that description having kept the team on task and always ready to lend a hand to any event going on in the city.

“I emigrated to the city (from Chicopee) over 40 years ago.  At first, I only ever needed to head to the mall, not only to shop but to

work as well! As a graduate of Holyoke Community College my circle expanded and eventually, I found myself in the heart of downtown. For over 20 years as an employee, I have witnessed many changes but mostly the synergy between the city and its residents that today make up this culturally diverse city,” says Sharon.

City events celebrating the 150th could not have been possible without the collaboration of members from the Friends of City Hall, the Wistariahurst Museum, the Historical Commission, the Mayor’s Office, The Greater Holyoke Chamber, to name a few, as well as a small army of volunteers. Following weekly meetings, sponsorship letters, presentations and a few thousand emails, we are now able to reflect on a year that highlighted our diversity, our history and our pride.

There are a few unsung heroes we need to mention before you dive into the book. Thank you to Olivia Mausel and Jean Jonker from the Friends of Holyoke City Hall, who first presented the idea and the need to dedicate City Hall and to establish a yearlong event calendar to celebrate this milestone.

Jeff Bianchine and the team from the Print Shop created the 150th logo and were instrumental in creating and marketing all the 150th merchandise. Kayla Rodriguez, Executive Director of Nueva Esperanza, hosted the kickoff of the 150th during the Three Kings Day event in January of 2023 and continued to partner on many community events through the city, Robert Comeau our passionate historian and volunteer champion, and Stephanie Colon, Mass in Motion Director, who incorporated many planned community activities to be part of the 150th celebration, especially her work

Sharon Konstantinidis and Aaron Vega, Co-Chairs Holyoke 150th Committee

with Beyond Walls contributing to the increase in tourism and community involvement.

We hope you not only enjoy this book but pass it down to those who, in 50 years, could be attending the opening of the Time Capsule that lives in the City Hall Ballroom!

Aaron Vega & Sharon Konstantinidis Co-chairs Holyoke 150th Committee

150th Anniversary Chairpersons

Aaron Vega, Office of Planning & Economic Development (OPED) Director

Sharon Konstantinidis, Planning Department Head Administrative Clerk

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who shared their time, talent, and treasure to make the 150th year celebrations memorable! From start to finish, no matter how small the contribution, you were valued participants, and we sincerely thank you.

150th Anniversary Planning Committee

Jeffery Anderson-Burgos – City of Holyoke, City Council Admin Assistant

Jeff Bianchine - Friends of City Hall and The Print Shop

Robert (Bob) Comeau - Holyoke Public Tours

Carl Eger – Holyoke Redevelopment Authority

Stephen Faye – City of Holyoke, Mayor’s Office

Jordan Hart – Holyoke Chamber of Commerce

Jean Jonker - Friends of City Hall and Holyoke Preservation Trust

Penni Martorell - Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke City Historian

Olivia Mausel - Friends of City Hall

Joseph Charles Mazzola - Holyoke Historical Commission

Kathy McKean - Friends of City Hall

Zina Tissi - Friends of City Hall

Christopher Gauthier - Holyoke Historical Commission

Honorable Mention, In Memoriam

Sue Ellen Panitch, 100th Anniversary Committee

150th Anniversary Committee Members

Christine Berge - OPED Staff and Local Artist

Marie Brazeau – OPED Development Specialist

Juan Anderson Burgos - City Councilor and St Rep Assistant

Christine Burns – Holyoke Rotary Club

Stephanie Colon - Mass in Motion, Coordinator

Nancy Condon - Heritage State Park Visitor Services Supervisor

Eileen Crosby – Holyoke Library, History Room

Kelly Curran – City of Holyoke, Personnel Director

Stefany Garcia – Holyoke Public Schools

Jennifer Keitt – OPED Senior Project Manager  Sebastian Prill - The Print Shop

Pricilla Rivera - City Sports Bar & Lounge, Owner

Kayla Rodriguez - Nueva Esperanza Director

Mimi Sharpe - Resident

Stephanie Pierce – Friends of City Hall and Photographer

Navae Rodriguez - Council on Aging and Friends of City Hall

Estrella (Chloe) Soto – Resident

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

Elizabeth Andrew, an American author.

to our sponsors for helping to make the 150th Celebration of the City of Holyoke and this book so memorable!

Presenting

Holyoke Medical Center

Gold

Holyoke Mall

Silver

O’Connell Companies

Bronze

Conklin Furniture, Highland Hardware, Keith Construction, Inc., Marcotte Ford, Polish National Credit Union

Supporter

Black Rose Trucking, Gary Rome Hyundai, Hazen Paper, Highland Hardware, Meridian Industrial, RR LeDuc, Universal Plastics, Wayfinders

Friend

Girls Inc. of the Valley, Hampshire Towing, Holyoke Preservation Trust, Mass. Surgical Supply, Maurice Ferriter

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren with officials at Holyoke City Hall on May 13, 2022, as Mayor Joshua A. Garcia looks on. PHOTO BY JIM KINNEY / THE REPUBLICAN.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal at the groundbreaking for Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, Aug. 14, 2023. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STATE SENATOR JOHN VELIS

TOP AND BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF STATE REP. PATRICIA DUFFY. MIDDLE PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

It is a special pleasure for me to join with people across the city in extending congratulations on Holyoke’s 150th birthday celebration.

As President of the Holyoke City Council, I know that the city has a long and proud history of accomplishments and achievements, and that council members, both present and past, have played a vital role in the growth and development of this great city. In the city’s 150 years, it has seen very exciting and memorable moments, and those moments have added to Holyoke’s rich history.

I know that the people of the community will face the city’s future with determination, optimism, and strength gained from the past whose roots go deep. The pride people feel today will give them the confidence they need to face the future with the same high sense of purpose.

As President it was my honor to serve on the City Council and work with Mayor Garcia, my fellow Councilors, and my colleagues in government on the school committee. Their tireless work to serve the students and the teachers of the Holyoke Public Schools is commendable.

As I step away from my 20 years on the City Council, I am joined by long standing Councilors Joe McGiverin and Peter Tallman. I wonder where our families will be in 50 years. My greatest wish is that my children (Myles, Maille, and Mac) should always know the amount of love I have for them, and that they walk through the rest of their lives working towards making a difference, knowing that I will always be there for them no matter what.

Hello 2073!

On behalf of the city council of Holyoke I want to extend our thanks to all the volunteers back in 2023 who worked to make that year of celebrations so great; to the business partners and community organizations that provided support, and to all the residents who continue to show their pride for the city. Best wishes to the future citizens of Holyoke for many more years of continued growth and success to the city I called home. We hope 2073 is a great year of celebrating the best damn city at Holyoke’s 200th anniversary.

President Todd McGee

Holyoke City Council Members

Will Puello: Ward 2 City Councilor; Vice Chair of the Public Service Committee

David K � Bartley: Ward 3 Councilor; Vice Chair of D&GR Committee

Kocayne S� Givner: Ward 4 Councilor; Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee

Linda Vacon: Ward 5 Councilor; Chair of the Ordinance Committee

Juan C � Anderson-Burgos: Ward 6 Councilor; Chair of the City Council side of the Joint Committee

Joseph M � McGiverin: At Large Councilor; Chair of the Finance Committee

Peter R � Tallman: At Large Councilor; Chair of the Public Service Committee

Jose Maldonado Velez: At-Large Councilor; Chair of the Charter and Rules Committee; Vice Chair of the Ordinance Committee

Tessa R � Murphy-Romboletti: At-Large Councilor; Chair of the D&GR Committee; Vice Chair of the Charter and Rules Committee

Israel Rivera: At-Large Councilor; Chair of the Public Safety Committee

Todd McGee: President

Kevin A � Jourdain:At-Large Councilor; Vice Chair of the Finance Committee

City of Holyoke: Joshua A. Garcia, Mayor

Elected Officials: City Clerk, Brenna McGee; City Treasurer, Rory Casey

Boards and Commissions:

Board of Appeals: Josh Knox, Chair; Morriss Partee, and Paul Burns-Johnson

Board of Assessors: Tony Dulude; Deb Brunelle; Maureen Cronin

Board of Health Commission: Dr. Esteban A. Del Pilar-Morales; Dalila Hyry-Dermith; Nicole Arnold

Board of Public Works: Mary L. Monahan; Libby Hernandez; Joseph Kietner

Conservation Commission: Bernice Bowler; Jeffrey Horan; Michael Dodge; Mary Moriarty; Rosemary Arnold; John Perdrizet; Chelsea Gazillo

Commission on Disabilities: Liana Pasialis; Carolyn Horan; Elizabeth Larivee; Don Welch; Al Lehmann; Sarah Wedamen; Jessica Lebron-Martinez

Council on Aging: Navae Rodriguez; Susan Aiken; Len Brouillette; Kyong Cruz; Priscilla Garcia; Cappie Glica; Sean Gonsalves; Barbara Grady; Wayne Klinge; Dian McCollum; Nicole Perrier; Julita Rojas

Cultural Council: Tim Damon; Christopher Dunay; Mark Dunlap; Navae Rodriguez; Chris Fournier; Kocayne Givner; Gloria Caballero-Roca; Nadia Schuessler; Anne Thalheimer

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation: Carl Eger JR.; Michael Sullivan; Callie Flanagan; Antonio Quinones; Mark Cutting; Rosa Pantoja

Fire Commission: George Mettey; Jeffrey A. Trask; Nelson Lopez

Gas and Electric Commission: James Sutter; Francis Hoey III, Marcos Marrero; James Lavelle

Historical Commission: Jean Jonker; Christpher Gauthier; Joseph Mazzola; Luis Salazar; Lizabeth Rodriguez; Olivia Mausel

Holyoke Housing Authority: Matthew Mainville; Theresa Cooper-Gordon; Aaron Wilson; Michael Falcetti; Marilyn Sanabria; Gladys Lebron-Martinez

Library Board of Directors: Maria Pagan; Jason Lefebvre

License Board: Anthony Luciano; Jose Correra; Michael Moriarty

Local Historical Commission District: Marco Crescentini; Stephen Faye; Matteo Riondato; Beth Gosselin; Lauren Niles; Olivia Mausel

Parks and Recreation Commission: Jose Bayron; Helene Busby; Jonathan Moquin, Jr.

Planning Board: Mimi Panitch; Kate Kruckemeyer; Gurinder Dhaliwal; Rosanna Lopez; Nathan Chung; Lauren Niles Associate

PVTA Advisory Board: Gloria Caballero-Roca

Holyoke Redevelopment Authority Board: Thomas Creed; Carl Eger JR.; Patrick Beaudry; Daphne Board; Jorge Colon

Retirement Board: Jack McCarthy; Cheryl Dugre; Michelle Aubrey; Tanya Wdowiak

Water Commission: Bill N. Harbilas; Timothy Keane; Henry “Butch” Seidel

Committees:

Bike Ped Committee: Shannon Bliven; Price Armstrong; Kristen Sykes; Elena Langdon; Christine Berge; Liz O’Dair; Ed Baez

Citizens Advisory Committee: Elbert Bowler; Michael Falcetti; Terry Gibson; Victor Machado; Willie Spradley; Rosanna Lopez; Juan Montano

Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC): Meagan Magrath-Smith; Michael Falcetti; Mary Moriarty; Maribel Ortiz; Franchesca Nunez; Nathan Chung; Christopher Gauthier; Israel Rivera; Helene Busby; Amy Landau

School Committee: Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, Chairperson; Superintendent Anthony Soto, Receiver; Chairperson Erin Brunell; Mildred Lefebvre, Gustavo O. Romero, Ward 1; Rosalee Tensley Williams, Ward 2; Yadilette Rivera Colón, Ward 3; Irene Feliciano-Sims, Ward 4; John G. Whelihan, Ward 5; William R. Collamore, Ward 6; Ellie Wilson, Ward 7

Tourism Advisory Committee: Aaron Vega; George Mulry; Jennifer Keitt; Jordan Hart; MaryKay Wydra; Denis Luzuriaga; Jose Maldonado Velez; Isabella Vega; Navae Rodriguez

Holyoke: A City of History

The Holyoke Historical Commission is pleased to congratulate the City of Holyoke on its sesquicentennial. It is truly an honor to be part of this historic event marking 150 years of growth, unity, progress, and respect for its heritage.

For fifty-one years, the Commission, made up of volunteer citizens, has served the city through its efforts to enhance the quality of the lives of Holyokers with the continuing presence of, and support for Holyoke’s historic properties. Holyoke’s historic buildings, parks, and waterways establish our sense of place and define the very character and values of our community. They are the foundation of this great city.

Today, the commission works to ensure that Holyoke’s historic character is present. The land that Holyoke sits on was originally inhabited by the Indigenous Algonquian peoples. It then was inhabited by English and Irish immigrants; thus, the area was originally referred to as Ireland Parish and later as Baptist Village. As Holyoke grew from a town to a city, waves of immigrants moved here to live, work and worship. Consequently, the early neighborhoods that reflected the immigrant growth with its housing, factories, and the houses of worship are still present within the city’s impressive borders with city hall, completed in

Its neighborhoods were clearly defined by the ethnic immigrants as they moved here in waves. In their neighborhoods, they built their houses of worship and parochial schools that provided their services in their native language and a religious-based education that also reflected their ethnic architecture in its churches, synagogues, and housing.

The commission is pleased to be part of the historical preservation of Holyoke’s past and wishes the city another 150 years of honoring Holyoke’s past while moving forward into the future. Holyoke stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those founding and current residents. This sesquicentennial celebration provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the past while looking forward to a future filled with promise and potential.

1876, as the central beacon. Today as we reflect on the rich history and vibrant heritage of Holyoke, it is inspiring to see how the city has evolved and how Holyokers always take pride in looking back at the city’s cultural, commercial, industrial, and architectural history as well as the patented innovations that immerged from its heyday when Holyoke was the largest producer of paper in the United States.

Holyoke Historical Commission

Chair - Christopher H. Gauthier

Vice Chair - Joseph Charles Mazzola

Recording Secretary - Olivia Mausel

Commissioners: Jean Jonker & Lizabeth Rodriguez

Dedicated to the preservation of historic and cultural resources of Holyoke, MA

Holyoke Preservation Trust, Inc �

As a non-profit organization that works to preserve Holyoke’s historic architectural heritage for present and future generations, the Holyoke Preservation Trust is pleased to send its warmest regards and congratulations to our beloved city on its 150th anniversary.

We believe that our city’s history and historic architec ture is a unique asset. We aim to educate, inspire, and encourage historic preservation throughout the city by offering programs, information, and support to those who share our ideals.

When Holyoke was incorporated as a city in 1873, few envisioned the grand heights the city would achieve, both commercially and architecturally, boasting the highest millionaires per capita at the turn of the last century and hosting magnificent parks and buildings from such famous influentials as Olmstead and Beauchemin.

As we enter the future, we expect and will continue

to support works that will brighten our tomorrow beyond even the pale of yesterday.

During the city’s yearlong celebration, the Trust focused its efforts to highlight the city’s significant history with several activities which culminated with an art contest, Holyoke: Looking Back & Looking Forward which was co-sponsored with Holyoke Heritage State Park, and the “Key to the City” Scavenger Hunt, highlighting important and historic Holyoke sites.

Holyoke is rightfully a proud and ever-evolving city that respects and honors its past while focused on ensuring a strong and successful future for all its citizens and its commercial enterprises.

Holyoke’s 150th anniversary as a city is a remarkable milestone. Again, please accept our warmest best wishes for a memorable celebration.

Wishing Holyoke all the best for the next 150 years!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jean Jonker

Interim Co-President/Clerk

Olivia Mausel Interim Co-President/Treasurer

Jens Christiansen

Christopher Gauthier

Meagan MacGrath-Smith

Vadim Tulchinsky

ADVISORS

Robert Comeau

Peter Palombella

Mary Ellen Shewchuk

Zina Tissi

HOLYOKE PRESERVATION TRUST, INC � 235 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

HolyokePreservationTrust@gmail.com 413-437-0466

Friends of Holyoke City Hall

By Jean Jonker

The observance of Holyoke’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary as a city is an occasion of great pride for the Friends of Holyoke City Hall. In 2014, Mayor Alex Morse (2012-2021) appointed his predecessor, Mayor Elaine Pluta (2010-2011), chair of the newly formed Friends of City Hall, a group of local volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the city hall whose 5-year construction was completed 147 years ago in 1876. Our efforts to preserve our rich heritage by preserving, restoring, and sharing our magnificent city hall with its Gothic Revival architecture and glorious and meaningful stained-glass windows along with its rich treasure trove of historic documents and portraits, will hopefully continue to be the pride and bedrock of Holyoke. All those men and women who devoted themselves to the welfare of the citizens of Holyoke by serving in public office will never be forgotten.

It is our hope that the pride Holyokers feel this sesquicentennial year will continue to resonate into our challenging future with the same high purpose of taking the best of our past, preserving it, and building on it in a way that ensures that Holyoke will continue to lead the way to determination, optimism and strength from a past whose foundation was built with the intention of a strong, growing, successful and caring community.

The Friends of City Hall are looking forward to the future with continued focused efforts to maintain and share the historic city hall while also driving efforts to update the building in thoughtful and historically appropriate ways for the building to be fully utilized as it was originally intended for use not only for governmental purposes, but also for community and private events. The Friends will continue to preserve the city hall’s past while working to meet the needs of the future.

Happy 150th Anniversary, Friends of City Hall

ABOVE: Bell at Holyoke City Hall. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF CITY HALL

RIGHT: Stain glass restoration at Holyoke City Hall. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF CITY HALL

The Land Still Speaks

By Larry Spotted Crow Mann

In the beginning of all things, they say WE started out as Sky Beings, without form, living with Manitoo (Great Spirit) in the vast darkness. Out of the darkness, Manitoo fashioned Mishe-Toonupasug (Great Turtle) as a symbol of his wisdom, patience, and old age. From the sweat of Manitoo’s hands, he formed an enormous ball of water to be the home for the Turtle. In the water, he made all sorts of life, some for the Turtle to feed on. As Mishe-Toonupasug became larger, her back rose above the surface. As it rose, she brought up on her back the sands and stones from the bottom. This created the First Island. Our home— Turtle Island.”

The above excerpt from the Nipmuc Creation Story speaks to a way of life that had gone on for eons and took shape within the ever-changing landscape throughout the area now known as Holyoke, MA. Even before the retreat of the last Ice age the Indigenous Peoples of this area, the Pocomtuck, Nonatuck, and Nipmuc had established sophisticated cultures and cosmogony. This gave way to a rich spiritual, artistic, technological, agricultural, and social construct of these interrelated communities. The land itself was the sacred connection that informed this intimate relationship that wove their story together. The names of the communities speak to this relationship. Pocumtuck: People of the Narrow Swift River; Nonatuck: the People in Midst of the river, and Nipmuc: The People of Fresh Water. Water is a sacred part of who we are and one of the most important modes of travel and sustenance for the First People of the region.

The ancient Kwinitekw River travels down and leans out over Holyoke creating a nutrient rich flatland. Then it loops back, which we call the Oxbow

ABOVE: Larry Spotted Crow Mann of the Nipmuc Indian Tribe, speaks during the formal dedication of Holyoke City Hall on the 150th anniversary of the city. The building had never been dedicated.

PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN

before traversing on. As if the Great Spirit himself, wanted to look back and admire his work. The East – West Mountain range provided a unique feature in the valley, as it protected the many villages from the cold northern winds. This created a special gathering place for the tribal people.

When I look out over what is now called Mount Holyoke, I can still see my ancestors: several mishoons excitingly arrive to the shores with an abundant harvest of salmon, shad, and sturgeon. Wigwams, fires, and fish drying racks are flecked along the shore.

There would be ceremony and offerings of thanksgiving for the bountiful fish that will nourish the community. Children playing moccasin hand games, feather challenges, while some race along the edge of the river, tossing stones. Elders are swapping tales and

laughs over a meal of succotash and smoked fish.

Songs would be sung to the rhythmic heartbeat of mother earth on the Water Drum. It is indeed a bountiful lush place for fishing, hunting; and a multitude of nuts, fruits, berries, and medicinal plants that have been in the valley thousands of years.

In this place, the ancient stories of the land and sky are shared from the old to the young. Like how the large boulders scattered about the landscape speak to the story of Matchemungqus and how he defeated the Stone Giants. And the way Corn came to the people brought by a gift from a crow. These, along with tales such as Sky Bear, (now called the Big Dipper) informed how the land and sky are a living part of who they are.

There is the exchange of intellectual pursuits of art, philosophy, innovation, governance, and an overall understanding, that we as Humans, are the collective conscious of the environment and the universe. We are part of all life; and all life is part of us.

Despite the tragic history that befell my ancestors, our story does not end there. Because we have a history with a future. We are still here. We still sing our songs. We still gather in ceremony and speak our language.

Today we only see the names Pocomtuck or Nonatuck in a few writings or eponymous designations of mountains or streets. But they do live on in the Nipmuc People.

The colonial records have never done justice to the rich history and living presence of the Indigenous Peoples in the area known as Holyoke. What is mostly available are records of deeds, battles, deaths, and removals. It is only by learning how we lived, and still live can we begin to appreciate and understand the story of the land, and The People.

Indigenous peoples and First Nation shared

the lands along the Quinneticut River as fertile hunting, fishing, and planting grounds.

Historical Timeline

Historical Timeline Compiled by: Penni Martorell, City Historian; Eileen Crosby, Holyoke Public Library Archivist; Tom Kass, Jill A. Hodnicki, Kate Thibodeau, Wayne E. Phaneuf, and Joseph Carvalho III, Holyoke, Massachusetts September 2023

1676 Puritan colonist William Pynchon negotiates land use with the Indigenous Agawam people on the east and west sides of the Connecticut River, later known as Springfield and West Springfield.

1684 John Riley purchased 16 acres of land on what came to be known as Ireland Parish. Riley had come from Ireland ca. 1634.

1729 Six families of colonists were living in Ireland Parish.

1775 - 1783 Over twenty men from Ireland Parish served in Patriot Regiments in practically every important engagement of the American Revolution.

1786 July. Ireland Parish became a separate parish of West Springfield.

1799 December. The First Congregational Society of Ireland Parish was organized.

1803 First Baptist Society of Ireland Parish organized. Meetings were held in the “Lord’s Barn” which had been built in 1792.

1831 Ireland Parish had 130 dwellings.

1832 The Hadley Falls Company was incorporated to build a cotton mill in Ireland Parish.

1845 March 21. The Connecticut River Railroad (CRRR) was allowed to change the route of the railroad line to cross the river at Willimansett and run through Ireland Parish to Northampton. By December the first train on the CRRR line from Springfield to Northampton passed through the area of Ireland Parish.

LEFT: 1795 Map of Ireland Parish. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

1846 - 1849 Potato famine in Ireland spurs immigration to the U.S.

1847 March. George C. Ewing of Fairbanks & Company purchased the first 37 acres of land at Ireland Parish for a group of Boston financiers. Eventually, he purchased a total of 1,100 acres of land; a stone quarry at the foot of Mount Tom; the controlling interest in the Proprietors of Locks and Canals; the water rights to Canal Village; and the title to the Hadley Falls Company.

ABOVE: Tracks of Massachusetts State Dinosaur, Podokesaurus holyokensis. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

LEFT: 1831 Map of West Springfield including Ireland Parish HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: Digging the Canals. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

RIGHT TOP: Logging on the Connecticut River WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

BOTTOM: Dam of the Hadley Falls Company at Holyoke, Mass.HOLYOKE

ROOM

1847 June. The ‘second’ Hadley Falls Company was founded with the goal of establishing “New City” at Ireland Parish.

1847 July. Water survey measured the river at South Hadley Falls, finding the flow at 6,980 cubic feet per second with a fall of 60 feet – the equivalent of 30,000 horsepower or 550 mill powers, the greatest potential mill development in New England

1847 November. The last steamboat passed through

the South Hadley Canal, a navigational canal which had been built in 1792 to convey boats around the falls.

December. Initial construction on the canals of Ireland Parish began

1848 January. The property purchased by George C. Ewing passed into the hands of the Hadley Falls Company; investment capital was set at $3,000,000. At the same time there was a strike among the canal laborers when their wages were to be cut from 75 cents to 70 cents per day. The Northampton militia was called in to force the men back to work.

1848 February. The first stone was laid for the foundation of 32 “large and elegant brick tenements” built by the Hadley Falls Co. for its workers because by the summer there were 1,277 Hadley Falls Co. workers and their families living in a shantytown called“The Patch” just above the dam site.

1848 November 18. Hadley Falls Company’s initial dam construction across the Connecticut River, a wooden crib dam, was completed and washed away within hours. The Foreman sent a telegram “3:20 p.m., your dam has gone to hell by way of Willimansett.”

1849 April. Work began on the new dam, 80 feet wide and 1,000 feet long, with reinforced apron and was completed in October. Waterpower estimates at the time calculated it could power 1,200,000 spindles and employ 100,000 persons.

1849 Cholera epidemic affected primarily laboring families who lacked access to clean drinking water.

1849 Second Congregational Society and Second Baptist Society were organized

The Hampden Freeman began publishing every Friday.

1850 March 14. Holyoke incorporated as a town with a population of 3,713 . Most were farmers of crops like hay, rye, wheat , oats, flint corn, barley, broom corn, tobacco, and peas.

1852 Holyoke High School was established with a total enrollment of 65 students.

1853 Parson’s Paper Mill organized and began operations in 1855. It was the first paper mill in Holyoke and by 1860, the largest paper mill of its kind in the U.S. Parson’s continuously produced paper until 2004.

ABOVE: Hadley Falls Legal Tender bill. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

TOP: Hampden Freeman Newspaper from 1849. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1853 First Methodist Society organized; church on Main Street (corner Appleton) dedicated March 1870; church on Appleton Street (corner Elm) dedicated 1890.

1854 January. Lyman Mills is established as the first Holyoke textile mill and produces cotton cloth.

1855 Holyoke’s population was 4,639, a third of whom were Irish immigrants. The town had just 514 dwellings for 778 families.

1856 Holyoke established a Board of Health.

1856 St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic parish (Irish) established; church on Hampden Street dedicated 1860.

TOP: Lyman Mills. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM ABOVE: Parsons Paper Mill No. 1. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1857 Holyoke Paper Company established by Oriah Greenleaf of Springfield.

Holyoke’s second paper mill.

1859 June. The Holyoke Waterpower Company assumed control of all of the holdings of the Hadley Falls Company, which had declared bankruptcy in 1857. The new company took control of the dams and canals, the stone quarry, and the swing ferry.

1860 Labor shortage led to Lyman Mills bringing down the first French Canadians to work in the mills. There were 536 dwellings for Holyoke’s 4,997 inhabitants.

1861 April, Civil War began. 310 Holyokers enlisted or were drafted. Nearly 55 were killed or died from disease.

1863 The Holyoke Mirror, successor to the Hampden Freeman, was sold to Burt & Lyman of Springfield and the name was changed to The Holyoke Transcript

1864 January, Germania Mills was organized by German immigrant Hermann Stursburg, encouraging a small, steady stream of German immigrants to Holyoke.

1865 Merrick Thread Mill, Whiting Paper Co. and seven new paper mills established.

Holyoke’s population was 5,648. 43% were foreign born.

1866 The Holyoke Board of Health reported it found one block on High Street with 17 rooms housing 105 persons.

ABOVE: Germania Woolen Mills (C.R. Wilhelm Collection). HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP RIGHT: 1850 Ireland Parish Tax Register.

MIDDLE RIGHT: 1850 Ireland Parish property assessment HOLYOKE

HISTORY ROOM

BELOW RIGHT: 1850 Ireland Parish Tax Register.

RIGHT TOP: Dam laborers. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BOTTOM LEFT: New apron on Holyoke’s wooden dam. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BOTTOM RIGHT: Parsons Paper interior. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1867 Massachusetts passed a law stating all children under the age of 15 must go to the school for at least three months a year.

1867 Evangelical Lutheran Society organized; first church on Jackson Street built 1867.

1868 Sisters of Notre Dame established a school in St. Jerome’s parish; Convent of the Notre Dame ready for occupancy 1869.

1869 Precious Blood Roman Catholic parish (French) formed; church on Cabot Street; destroyed by fire May 1875; new church dedicated June 1878.

1869 Eleven paper mills in Holyoke produced 30 tons of paper per day.

LEFT TOP: Holyoke Bridge to Willamansett. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT TOP: Corner of Maple Street and Dwight in Early Holyoke. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS BOTTOM RIGHT: Second Level Canal Bridge. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1870 Holyoke had 1,848 dwellings for its 10,733 inhabitants, including 2,850 Irish and 1,731 French Canadian immigrants.

The graves of many Indigenous people found on Depot Hill.

1872 Bridge to South Hadley Falls constructed.

Ashley and Wright ponds were acquired by the city to supply fresh water for its residents; Earlier reservoir on High Street was dismantled.

1872 The Holyoke Lumber Company held its first log drive on the Connecticut River bringing 15,000,000 logs downriver.

1873 April 7. Holyoke incorporated as a city. The 14 paper mills in Holyoke produced 48 tons of paper per day.

The E.T. Bosworth Company employed 300 persons making 10,000,000 bricks a year.

Smallpox epidemic in Holyoke.

ABOVE: Holyoke High School Students 1874-1878. HOLYOKE PUBLIC

RIGHT: Row Houses on Walnut Street.

1874 Farr Alpaca Company and William Skinner’s Unquomonk Silk Mill established at Holyoke.

Holyoke had 14 paper mills employing 2,000 workers, 3 cotton mills employing 1,900 workers, 2 thread mills employing 800, 3 woolen mills employing 450, and the Holyoke Machine Works employing 250.

1874 The Unitarian Society organized; church on Maple Street (corner Essex) dedicated in 1876.

1875 May 27. Precious Blood Church burned –74 died in the fire.

Holyoke’s population was 16,260. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported “Holyoke has more and worse tenement houses than any manufacturing town of textile fabrics in the state.”

1876 Holyoke’s grand, new City Hall opened to the public.

TOP: Carl Wilhelm at Ashley Pond (C.R. Wilhelm Collection). HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM RIGHT: Children on Lyman Street (1890s). HOLYOKE

ROOM

1877 Providence Hospital opened.

1878 Holyoke’s Opera House opened.

1878 As part of the Chinese Educational Mission to the U.S., several Chinese students enroll in Holyoke High School. One student, Yau Foke Sik, went on to study at MIT.

1878 Sacred Heart Roman Catholic (Irish) parish formed from part of St. Jerome’s; church on Maple Street (corner Sargeant St.) dedicated June 1883.

1878 The world’s first commercial telephone toll line commences calling between Springfield and Holyoke.

1880 Holyoke was the “greatest paper-making center in the world” with 20 mills producing 177 tons daily. By 1892, Holyoke was producing 1/20 of all the paper manufactured in the United States.

Holyoke had a population of 21,915 an average of 10.52 persons per dwelling. More than half the population was of Irish, French Canadian, and German descent.

TOP: Original Skinner Mill in Holyoke. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

INSET: House of Providence Hospital, Holyoke, Mass. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1881 The Holyoke Testing Flume, designed by engineer Clemens Herschel, was built at Cabot St. and the Second Level Canal. Industries nationwide looked for the results of a “Holyoketest” of efficiency and output before considering purchase of a waterwheel.

1882 Holyoke Daily Transcript became Holyoke’s first daily paper.

1884 Holyoke Street Railway incorporated, and the first two miles of track were laid.

1885 First Presbyterian Society organized; church on Cabot Street (corner Chestnut) dedicated March 1889.

1885 Holyoke Canoe Club organized near Jones Point.

Present Smith’s Ferry clubhouse was built in 1894.

1886 March. Highlands Methodist Episcopal Church dedicated.

Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic parish (French) formed; church on Mosher

TOP: The Hercules Turbine. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BOTTOM: Parsons Paper Sample. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT: Holyoke Transcript Building on High St. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1890 Holyoke YMCA opened on High St.

Perpetual Help Roman Catholic parish (French) formed from part of Precious Blood; church and school on Maple Street dedicated 1891; new church dedicated 1923 (destroyed by fire 1999).

1890 Holyoke had a population of 35,637 half of whom were first and second-generation Irish, French Canadian and German descent.

1893 Holyoke Hospital opened.

1893 The Kocziusczko Club on Lyman St. organized to support newly arriving Polish immigrants.

1893 Holyoke’s International Brotherhood of Paper Makers (the first paper makers union) was chartered by the American Federation of Labor and an international union.

1894 Grace Congregational Society organized.

1894 Holyoke had 24 paper manufacturers; three envelope manufacturers; two cotton mills; two silk mills; two thread mills; five woolen mills; 16 machinery manufacturers; and 21 miscellaneous manufacturers.

1895 William G. Morgan, Director of Physical Education at the Holyoke YMCA, invents “mintonette” a game later renamed “ Volleyball ”

Mountain Park opened as a Trolley Park.

1896 Steiger’s Department store established and opened its first stand-alone store in 1899.

1898 Company D (Holyoke Company) of the Second Massachusetts Regiment fought at the Battle of El Caney in Cuba during the Spanish American War. Treaty of Paris signed and the U.S. annexed Puerto Rico.

1898 Construction completed on the Holyoke High School building on Beech Street. It would become one of Holyoke’s iconic buildings.

1899 American Writing Paper Company is formed as a conglomerate of many of Holyoke’s paper companies

1900 Completion of the new stone dam, just downstream of the old wooden dam. The 1020 ft. dam is made of 11,000 granite stones and 60,000 tons of rubble stone. A fifty-foot concrete apron was added after the dam was built .

1900 Holyoke had a population of 45,712 with an average of 10.9 persons per dwelling. Less than half were foreign born of Irish, French Canadian, British, German, and Polish descent.

Elizabeth Towne began publishing her internationally-successful “new age” magazine, The Nautilus, in Holyoke.

1900 Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic parish (Polish) formed; church on Hampden Street dedicated 1901 and the Holy Family Roman Catholic parish formed. Italian Progressive Society is formed.

BOTTOM LEFT: Construction of the new stone dam.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BOTTOM RIGHT: Wooden Dam repairs, 1880s.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP: John B. McCormick, Jr., inventor of the Hercules Turbine, in his workshop. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1900 Passage of the Organic Act of 1900 establishing free trade between Puerto Rico and continental U.S.

1902 City of Holyoke took over the gas and electric lighting plants from the Holyoke Waterpower Company and established the Holyoke Gas & Electric.

1902 New Holyoke Public Library opened on Maple Street, dedicated as “ The People’s College.”

1902 Skinner Coffee House opened for women employed in the mills of Holyoke.

1903 Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic parish (French) formed; church dedicated 1905.

1903 Congregation Rodphey Sholom established on Park St. in South Holyoke.

1904 Jewish Community charters the Sons of Zion Synagogue on Maple Street.

LEFT: YMCA on High Street. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

RIGHT: The new Holyoke High School. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: German immigrants at a recreational cabin. (C.R. WILHELM COLLECTION) HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

LEFT: Wilhelm & Dehrichs, Bottlers (C.R. WILHELM COLLECTION) HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISORY ROOM

TOP LEFT: One of many canoe clubs along the Connecticut river. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: Lunch break time at Hadley Mills. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP RIGHT: Map of Holyoke. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT: Design for the stone dam by Clemens Herschel. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BELOW: The Holyoke Dam (Milan P. Warner). HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1905 Holy Cross Roman Catholic parish (Irish) formed; new church on Appleton Street dedicated 1929.

1911 The Rain or Shine Club, a women’s social and outing club, established the Holyoke Home for the Aged (later Loomis House) on land donated by William Loomis.

1915 Connecticut Valley Lumber Company makes its last log drive.

1916 Holyoke Rotary Club was established.

Dr. Julia Bauman, Holyoke obstetrician and community leader, is recognized as the “only woman of Polish extraction east of Chicago engaged in the practice of medicine.”

1917 Holyoke’s peak population was reached with 62,210 persons.

Greek Orthodox parish formed; church dedicated.

The Jones Act made the people of Puerto Rico citizens of the United States.

1917-1918 Company D (Holyoke) of the 104th Infantry were mustered into service. They fought at Apremont, Belleau Woods, Chateau Thierry, Saint-Mihiel, and Verdun.

LEFT: Photos of Eva Tanguay. She was one of the highest paid Vaudeville Stars in America and was referred to as the “Queen of Vaudeville.”

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: Design of the 1902 Holyoke Public Library. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: The Voss family on their front porch.

(C.R. WILHELM COLLECTION) HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

FAR RIGHT: Holyoke Public School Classroom.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT: Elizabeth Towne’s Nautilus Magazine published in Holyoke.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1923 Anniversary Hill Park established as a public park on the 50th Anniversary of City of Holyoke’s Incorporation.

After passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the vote, the Women’s Civic League was reorganized as the Holyoke Women’s Club. It operated for at least 70 years and at mid- century was one of fifty women’s clubs in Holyoke.

American Writing Paper declares bankruptcy.

1927 Lyman Cotton Mills close.

BELOW: Falco Brass Band of the Farr Alpaca Company.

LEFT: 1919 Parade Float of the Ingleside Parent Teacher Association. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP: Farr Alpaca Company Plant. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

ABOVE: Crafts Tavern and Inn. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

RIGHT: HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1930 April. Massive fire at the Caspar Ranger Lumber yard ignited several downtown buildings.

1930 Over 8000 students were enrolled in one of Holyoke’s twenty public schools or in its evening high school. Another 5500 attended parochial schools.

1932 Junior League of Holyoke founded.

1934 National Textile Strike. Eventually more than 3,500 textile workers in Holyoke picketed.

ABOVE: Merrick Thread Company. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT: Merrick Thread Company. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

LEFT: Corner of Dwight St and Main St. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM, TOP RIGHT: Civilian Conservation Corps. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS, RIGHT: Scott Tower. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM AND GARDENS

1934 Bantamweight Sixto Escobar (first Puerto Rican to win a world title) makes his mainland debut at the Valley Arena.

1937 Trolley cars were replaced by buses as automobiles came into wide use. The metal tracks were torn up, melted, and used for military supply in World War II.

1939 Holyoke’s first federally funded public housing project, Lyman Terrace, is built on the site of the demolished Lyman Mills company housing.

1940 The City begins generating hydroelectric power at the dam.

1943 Bethlehem Baptist Church organized, holding services in rooms at the Boys Club.

LEFT: Hugo Kaeppel gilding page edges at the National Blank Book Company.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT: In line for stockings at Steiger’s Department Store.

WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1944 The U.S. government-initiated Operation Bootstrap, with the goal of industrializing the Puerto Rican economy. The resulting dislocation and unemployment led to an unprecedented period of out-migration, with more than half a million Puerto Ricans migrating to the mainland U.S. between 1950 and 1965.

1945 World War II ends. Approximately 7800 Holyokers served in the war, and 212 died.

1949 The Monarch Civic and Social Club chartered as a Black social and athletic club.

William J. Walker of Bond Street was its first leader. Walker belonged to one of just two Black families living above the canals in Holyoke.

March.

1952

The First Annual Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Parade is held.

Holyoke Soldiers Home is dedicated.

TOP LEFT: Minnie Ryan Dwight, publisher of the Holyoke Transcript-Telegram. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM, TOP RIGHT: Early Saint Patrick’s Parade. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT: Holyoke Street Railway Bus WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1957 Barowsky’s Lestoil, of Holyoke, became the most advertised product on television.

Death of Minnie Ryan Dwight, the oldest active newspaper editor and publisher in the U.S.

1959 Wistariahurst is donated to the City of Holyoke as a place for cultural and educational purposes.

1963 Bethlehem Baptist Church acquires the former St. Andrews Evangelical Lutheran Church on Jackson St.

ABOVE: Howard Johnsons Motel. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

TOP RIGHT: 1960s Civil Rights March. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

RIGHT: 1960s Civil Rights Speech. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

OPPOSITE PAGE : Corner of Dwight and Main Streets. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1964 Passage of the Naturalization Act (Bracero Act) restricting foreign nationals for temporary farm work increased the migration of Puerto Ricans to farms in the Connecticut Valley.

1968 Economic recession on the island of Puerto Rico results in influx of Puerto Ricans to Holyoke seeking employment in the tobacco industry.

1968 Fire destroys the 1898 Holyoke High School building, occupied by Holyoke Junior College (which would become Holyoke Community College)

1968 Casa Maria, a Spanish-language apostolate of S acred Heart Church, is established in the late 1960s, operating out of a building at Holyoke Rosary Church in the Flats.

Holyoke is awarded a Model Cities urban renewal grant by the federal government. While supported by some, local Black clergyman Phillip Mayfield argued that it would displace 70% of the residents of the Flats without their consultation.

1970 Interstate 91 opens in Holyoke.

1971 The Holyoke Street School, an alternative high school founded by UMass graduate students, opens on Main St.

The musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, performed at Holyoke’s Alumni Field  on July 23, 1971.

1971 Holyoke Community College breaks new ground at Homestead Avenue.

1973 The City of Holyoke celebrates its Centennial.

Grace Church formally merges with the U.C.C. Church on Pleasant St.

1974 Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostal finalizes the purchase of the Grace Church at Race & Cabot Streets. The first pastor was Rev. Wilfredo Hernandez.

LEFT: The Beauty Nook Salon. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

BELOW: Bay State Hat Company.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

1975 April. The Vietnam War ended. 1350 from Holyoke are known to have served.

1975 Casa Maria moved to 51 Hamilton Street, the former Park Street School building. It offers spiritual services to Spanish-speaking Catholics, as well as translation help, assistance with documents, jobs, apartments.

1976 The Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostal opens the first Spanish-language seminary in the country in the former Nassau Inn.

1977 April. The Holyoke Millers minor league baseball team make their home field debut at Mackenzie Stadium.

1978 The Volleyball Hall of Fame is created to celebrate Volleyball’s invention in Holyoke.

1979 Elementary school desegregation plan goes into effect.

Holyoke Mall is built in Ingleside.

Michael Kittredge opens his first Yankee Candle factory in Holyoke.

ABOVE: Fire at the Holyoke High School. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP LEFT: Mt. Tom Skier. (VINCENT S. D’ADDARIO COLLECTION) HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

BOTTOM LEFT: Mt. Tom Ski Lift. (VINCENT S. D’ADDARIO COLLECTION) HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

LEFT: Holyoke Boys and Girls Club. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

TOP LEFT: Holyoke Millers Baseball Team Cards. HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

RIGHT TOP: Holyoke Mall Postcards. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

ABOVE: Mt. Tom Ski Area. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1980 Holyoke Canal System designated a National Registered District.

1981 September. Holyoke Children’s Museum opens.

1981 A number of fires of suspicious origin take place in apartment houses killing many, and forcing others to leave their homes.

1982 Nueva Esperanza, Inc. founded in Holyoke to facilitate economic development and community support.

1982 Interstate 391 completed.

1984 First Annual Holyoke Puerto Rican Parade is held at the Holyoke Mall.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: 1980s March on City Hall in response to Arson for Hire attacks. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1985 Betty Medina is elected to the Holyoke School Board, the first Puerto Rican woman to be elected to public office in Massachusetts.

1986 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation opens Holyoke Heritage State Park.

1987 September. Mountain Park closes.

First Dia de la Familia Hispana, a celebration of Puerto Rican and Latinx music, food, and culture, took place in South Holyoke. The festival later moved to McNally Field and then Springdale Park. Similar festivals had been held in the Flats as early as 1978.

LEFT: 60 People Lost their homes due to Arson Fire - Holyoke Transcript. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

ABOVE: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

RIGHT: El Arco Iris. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

1989 Rafael and Ada Fernandez take over a burger restaurant on Suffolk St.

1991 After a fire at the Suffolk St. restaurant, The Fernandez Family Restaurant, featuring the dishes Ada Fernandez learned to cook from her mother, opened at 111 High Street.

1991 A fiscal shortfall and a failed tax override vote leads to massive layoffs at Holyoke’s Public Schools and the closing of three elementary schools. Teachers took to the streets to protest.

1992 Nuestras Raices establishes a greenhouse in Holyoke

1992 Diosdado Lopez becomes the first Puerto Rican elected to Holyoke’s City Council, as representative of Ward 2.

1992 Vecinos/Neighbors, a bilingual community access television program produced by volunteers, begins airing. The program was produced until 1995.

1993 January. Holyoke Transcript ceases publication.

Carousel moves from Mountain Park to Holyoke Heritage State Park

1994 Enlace de Familias is created as a coalition of families and service providers focused on building a healthy and safe community for children.

RIGHT: Cultural Issues Buttons from Vega Collection. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

2001 A new Catholic Parish is formed of the former Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Perpetual help parishes named Our Lady of Guadalupe, after the patron saint of the Americas.

2002 The Centro De Restauración Emanuel (established in Holyoke in 1977) acquired the former First Presbyterian Church at Cabot and Chestnut Streets after the latter relocated to Granby.

2005 Parsons Paper, Holyoke’s longest operating paper mill, closed after 152 years in operation. Parsons Mill No. 2 burned down in 2008.

2006 Luchini’s Family Restaurant closes after 103 years in business.

2007 Fairfield Avenue Local Historic District established as the city’s first local historic district.

2008 Valley Blue Sox baseball team debuts at Mackenzie Stadium.

2010 Elaine Pluta elected as first woman Mayor of Holyoke.

2012 Alex Morse elected as youngest and first openly gay Mayor.

CENTER:

the

of

BOTTOM: Nueva Esperanza T-Shirt. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

OPPOSITE PAGE: Coal Burning Plant in Holyoke.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY ROOM

LEFT: Political Buttons from Vega Collection. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

CENTER TOP: Holyoke Heritage State Park. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

Celebrating

History

Puerto Ricans in Holyoke T-Shirt. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

2013 Green High Performance Computing Center begins operation.

2014 McNally Field Baseball Diamond dedicated to Ruben Urbina, Holyoke resident for more than fifty years and a founder of the Spanish American Men’s Softball League and the Spanish American Club on High Street.

2014 The Mount Tom Coal plant closes after 54 years in operation.

2015 Holyoke Schools are brought into receivership by Massachusetts department of elementary and secondary education (DESE)

2016 November. Massachusetts voters approve a ballot question legalizing recreational marijuana.

2017 Valley Blue Sox win their first New England Collegiate Baseball League championship.

2017 Holyoke welcomes displaced Puerto Rican f amilies after the destruction of Hurricane Maria.

2018 The creation of the Puerto Rican/Afro Caribbean Cultural Center of Holyoke.

Prosecution of Landlords Arson for Hire ring.

September. Holyoke Gas & Electric and Engie, a French energy company, unveil Massachusetts’ largest utility-scale energy storage system used for storing solar energy.

2020 March, COVID-19 virus outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home claims 84 lives.

Federal, state and local shutdowns take place across industries during pandemic.

July, Holyoke opens its first recreational marijuana store Canna Provisions .

2021 November. Holyoke elects Joshua A. Garcia, its first Latino Mayor.

War in Afghanistan ends.

2022 Baystate Health and Kindred Behavioral Health broke ground on a $72 million, 150 bed psychiatric hospital.

2023 August, groundbreaking for a $482 million reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers Home.

Compiled by: Jill A. Hodnicki & Kate Thibodeau, Eileen Crosby, Penni Martorell, Tom Kass, Wayne E. Phaneuf, and Joseph Carvalho III, Holyoke, Massachusetts September 2023

LEFT: Yankee

TOP RIGHT: Holyoke Soldiers Home. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

ABOVE: Holyoke Rotary Celebrates 100 Years of Service. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

Pedlar Inn. WISTARIAHURST MUSEUM & GARDENS

Creating Community During Industrial Decline

By Maria Salgado-Cartagena.

As a cultural educator and storyteller my lived experience tells the many stories rooted in oral traditions that explain why Puerto Ricans arrived and made Holyoke home since the 1950s. An organizing history from the desegregation of our schools, the struggle for political representation, and the creation of Nueva Esperanza, an organization that became the life line for the residents of South Holyoke. This piece is a snippet of my current work, entitled “50 Years of Activism.”

The largest wave of migration of Puerto Ricans to Holyoke happened in the 1970s. I arrived in Holyoke a month short of my twelfth birthday. Holyoke’s economic decline was evident by all the boardedup mills across the canals. The city was very much divided between the haves and have nots. The haves living up the hill and the have-nots in the downtown area. Many of the industries that provided other immigrant groups employment and upward mobility were long gone. Having migrated from the sunshine state, Holyoke felt cold and dreary.

Like many other Puerto Ricans, my parents came to Holyoke in search of work opportunities and community. My aunts were already established here and encouraged my mother to move. Family is crucial to Puerto Rican’s values, and so we packed, left Miami, and headed to Holyoke. My father was in

construction and at the time Springfield’s Main Street was undergoing revitalization finding work was easier for him. My mother was a seasoned seamstress but there were very few textile factories left. In addition, Mom’s limited English became a barrier to employment. Instead, she focused on civic engagement. I grew up watching her organize, mobilize, and build community. Her involvement formed and shaped me and some of my peers. Having to walk from South Holyoke to Peck Middle School meant we walked in groups, for safety. There were two girls on my block Isabel and Carmen, we became walking buddies. Since their family name was recognizable by my parents, they approved. We walked together from middle school through High School. Upon graduation Isabel landed an administrative assistant job in the public schools and soon moved out of the neighborhood.

Many families migrated from New York, and New Jersey to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. Other’s came directly from the island to find work in agriculture. Interestingly, many came from Salinas, Puerto Rico. In fact, the Flats of Holyoke is referred to by insiders as Little Salinas like Little Havana in Miami. Many of these families found employment in the Connecticut tobacco fields. When the tobacco season was over, they shifted to Hadley farms. Occasionally, someone in the neighborhood managed to find employment in one of the few paper companies still left. That was cause for celebration. A gathering

in someone’s apartment with music, food, dominos, and stories—many stories and I paid close attention. Lourdes, Sonia, and Daniela were our neighbors; the three migrated to Holyoke from New York. All three worked in NYC as seamstresses in big clothing companies when those companies closed they came to Holyoke in pursuit of similar jobs. However, just like in NYC those opportunities had moved overseas. But navigating a smaller city felt safer and manageable. The four women created a bond and supported each other during hard times. They became family.

Every year, I chuckle when TV stations announce their coat drives, Not because it’s not important work but because the Holyoke Puerto Rican community has a long history of coat drives. Casa Maria on Hamilton Street was the community hub for welcoming and supporting families arriving from the island during the harsh winter season. Many of the women who attended catholic church at Sacred Heart on Maple Street were aware of new arrivals. They met monthly to coordinate efforts and care packages for the families. The packages included hats, mittens, coats, warm sweaters, socks, and a couple of weeks supply of food. Items that helped a family transition into a new city. Organizing efforts were often created in someone’s living room or dining table but always with a cup of Yuacono, a specialty coffee shipped from the island to families in Holyoke. These efforts were elaborate, well thought out, and executed precisely

as planned. Clothing drives were among the many causes our neighborhood organized to take care of each other. Before “Gofundme” existed, community care existed. I grew up during a time when the community took care of one another, when the elder next door looked out for us latchkey kids, and when tragedy hit, we rallied together. Sadly, there were many tragedies, some I’ll never be able to forget.

Throughout the late 70s and 80s there were several fires in South Holyoke which is why outsiders refer to Holyoke as Arson City. The city intended to implement a master plan that would entice investors to the block known as Battlefield Block, located between South Canal, South Summer, and South Bridges Streets. The challenge in implementing the master plan was the block was occupied by Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans were the most recent migrants to a city which was known for immigrants. However, Puerto Ricans were different from the previous European immigrants and therefore experienced a very racialized discrimination. As a teenager I

realized that the Master Plan was to displace and move the Puerto Ricans out of Holyoke. Tensions between the city and the residents of South Holyoke came to a head when on a cold December night, a mother and her four children died. The fire was a consequence of a resident trying to find alternate, unsafe (many lighting candles or space heaters) heating sources when landlords provided insufficient heat. The next day people took to the streets and marched to city hall demanding the mayor take action to protect the people from these slumlords.

This became the catalyst for protest and action. It was the foundation for the creation of Nueva Esperanza, the heart of South Holyoke. This mission of Nueva Esperanza was multifaceted but at the core was the development of leaders from the neighborhood. For me Nueva provided role models that influenced the trajectory of my life as an activist, organizer, and leader. Folks like Betty Medina Lichtenstein, the first Puerto Rican woman in the state elected to the school committee, Lillian Santiago the first Puerto Rican woman

candidate running for city council, Sylvia Galvan, Orlando Isaza-Villegas, Miguel Arce, and Carlos Vega. These leaders alongside neighborhood residents (like my mother, Maria Berrios) worked hand and hand to bring awareness of the horrible conditions residents in South Holyoke were facing. An arson task force was created to investigate the “random” fires.

My memories of this decade will remain in my memory forever. I will never forget looking up while the building was engulfed in flames and seeing the mother’s face at the window begging for help. I believe at that moment I vowed to dedicate myself to a life of activism. Yes, this trauma will remain with me but so is the power and resilience of our people.

On November 2, 2021, Holyoke elected its first Puerto Rican mayor, Joshua A. Garcia. I know this is a direct result of the vision Nueva Esperanza had when it opened its doors in 1982. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

Today Holyoke is Fifty percent Puerto Rican and Fifty percent Irish. Like our Irish counterparts Puerto Ricans left colonial rule on the island for better economic opportunities. However, when we arrived on the mainland the factory jobs were gone. Puerto Ricans arrived during tough times, we endured, our drive and resilience inspired some of us to dream a different life for our families and community. Through our arts, culture, leadership, and love of community, we have added value and vibrancy to the fabric of the city.

Nosotros tambien somos Holyoke, translated means We, too, are Holyoke.

Holyoke: A City of Traditions

Securing your favorite spot for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, following the Valley Blue Sox season, visiting the Children’s Museum or the Wistariahurst Museum with a friend, reminding your non-Holyoke friends that volleyball was invented here, are all part of the traditions that make Holyoke so special.

Traditions provide a connection to our history while creating new opportunities to connect. Our city pride is strong when it comes to our heritage, our service men and women, and the arts and culture that engages us all.

These Holyoke traditions are sometimes long standing, some are institutions, and others are new, but all are part of the diverse community that make up Holyoke.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA RIVERA

A Legacy of Baseball

By Eric Poulin and Tyler Descheneaux

The 2023 Holyoke’s Valley Blue Sox added another thrilling chapter to the colorful history of baseball in the City. The Sox were champions of the Western Division of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), highlighted by winning several games in dramatic walk-off fashion.

Valley had four representatives in the NECBL’s annual All-Star Game—Zach Cameron, EJ Kreutzmann, Mike Weidinger, and Michael Zarrillo. Over 8,000 fans attended Blue Sox games this summer, providing a great and affordable evening at the ballpark for families from all over the region.

The Blue Sox earned a playoff spot, taking a first round series lead against their divisional rival Bristol Blues. They would come up just short, falling in the deciding game by a count of 10-3. However, the season was a resounding success by all measures and the future of baseball at MacKenzie Stadium is as bright as ever.

Winning and championships are nothing new to Holyoke baseball, as the Blue Sox were back-to-back NECBL Champions in 2017 and 2018. The 2018 team was led by Holyoke native, and the Robin Roberts Award winner, for best starting pitcher in the league, Endy Morales. Morales became the first player to have his number retired by the Blue Sox, an honor earned in 2021. Several other Valley alumni have enjoyed successful careers in Major League Baseball, including future World Series champion Trey Mancini, Stephen Lombardozzi, Tom Murphy, and Jake Cronenworth.

The Holyoke Millers of the AA-level Eastern League called MacKenzie home from 1977-1982, winning a league title in 1980. The Millers were led

ABOVE: The Valley Blue Sox’s special 2018 championship ring and the recognition of their championship season.

that summer by future major league mainstays Kevin Bass (an MLB All Star in 1986), David Green, Steve Lake, and Frank DiPino. In the championship game, future Milwaukee Brewers Doug Loman doubled, tripled, and homered while Chuck Porter threw a complete game shutout for the victory. The Millers were affiliated with Milwaukee from ’77 until ’80, and

the California Angels in ’81 and ’82.

Holyoke High School baseball has also had a tremendous amount of success, winning state championships in 1950, 1953, 1978, and 1985. The 1950 and 1985 teams were both led by dominant pitchers named Brennan—Bo in 1950, followed by his son Pat in 1985. The 1978 team was noteworthy for

PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

having finished third in the Valley League, yet rallying to a state title, led by legendary coach John “Jinx” O’Connor.

Another great moment of historical significance happened at MacKenzie in 1978 when the Northeast Regionals of the NCAA Division 1 baseball tournament was held in Holyoke. On May 24, the longest elapsed game in NCAA history took place at MacKenzie, as Delaware defeated Harvard in a battle that took 10 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Mind you, there was an 8 hour and 12-minute rain delay which certainly helped the game reach record-setting

levels. But—as Casey Stengel would say—you can look it up!

Over 20 Major League Baseball athletes were either born or passed away in Holyoke. Mark Wohlers was a perennial All-Star and saved the clinching game for the Atlanta Braves when they won the World Series in 1995. Fran Healy was a member of the 1978 World Champion New York Yankees, while Frank Leja also played for the Bronx Bombers during the 1950s.

Three members of the Baseball Hall of Fame were a lso from the Paper City. Broadcaster Jack Buck was the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals for 47 years. The

1879 Holyoke team of the International Association boasted two future Cooperstown inductees: Roger Connor and Smiling Mickey Welch. Connor would become baseball’s all-time home run leader during his professional career—a mark that would later be eclipsed by Babe Ruth. Welch became one of early baseball’s finest pitchers and would return in the offseason to work at the Holyoke Elks.

Finally, Holyoke also boasts an individual who had an incredible impact on the game of baseball without ever stepping on the ballfield. George Cahill was an inventor who designed one of the very first pitching

ABOVE: Valley Blue Sox Team. PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEY BLUE SOX

Endy

during the

machines and is credited as being the inventor of portable light stands, which would later pave the way for night games to be held. In 1909, Cahill staged the first-ever night game in Cincinnati, although it wouldn’t be until 1935 that lights came to the major leagues.

Holyoke’s baseball history is clearly a rich one, with new memories being made every day. The Blue Sox are proud to be a part of the hardball heritage in the great City of Holyoke.

ABOVE:

Morales, of the Northern Division team, delivers

first inning of the 2018 NECBL All-Star Baseball Game at Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke, July 29, 2018. PHOTO BY FREDERICK GORE/THE REPUBLICAN.

The Holyoke Civic Symphony

By Emily Georgia Lewis

Holyoke Civic Symphony began in 1966-67 as part of Holyoke Community College.

Twenty-five years later, in the early 1990s, the Symphony has surmounted obstacles and with the devotion of its musicians, Board and audiences became an incorporated nonprofit. HCS is now in its 58th year!

Offering opportunities to perform and listen to symphonic music, HCS abides a steadfast commitment to accessibility regardless of ethnicity, financial status, age (from talented teens to 90-yearold musicians), and performs only in accessible buildings.

Fifty to 60 nonprofessional musicians rehearse at HCC . Local professional musicians perform as guest soloists; living composers provide original compositions that the orchestra performs along with classics.

HCS conducts alternating biennial music competitions: one is a concerto for student musicians in grades 9 -12. Winners receive a scholarship and an opportunity to perform as a guest soloist; the other is a composition competition with entries from all over the U.S. In May 2024 the winning composition will be performed.

Highlights through the years are vast. Among them is a concert at Holyoke High School, featuring the music of “Star Wars”. Another was a student concerto winner - 16-year-old prodigy Leonid Makarov who performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at the Holyoke War Memorial.

David Kidwell’s arrival to Holyoke Civic Symphony is another true highlight! In May 2023, orchestra and audience joyfully celebrated Kidwell start of 26 years at the HCS podium!

TOP: Scenes from the Holyoke Civic Symphony’s free Holiday/Star Wars concert held at Holyoke High School on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. The performance “Far, Far Away” was part of the symphony’s 2015-16 season. The event featured a Star Wars costume contest, Holiday and Star Wars music and a visit by Santa Claus. Many members of the symphony also dressed as Star Wars characters. PHOTO BY DAVID MOLNAR/THE REPUBLICAN

ABOVE: Holyoke Civic Symphony, March 3, 2014. PHOTO COURTESY OF HCC

The Holyoke Children’s Museum

By Abigail Scanlon

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke offers a fun and safe environment where children can learn through play. Memorable exhibits like the 2-story tall Curvy Climber, the STEM-themed World of Motion, and the Water Table designed to mimic the Holyoke canals bring in and welcome little minds to explore the museum at their own pace. 20 total exhibits provide hours of fun, where children can imagine themselves in important community roles through play-pretend like firefighters, construction workers, mail carriers, and medical staff. Guided by their curiosity, children and their adults are encouraged to explore their world together. Weekly arts, crafts, and experiments guided by staff offer exciting opportunities for education through creation. Field Trips, Facility Rentals, and Birthday Parties are routinely hosted, with two different party room sizes available for patrons to choose from. Throughout the year, the museum holds special events and invites everyone to participate. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at First Night Junior, where kiddos can end the year with joyful merrymaking. Participate in the Summer Book Fair, where books are collected from the community and given freely to visitors. Drop in on Halloween, where the museum becomes enchanted with spooky and whimsical magic!

Located in what was once the Skinner Mill on 444 Dwight Street in Heritage State Park, the museum has grown so much since its’ creation in 1981. Started by the Junior League of Holyoke, what began as a small 3-exhibit pilot project has become a consistent joy for the community. Yearly fundraisers like the muchanticipated Fancy Steps see local celebrities dancing in competition to raise funds from sponsors and

organizations, which greatly help to keep the museum in operation. Grants from generous foundations like the Mass Cultural Council and the Highland Street Foundation allow for new exhibits and the upkeep of existing exhibits. With the dedication of staff, volunteers, and board of directors, throughout more than 40 years, the Children’s Museum at Holyoke has become a staple attraction for locals and visitors.

ABOVE: Julius Champagne,1 1/2, looks around as he walks through the mirrored tunnel at the Children’s Museum at Holyoke, Dec. 20, 2022. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT: Holyoke Children’s Museum, Volleyball Hall of Fame and City Hall as seen from Dwight Street, Nov. 7, 2022. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

Holyoke Community College

By Amanda Sbrisca and Jane Johnson Vottero

The first two-year college in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College (HCC) has brought a tradition of excellence to the region since it opened its doors in 1946. In those days, classes were held in classrooms made available in the evenings by Holyoke High School and taught by Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and Smith College professors to working adults, many taking advantage of the G.I. Bill.

Today, HCC is located on a beautiful 135-acre campus just off Interstate 91 and serves approximately 7,000 students annually in credit and non-credit courses. Students primarily come from Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, and approximately 800 students receive degrees each year.

The college plays a key role in the economic health of our region by providing a launchpad, a fresh start, and a smart choice for hundreds of students each year, many of whom build lives and careers right here in our community. Since its inception, HCC has been a cornerstone of our region’s economic vitality, providing an affordable and quality college education for all, and the college remains a steadfast and active partner in its growth and prosperity.

Founded September 9, 1946, when the Holyoke School Committee voted to establish the Holyoke Graduate School, classes began soon after at Holyoke High School. The following year, the school was renamed Holyoke Junior College (HJC).

HJC flourished, even though the city-sponsored school lacked resources traditionally associated with colleges. Until 1958, founding President George Frost, Ph.D., and secretary Ellen Lynch were the only fulltime employees, together scavenging chalk, erasers,

and pencils for the part-time faculty who taught in the borrowed quarters during the evenings.

In the fall of 1967, after joining the state’s fledgling community college system and a brief relocation to other downtown buildings, Holyoke Community College moved back into an impressively renovated Holyoke High School. Four months later, the building burned to the ground.

The 1968 fire was a pivotal moment for HCC. ThenHolyoke Mayor William Taupier joined business and civic leaders to ensure the college remained

ABOVE: Holyoke Community College Campus Center in Spring.

RIGHT: HCC President George Timmons at desk.

in Holyoke. The day after the fire, Mayor Taupier took an option for the city to buy land where a new campus could be built. Holyoke residents flooded the governor’s office with letters urging that the college be rebuilt in Holyoke.

Holyoke Community College is a transformative place of learning. Wrap-around services ensure that barriers are removed so students have everything they need to succeed. Engaging deeply with their academic subject matter and forging meaningful connections, our students benefit from networks leading to new careers and from educational opportunities at prestigious four-year colleges and universities.

Today, HCC is building upon existing – and developing new – strategic partnerships with regional businesses, industries, and local organizations to continue to positively impact the community. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging for all students are fundamental to the HCC experience.

“These are demanding times for our students and our community, but they also provide us with a great opportunity to empower each other to share and implement our ideas to improve the lives of the students and the community we serve,” says George Timmons, Ph.D., fifth president of Holyoke Community College.

“As we strive to become a college of academic excellence known for helping students overcome barriers to success, our collaboration will enable us to achieve the goals identified in our strategic plan and to further our mission.”

TOP: Mass. State Senator John C. Velis (D) speaking at HCC, 2023. PHOTO COURTESY HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

LEFT: Founding director Dr. George E. Frost served until 1975.

PHOTO COURTESY HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

RIGHT: Early Classroom at HCC. PHOTO COURTESY HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke’s Best Kept Secret

By Maria Pagan- HPL Director

The Holyoke Public Library has a rich history that dates to the late 19th century. Its story is one that reflects the growth of the city and the importance of public education and literacy in the community; a story of community support, dedication to education, and a commitment to providing access to knowledge and resources for the residents of Holyoke and the surrounding areas.

On Jan. 12, 1870, 50 members of the leading families in the early history of Holyoke, met for the purpose of organizing a library as an essential part of having an educated and literate population.

J. C. Parsons, as treasurer of the Parsons Paper Co., offered to furnish a lot and a building worth $20,000, provided an equal amount could be raised for books and other equipment. But the mark set was much too high for the little town in the days of its beginning.

The founders laid new plans and voted to petition the state Legislature for a special charter of incorporation for the purpose of organizing a library for the benefit of the community of 10,000 people. The petition was approved on April 22, 1870, three years before Holyoke was incorporated.

Paper manufacturer William Whiting became the first president and Henry Chase its treasurer.

The committee began plans to acquire and house a book collection. They raised $3,000, sought quarters in a public building for 1,200 books and petitioned the town government for the use of suitable quarters in a public building and for financial support. With the donation of $3,000 and 1,200 books, the first home of the library was in a room in the Appleton Street School.

During the first 30 years Sarah Ely, a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminary, served as librarian and oversaw the library’s evolution. In 1876, the library’s

quarters became crowded, and it was moved to a room on the main floor of City Hall, where it remained for 25 years.

For the first 15 years, the library had an annual membership fee of $1. In 1886, in consideration of an increase in the annual appropriation from the city, the membership fee was dropped, and all city residents were welcome. Patronage increased in one year from 441 users to 2,075, and the number of books loaned from 18,835 to 44,655. The library’s quarters soon became impracticable.

In 1897 the Holyoke Waterpower Co. offered to give the city the block bounded by Maple, Essex, Chestnut and Cabot streets, on condition that funds were raised to erect a building within three years.

A committee with W. S. Loomis as chairman and Henry A. Chase as secretary and treasurer set about raising some $95,000. The first subscriptions received were two of $10,000 each, from William Whiting and William Skinner. Contributions were received from several hundred persons, with even school children responding with enthusiasm to the general appeal.

Architect James A. Clough offered his services without charge, desiring to do this in honor of his daughters. Frank Dibble was the builder selected, and the workmanship throughout the structure has proved to be above criticism to this time.

The arrival of the 20th century saw Frank G Willcox elected librarian to succeed Miss Ely. He served for 44 years. During his tenure, the library continued to grow and modernize its services, expanded

its collection, offered educational programs and adapted to the changing needs of the community.

The library moved to its new neoclassical building of Indiana limestone and white-glazed brick at 335 Maple St. in February 1902. In addition to providing space for 66,000 books, it contained reading rooms, meeting rooms, and exhibit spaces.

A separate children’s department was inaugurated, and ample provision made in large separate rooms for periodical reading and for reference study. Within five years circulation doubled, and the work of the library rapidly expanded under the improved conditions.

In 1903 the library received a large and rare collection of Indian stone implements, which had been purchased from its collector with a fund raised by the Holyoke Scientific Association. Two years later a valuable collection of butterflies, moths and beetles came into the library. In 1912 a natural history museum opened at the library. The collection included birds,

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

mammals and reptiles, as well as rocks and minerals. The contents of these collections would later move to Wistariahurst museum when it opened in 1959.

A trust established by Joseph Allen Skinner was used in 1948 to commission a series of murals by artist Sante Graziani. They provide an allegorical history of Holyoke based on research in the library’s historical collections and done using the techniques of Italian Renaissance painting. The murals, completed over the course of eight years, play with time, contrasting and layering references to numerous events in Holyoke’s rich history.

In 1983 the Friends of the Holyoke Public Library was established with a steering committee of 18 people. It grew to nearly 400 members with its volunteers serving as the library’s liaison with the community, as a public relations vehicle, and as advocate.

In 1989, when the city faced a multi-million-dollar

budget shortfall, the library was shuttered, losing municipal funding and then state certification and funding. In response, the Holyoke Library Corp. voted to draw from its $1.5 million endowment fund to re-open the library.

It took five years for the city to re-establish its financial obligation to the library and for the library to regain state certification. In the interim, library director Mary Kates, who served from 1980 to 1996, recruited 30 volunteers to assist in the non-technical aspects of library operations. She also developed a long-range plan for improvements to support new technology for public use. The library embarked on a campaign to restore and preserve its historic library building, while ensuring that it would continue to serve future generations.

Kates’ retirement saw her succeeded by María G Pagán, who began working at the library in 1985.

At the turn of the 21st century, as technology advanced, the Holyoke Public Library tried to include computers and internet access for public use to ensure it remained a valuable resource in the digital age within its 19th century building that presented many limitations.

The library board, with guidance from focus groups and library consultants, applied first for a preservation and planning grant from the state and eventually a construction grant. While on a waiting list for funding, the local history collection was temporarily moved to Holyoke Community College because of environmental conditions at the aging library.

In 2008, the library was awarded a multi-milliondollar grant from the state Board of Library Commissioners. It was contingent on the library’s success in obtaining support from the city. Over the course of 2008 to 2011, the library received generous donations, $4.5 million in new market tax credits and a $5.5 million bond from the city, all of which allowed the renovation project to move forward.

The design of Finegold + Alexander Architects called for 70% of the 1902 library to be restored to its original grandeur. The library temporarily relocated to the City Hall auditorium while the restoration and expansion work was completed during 2012 and early 2013.

The library reopened to the public on Oct. 28, 2013, with a ribbon cutting the following month.

The library had plans for a year of celebration for its 150th anniversary in 2020. All of those plans were set aside amid the COVID-19 global pandemic with the library closing its doors for 16 months. Under the limitations imposed, the staff served as many people as possible through curbside pick-up and online programming.

Today, the Holyoke Public Library stands as a symbol of the community’s commitment to literacy, education, and cultural enrichment. It remains an integral part of Holyoke’s civic life, providing a welcoming and accessible space for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect with their community’s heritage and future.

In the 21st century, the Holyoke Public Library continues to adapt to the changing information landscape. It has embraced digital resources, expanded its resources to include not only print resources (books and periodicals) but also audiovisual materials (audiobooks and movies) digital media, and electronic collection (e-books, and online databases), as well as computer and internet access.

Additionally, through community engagement and outreach, the library offers a wide range of programs, events, and services for residents of all ages. It has expanded its role as a community center, hosting a variety of events, workshops, and cultural programs that enrich the lives of Holyoke residents, fostering a love for reading and learning.

To read a more detailed history of the Holyoke Public Library, go online to HolyokeLibrary�org

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE PUBLICA LIBRARY.

Ancient Order of Hibernians Division

By Owen Donohue

In 1880, seven years after Holyoke’s founding, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 was granted its charter. Established in 1836 in New York, the AOH, the oldest Irish Catholic organization in America was formed to combat discrimination and religious bigotry towards Irish immigrants. The Ladies AOH was founded in 1897.

In Holyoke, the first planned industrial city and previously referred to as Ireland Parish, was built on the backs of Irish immigrants who hand dug the city’s three levels of canals and Holyoke to Westfield railroad.

The Holyoke charter was allowed to raise a fund to help maintain aged, sick, blind, infirmed members and to provide benefit to widows. With the large number of people arriving from the Emerald Isle, at one time, the area had 11 AOH divisions in both Hampden & Hampshire Counties.

Today, the AOH continues to follow its motto, Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity both remembering and promoting our Irish heritage.

In 2010 our chapter was renamed in honor of late steadfast member/benefactor/champion/do-it-all/ curator, James A. Curran. The late Paul F. Hogan Jr. often referred to as the AOH Division 1 President for Life, served as Massachusetts State President in 2016.

Past and present luminaries in the AOH and LAOH include, Monsignor David Joyce, John “Banker” Kennedy, Ned Dean, Dr. William Dean, P. B. Bresnahan III, Maurice Ferriter, Attorney Thomas Griffin, Elroy Barber, Jim Cannon, Ed Welch, Bill Geraghty, Ed Moriarty, John Cuniff, David K. Bartley, Bobby Cameron, Patty Meon, Dan and Cindy Murphy, Charlie Haller, Charlie Kelly, Charlie Popp, Dr. John J. Driscoll, Ed Nugent, Dave Miller, Paul Paoli, Shirley Bolduc, Skip Clayton, Tom Dillon, Tim O’Shea, Helen Paoli, Jack Scanlon, John Carlon, Marty Fullwood, Jerry Sheehan, Mike Moran, Judy Pratt, Tim Allen, Alice

Greaney, Esther Meehan, Susan Sullivan, Paula Lunney, Kit Collamore, Mary Laura Hohol, Samantha Methot, Kathy Dunn and with so many more to fill pages and pages.

Congratulations to the City of Holyoke on your 150th anniversary! We’ve been around for only 143 years of those and plan to celebrate your 200th and our 193rd in 2073.

TOP LEFT: Hibernians’ 1980 Irish Night with Tommy Makem, Paul Mengel, Fran Hennessey and Liam Clancy.

TOP RIGHT: Hibernians - 2023 float builders- Peter Hogan and grandchildren, Ausbury and Augustine Bean.

ABOVE: Hibernians Celebrate Holyoke’s 150th at picnic (L to R) Nilka Ortiz and Stephen Fay. PHOTO BY PETER HOGAN.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK SCANLON.

PHOTO BY PETER HOGAN.

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade

By Russell McNiff

Since 1952, the City of Holyoke, and the surrounding communities, have culturally, socially, and economically benefited from the efforts of a small group of men who brought forth the famed Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Parade.

Those early organizers represented the Holyoke Police and Fire Departments, the leaders of the Brian Boru Club, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Their commitment to honor Saint Patrick produced the first Parade in Holyoke in 1952 and led to the establishment of the Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, Inc.

Early parades consisted of Holyoke’s civic leaders, police, and fire marching units. The Catholic parishes participated with marching delegations and the Brian Boru Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), and the Knights of Columbus were present in the line of march with prize-winning floats and proud marching members. The Holyoke High School Band and the Holyoke Caledonian Pipes and Drums are two bands that have marched in every parades.

An Irish immigrant, Kathleen Theresa O’Sullivan, became the first Colleen, by a city-wide newspaper ballot in 1955. Over the sixty-eight years, the process has been changed to a pageant that now emphasizes knowledge, poise, community service, and heritage with scholarship awards. In 1958, it was decided to honor an outstanding Irish American and, then United States Senator, John F. Kennedy accepted the inaugural award. But he negotiated that it be renamed as the Outstanding American of Irish Descent. After the assassination of President Kennedy, the award was renamed the John F. Kennedy National Award. Past recipients reflect those who have excelled in

politics, medicine, religion, performing arts, military service, journalism, and sports. The list is widely known as the Who’s Who of Irish Americans and includes, Pat O’Brien, Maureen O’Hara, Dennis Day, Tom Clancy, Robert Stack, Thomas Ridge, David McCullough, and Doris Kearns Goodwin to name a few.

The famous Saint Patrick’s 10-K Road Race saw three-time top-ranked world marathoner, Bill Rogers, winning the inaugural event in 1976. Over

the years the race has attracted world-class and Olympian runners. With a modest beginning with a few hundred runners, the field has grown to over 8000. The race held the day before the parade adds to the festive weekend with a Kids Fun Run, and a mini parade featuring the famous Philadelphia Mummer String Band. Downtown Holyoke is alive with vendors, food trucks, and celebrations in bars

ABOVE: Committee members of the 150th Anniversary. TOP RIGHT: Holyoke High School band director Cassi Stewart. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

MIDDLE: Melha Riders. PHOTO BY STEVEN E. NANTON / THE REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT: Members of the C-12 Stilt Walkers entertain the crowd. PHOTO BY STEVEN E. NANTON / THE REPUBLICAN.

and restaurants featuring the region’s premier bands.

In 2000, the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Parade was officially named a local legacy along with the Mardi Gras, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Daytona 500, Mount Rushmore, among others.

Over ten years ago, the UMass Donahue Institute’s economic study revealed that $500,000 was raised and spent by more than a half dozen cities and towns in Hampden and Hampshire counties to produce the Parade. In addition, over $20 million in local economic activity was generated. It would be correct to assume that the rising prices over the years would significantly increase the economic impact of our activities.

The efforts of over 200 men and women volunteers, who pay annual dues to belong to the Saint Patrick’s Committee, are responsible for attracting up to 400,000 to the City of Holyoke for the spectacular parade, the ever-popular 10-K Road Race, and numerous social and fundraising events each year.

Pride in our community is never more apparent than when the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s tartan is on display during the “Parade Season” and beyond. Ties, scarves, and other items are seen along the parade route and at many events throughout the year. The brainchild of Past President and Grand Marshal, Gerald Healy, he secured having the tartan internationally registered with certificate # 5772.

The popularity of the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s tartan has served as the catalyst for other area communities to create and promote their own tartan.

TOP LEFT: A juggler performs for the crowd at the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. PHOTO BY STEVEN E. NANTON / THE REPUBLICAN.

TOP RIGHT: “St. Brigid” and “St. Patrick,” (Kim and John Gaughan) ready to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. PHOTO BY PETER HOGAN.

CENTER LEFT: 6-year-old Brynn and Marina all dressed up for the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

CENTER RIGHT: The Philadelphia Fralinger String Band marches in the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. PHOTO BY STEVEN E. NANTON/THE REPUBLICAN.

BOTTOM RIGHT: A couple of Melha Shriners Mini Scooters riders hold up a sign wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day

PHOTO BY STEVEN E. NANTON / THE REPUBLICAN

What a great parade we had!  It was such an honor to be President for the 70th parade and for the 150th birthday of Holyoke!

My family and I had the most amazing time marching, seeing so many people watching the parade, Holyoke has such a welcoming community and I enjoyed engaging with so many people. Holyoke certainly has a proud Irish and Irish “for the day” community.

I love the music in the parade and of course all the floats! So many beautiful floats and it’s amazing the talent it takes. The award-winning Holyoke 150th Anniversary float was amazing and a great way to showcase the celebration of Holyoke!  Another parade favorite of course was the beautiful Grand Colleen Abby Rose Glasheen, she was a joy to spend time with, I enjoyed getting to know her and her Court, Laura Ryan, Catie Keane, Mara Downie and Caroline Leahy, who was also chosen by her peers as Miss Congeniality, very deserving! They were a great group, and I will treasure the time we spent together. I enjoyed meeting our Ambassador award recipient US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, I think she had a great walk and enjoyed Holyoke!  What a special treat it was to have Tánaiste Micheal Martin in attendance, what an honor it was for us to have him to come to Holyoke and march! Everyone enjoyed our JFK winner, Holyoke’s own Lenny Jacobson, he was so much fun to get to know and he was just amazing, the crowd loved him. Our committee award recipients Kelly McGivern, Cathy McEvady and Jennifer Morrison were a joy, they work so hard and deserve all the accolades for all the work they do!

I think everyone had a great day at the Road Race, the crowds were out to cheer on the thousands of runners that bravely took to the streets for an incredible run around Holyoke, the kid’s fun run was a great time, future road racers in the making! The Mummers were awesome of course, it was a day to remember, so many people coming out to celebrate the city and the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, we appreciate all you do for us! We are lucky to have so many other communities celebrating with Holyoke on Road Race Day and Parade Day as well.

Celebrating the city’s birthday has been such a great experience and the organizers have done a fantastic job highlighting the beauty and many treasures of Holyoke.

Karen Casey 2023 PARADE PRESIDENT

Happy birthday Holyoke!!

ABOVE: Holyoke High School band performs at the 70th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Mar. 19, 2023. Photo by Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican.

RIGHT: On April 27, 2011, ground was broken for the Holyoke Senior Center with, from left to right, Thomas Senecal, executive vice president of PeoplesBank, state Sen. Michael Knapik, Council of Aging chair Shirley Morrison, architect John Catlin, state elder affairs secretary Ann Hartstein, Barbara Bernard, honorary chair of fundraising for the center, Council of Aging director Kathy Bowler, and Mayor Elaine Pluta. Bernard founded the Holyoke Golden Age Club, the forerunner of the city’s senior programming, in 1951, and was a major donor to the center’s capital campaign. The senior center’s reception area is named in her honor. JOHN

Holyoke Senior Center

By Sharon Konstantinidis and Aaron Vega

After years of offering services to the senior community in the basement of the Appleton Street War Memorial Building, an $8 million state-ofthe-art building has been the new home of the Holyoke Senior Center since December 2013.

This beautifully designed building brings natural light into every area of the building filled with seniors, their families, and caregivers, to take part in the daily

programming and multitude of activities. The staff pride themselves on being open, friendly, diverse, and accommodating and provides intergenerational opportunities unique to our diverse community.

The Senior Center offers a full lunch café, a variety of elder services, education, and support. In collaboration with the Greater Holyoke YMCA, individuals can reach their health and wellness goals at the state-of-the-art fitness center and affordably access the Y pool for senior activities!

Home to the recreated Mountain Park train model, the Senior Center also hosts Holiday Celebrations, political meet and greets, and fundraising events to support the Center.

As Holyoke celebrates its sesquicentennial, it hopes that places like the Holyoke Senior Center continue to be a place for all people to gather and enjoy Senior living in the next 50, 100 and 150 years.

ABOVE: Holyoke Senior Center, 2023. COURTESY CITY OF HOLYOKE.

TOP RIGHT: The Holyoke Senior Center holding their purse and jewelry sale in the lobby of the center. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

SUCHOCKI / THE REPUBLICAN

Holyoke’s Veterans

By Cynthia G. Simison Mackenzie. Muller. Beaudoin.

The names are memorialized in Holyoke on an athletic stadium, a bridge, and a family housing complex. They are also etched in black granite on a monument in Veterans Park, dedicated in 2018 to recognize three native sons who received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest honor bestowed on members of the military for gallantry and bravery. Over the course of the city’s 150 years, Holyoke has paid homage and provided care and services to generations of men and women who have served in the nation’s military in war and in peacetime.

Today, the city’s Veterans Services Department is working to digitize the service records of Holyoke veterans, revitalizing the War Memorial Building, preserving veterans’ graves and updating data systems to track the records of veterans both alive and deceased. The monument to Medal of Honor recipients Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate John S. Mackenzie, who served in World War I, and Army Sgt. Joseph E. Muller and 1st Lt. Raymond O. Beaudoin, who were killed in World War II, stands as testament to the respect the city has for veterans.

The War Memorial Building at 310 Appleton St. was constructed in 1936 under the auspices of the city and the Public Works Administration as a memorial to the “Great War,” as World War I was regarded.  Its chief interior features are a large auditorium and three meeting rooms, along with offices.

The Appleton Street façade is inscribed: “1917-1918, War Memorial. The Veterans of the World War One share this memorial tribute with American veterans of all times.” Use and operations of the building are overseen by the seven-member Soldiers Memorial Commission.

Each year ceremonies are conducted in the audito rium to mark Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  The city’s Veterans Services Department is located in the building, and some veterans’ organizations also have offices there.

A special room within the War Memorial Building is devoted to the memory of the Medal of Honor recipients.

Mackenzie was cited for heroism in his actions on Dec. 17, 1917, aboard the USS Remlik during World War I. The Remlik, a patrol boat, encountered a heavy gale in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France, during which a depth charge broke loose on the deck. Mackenzie is said to have sat down on the depth charge to hold it in place until it could be properly disposed. “In acting as

he did, MacKenzie exposed his life and prevented a serious accident to the ship and probable loss of the ship and the entire crew,” read the citation.

Serving with the Army’s 30th Infantry Division in Hamelin, Germany, in the waning days of World War II, Beaudoin was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty.” He was shot dead on April 6, 1945, as he tried to take out a Nazi snipers’ nest. “First Lt. Beaudoin singlehandedly accomplished a mission that enabled a messenger to secure help which saved (his) stricken unit and made possible the decisive defeat of the German forces. “

Muller was serving in the Pacific theater on Okinawa in May 1945 with the 305th Infantry Regiment of the Army’s 77th Infantry Division. His platoon saw action over the course of two days during which Muller is said to have crawled through heavy fire, hurling hand grenades at the Japanese stronghold to clear a path for his men to take out the enemy fighters. At point-blank range, Muller took out a group of Japanese soldiers as they tried to return machine-gun fire.  The following day at dawn as the Japanese attempted a counterattack, Muller died when he threw himself on a hand grenade an enemy had lobbed into the foxhole where he was with two of his men. His citation reads: “Heroically sacrificing his life to save his comrades, (Muller) upheld the highest traditions of the military service.”

The Veteran’s Services Department is also involved in efforts to preserve and maintain the memorial on Mount Tom that honors 25 people killed on July 9, 1946, when a B-17 Flying Fortress crashed en route to Westover Field. The bomber-turnedtransport plane was ferrying soldiers and sailors

home from war duty. It is hoped the memorial can be declared a state and national historic site.

Holyoke is home to one of two state-run homes for veterans. Long known as the Soldiers’ Home, the facility atop Cherry Hill was built in the late 1940s. Its doors opened on April 27, 1952, created to provide a home for displaced and injured soldiers from World War II. Over the course of its history, it has provided care for thousands of veterans, primarily from the state’s four western counties.  In the wake of deadly outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 that saw the deaths of more than 70 residents, efforts by state and federal legislators led to plans to erect a new veteran’s home on the site.

Ground was broken in August 2023 for a $482.6 million project that will create a 350,000-squarefoot facility with 234 long-term care beds. That care will be organized on the Veterans’ Administration’s new “small house” model, with distinct communities of 10, 12 or 14 residents and a balance of independence with services. A new generation of young men and women continue to serve the country in all aspects of the armed forces, ensuring Holyoke’s commitment to service and veterans will continue.

ABOVE: U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, Gov. Maura T. Healey, and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and Mayor Joshua A. Garcia join other elected officials for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, Aug. 14, 2023. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT: IMAGES COURTESY OF VETERANS SERVICE DEPARTMENT

War Memorial Building

By Laddy Rua, WM Commissioner

The War, or Soldiers, Memorial Building located at 310 Appleton Street was constructed in 1936 under the auspices of the city and the Public Works Administration as a memorial to the “great war” now known as World War I. Its chief interior features are a large auditorium and three meeting rooms, plus several small offices. The Appleton street facade is inscribed: “1917-1918, War Memorial. The Veterans of the World War I share this memorial tribute with American Veterans of all times.” Use and operations of the building are overseen by a seven member Soldiers Memorial Commission.

Each year ceremonies are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the auditorium and are attended by many people on these special occasions. The building is occupied during the week by the Veterans Services Department of Holyoke serving Veterans in the community. In addition, some Veteran organizations have offices in the building. A special room appropriately decorated in memory of three Medal of Honor recipients from Holyoke and is in the building.

City of Holyoke Executive Office of Veterans’ Services

The City of Holyoke’s Veterans Services Department is tasked with providing support and assistance to veterans in need in our community. The Veterans Services Department helps provide financial assistance through the state’s Chapter 115 program, as well as assist with the development of federal claims.

This past year, the department has experienced many changes. There have been various projects in the process from digitization of previous war records, the furthest dating back to the War of 1812 to revitalization of the War Memorial building by adding uniform displays and kiosks with information regarding the memorabilia within the building. The department has engaged in the advancement to preserve veteran’s graves and updating our data systems to keep track of Veteran records, both alive and deceased. Another major project for the Veterans Services department is the joint support of creating a district with neighboring towns to further distribute their services to veterans in need, particularly services these towns do not provide or have access to. This ensures that all veterans are given equal opportunity for services without the hindrance of jurisdictions.

A major event that we would like to highlight, that has an impact on the veteran community is the construction of the new Veterans’ Home of Holyoke. Previously known as the Holyoke Soldier’s Home, the new Veterans' Home will be reimagined to adhere to the veteran’s evolving needs and increased capacity. The shovel (image attached) was utilized at the groundbreaking of the Veteran’s Home construction site by Mayor Joshua Garcia. This massive project is a steppingstone to further the needs of the veterans in our community, as well as a representation of the support and gratitude we share towards our veterans.

TOP RIGHT: IMAGE COURTESY OF VETERANS SERVICE DEPARTMENT

RIGHT: Holyoke War Memorial Building. PHOTO COURTESY OF LADDY RUA, WAR MEMORIAL COMMISSIONER.

Victory Theatre:

By Don Sanders

“The Last Remaining Theatre of its Kind”

After many efforts begun after its closing in 1979 by community organizations to save the theater, in 2009 in response to an appeal, the city awarded the responsibility of restoring and reopening the theater to the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA), Donald T. Sanders Executive Artistic Director. Since 2009 MIFA has designed a master strategy which includes, architectural and construction plans, recognition from the Massachusetts Historic Commission, a financing strategy, and a business Pro Forma for the reopened 1,600-seat theater. Consequently, the Victory Theatre has received recognition from the Massachusetts Historic Commission resulting in State and Federal historic tax credits, individual, city, state, federal, corporate, and foundation financial support, and is progressing towards the realization of a historically accurate and fully modernized theater. The reopened Victory will be a performing arts center for Holyoke and the region.

History

Begun by a number of prominent Holyoke citizens & businessmen, the Victory Theatre became the dream project of Samuel and Nathan E. Goldstein of the Goldstein Brothers Amusement Company. The theater’s grand opening was on December 30, 1920. “The Victory was the favorite of all my father’s theaters,” according to Mimi Goldstein-Sommers, Nathan’s daughter. The Goldstein brothers owned Massachusetts theaters in Springfield, Holyoke, Amherst, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton, Ware, and Brattleboro, Vermont. The Victory

Theatre was arguably their most successful in eastern Massachusetts and the premiere theater in Holyoke throughout its operating years and the flagship of the Goldstein Company.

Architects Mowll and Rand of Boston, described as “architects of several of the finest theaters in the United States,” were hired to design a theater for live performances and film. Built in a proscenium stage configuration, originally with 2,500 seats, the

ABOVE: Victory Theatre, 1955. COURTESY OF MIFA

new theater design allowed for unobstructed views including a fan-shaped auditorium, which brings seats closer to the stage and amplifies acoustics. Sweeping stairways lead up to an immense double-tiered balcony, a magnificent rare-wood-lined oval room, and Tiffany glass windows. Silk paneling covers the walls, likely made at the William Skinner Silk Mill in Holyoke. Glass mosaic tiles and gold highlights accentuate an Art Deco and classical style along with eighty-five etched glass sconces lighting the whole interior. On either side of the stage are 23 ft. tall murals by Work Progress Administration (WPA) muralist Vincent Maragliotti representing different aspects of the theme “Victory,” installed after a 1942 fire that required remodeling of the interior. The artistically significant murals have been restored from grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation

– Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors and in part by the Citizens of Holyoke, MA through the Community Preservation Act. [submitted by MIFA]

ABOVE: Donald Sanders (with yellow flashlight), Executive Artistic Director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, leads area legislators on a tour of the old Victory Theater in Holyoke that is undergoing restoration, Jan. 23, 2023.

PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

CENTER: Interior of Victory Theatre, 2023. COURTESY OF MIFA

RIGHT: Victory Theatre, 1933. COURTESY OF MIFA

Volleyball – Born and Raised in Holyoke

By George Mulry

For many years Holyoke was known as the Paper City - at one time, producing 80% of the world’s writing paper and some of the finest silks and textiles from the world’s largest mills. Holyoke’s biggest and most notable worldwide export though has been the sport of volleyball -  transitioning it from the Paper City to Volleyball City.

The sport of volleyball celebrated its 128th anniversary in 2023.  The sport was born in Holyoke in December of 1895 at the Holyoke YMCA by Physical Director William G. Morgan.  The first two volleyball teams were captained by the Mayor of Holyoke and the City’s Fire Chief.  Today, Holyoke continues to celebrate its history as Volleyball City and the influence it had on this international Olympic sport in many ways.

Most notably, downtown Holyoke is home to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame & Museum. An organization dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats, and preserving the history of volleyball for the past 45 years.  The IVHF Museum is home to 167 inductees from 26 countries and over 5,000 square feet of volleyball history. Thousands of people from around the world visit the museum each year to learn about the game and experience the exhibits. Best known globally for its annual Induction Celebration honoring the sport’s elite, the IVHF also supports more than a dozen youth, high school and collegiate competitions and programs annually.

The IVHF hosted several of its events in Holyoke in 2023 including the Battle of the Badges First Responder Tournament, Girls High School All-Star Showcase, Volleyball City Open Grass Volleyball Tournament and, of course, its annual Induction Celebration.

ABOVE: VHF Induction Class of 2023 (L-R) Phil Dalhausser (USA), Larissa Franca Maestrini (Brazil), Reiko Nekoda accepting on behalf of late husband Katsutoshi Nekoda (Japan), Silvano Prandi (Italy) and Shanrit Wongprasert (Thailand. CREDIT: DENNIS HOHENBERGER FOR IVHF

RIGHT: (L-R) Volleyball leaders Jamie Davis - CEO of USA Volleyball, George Mulry - IVHF Executive Director, Steve Bishop –President of the IVHF Board of Directors and Aleksandar Boricic of Luxembourg - President of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) pose at the 2023 IVHF Induction Mayor’s Reception on October 20, 2023. CREDIT: DENNIS HOHENBERGER FOR IVHF

The 37th IVHF Induction class included: Olympic gold medalist and four-time Olympian Phil Dalhausser (United States, beach male player); two-time Olympic medalist and five-time FIVB World Tour Champion Larissa França Maestrini (Brazil, beach female player); three-time Olympic medalist and iconic setter with a twenty year career the late Katsutoshi Nekoda (Japan, indoor male player); four-time Olympian and three time Olympic medalist Yumilka Ruiz (Cuba, indoor female player); Olympic medalist and longtime professional and National Team coach Silvano Prandi (Italy, coach); and longtime administrator within various national and international federations and the first member to represent Thailand in the IVHF, Shanrit Wongprasert (Thailand, leader). Also recognized were four special award winners, honored for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself. They include the AVP (Court of Honor), the Homewood Suites Holyoke / Susan Concepcion (William G. Morgan Award) and outgoing American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Executive Director Kathy DeBoer (Mintonette Award). Also honored earlier in 2023 was Hector “Picky” Soto (Puerto Rico) with the Mayoral Award of Excellence.

2023 was also a year of transformation for the IVHF as it unveiled an organizational rebrand to align with its strategic vision to be recognized as the authority on the history and excellence of volleyball around the world.  The rebrand encompassed both the visual identity as well as the purpose, vision, goals, and capabilities for the Hall to drive outreach, fundraising, exposure and future growth.

128 years after its invention, residents and business owners continue to embrace Holyoke as Volleyball City showing their pride in many ways. Drivers are greeted with “Holyoke - Birthplace of Volleyball” signs displayed at all major entrances to the city along

with additional wayfinding near the Holyoke YMCA.

A volleyball and “Birthplace of Volleyball” are part of the official police patch and emblem on each Holyoke cruiser.  Patches are highly collectible worldwide and are presented to each new class of inductees by a representative of the Holyoke Police Department.

The “Have a Ball” public art installation featured 20 four-foot fiberglass volleyballs throughout the city

of Holyoke at businesses and major intersections.

“Birthplace of Volleyball” is placed prominently at the bottom of every piece of official City of Holyoke letterhead.

Holyoke Community College boasts the only twoyear intercollegiate volleyball program in Western and Central Massachusetts. The two-time New England Champions (2002 & 2003) train at HCC’s

LEFT: Tournament Champions NYPD pose with the trophy along with tournament runner-up FDNY at the 2023 Battle of the Badges Tournament held at Holyoke Community College.

Bartley Center and enjoy a tough schedule, including multi-team tournaments and matches against top-ranked Division I, II & III teams from New England, New York, and beyond.

The basketball jump circle and volleyball center court at Holyoke High School feature “Birthplace of Volleyball - 1895” and a dedication to long-time Holyoke coach and former IVHF

ABOVE: Western Massachusetts girls high school all-stars and their coaches at the IVHF All-Star Showcase held at Holyoke Community College.

CREDIT: GEORGE MULRY FOR IVHF.

FAR LEFT: IVHF newest exhibit featuring World ParaVolley and sitting volleyball.

CREDIT: DAVID HENRY FOR IVHF

CREDIT: GEORGE MULRY FOR IVHF

Board Member Paula Conway. This gym was also home of the Morgan Memorial (Morgan Classic) Tournament from 1971-1990.

The Cubit, a renovated mill building now used as co-working space for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creators, features several painted volleyballs strung from the ceiling in the lobby of the historic building.

In 2023, Beyond Walls joined forces with Holyoke City Hall, El Corazón de Holyoke, and Nueva Esperanza Inc. for an inspiring collaboration that resulted in nine breathtaking murals across the city of Holyoke. These murals were brought to life by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, infusing the urban landscape with color, creativity, and powerful storytelling.  One of the newest murals on the Holyoke Health Center wall prominently features a volleyball in the center of the art.

The love for volleyball spreads beyond the city limits, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognized the Holyoke-born sport as the “Official Recreation and Team Sport of Massachusetts.”

Mintonette Sports Volleyball Club is a youth club based out of Columbus, Ohio that pays homage to William Morgan’s original name for the sport of volleyball. Additionally, the Belfield Volleyball Club Holyoke was founded in 1975 in Belfield, Netherlands as a nod to the hometown of volleyball and was one of the first associations in the Netherlands for people to play both standing or sitting volleyball.

Holyoke’s legacy as Volleyball City is as alive as it has ever been and Holyoker’s around the world can all be proud to say they are from the Birthplace of Volleyball.

Wistariahurst

By Megan Seiler, Director of Wistariahurst

Wistariahurst originally stood in Skinnerville (now Williamsburg), but the devastating Mill River flood in 1874 led William Skinner to dismantle the mansion and reconstruct it in Holyoke. Holyoke gave William Skinner five years in free rent for his mills along the canals, and they sold him the plot of land for his home for $1.00. William Skinner grew his estate to what you see today by purchasing the neighboring parcel of land for $1,000 and the remainder of the block for $10,000.

Sarah Skinner, William’s wife, planted the wisteria vines in the 1880s that still climb the house today. In 1901, the estate officially became Wistariahurst, named by the family who lived in Wistariahurst for two generations. The building you see today is a blend of generations, with Belle Skinner (William’s daughter) making the biggest impact. Belle’s changes include the addition of the Conservatory and Music Room in 1913 and the construction of the Marble Lobby and Main Hall in 1927. In creating a new front entrance with the Marble Lobby, Belle changed the address from Pine St. to Cabot St. The two lions you see perched on Cabot St. were purchased in Rome in the 1880s and have become as much an emblem of the museum as the wisteria vines.

In 1959, Katherine Skinner Kilborne and her children deeded Wistariahurst to the City of Holyoke to serve as a cultural and educational center. In 1960, the library moved the Holyoke Museum from its second floor to Wistariahurst. In 1973, Holyoke celebrated its centennial as a city, and Wistariahurst became a Historic Site, listed on the National Registry. As the museum evolved, it found new ways to serve the community and eventually became the house museum of today. The Carriage House, which served as the Holyoke Youth Museum, had a complete overhaul in the early 2000s. This created the visitor

center and allowed for a climate-controlled archive.

The Carriage House contains the Holyoke’s archive collection, the Carlos Vega collection, the Skinner Collection, and more- all free and open to the public.

In its shift from a private residence to a historical and cultural center, Wistariahurst has been managed and overseen by various city departments until it became its own city department in 2011. The museum is also supported by a volunteer board, The Wistariahurst Foundation, which fundraises on behalf of the institution.

Wistariahurst has provided the City of Holyoke with arts, history, and cultural programming for over 50 years. Volunteers and the residents of Holyoke have kept this jewel thriving all that time. Today, volunteers work hard to preserve the beautiful gardens, help with administrative tasks, and help our programming be its best. As the museum moves into the future, it will continue drawing on the vibrant stories of Holyoke, serving this community and all who visit this great city.

ABOVE: Wistariahurst. PHOTO COURTESY OF WISTARIAHURST

BELOW: Interior of Wistariahurst. PHOTO COURTESY OF WISTARIAHURST

THREE

Holyoke: A City That Cares

Holyoke is a compassionate City. It is a city that cares for the vulnerable and goes the extra mile for the lost, the least, and the left out. Like most urban centers, Holyoke has seen the impacts of industry leaving the area, and the rise of social need in the community.

Providing a helping hand has always been part of what makes Holyoke a special place to live. There are a wide range of human service organizations, whether state agencies, local non-profits, or faithbased communities, Holyoke services encompass housing assistance and programs, youth and family services, affordable health care, substance abuse programs, as well as food assistance.

The overall wellbeing for its residents and their quality of life, whether they have lived here for generations or a few days, is what makes Holyoke a city that Cares.

- Aaron Vega & Sharon Konstantinidis

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA RIVERA

Alianza

By Carmen Nieves, Executive Director

Alianza is dedicated to assisting, supporting, and empowering those whose lives are affected by battering and abuse.

Founded in 1980, Alianza has sheltered more than 10,000 women and children and assisted 22,000 others through community-based support programs. Annually, we shelter approximately 100 adults and 140 children.

We offer a variety of services, all free. In addition to our shelter, we can assist with safety planning, navigating the court system, referrals for services and information, and help with finding safe and affordable permanent housing.

Alianza is grateful for the generous support from the Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety, U.S. Department of Justice, Holyoke and Chicopee Community Development offices, United Way of Pioneer Valley, and the Diocese of Springfield. Alianza receives Title III/Older Americans Act funding from WestMass ElderCare allocated by the Administration of Community Living and the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Alianza’s programs and services are partially supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice

ABOVE: PHOTO COURTESY OF ALIANZA

RIGHT: Allies in Action Award. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALIANZA

The Care Center

By Anne Teshner

It only takes one generation to break the cycle of financial insecurity. For young mothers, college is key. Simply put, The Care Center helps young mothers and low-income women go to college. Our groundbreaking programs and our unique integration of education, arts and culture have been recognized nationally by The White House, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe, and on National Public Radio.

Our philosophy is simple: people in need and people of means require the same things to succeed.

The low-income young mothers who participate in our high school level program have all dropped out of school. Like the best college preparatory schools in the country, we incorporate small class sizes, lively academics, athletics, and a commitment to success. Young mothers prepare to take the High School Equivalency exam (HiSET) and along the way, fall back in love with learning. While students read Plato, create artwork, write poetry, and row on the Connecticut River, supports such as transportation, daycare, counseling, meals, and a nurse practitioner allow them to concentrate on their studies. It works. 75% of our graduates — all young mothers who have dropped out of school — continue to college each year.

We also partner with Bard College to run the nation’s first college for young mothers and low-income women.

Bard Microcollege Holyoke is an accredited college housed at The Care Center enhanced by our full range of supports. Students graduate with a competitive degree from Bard College, one of the most respected institutions of higher education in the country. Graduates have gone on to pursue

bachelor’s degrees at Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Trinity Colleges. All this work takes place in a t urnof-the-century brick mansion that we converted into an education center. The first floor houses a daycare for babies and toddlers. Classes take place on the upper and lower floors along with our student support services.

[Compiled from The Care Center website Carecenterholyoke.org]

RIGHT: Graduation at The Log Cabin. ALL PHOTOS BY SARAH CROSBY

Enlace de Familias de Holyoke

By Frank Martinez Lopez

For nearly three decades, Enlace de Familias has been an integral part of the Holyoke community, tirelessly working to empower, serve, and meet the diverse needs of its residents. After over two decades of leadership under Betty Medina-Litchenstein, Frank Martinez-Lopez took the leadership helm, ready to move EnLace into the next decade of service in the city.

As we reflect on our journey since our inception, it is evident that our commitment to Holyoke remains unwavering, with 2023 marking another year of impactful initiatives and community support. Throughout our history, Enlace has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Holyoke Charter School and the initiation of the Holyoke Youth Commission. We have stood by families during their most vulnerable moments, providing a helping hand during times of crisis, including our crucial involvement in assisting families impacted by Hurricane Maria. As we look to the future, our organization continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the Holyoke community.

In 2023, Enlace de Familias proudly introduces the Nuevo Camino program, a victim services initiative dedicated to individuals with a history of victimization. This program has already made a significant impact, reaching over 150 individuals, offering support, and fostering resilience within the community. Our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Holyoke is further exemplified by the success of La Ruta del Sabor, a program that provided food to 4,400 individuals through an on-site pantry, delivery services, and weekly community distributions every Saturday.

Enlace’s dedication to the youth of Holyoke is

evident in our Summer Nights Program, which engaged over 500 children. Focused on cultural education, financial literacy, and recreational activities, the program aimed to keep youth off the streets during the summer of 2023. Additionally, our Community Empowerment Lab provided high school students with opportunities to develop their own businesses and explore youth leadership, impacting over 250 youth.

The House of Colors program, catering to over 50 youth in 2023, created a safe space for self-expression and belonging. The program culminated in an end-of-year Queer prom that brought together over 100 youth, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and celebration.

Enlace de Familias’ Family Resource Center continues to be a beacon of support, serving over 3,000 families in 2023. With a focus on rent assistance, housing, youth school attendance, leadership classes, and immigrant assistance, the center remains dedicated to addressing the holistic needs of Holyoke families.

Looking ahead, Enlace is committed to forging partnerships with the community, including initiatives such as English classes, youth leadership development, healthy eating programs, and more. Our ongoing mission is to ensure that the voices and needs of the Holyoke community are heard and addressed, fostering a stronger, more vibrant community for years to come.

As we continue to evolve and grow, Enlace de Familias invites the Holyoke community to stay tuned, as there is much more to come in our journey of empowerment, service, and community building. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for all residents of Holyoke.

ABOVE: PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF HOLYOKE

Holyoke Faith Organizations

By Joseph Carvalho III

The first church established in what was to become the city of Holyoke was the First Baptist Church (originally called the 2nd Baptist Church of West Springfield). It’s first meeting house was built in 1792 while its origins trace back to five baptisms on the shores of the Connecticut River in 1725. The First Congregational Church of Holyoke was founded in 1850 while the First Lutheran Church of Holyoke was founded seventeen years later in 1867.

As immigrants brought their food, language, and cultural customs to Holyoke they also brought their faith. Buildings for worship were among some of the earliest built in the city, they were also some of the most grand and significant buildings being built alongside the mills and tenement housing. Each neighborhood had their place of worship. Though largely an Irish Catholic community in the mid-19th Century, other faiths found a home in Holyoke’s faith community in the 20th Century. Synagogues and churches, many lost to fires and neglect, became more than a place to pray, they became community centers. These churches also became places where newly arrived citizens learned about the traditions and customs here in America.

Holyoke is the home of two synagogues, Congregation Sons of Zion founded in 1901, and Congregation Rodphey Sholom founded in 1903. The Greek community established the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in 1917. Over the past 75 years the Puerto Rican and Latino community has grown large enough to support and be served by over 20 Latino Christian churches in Holyoke.

In addition to its places of worship, the city has a number of convents of sisters including the

Sisters of Providence of Holyoke in Ingleside, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield who maintain group homes there, and the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Highland Park.

Beyond their spiritual role, Holyoke churches are also very involved in elevating the quality of life for the residents of the city. The range of social services they provide is too expansive to fully detail in this volume, but the number of people served by these programs is remarkable.

Churches of Holyoke 2023

Bethlehem Baptist Community Church

304 Elm Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Blessed Sacrament Church

1945 Northampton Street Holyoke, MA 01040

Centro de Restauración Emanuel, Inc

237 Chestnut Street Holyoke, MA 01040

Christian Pentecostal Church 96 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

CML Iglesia

217 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Congregation Rodphey Sholom

1800 Northampton Street Holyoke, MA 01040

Congregation Sons of Zion

378 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Ebenezer Assembly of God

200 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Olivar Pentecostal Church 85 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

First Baptist Church of Holyoke 1976 Northampton Street Holyoke, MA 01040

First Lutheran Church 1810 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Holy Cross Parish 23 Sycamore Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

410 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Apostólica Cristiana de Bethsaida

454 Main Street Holyoke, MA 01040

El

ABOVE: The combined parishes of Holy Cross and Mater Dolorosa took part in the July 3, 2011, Sunday service held at the Our Lady of the Cross Church. PHOTO BY MARK M. MURRAY/THE REPUBLICAN

Iglesia de Dios Evangelica Inc

104 Suffolk Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia de Dios Palabra de Vida

108 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI

326 Appleton Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal

Una Luz en tu Camino

637 South Summer Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia de Poder & Uncion, Inc

504 South Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia del Dios Soberano

28 Brown Avenue

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia de Jesucristo

Ministerio Agape

124-126 Maple Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Fuego Santo

677 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Moradora De Zion

237 Main Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Pentecostal Fuego de Dios

853 Main Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Pentecostal La Senda Antigua

396 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Pentecostal

Palabra de Verdad

16 Spring Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Pentecostal Poder

Transformador

291 Main Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Iglesia Union Cristiana Tabernáculo

Pentecostal, Inc

349 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Immaculate Conception Parish

54 North Summer Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Living Stone Assembly of God

478 Pleasant Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

La Primera Iglesia de Dios Inc

453 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Missionary Church

479 Pleasant Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Mountain View Baptist Church

310 Apremont Highway

Holyoke, MA 01040

TOP: Rev. Joel A. Martinez, rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke, the first Latino minister in the church’s history. PHOTO (OCT. 20, 2022) BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT: Interior of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke. Photo taken by Xenophon Beake. Submitted via Fr. Tom Cokotis, Fr. Harry Vulopas & The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

ABOVE: Statue of Mother Mary of Providence Horan, foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Holyoke. PHOTO COURTESY SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE.

TOP RIGHT: Officials join Sisters of St. Joseph in cutting the ribbon for the newly completed Mont

Marie Senior Residence, a low-income housing facility for seniors. Pictured from left are: James M. Lavelle of Holyoke Gas & Electric, State Representative Michael F. Kane, State Senator Michael R. Knapik, Andrew Nelson of the Massachusetts Dept. of Housing and Community Development, Taylor Caswell, Regional Director of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Sister Mary Quinn, President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, Sister Denise Granger, President of Mont Marie Senior Residence, Inc., Jill Keough, Director of Operations at Mont Marie and Elaine Pluta, representing Congressman John Olver, Sept. 30, 2008. REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO

INSET: Records of the First Baptist Church of Holyoke dating from 1803, when it was known as the Second Baptist Church of West Springfield. PHOTO BY JIM SEARS/THE REPUBLICAN.

New Hope Church of God in Christ 629 South Summer Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Segunda Iglesia Mana del Cielo 113 Sargeant Street Holyoke, MA 01040

Seven Day Adventist Church PO Box 2605, Holyoke, MA 01041

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 485 Appleton Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 34 Jarvis Avenue

Holyoke, MA 01040

Templo Pentecostal La Hermosa 93 Pine Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

True Deliverance Church of God 527 Dwight Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

United Congregational Church of Holyoke 300 Appleton Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Gándara

By Robert Gebo

Founded in 1977 Gándara’s mission is to promote the well-being of Latinos, AfricanAmericans, and other culturally diverse populations through innovative, culturally competent, behavioral health, prevention, and educational services. Gándara proudly serves the City of Holyoke by delivering many quality bilingual and bicultural services that help Holyoke residents live healthy lives. These services including Hope for Holyoke (HfH), a peer-lead recovery support center, opened its doors in 2015 to provide recovery-oriented and peer-led activities for those in recovery. Gándara provides flexible, in-home, bilingual, familydriven, wraparound, Children’s Behavioral Health Services that support children and teens experiencing serious emotional disturbances; services include Intensive Care Coordination, Family Support Training, In-Home Therapy and Behavioral Services, Therapeutic Mentoring, Family Support and Stabilization as well as Behavioral Management. Holyoke Emergency Residence utilizes a trauma-informed approach to meet the diverse and complex needs of adolescents with complex trauma histories and behavioral health challenges who require congregate care.

Gándara’s Residential Services for Women (GRSW) is a  recovery program where participants make positive behavioral changes and commit to learning skills, which support a sober life. Recovery supportive housing provided by Gándara’s Community Housing Program offers affordable housing with bilingual case management services to families in

recovery. Lastly, to turn the tide against cancer, Gándara’s NOEL Cancer Prevention and Screening Program supports prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GANDARA

Girls Inc. of the Valley

By Suzanne Parker

Inspiring all girls* to be strong, smart, and bold.

*Girls Inc. of the Valley welcomes girls, regardless of their assigned sex at birth, and gender-expansive youth. We are committed to promoting equality and justice by welcoming all youth who experience gender-based oppression (including but not limited to transgender girls, cisgender girls, transmasculine youth, and non-binary individuals).

Who we are:

Girls Inc. of the Valley is the pre-eminent girls’ leadership organization inspiring girls and gender expansive youth to be strong, smart, and bold. For over 40 years, Girls Inc. of the Valley has evolved to support the needs of the youth we serve to best meet the challenges and opportunities of the day and to envision and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable future.

The Girls Inc. Experience:

Whether after school or during the school day, in person or virtually, the Girls Inc. Experience provides comprehensive and interactive leadership development and removes barriers to resources needed for youth to grow up healthy, educated, and independent. With guidance from our professionally trained staff, we provide access to long-lasting mentoring relationships, safe spaces, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming that prepares youth to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls and gender expansive youth.

Our programs:

We currently serve youth ages 8-18 in Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, and beyond – after school at our 480 Hampden St. program center and during the school year in select elementary and middle schools around the Valley.

Elementary School Program (ages 8-12)

– Students learn about leading healthy and active lives, navigate social and mass-media influences, hone practical skills like managing money, and receive academic support.

Middle & High School Program (ages 13-18)

– Students receive academic support and programs focused on their physical and mental well-being, while also taking the time to think about their future through career exploration and personal development.

Eureka! Program (ages 13-18) –

Eureka! is our intensive, five-year STEM-based program that begins the summer before 8th grade and continues all the way through their senior year of high school. The Eureka! “scholars” as we call them, study with

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRLS, INC.

professors on campus at UMass in their classrooms and labs, then out in the field through externships. The program also builds skills and confidence by incorporating physical fitness, personal development, and college and career readiness. It’s a “whole student” approach, in other words, and the program’s impact accumulates each year.

The Girls Inc. Impact:

According to the Girls Inc. 2022 Strong, Smart, and Bold Outcomes Survey, those participating in Girls Inc. programming are more likely to engage in healthful activities like exercise and sports, achieve higher standardized literacy, language arts and mathematics test scores; to see themselves as leaders with the skills and capabilities to influence and improve their communities, and develop trusted relationships with their mentors. 77% of girls received As or Bs in language arts, and

69% of girls received As or Bs in math. 81% of teen girls said they can make a positive difference in their communities. 96% of girls have adults they trust at Girls Inc.

Our History in Holyoke:

1981 Established as the Holyoke Girls Club in response to a need sparked by the closing of the YWCA of Holyoke. The Girls Club was formed to serve the specific needs of the youth from under-resourced communities in and around Holyoke.

1990 The national organization changed its name to Girls Incorporated and we changed our name to Girls Incorporated of Holyoke that same year.

2017 A major grant from Girls Inc. National

suppor ted the launch of our school partnership model, and we began working with Hampden County public schools to reach more girls.

2019 We changed our name to Girls Inc. of the Val ley to reflect our increased presence in more communities. With our new name, girls from throughout the Valley could feel that they, too, are part of an organization that helps girls become strong, smart, and bold.

2018 We quietly launched the Her Future, Our Fut ure comprehensive campaign with the following 3 goals in mind:

1. Raise $1M to support our Eureka! program.

2. Raise $1M toward program expansion for in-school and after-school access to serve upwards of 1,000 youth/year in the Valley.

3. Raise $3M toward a new program center and headquarters to bring staff and youth under one roof.

2021 We purchased the property at 480 Hampden Street in Holyoke, which once belonged to the O’Connell Companies, who -- like Girls Inc. -- has a long history in Holyoke, further demonstrating our commitment to remain in Holyoke, serving the youth of the city and surrounding Valley.

2022 We began our renovations to the property.

2023 We moved a portion of our headquarters and program center to 480 Hampden St. in Holyoke, pending the completion of final renovations in the coming year.

Greater Holyoke YMCA

The Greater Holyoke Young Men’s Christian Association has been serving the city and the surrounding area since 1885. The Y’s mission is helping all in the greater Holyoke community achieve their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body. As a leading not for profit organization, scholarship assistance is available for those in need ensuring the Y services are accessible to all.

Back in the 1880s Holyoke was a growing and burgeoning young industrial city. There was a need for a place to offer young men social, athletic, and even spiritual experiences.

The YMCA movement was founded in London in 1844 when George Williams formed a club for the “improvement of the spiritual condition of the young men in the drapery and other trades.”  The movement spread around the world; the first YMCA in North America was founded in Boston in 1851.

In 1885, members of the Holyoke community saw a need for such an organization. A meeting of “interested” citizens was held, and the group was chartered in July 1886.

J.H. Wylie Jr. became the first president of the “totally volunteer” organization. A site at Appleton and High streets was secured for $33,000. The cornerstone for the building was laid April 23, 1892; the new building, complete with physical facilities and residence rooms, opened in 1893.

Wiliam J. Morgan was brought in as physical director of the YMCA in 1894. Morgan had attended Springfield College where he became acquainted with James Naismith, who invented the game of basketball.  At the Holyoke Y, Morgan noted that basketball was “too strenuous” for the businessmen of the day who went to the Y for exercise. Morgan sought a new game

that was highly competitive yet lacked the harsh physical contact that marked basketball in those days. Thus, the game of volleyball was invented in Holyoke.

In the Y’s early years, Sunday meetings were held with obvious religious overtones. The character of the Sunday meetings began to change in the 20th century. The original “Song and Praise” meetings changed to “Popular Men’s Meetings” and included speakers on topical subjects. By 1910, concerts were included

but lower interest ended the meetings by 1915.

In the 1930s, it became evident that the building at Appleton and High streets was more congested and wouldn’t be big enough to handle growing demand. In September 1943, the property of the late benefactor William Brooks at Appleton and Pine streets was purchased from his widow for $23,000.

Soon after, the downtown Y, including five retail

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE YMCA

stores on the ground floor of the block, was destroyed by fire. A drive to raise $350,000 kicked off on May 16, 1944, and within a month the money had been raised. Construction was delayed during World War II, and, by war’s end, the costs of a new building had skyrocketed to nearly $600,000. Additional

funds were raised, and a new Y was built in 1950 at the corner of Appleton and Beech streets. That building continues to be the home of the Y today with its original footprint expanded twice, including adding a 25-yard, eight-lane swimming pool. Improvements continue to the property which in 2023

included a redesigned lobby, new teen room, updated wellness center and outdoor playground. The YMCA also  joined the city’s public art mural efforts during the Beyond Walls second visit to the city. The Y’s mural is an open hand welcoming all.

The Y will remain focused on helping all grow and thrive.

(Compiled using historical pieces authored by the late Mike Burke, of The Republican, and Kathy Viens, CEO of the Y. To learn more about the Greater Holyoke YMCA, go online to HolyokeYMCA�org)

ABOVE: Congressman Richard E. Neal at the ribbon cutting.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE YMCA

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke

By Eileen Cavanaugh

For 131 years and through two World Wars, The Great Depression, tragedies, natural disasters, and COVID-19 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Holyoke (HBGC) has been the constant source of hope in the lives of children and families in our community. The HBGC mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The Holyoke Boys Club was chartered in 1892 and was designed to provide a place to further the social, educational and character development of boys, irrespective of race, color, or creed. The first home of the Club was the old Methodist church building on Main Street, which was used for about ten years. According to an early Club report, the Club responded to the needs of the day and was one of the first “to recognize the importance of trade teaching for ‘street boys,’ and classes in carving, bookbinding and printing were carried on, in addition to gymnasium work, and the necessary reading and recreation rooms. Later, paper box making was installed.”

In 1905, the Club acquired property on Race Street known as the “Merrick property,” comprising 20,000 square feet of land, with three houses. One of the houses was remodeled, and the Club moved in 1907. Fourteen years later, a new Boys Club building was opened at 346 Race Street. This building was home for the Boys Club until 1969 when the present facility located at 70 Nick Cosmos Way was built.

In 1992, the Club officially admitted girls as regular members and, in recognition of this very important step, the name of the Club was changed to

the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Inc.

Today the Club serves over three thousand young people annually, operating from the main building on Nick Cosmos Way as well as four satellite clubs located in the public housing communities.

Programs offered today include: a school-age childcare program; homework help; arts and crafts; swimming activities; recreational activities; computer lab; leadership training; teen center; athletic activities such as boxing and basketball; social activities ranging from the game room to dances; and a summer camp program. These programs benefit, and are enjoyed by, over three thousand children annually.

From providing training in the trades and hot baths in the 1890s, to preparing young people to meet the challenges and pressures of the present-day world,

the Boys & Girls Club has always been there to help our children grow into happy, productive, responsible members of society. We look forward to a future filled with the same sense of dedication, commitment and caring that has characterized the Boys & Girls Club for more than one hundred thirty years.

ABOVE: 8-year-old Juelz Jacobs does a cannonball into the Roland Pouliot Pool in Holyoke. He was there with a group from the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club, July 6, 2022. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

TOP LEFT: Entertainment by the Cassin Academy of Irish Dance during the 3rd annual Post-Parade Party at the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club sponsored by Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi, Mar. 17, 2019.

PHOTO

LEFT:

BY FREDERICK GORE/THE REPUBLICAN.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER HOLYOKE

Holyoke Health Center

By Garrett Sendlewski

Established in 1970, the Holyoke Health Center has been an unwavering pillar of healthcare in Holyoke and its neighboring communities, for over five decades. This institution’s enduring commitment to the local community is as deeply rooted as its history. Serving a diverse and thriving population, the Holyoke Health Center provides vital medical services to over 20,000 individuals each year, extending a compassionate hand to those in need. Beyond their impressive medical expertise, the Health Center demonstrates a vigilant dedication to the community, ensuring that the doors of wellness remain open and accessible to all.

We are reimagining what integrated approaches to community health look like by adapting our services to meet the emerging needs of our community and incorporating new ways of enhancing the patient experience. These changes are making comprehensive health services accessible to those most at risk in our community.

The Holyoke Health Center’s contributions to the community extend far beyond the examination room. Their outreach programs, health education initiatives, and community partnerships have woven a safety net of support, addressing not only immediate medical needs but also fostering longterm well-being. From hosting wellness workshops to our dental department providing outreach to local schools, the Holyoke Health Center actively engages with the community, advocating for healthier lives and a brighter future for all. Their legacy in Holyoke is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and dedication in healthcare, shaping a healthier and stronger community day by day.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE HEALTH CENTER

Holyoke Housing Authority

By Sarah Meier-Zimbler

As a public housing authority, the mission and objective of the Holyoke Housing Authority (HHA) is to provide safe, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income people. The HHA owns and operates over 750 public housing units in 11 developments and scattered sites throughout the city, ranging from high-rise apartments to multi-family and singlefamily homes. The HHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Massachusetts Rental Voucher programs, which provides rental vouchers for over 2,000 units of housing in the private market. In addition to maintaining the existing housing that the HHA owns and operates, the agency has also endeavored to find creative solutions to the issues facing the community and to provide a diverse array of housing options to those in need.

One way the HHA provides holistic housing support is through the Moving to Work (MTW) program. This is a designation through the US Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD) that is provided only to high performing housing authorities. The HHA applied for MTW designation in 2013 and was one of only 39 housing authorities in the country to be awarded. Being a MTW agency allows for regulatory and fiscal flexibility to address local needs through uniquely crafted programs. To date the HHA has partnered with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, the Holyoke Public School system, Holyoke Community College, the Hampden County Continuum of Care, the Department of Children and Families, Alianza and the Care Center on unique Section 8 programming to provide housing to those who have previously been underserved. Along with providing housing opportunities, the HHA also has a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

department to assist families in becoming financially independent. They are responsible for providing direct case management and supportive services to our residents, collaborating with other social service agencies in the city as well as facilitating First-Time Homebuyer Workshops and administering the City of Holyoke’s Down Payment Assistance.

The Borrower’s Assistance Program (BAP) is funded through HUD’s HOME Investments Partnership Program and since its inception in 2003, HHA has successfully assisted 170 buyers in achieving their dream of homeownership, totaling over $840,000 in loans issued to lowto-moderate-income first time homeowners.

The HHA is committed to developing new

housing. Beginning in 1996 with the awarding of a $15M HOPE VI grant for the Churchill neighborhood, the HHA embarked on a major redevelopment which now consists of 100 units of affordable rental housing and 60 homeownership units. The HHA then turned to Lyman Terrace, and a major renovation project was completed in 2021. Most recently, the HHA was proud to be selected by the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority as the developer of the South Holyoke Homes, which is the culmination of decades of community advocacy to build housing around Carlos Vega Park. The HHA completed the first phase of rental housing this spring and is currently working on a homeownership phase.

The HHA looks forward to another 150 years of providing quality housing, creative and holistic support and expanding housing opportunities in Holyoke.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS MARRERO OF THE RECLUSE, COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE.

Holyoke Medical Center

By Rebecca MacGregor

In the spring of 1891, the need for a city hospital to “provide a refuge for the sick and distressed,” was great and had been noted for a decade by the city’s prominent businessmen, congressmen, pastors and residents alike.

When a good friend of local industrialist and exmayor William Whiting became ill at a hotel and needed care that wasn’t available, Whiting called a meeting of mayors, doctors and clergymen that was ultimately the catalyst for what would become Holyoke City Hospital just two years later.

The Beech Street/ Northampton Street location where the Medical Center presently stands was chosen. The hospital’s first building was formally completed on May 13, 1893, offering two ward rooms each holding 14 beds, with a total capacity of 45, although it could easily hold more.

HMC has come a long way in its 130-year history since then, so often ahead of the curve in terms of recruiting the best physicians, nurses, and staff, providing award-winning services, implementing innovative problem-solving approaches and installing state-of-the-art technology.

Today, HMC is a 219-bed facility with over 1,600 employees, al l serving the individuals and families throughout the cities and towns of the Pioneer Valley with a medical staff that includes more than 375 physicians and advanced practice providers. HMC is one of just a few hospitals in Massachusetts to remain an independent, locally focused institution.

During the past decade Holyoke Medical Center experienced significant growth. Some of the major accomplishments are chronicled in this timeline:

2014

To meet the needs of our community, HMC began offering free transportation services throughout the city of Holyoke. This initiative continues to help reduce barriers and increase access to healthcare by the population we serve.

For the first time, The Leapfrog Group named HMC to its annual list of “Top Hospitals.” An elite distinction awarded to hospitals nationwide for demonstrating excellence in hospital safety and quality. The award was given to less than seven percent of all eligible hospitals. This significant and difficult accomplishment would go on to be achieved again in 2016 and 2020.

2015

The hospital completed a transformation of the medical and surgical inpatient rooms to become all private rooms with “the comforts of home.” Each room now features a 32-inch flat screen television, new lighting, bistro-style tables and chairs for visitors, and even a recliner for patients to relax on and/or for family members to sleep on overnight. Complimentary valet parking was also introduced at this time.

Providing state-of-the-art care for patients with stubborn or resistant wounds, HMC opened a new Wound Care Center.

2016

To fight the battle against obesity, HMC opened the Weight Management Program. The program was started with the medical direction of internationally renowned and published bariatric surgeon, Dr. Yannis Raftopoulos.

2017

A brand new, much-needed $25 million Emergency Department (ED) opened in the summer of 2017. The transformation more than doubled the original space 21,400 square feet and a total of 40 treatment areas.

A new comprehensive integrated pain management resource was introduced in 2017 with the opening of the Pain Management Center. Treating chronic and acute pain from injury, illness and/or surgery, individualized care plans are provided to patients seeking an alternative to opioid medications.

ABOVE: Transportation Services, 2014. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER

2018

The battle against opioid addiction was also addressed with the opening of the Comprehensive Care Center in 2018. The department offers a medication management program for suboxone treatment and other therapeutic services for substance use disorder.

Advanced artery and vein care became available close to home in the Pioneer Valley when the HMC Vascular Center opened. The expanded vascular and endovascular surgery services offer complete care for an array of vascular conditions—from varicose veins and ulcers to complex wounds, arterial blockages , and aortic aneurysms.

Providing more convenient care for patients who live and work in Chicopee became another focus in 2018 when HMC expanded services in Chicopee with a new Memorial D rive location. Specialties available at the location includes Adult Primary Care, Walk-In Care, Lab Services, Imaging, and CORE Physical Therapy.

2019

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019, more than a third of American adults weren’t getting enough sleep. Hence the need for the start of the HMC Sleep Medicine program. The program would go on to expand into the HMC Neurology and Sleep service in 2022.

Westfield became the next area for expansion in 2019 when HMC expanded to provide care at the Southampton Road location. Similar to the services opened in Chicopee, the new Westfield site began offering Family Medicine, Walk-In Care, Lab Services, and CORE Physical Therapy.

Another new addition in 2019 was the opening of the HMC Pulmonology Center. With the addition of three excellent pulmonologists and a convenient location from the hospital’s main entrance.

2020

Attacking a pandemic head-on, as soon as it became clear that COVID-19 posed a significant threat in 2020, leaders at HMC began preparing for

the biggest health crisis in a generation. As the first hospital in the region to restrict visitation, maintaining the goal in providing the best possible patient care while maximizing staff and patient safety. When the state asked HMC to take in 39 residents of the Soldiers’ Home, rooms and care were arranged in a matter of hours. Staff quickly came

ABOVE: WMP, 2016. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER.

TOP RIGHT: Wound Care Center Opening, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER

RIGHT: New ED Lobby, 2017. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER

together to convert two hospital units for the veterans, where they would live for what would become nine months, ending in January 2021.

2021

HMC created two new behavioral health units for adults and older adults in 2021. The expansion increased the number of licensed beds in the hospital to 219.

TOP: Healthcare Heroes, 2020.

ABOVE: Pulmonology Open House, 2019.

TOP RIGHT: Gastric Balloon procedure, 2023.

With the introduction of the two new units, the cardiac and neurologic testing suite needed to be relocated. With help from a longtime donor, Barbara Bernard, the hospital was able to upgrade the department as part of the move, building a brand-new 2,500-square-foot dedicated space on the first floor of the hospital.

2022

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders, sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, memory disorders, and more, the HMC Neurology & Sleep opened in 2022. A new Sleep Lab Center, located on New Ludlow Road in Chicopee, would quickly follow to support the needs of the Neurology & Sleep patients.

2023

The Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery opened. Led by Dr. Frederik Pennings, an internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive spine surgery and the only spine fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in the area. The experienced spinal surgery team can tailor treatments using

patient-centered, evidence-based, multidisciplinary care with either traditional open spine surgery or minimally invasive techniques. In the summer of 2023, the HMC Weight Management Program began offering a new gastric balloon procedure.

Rounding out this significant year was the opening of Kidney Associates at HMC. Providing care for patients with chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments, and transplant care, this is the first hospital-based nephrology service in the region.

The caring nurses, doctors, and staff at HMC look forward to serving you and surpassing your expectations, right here at home, at our community hospital for another century to come.

Here’s

to Our Future, Together!

Holyoke Rotary Club – 1915-2023

By Robert McKay

As the City of Holyoke celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Holyoke Rotary Club celebrates 108 years of service to our local communities of Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby, as well as international service projects.

The first Rotary Club was established on February 23, 1905, in Chicago, IL by Paul Harris with the help of three of his fellow business cohorts, Gustav Loehr, Silvester Schiele and Hiram E. Shorey. Harris’ goal was to produce camaraderie among business associates, and it has evolved into an international organization of service and fellowship. The name Rotary came from the fact that the original club members would rotate the location of their meetings from business to business.

The objectives of Rotary were established in 1905 and continue to be the same today.

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.

• The promotion of community improvement endeavors.

• The promotion of high standards in business and professional practices.

• The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace.

The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self” and at every meeting the Rotary 4 Way Test is recited by its members and defines all Rotarians to this day:

Of the things we think, say and do,

• Is it the Truth?

• Is it fair to all concerned?

• Will it build good will and better friendship?

• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Holyoke Rotary Club started in 1915 with 20 busi nessmen. It wasn’t until 1987 when women were first admitted into Rotary. Those pioneering women were Doris Ransford, who remains an active and faithful member to this day, and Ann Burke.

In its heyday, when Holyoke boasted a population of over 60,000 and a booming industrial economy, our club numbered as many as 180 members. With the changing economy and demographics, and most recently the Covid-19 epidemic, our club has undergone many changes, but we have persevered.

Over the years the Holyoke Rotary Club has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to many local and international causes. This year, 2023-2024, our club will have participated in the following projects:

• Clean water and sanitation in Guatemala

• The eradication of Polio (PolioPlus)

• The Miracle League Playground on Nonotuck St.

• The Miracle League Fall Baseball game.

• Eat, Drink & Be Holyoke – our premier fundraiser held on December 7th at the City Hall Auditorium

• Kids Table at the Holyoke Food Fest

• The Great Holyoke Brick Race

• The HSNI Backpack project

• PB&J sandwiches – twice a month at Kate’s Kitchen

• Veterans Lunch at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

• Awarded 4 scholarships to high school seniors

• Sponsored 2 students to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) at Springfield College

• Rotary Day of Service – April 9, 2023

• Summer Concert Series – 3 free concerts at Heritage State Park

• Holiday Gift Wrapping for the Holyoke VNA

• Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

• Bought Christmas gifts for needy families

• Donated to the Holyoke Public Library

• Coming this spring – a new endeavor- Flags for Heroes

Currently Rotary International has 1.4 million members with over 46,000 clubs. The Holyoke Rotary Club, in District 7890, has 55 active and honorary members. 38% of our membership are women, having served as officers and directors. We are actively looking for new members to help us continue the good work that we do and who will embrace the ideals of Rotary.

This year we are very proud to announce that for the first time in our history the District Governor, Christine Burns, hails from our club.

Our club meets once a month on the third Tuesday of the month at the Holyoke Public Library’s Community Room, located at 250 Chestnut Street from 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm. For more information on the Holyoke Rotary Club go to HolyokeRotary�com

Happy 150th Anniversary to our great city of Holyoke!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HOLYOKE ROTARY CLUB

River Valley Counseling Center – 70 years and growing!

By Rosemarie M. Ansel, MSW, CHC, Executive Director

Established in 1953, with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, River Valley Counseling Center has grown into a successful community-based behavioral health center employing over 370 team members, caring for nearly 8,000 clients each year.

So much has changed in the last 70 years in our com munity. In the past seven decades, River Valley Counseling Center has helped support our community through the era of JFK and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Vietnam War, 9/11 and its aftermath, The Gulf War along with several other Conflicts, the 2011 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd– and all the progress and obstacles in between. Throughout it all, River Valley Counseling Center’s commitment to serving our community remains rooted in compassion and empathy, and we continue to grow and evolve to support clients who would otherwise be unable to access care.

Today, River Valley Counseling Center continues to support individuals through direct clinical services, community-based Substance Use prevention and school-based services. Our mission-focused administrative and mental health professionals – including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, social workers, case managers, nurses, medical assistants, and a wide range of administrative team members –operate out of over 75 locations.

Adapting to an ever-evolving environment and incor porating advancements in behavioral health science over the last seven decades, River Valley Counseling Center has expanded services and opened new and convenient locations, adopted innovative technologies, pioneered programs, and made a

commitment to build a future that embodies equitable health and wellness for all.

River Valley Counseling Center is proud to be a part of the rich history founded in Holyoke, and we

look forward to continuing to grow with and care for our community together.

ABOVE: River Valley Counseling Center building

RIGHT: Mrs. Benjamin Childs (second from left), treasurer of the Mental Health Clinic, 1954. PHOTOS

COURTESY OF RIVER VALLEY COUNSELING CENTER

ServiceNet

By Amy Timmins

ServiceNet is a non-profit mental health and human services organization that serves more than 8,100 individuals each year, from all four counties of western Massachusetts. Since 2000, when ServiceNet purchased its first group home in Holyoke for adults living with a developmental disability, the city has become the agency’s Hampden County hub. This growth has been due in large measure to the welcoming spirit of the people of Holyoke.

ServiceNet’s residential programs have no signs out front. They are homes like any other on the street, housing people who enjoy being part of a community where friendly neighbors greet them as they pass on the street, are out working in their yards, or meet up at the grocery store. The only difference is that their residents are men and women who need some extra support to live in a neighborhood like this – support that is often provided by staff members who live in Holyoke, themselves. In addition to the three group homes ServiceNet now operates here, the agency has a busy outpatient behavioral clinic close to the Holyoke Mall; and in its building on Main Street houses the central office for its developmental and brain injury services programs, an innovative program for young adults living with mental illness, and an outpatient rehabilitation clinic that offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy for individuals who have experienced a brain injury.

Proud to be part of the Holyoke community for the past 23 years, ServiceNet celebrates our Paper City friends and neighbors on this 150th anniversary!

PHOTO BY DON TREEGER/THE REPUBLICAN.

Sisters Of Providence Celebrate 150 Years

By Phyllis Ladd, Archivist, Sisters of Providence

Through the years, the Sisters’ primary focus has been on bringing hope to persons in need through ministries of healing in Western and Central Massachusetts, and also in North Carolina and a mission in Chile.

The Congregation traces its origin to the Sisters of Providence of Kingston, Ontario who in 1873 came to Holyoke, Massachusetts to engage in the works of charity. They were responding to a request from the Reverend Patrick Harkins, pastor of St. Jerome’s Church, to address the charitable needs of the City’s poor immigrant population.

The great dam was being built across the Connecticut at Holyoke and hundreds of laborers were employed in its construction. Since Holyoke had neither a hospital nor almshouse, during illness these poor people received little or no care. There were no homes for the aged and infirm, nor was there an orphanage to which homeless children could be sent.

The Sisters of Providence responded to the pressing needs of the people taking in orphaned children and providing care to those who were ill. Mother Mary of Providence, SP (Catherine Horan), the first head of the order, in 1892 established 20 works of charity in 15 years. Both Brightside for orphaned children in Ingleside and Providence Hospital in Holyoke were built in 1893. Hospitals and other good works were launched in Worcester, Springfield, Pittsfield, and Montague.

For the next 150 years, the Sisters of Providence expanded their ministries and continued to respond to the changing needs of the people of Holyoke and Western and Central Massachusetts. Over 780 Sisters of Providence have provided a wide range of health, housing, social service, and spiritual works,

ABOVE: Grand opening of Hillside Residence. PHOTO COURTESY OF SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE

including several hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, behavioral health services, child welfare and adoption programs, spiritual life center, healthcare for the homeless, affordable elder housing, sober living housing, and many programs for those in need offering food, clothing and shelter.

Today, Providence Ministries provides shelter, food, and supportive services to those in need; Providence Place offers 119 apartments for independent living; Genesis Spiritual Life Center tends to the needs of body, mind, and spirit; Mary’s Meadow, an innovative, social model of skilled nursing and rehabilitation, began in 2009; Hillside Residence, affordable elder housing, opened in 2019. In 2012, the Sisters established the Sisters of Providence Ministry Corporation to oversee these ministries into the future.

Conscious also of their responsibility to care for the Earth, the Sisters placed 26 acres of their agriculturally rich property along the Connecticut River in Holyoke into a land trust with The Trustees of Reservations. This action ensures the property, named Land of Providence, will be protected in perpetuity from commercial development and continue to provide a home for local Community Gardens.

RIGHT: Sisters of Providence, in the habit they were still wearing as Sisters of Charity from Kingston, Ontario, with orphans and patients outside on the porches of the House of Providence on Dwight Street in Holyoke, probably late 1870s or early 1880s. PHOTO COURTESY SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE.

INSET: Stained glass window in the entrance to the Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel in Providence Place, depicting a Sister letting the seeds of the Congregation’s good works fall from her hands to those in need. PHOTO COURTESY SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE.

Sisters of St. Joseph’s Homework House

By Cynthia G. Simison

It began as a dream for two members of the Sisters of St. Joseph: create a program that could help make a difference in the lives of families impacted by systemic poverty in Holyoke’s neighborhoods.

They were educators who believed every child in Holyoke, no matter where they lived, should have access to resources to ensure their learning success.

Sister Jane F. Morrissey had taught English at Cathedral High School in Springfield and Elms College, and Sister Elizabeth Broughan had taught history at the former Holyoke Catholic High School. Retired as educators and involved in the leadership of their order, they surveyed the needs of the Holyoke community.

In 2005, they piloted the afterschool Homework House program in the city’s Flats neighborhood.  In space donated by Immaculate Conception Parish and with help from just over a dozen volunteers, they began with only 20 children, providing them tutoring two days a week.

Nearly two decades later, Homework House now has two locations, 15 staff members and more than 200 volunteers.

The free program serves hundreds of children ages 6 to 12  each year in its after-school tutoring, education-focused activities during school vacations and summer literacy programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Homework House continued to support Holyoke children through online tutoring as well as safe, in-person learning pods and an after-school enrichment program.

Homework House serves about 120 children each year in its after-school tutoring and summer literacy programs.

Executive director Virginia K. Dillon credits

Morrissey and Brougham with having been “instrumental in creating a successful program once they recognized the drastic need for a high-quality academic enrichment program located in a safe space in the impoverished areas of Holyoke and for the children of Holyoke. Through their hard

work and determination, the organization succeeded and continues to thrive today.”

The sisters, Dillon said in an interview with The Republican, have taught the power of kindness, compassion, devotion, and persistence to the children as well as the staff and volunteers of Homework House.

REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTOS

Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association

By Rebecca MacGregor

From The Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Life Care to the City of Holyoke, Congratulations!

We are so proud to be part of this amazing community for so many years!

On November 28, 1905, in the basement of the Second Baptist Church on Appleton Street, founding members Mrs. W. G. Dwight and Mrs. R.S. Vining along with concerned medical professionals and clergy from the city of Holyoke, discussed and voted to form a visiting nurse program for citizens who could not afford health care. The program, initially known as The Holyoke District Nurse Association, has had numerous name changes and was in numerous locations throughout the city of Holyoke including beautiful historical buildings on Linden Street, Maple Street, Appleton Street and Hampden Street.

Our staff’s dedication to serve the community is unwavering. Even the great Holyoke flood of 1938 couldn’t stop our nurses from seeing those needing care, as shown in the photo of state troopers and a VNA nurse in a canoe crossing the area now known as Crosier Field to visit a patient in the Elmwood section of Holyoke.

Whether it is the home health services of nursing and therapy or end of life hospice care, servicing the diverse Holyoke community is our passion.

RIGHT TOP: HVNA parade contingent, ca. 1940s.

BOTTOM LEFT: HVNA Nurse giving arm injection

BOTTOM RIGHT: HVNA Nurse providing head wound care.

PHOTOS

Our teams of professionals work collaboratively with physicians to develop a plan of care that meets each patient’s needs. Hospice integrates volunteers and is a proud member of the We Honor Veterans program. Currently located on the campus of Holyoke Medical Center, the Holyoke VNA & Hospice Life Care continues to have the privilege and honor to serve residents of Holyoke and the surrounding communities. While the scope of services and funding resources continue to evolve and change, we are committed to providing quality care with compassion and dignity.

Thank You Holyoke for allowing us to be part of your amazing 150-year history!

ABOVE: HVNA Nurses, 1930.

ABOVE RIGHT: HVNA LPNs, 2023

BOTTOM RIGHT: HVNA sign and participants, 2023.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE VNA

Holyoke: A City of Commerce and Recreation

As the first planned industrial city, known worldwide in the early 1900’s as the “Paper City”, Holyoke has a history deeply rooted in Commerce and Industry. The strong entrepreneurial spirit continues today from the first Mill owners to the 2023 new graduates of “Entrepreneurship for All.”

The global COVID 19 pandemic sparked changes in retail shopping, bringing to the forefront on-line shopping. Commercial retail stores creatively altered their businesses to include all outdoor seating areas, contact free takeout orders, and limited hours due to limited staff.

Despite these challenges Holyoke continues to have a strong retail presence in large part due to the Ingleside Mall, Holyoke Crossing, and locally owned unique retail shops like the Artery, Gadget Depot, Flora the Shop, and a number of new Cannabis dispensaries in the city.

Even with the early focus on manufacturing and industry, city planners were mindful that every neighborhood had access to green space and to outdoor recreation. From the historic Anniversary Hill Park to the newly established Heritage State Park located downtown, over 41 parks and recreation areas are maintained.

In addition to the man-made green spaces, Holyoke is home to two major reservoirs that provide public walking access and is part of the Mt Tom range

with breathtaking views of the Pioneer Valley. Commerce and Recreation have found common ground in the development of our city, creating a vibrant and unique place to live, work and play.

- Aaron Vega

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA RIVERA

Commerce in Greater Holyoke

By Jordan Hart Executive Director, Greater Holyoke Chamber

In the wake of unprecedented challenges, our city has demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit that has set us on a trajectory toward renewal and growth. As we move through the 150th year of our city’s existence, it is a privilege to witness and contribute to the unfolding narrative of our shared history.

The global pandemic tested the mettle of our community, but it also underscored the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. The Chamber has sought to harness the collective strength of our local businesses, community leaders, and residents to chart a course toward economic recovery and revitalization.

One of the cornerstones of our efforts has been the establishment of strategic partnerships with local businesses, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Together, we have implemented initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and creating a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and job creation. Through targeted programs and resources, we have empowered aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and Hispanic entrepreneurs, to take the reins of their own economic destiny.

In the 21st Century, we have leveraged technology to connect businesses with consumers in innovative ways, tapping into the power of e-commerce and digital marketing to expand our reach beyond geographical boundaries. By embracing the digital landscape, we have not only weathered the storm but also positioned our community as a beacon of innovation and adaptability.

As we celebrate the 150th year of our city’s existence, it is a time for reflection and appreciation of our rich history. We have organized a series of events and activities that honor our past while showcasing the vibrant, diverse tapestry of our present. These celebrations serve as a testament to the enduring strength of our community and its ability to overcome adversity. I am particularly proud to have played a role in elevating the voices and contributions of women in business throughout this journey. I am committed to breaking barriers and fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender or culture, can thrive

and contribute meaningfully to our community’s success. Our initiatives have included complimentary business and technical assistance, networking events, and Spanish classes to help build the bridge between our cities’ language gaps. This year alone, we celebrated nearly 20 new businesses with ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Here’s to the next 150 years of our city’s journey—a journey that promises continued growth, innovation, and collaboration.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Black Rose Trucking

By Ashley Ayala, Manager

Black Rose Trucking LLC was founded in 2020 by Yolanda Rodriguez and Ashley Ayala. It all started with a dream and a vision to become one of the very few female entrepreneurs in the area to join the trucking and construction sector. We are a women and minority owned dump truck hauling company based out of Holyoke, Massachusetts. We specialize in asphalt operations as well as aggregate delivery for major and minor construction projects. We are a motherdaughter team who have built our dream business from the ground up here in the city of Holyoke. Our mission is to set new standards in the trucking industry and to inspire others in our community to not only join the trucking industry but to pursue their own business ventures. We have lived in Holyoke for more than 25 years, and we both love our community and are excited about the small and local businesses that will continue to bloom and grow in the years to come. We are proud to be a Holyoke small business.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACK ROSE TRUCKING

Conklin Office Furniture

By Steph Labrie

Conklin Office Furniture is one of the nation’s pioneers in remanufacturing, reconditioning, and recycling office furniture. Over 42 years ago, we started off as an office supply company and since 1981, we’ve made it our mission to offer facility managers and business owners a way to upsize, downsize, off-load or load-up when it comes to contract furniture.

Conklin Office Furniture implements ESG sustainability initiatives to reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable sourcing and recycling processes to ensure responsible procurement of raw materials to minimize waste generation are just a few practices we do to apply circular economy principle.

We have 2,600 solar panels installed on the roof of our headquarters. Our facility is powered by nearly 900KWh of clean electricity every year. We use environmentally conscious processes to refinish surfaces, reupholster outdated fabrics, powder coat worn-out exteriors, and so much more. These processes guarantee landfill avoidance and prevent materials from ending up as waste, giving these precious resources a second life. Conklin Office Furniture is passionate about remanufacturing and recycling. Our motto has always been “What Goes Around Comes Around”. We believe the decisions we make today will impact our tomorrow. Our motto lends itself to our focus on environmental solutions and client satisfaction.

Conklin Office Furniture creates unsurpassed value by remanufacturing A-Grade office furniture. Save 40-60% over the cost of new and feel

confident with a lifetime warranty. We design and remanufacture products that perform and include post-consumer recycled materials. Reduce your carbon footprint, honor your ESG commitments, and enjoy quality. Our photos show our facility and the commitment we share with our community.

Gary Rome Hyundai

The Rome Family has a long and successful tenure operating businesses in the City of Holyoke that dates back to 1890.

1890: Gary Rome’s great grandfather, Louis Ricklas, moved to Holyoke and opened a shoe store on Lyman Street and a grocery store on High Street.

1926: Gary Rome’s grandparents, Dorothy and Samuel Rome, opened the Samuel Store, a haberdashery on High Street and operated it for 42 years.

1958: Gary’s father, Jerry Rome, opened Bay State Motors on Maple Street.

1962: Jerry Rome opened Jerry Rome Motor Company at 1000 Main Street, which later became Jerry Rome Nissan.

1997: Gary purchased his father’s building at 1000 Main Street and opened Gary Rome Hyundai.

2015: Gary purchased 19 acres of land at 150 Whiting Farms Road and began construction of the new Gary Rome Hyundai.

2016: The new 33,000 sq ft state-of-the-art Gary Rome Hyundai dealership and 800kW solar field opens. The dealership is one of the largest Hyundai dealerships in the United States.

2022: Gary Rome Hyundai celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

2023: Gary developed the land at 180 Whiting Farms Road and began construction on a 10,000 square foot full service car wash facility, the first of its kind in the City of Holyoke.

2024: Gary Rome Car Wash Dog Wash & Detail Center opened, complete with a 130’ tunnel, touchless bay, 9-bay detail center, and dog wash. Gary Rome puts Holyoke on the map! In 2023, Gary won the auto industry’s most prestigious award – 2023 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year. Additionally, he was named as the 2023 Businessperson of the Year by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Over his 25 years of

owning a Hyundai dealership, he has received many awards from Hyundai Motor America that have included cleanest dealership, best customer satisfaction, Board of Excellence, Top 10 Dealer, Golden Turtle Ship Award, and Global Dealer Award. Gary was a 2022 celebrity dancer for the Holyoke Children’s Museum. Hyundai executives and state and local politicians have travelled near and far to Holyoke in Gary’s honor.

Gary Rome Hyundai has gone down in history as a well-known venue for red carpet fundraisers and social gatherings, from coffee hours for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to cocktail parties for Holyoke Community College. A most notable event was a fashion show held in the dealership’s service drive to benefit Providence Ministries of Holyoke in 2018 and 2019. The dealership frequently hosts supply drives for several charities, pinewood derbies, cornhole tournaments, and vaccine clinics for people and animals. In 2021, Gary Rome Hyundai was the first location in Western Massachusetts to have level 3 superchargers for electric vehicles and the first Hyundai dealership on the east coast to deliver the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Gary Rome gives back to the City of Holyoke. The Gary Rome Academic Achievement Award of a Brand-New Hyundai to a Holyoke High School Senior began in 2010, where one deserving junior or senior is awarded with a brand new car. Gary established a partnership with Links to Libraries and has donated thousands of books to the Peck and Donohue Schools. Gary was a member of Mayor Joshua Garcia’s transition team in 2021. Since 2016, he has served as a board member for Holyoke Community College Foundation and Holyoke Taxpayers Association. Gary founded and moderates the Grow Holyoke Facebook page to promote all positive things in Holyoke.

While Gary is well known for being a community philanthropist and stakeholder, he is most known for his beloved dogs who have been the official canine celebrities and greeters of Gary Rome Hyundai since 1997.

Hazen Paper Company

By Donald Havourd Head of Business Development

Hazen Paper Company, founded in 1925 and based in Holyoke, employs approximately 200 employees across three interrelated plants.  At its foundation, Hazen is a technology company built on top of a world-renowned specialty/luxury paper converter with a reputation for proven holographic design and innovation. Hazen is on a growth track and is known for speed to market via our cutting-edge optical technology that offers rapid pace from concept to commercial mass production capability. Hazen produces products serving a wide array of markets such as packaging, commercial print, beverage carrier, gift and collectible card, and ticket applications.

Like no other in North America, Hazen’s holo-lab uses cutting-edge technology to develop depth, structure, and spatial effects to create the look and feel of a truly 3-D surface via holography. This technology can be seen gracing the cover of the Super Bowl Stadium Edition in which Hazen has been honored to develop the holographic cover for over 17 years.

Hazen is a sustainability trailblazer and has developed a key product line called Envirofoil®.

Envirofoil® is transfer metallized, the finished product is plastic free, and is deemed recyclable with paper. Brands across the globe like Yves Saint Laurent, Billie Eilish, Estee Lauder, and others have chosen Envirofoil® as their product of choice to differentiate their brand packaging. After scoring Envirofoil® 19 out of 20 total points for recyclability using methodology developed by the bifa Environmental Institute, Interseroh, in Cologne, Germany, authorized the use of the “Made for

Recycling” quality seal for packaging made with silver or holographic Envirofoil®. The Lucense Research Institute, based in Italy, granted Envirofoil® the certification “Recyclable with Paper - Aticelca® 501.”

Hazen President John Hazen commented, “these environmental seals of approval telegraph quickly to consumers that the products they are buying are packaged sustainably. The ability to verify sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, so it is also important to brand owners, and to us.”

Highland Hardware and Bike Shop

Highland Hardware and Bike Shop located at 917 Hampden Street, formerly located at 908, was opened in 1946. The store known then as Highland Variety was opened by Harry Craven Sr and his wife Mary. The store started off as a general gift shop selling ashtrays, aprons, stockings, zippers, and buttons.  In 1949, toys and some hardware were added followed by tricycles, wagons, and bicycles.

Toys became the focal point during the 1950s and 1960s, with dolls, games, models to build, coloring books, etc. It was the place for Christmas shopping. When the big regional toy stores entered the market, it put the brakes on the toys for us.

At this time, we vastly expanded the hardware and bicycle category. Harry Sr had a full-time job as a Holyoke policeman. He worked from midnight to 8 a.m., then worked at the store from 8 am untill 6 pm went home and slept untill it was time for his midnight shift. It was his hard work that kept the store going.  The ‘real’ bike shop began in the mid-1960s when we became known as Highland Hardware and Bike Shop.  It was in the 70s that Harry Jr joined the store working full-time alongside his parents as they expanded the store. Upon the passing of Harry Sr. in 2000, Harry Jr. took over as proprietor of the store.

Harry Jr became known as a bit of a Holyoke Historian.  He added pictures of Holyoke throughout the store as well as historic Holyoke artifacts. Pieces of the original dam, Mountain Park roller coaster and countless other items can be seen throughout the store.   He has a vast collection of the Mt Tom Ski Area and Mt Tom Summit Houses items.

Big Box stores and online buying have made an impact, but the knowledge, advice and reputation have kept us going. Covid brought a bike boom in 2020 which allowed for technology and bike shop updates.

Through the years many family members, including Harry Sr.’s grandchildren and great grandchildren, could credit their first job to the shop. Each generation was reminded of his work ethic and compassion he had for people. In 2023, Harry Jr. passed the store to two of his children, Jennifer and David.  Harry Jr continues to work every day; it’s in his blood. It is our hope that this store will remain a vital part of the city for many more years to come.

The HG&E Story

By Kate Sullivan Craven - Director of Marketing & Communications

Nestled along the banks of the Connecticut River, Holyoke was America’s first planned industrial city and since the 19th century, has been a hub of energy innovation. The river’s natural 57-foot drop and robust hydropower potential drew industrialists to the area who constructed the dam and canal system to harness energy. This engineering foresight powered the mills that transformed the city into a thriving industrial center.

In 1902, the forward-thinking citizens of Holyoke saw ownership of a municipal utility as a way to stabilize rates and maintain local control. At that time, Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) was established through the purchase of a gas and electric plant from the Holyoke Waterpower Company (HWP).

Over the years, HG&E has triumphed over i mmense challenges, including devastating floods, severe storms, monumental industry shifts, and most recently, a global pandemic. In 1965, Holyoke was the only community in New England that kept the lights on during the infamous Northeast blackout that plunged nearly 30 million people into darkness.

In 2001, HG&E acquired local hydropower assets f rom HWP, which produces over 65% of the City’s electrical power at some of the lowest utility rates in New England. Today these carbon-free resources supply over 65% of the City’s low-cost electricity. Named a Green Community in 2010, HG&E has spearheaded over 17 MW of solar installations and participated in valuable clean energy research. Also, HG&E established grid battery storage to help stabilize rates, reduce stress on infrastructure

ABOVE: Mueller LNG Solar. BELOW: Martin J. Dunn Energy Center. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HG&E

and advance regional decarbonization goals.

HG&E’s focus on innovation and sustainability extends to natural gas operations as well. HG&E was the first natural gas distribution company in New England to convert to 100% natural gas in its distribution system in October of 1951 and is one of the few companies in the region that operates a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) plant for peaking operations. HG&E continues to adapt to regional pipeline constraints and is working to help the State of Massachusetts meet its carbon reduction goals through the introduction of cleaner

fuels, energy efficiency and electrification.

As an integral part of the Holyoke community, HG&E takes immense pride in providing critical services while being one of the largest contributors to the City’s tax base through its annual payment in lieu of taxes. HG&E continuously engages residents, businesses, and organizations to discover energy and efficiency solutions that are affordable, accessible, and adaptable to the evolving needs of the community. Whether it’s working with homeowners to find cost-saving improvements or helping businesses transition to clean energy systems, HG&E strives to

ABOVE: Holyoke Dam. LEFT: Hadley turbine installation. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HG&E

foster a dialogue to advance Holyoke’s energy future in a way that benefits all members of the community. Additionally, HG&E has a workforce that is commit ted to Holyoke’s current and future success.

HG&E’s Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Scholarship for Cadet Engineers has aided Holyoke residents who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering with invaluable on-the-job training each summer. The Cadet Program has allowed HG&E to keep engineering talent local.

Driven by a commitment to reliable service, environmental stewardship, and community growth, HG&E continues to build upon its legacy of innovation and has been recognized for clean energy efforts both regionally and nationally. As energy challenges mount, HG&E stands ready to adapt and deliver forward-looking energy solutions that will help shape the next chapter of Holyoke’s history.

ABOVE: Aerial photo of Holyoke and the Connecticut River. BELOW: Hadley Station, HG&E. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HG&E

Holyoke Mall

By Ruth-Ann Hastings

A community of businesses in the business of community. Sitting south of the city’s center, in the Ingleside neighborhood, Holyoke Mall has served as a hub for the Greater Holyoke community for forty-four years.

In July 1979, Holyoke Mall opened what is now the third largest shopping center in the Northeast. Mirroring revitalization projects seen throughout the city, the shopping center expanded in 1995, and now boasts three levels, 1.6 million square-feet, and 7,000 parking spaces.

Holyoke Mall reflects its community. Nine million people pass through its doors each year to shop, earn a living, and create memories.

From its grand opening to the present day, the center remains focused on growth and adaptation to meet community needs and the evolving retail landscape.

This innovation mindset brought big box stores, Best Buy and Target, to the center in 1999, created a tobacco-free property in 2012, introduced Massachusetts to the first Hobby Lobby location in 2013, incorporated the center’s first entertainment concept, Billy Beez, in 2016, amongst other developments.

From Holyoke’s Canal District to Holyoke Mall, Yankee Candle is one of over 140 featured businesses. In 2023, the center welcomed 24 new tenants, including the state’s first The Inspiration Co., Bob’s Stores, and El Burrito by Macho Taco.

Holyoke Mall leads the industry as the retail landscape continues to shift and reshape by introducing experiential retail, entertainment venues, and more dining options. While dining, entertainment,

and services are a current focus, shopping remains at the heart of the center.

The shopping centers’ business community is robust, featuring a dynamic mix of locally owned business powered by a strong local workforce. Today nearly 3,400 employees work each day to create a seamless shopping experience throughout the center. Additionally, twenty-seven percent of all businesses are locally owned and operated.

Holyoke Mall is a decades long backdrop to traditions, milestones, and memories. From after-school hangouts to the holidays, generations are tied together through these communal traditions and nods to nostalgia.

Since 1979, the shopping center has captured childhood magic through the holidays and events like Halloween Mall-O-Ween and photos with Santa. Thousands of families fill the halls, year after year, to take part in these community events turned family traditions.

Following suit, hundreds of families flock to the center each summer for Tykes Tuesday, a free summer series. In 2023, more than 500 families bounced, laughed, and learned during the seven-week program.

Holyoke Mall is a partner in its community. Each year, the center welcomes dozens of non-profits groups to raise awareness and funds for their organization. In the last ten years, The Holyoke VNA, The

ABOVE: Aerial photo of the Holyoke Mall PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MALL

ABOVE: Cafe square under construction. TOP RIGHT: Cafe square and center court, Holyoke Mall BOTTOM RIGHT: Mall sign installation. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MALL

Salvation Army, Providence Ministries, and others have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through small scale tabling and large-scale events at the shopping center.

“The Future is Now,” stated a 1979 grand opening flyer. A statement that holds true today through Holyoke Mall ’s dedication to innovation and commitment to community.

TOP LEFT: 2018 Holyoke Mall expansion. TOP RIGHT: Macy’s grand opening at Holyoke Mall BOTTOM: Center Court Holyoke Mall, 2003. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE MALL

Keith Construction, Inc.

By Jim Wildman, Superintendent

Keith is a construction manager specializing in multifamily residential construction for clients throughout the Northeast. We take great pride in strong, repeat relationships developed with owners and architects. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, Keith Construction is a highly regarded leader in multifamily residential construction. With nearly 30 years of experience, we specialize in providing cost-effective and sustainable housing solutions to multifamily developers. Our expertise encompasses adaptive reuse and preservation, new development, and occupied renovations. We prioritize delivering projects on time and within budget while fostering strong partnerships with our clients.

Keith Construction is excited to be the lead on the transformative housing WinnDevelopment Project at 216 Appleton Street. Phase one broke ground in 2023 with 86 apartments to come online in the spring of 2025.

ABOVE: Groundbreaking for the WinnDevelopment project: 86 housing units for senior citizens at the former Farr Alpaca Mill in Holyoke. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF HOLYOKE.

LEFT TOP: Lawrence Curtis, the President and Managing Partner of WinnDevelopment, applauds a speaker during a groundbreaking ceremony for 86 housing units for senior citizens at the former Farr Alpaca Mill in Holyoke. State Representative Pat Duffy is on the right, Nov. 23, 2023.

PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

LEFT AND CENTER: Work beginning on the Farr Alpaca building by Keith Construction workers, Nov. 23, 2023. PHOTOS BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN.

Marcotte Ford

By Sue Keller

Marcotte Ford is a third-generation family-owned business. The Marcotte Team dedicates themselves to quality customer service for the life of your vehicle. When you come to the dealership for sales, service, parts, a rental vehicle, or a meal at LugNutz Café, you are going to see a familiar face. We have over 130 employees that work across the Marcotte Ford Campus. The reason Marcotte Ford has been so successful is because of our employees. They’ve Got Your Back!

For a long time, Marcotte Ford has shown the same dedication to its customers as it has to more than 50 organizations and charities in the Western Massachusetts area. Marcotte Ford feels strongly about giving back to the community, especially in Holyoke because these have been our roots since 1961. We are a big supporter of many groups and organizations and feel it is important for the Marcotte Ford Team to be involved with the community. We are actively involved with the Holyoke Chamber, the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club, Providence Ministries and Kate’s Kitchen to name a few.

The Marcotte Ford Campus in Holyoke continues to grow. We look forward to embracing positive changes that will allow us to meet all our guests’ needs. Our incredible Team continues to help make Marcotte Ford a leader in the auto industry.

ABOVE: The entire Marcotte Ford “team”.

BELOW: Vintage photo of early Marcotte Ford showroom. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARCOTTE FORD

Meridian Industrial Group

By Steven E. Grande President

Meridian Industrial Group and its predecessors have a long history in Holyoke. Originally founded as J & W Jolly in 1881, our company started out as a foundry and machine shop serving primarily the paper and power generation industries. In the early 90’s the company was purchased by a few employees and was renamed Central Massachusetts Machine Inc.

Central Mass Machine became well known throughout the region for heavy machining of large parts for the commercial and paper industries. Steve and Ben Grande (father & son) purchased the company in 2009 with no manufacturing experience but a firm belief that American manufacturing was alive and well.

In 2014 the company was rebranded as Meridian Industrial Group to reflect a widening customer base and our expansion into the aerospace and defense industries. Today Meridian continues to serve some of the nation’s largest defense contractors and premier space flight companies. While we’ve broadened our horizons, we still maintain a firm base in the commercial and power generation sectors. We serve customers all over the country with engineering and machining as well as many value-added processes such as painting, coating, and welding. We continue to do this from the same building J&W Jolly occupied on South East Street.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MERIDIAN INDUSTRIAL GROUP

The O’Connell Companies

The O’Connell Companies was established in 1979, but its history dates back to 1879, when Daniel O’Connell, a former superintendent of streets in Holyoke, Massachusetts, founded his construction company, Daniel O’Connell’s Sons (DOC). It was his belief that hard work, integrity, and quality would set his company apart from competitors.

A century later, O’Connell Companies expanded and diversified into the construction management, property development, and energy and environmental services industries. Its affiliates include: DOC, a New England-based construction company; O’Connell Development Group, a real estate development group; Appleton Corporation, a property and asset management firm; and NEFCO, a biosolids management company.

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons has grown since 1879 from a local general contractor building roads and bridges to a New England-based construction company offering sophisticated construction management and general contracting services to both public and private clients.

O’Connell Development Group (ODG) is a commercial and institutional real estate management company that delivers creative solutions for real estate development challenges. Its showcase properties include t he Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Appleton Corporation is a responsive, clientfocused property and asset management firm providing commercial and residential property management, facilities support, troubled asset management and accounting and financial services to property owners and nonprofit organizations.

New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO) was founded in 1986, a core member of the team selected

to clean up Boston Harbor. The company’s unique biosolids drying process provides clean, innovative technology that also reduces fossil fuel use and protects environmental resources.

The company’s unique project planning services

reflect President James N. Sullivan’s belief that “our projects not only make the world a better place to live but are good for business.”

(Compiled from the O’Connell Companies’ 2023 website)

TOP: Original location of Daniel O’Connell Sons company in Holyoke, MA, now the home of Girls, Inc. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE O’CONNELL COMPANIES.

CENTER: Interior of the O’Connell Companies headquarters at 800 Kelly Way, Holyoke, MA. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER/THE REPUBLICAN.

RIGHT: The O’Connell Companies headquarters at 800 Kelly Way, Holyoke, Ma. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER/THE REPUBLICAN.

PeoplesBank:  We are 01040 Proud!

By Matthew Bannister SVP - Head of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank

Our roots are in Holyoke, and we couldn’t be prouder.  From our humble beginnings, we have grown to be the largest mutual bank headquartered in Western Mass, with assets of over $3.9 billion at the close of 2023.

Occupying that sweet spot of “large enough to offer what the Big Banks do, but small enough to still be hyper-local and customer-focused”, we will never forget where we have come from.  Headquartered off Route 91 across from the Holyoke Mall, and with locations on High Street across from City Hall, and our showpiece location at the Pedlar, when anyone says “PeoplesBank,” we want them to also think “Holyoke.”

In fact, the story of our Pedlar Banking Center could be used to illustrate the story of PeoplesBank and Holyoke.  By respecting and preserving parts of the history of Holyoke, in our conversion of the old Yankee Pedlar inn and restaurant, we honor our roots and the traditions of the City.  By converting the structure so that it now houses our top-notch, local staff with a wide range of financial expertise, and equipping it with the latest banking technology like VideoBanker ITM’s, we demonstrate our pride for the past while also being well equipped for our future.  Our community room at the Pedlar is available for Holyoke non-profits to use free of charge, and we continue to support dozens of local causes, both financially and through volunteering our time and expertise.

As the City celebrates 150 years, we join in celebrating all that makes Holyoke so special to so many.  We are 01040 Proud.

PHOTOS COURTESY PEOPLESBANK

Universal Plastics

By Mike Denette

Universal Plastics is a custom thermoforming business founded in Chicopee, M A in 1965 by the Peters family. In 2003 the factory was moved to the “old Kodak” building on Whiting Farms Road in Holyoke, MA. Hidden on the hill and with addition in 2008 Universal is around 100,000 sq ft. total floor space used for manufacturing, warehousing, and office space. In 2012 Jay Kumar purchased the company from the second-generation Peters family in what would be the first of 5 plastic factory acquisitions. Holyoke is considered the corporate location with 80 employees.

Thermoforming is a general term that refers to the process of transforming a plastic sheet into a 3-dimensional shape by using heat, vacuum, and pressure. Thermoformed parts are widely used in medical, transportation, industrial and commercial products. Common applications include machine housings, bezels, enclosures, material handling trays, protective covers used to safeguard engines and transport expensive machined parts.

We have on-site design and process engineering, tool room and machining capabilities, and hundreds of years of real-life thermoforming and manufacturing experience to accommodate our customer’s needs. We can provide simple or complex assembly, in house painting of industrial coatings including RF/EMI shielding, and special end use packaging / labeling. In addition to thermoforming, we also provide Plastic fabrication. This is a process where flat sheet of plastic is bent or bonded into a new form (like sheet metal bending) but with the many additional benefits of plastic, such as molded-in color, optical clarity, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation.

An investment in single piece flow began in 2022 and w ill be complete in 2023. The optimization has been companywide from the front door to the shipping dock. Beginning with removing walls, moving machinery and a significant amount of factory re-design and flow models now make it possible to have raw material in the shape of plastic sheet blanks flow through the manufacturing process to a completed part at final pack out ready for shipping. We have been able to redefine Universal Plastics Holyoke and add value to our operations through innovation, accountability, and transparency. We are focused on any reduction of quality defects and providing premium thermoformed parts to our customers. We have a dedicated, experienced, and family oriented workforce. Everyone is accountable

for their own engagement, performance, and success.

It is quite common that people walk past manufact ured products every day without ever thinking how it was made or even where it was made. Well, some of those things are made right here in Holyoke at Universal Plastics. We manufacture bus stop signs, aircraft seatbacks and seating components, mountain coasters, and medical device covers. From simple to complex we do it here in Holyoke. We have a dedicated, experienced, and family oriented workforce. Happy 150th Anniversary of the City of Holyoke from everyone at Universal Plastics.

To learn more about thermoforming and for more information please visit universalplastics�com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PLASTICS

Holyoke Parks and Recreation

By Tom Reynolds, Park & Recreation Director

The Holyoke Parks & Recreation Department is a small but mighty little office that oversees various parks and fields throughout the city. The Department works along with various city organizations and departments and both adult and youth athletic programs. New additions and renovations in the Parks & Recreation Department have been wonderful this past year. We are so grateful to have so many parks and facilities for our community to use to make memories with their families. With over 40 parks that range from playing fields, courts, splash pads, playgrounds, pocket parks, pool, skate park, Rowing House plus much more.

In the past year we have seen upgrades and repairs to:

The Miracle League of Western Mass Playground is our first all abilities accessible playground that was installed at Kennedy Park which opened in September. A collaborative effort with the Holyoke Community Preservation Act Committee, Miracle League of Western Mass and the Holyoke Rotary Club all made this dream a reality.

Roberts Field Sports Complex located behind Holyoke High School had a new turf field installed as well as the resurfacing of the track. Project started in early spring and finished up before the school year started.

The Anniversary Hill Project began work at the end of November and will create accessible trails that will enhance the access to Scott’s Tower at Community Field. This project came to fruition through the

Jones Point Park masterplan design has been underway since the end of summer and will look to be finalized by the holidays. As we look forward to upgrading this park, the Holyoke Community Preservation Act Committee has been instrumental in the funding of this project as we look froward to giving the park a little much needed upgrade.

The Donahue School playground was a project that was funded by a Community Development Block Grant to provide a much-needed playground for the school and the neighborhood.

Gloutak Field also had an upgrade with the creation/ rejuvenation of some hiking trails with the help of the Greenagers group who cleared up existing trails and created a connecting loop trail from the back end of the park.

McNally Field located in the flats has a softball field that received a much-needed facelift. This field, which is one of our two homes for our numerous adult softball leagues, received improvements to the playing surface consisting of regrading the playing surface, newly laid sod, as well as repairing and painting the player benches and the spectator bleachers.

Mackenzie Stadium, home of the Holyoke High School, the Valley Blue Sox and the Elms College baseball teams had the lamps replaced in the lighting fixtures to drastically improve the visibility for nighttime games.

90’ for all levels/ages

12 basketball courts

10+ multi purposed grass fields – soccer, field hockey, lacrosse/ kickball

7 softball diamonds

4 sets of volleyball courts – 2 sand courts

3 locations of Tennis courts – 9 courts total – 2 dually lined for pickleball

7 spray pads

3 Handball walls

Pool

Boathouse

Skate / Bike Park

Ice skating path

Turf field and Track

Walking /hiking trails

Fitness station

2 Historical Cemeteries

hard work of the Conservation & Sustainability Office seeking funding over the past two years. The grants were obtained from Community Development; Community Preservation Act; Land, Water, Conservation; Gateway Cities Grant Program and the Mass Trails Grant programs. Work will be happening throughout the fall and spring.

The boathouse at Holyoke Rows on Jones Ferry replaced the docks, repaired the boat ramp and removed land overgrowth. These improvements increased the view of the rowers on the river from the shoreline.

What’s in Holyoke:

18+ Playgrounds (few more on School grounds) 17+ baseball diamonds varying in size 60’, 75’,

We also organize and sponsor community events throughout the year. For the recreation events that we have and help with are the St Patrick’s Parade, Easter, July 4th Fireworks, Basketball Tournaments, Fall Celebration, Halloween at City Hall, Christmas Tree Lighting, Menorah Lighting, Pavilion & table rentals are a few. We also help sponsor various community events, from festivals and seasonal gatherings with other city-based organizations to give back to the community. We enjoy providing fun entertainment, giving treats, toys, and novelties with the idea of bringing families together for memories that will last a lifetime. We also support some of the youth Leagues in the city- Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Football, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Rowing, Tennis. Some adult leagues – Softball, kickball, Baseball, football. Please check out our website as it’s always changing with the seasons and feel free to reach out anytime as we would love to hear from you!

Holyoke Heritage State Park: Learn from the Past to Inspire the Future

By Katherine Preissler, DCR

In 1979, Governor Michael S. Dukakis established the Heritage State Parks Program to revitalize postindustrial cities by creating healthy urban spaces, celebrating the rich history of local communities, and encouraging economic investment in depressed downtown areas across Massachusetts. With the support of 40,000 Holyoke residents, John Hickey, Chairman of the Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Committee, applied to the program to create a Heritage Park in Holyoke, saying it would “… greatly enhance the economic revitalization of our downtown and the whole spirit of the city.”

Of the 18 cities across the Commonwealth that applied to the Heritage Park Program, Holyoke was one of only eight that were selected for the program. With the funding in place, ideas were proposed, plans were drawn up, and contractors were hired. The chosen location was an underused city block adjacent to the historic City Hall, that at the time held only a discontinued freight yard. In 1980, the abandoned Skinner & Sons Mill, adjacent to the park site, burned down, and that canal-side space was absorbed into the park plans.

The result of several years of construction was a state-of-the-art visitor center with a spacious exhibit hall and a light-filled lobby. The park featured hardy trees, a water feature modeling the canal system, park-wide lighting, picnic tables, and grassy open space that could be used for community events, concerts, and festivals.

The grand opening festivities began on June 21, 1984. Over the next four days, the community turned

ABOVE: Bisko Kaba group with WOFA, dancing and playing West African drums during the celebration of the “Celebrate Holyoke 2019” event at the Holyoke Heritage State Park where a good number of people showed up to enjoy a family day in a healthy environment full of lots of music and culture. PHOTO BY DAMARIS PÉREZ-PIZARRO | EL PUEBLO LATINO

out in big numbers to celebrate the new park and the jump-start it would give to downtown Holyoke’s future. Revelers enjoyed dancing, a casino, carnival rides, games, a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, food, and so much more. After opening, the Holyoke Heritage

Park Railroad welcomed riders aboard three coaches that traveled between Holyoke Heritage State Park and the City of Westfield. Riders could enjoy a murder mystery trip, fall foliage excursion, Halloween storytelling ride, or even take a ride with Santa.

In 1986, the Children’s Museum of Holyoke moved from their previous home in Springdale into the Sheldon building, owned by the city and the last remaining structure of the Skinner & Sons silk mill complex. In 1987, the building that was once used to weave fine bridal satins opened as a place for children to climb, experiment, laugh, and learn. Shortly after, the Sheldon building also became home to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame to commemorate the sport that originated in Holyoke, strengthening the visitor draw to the area. Around that same time, nearby Mountain Park closed, leaving the fate of the popular Holyoke MerryGo-Round uncertain. Residents of Holyoke rallied to save it, and in two years raised almost $1 million, with contributions coming from local businesses, residents, and school children to purchase the carousel. The

beautiful steeds and carousel structure were stored for five years until the Friends of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round raised the money necessary to construct its pavilion within Holyoke Heritage Park, where it remains today for visitors to enjoy. In 2008, thanks to the community wide Creating Holyoke project, spearheaded by Wistariahurst Museum and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the exhibit hall at Holyoke Heritage was updated to reflect local migrant and immigrant history and the multicultural nature of Holyoke’s past. Cutting-edge in its time, interactive rocking chair porches were installed utilizing audio oral histories from Holyoke residents from Ireland, Quebec, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Puerto Rico.

park. With over 30 different types of trees, two playgrounds, a splash park, picnic tables, benches, and an abundance of wildlife, it serves as a multi-use public commons for residents and visitors to the active area that is modern downtown Holyoke.

Today, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation owns and manages the

Holyoke Heritage State Park continues to evolve and grow in response to the needs of its community, retaining its mission of a healthy, downtown space for all to gather, recreate, and learn from the City’s past. While there, visitors are encouraged to ponder the duality of Holyoke Heritage State Park, as John Hickey eloquently said, “the proud past can be vividly recalled while the future is addressed with the same community spirit that forged our great beginnings.”

INSET: The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round at Heritage State Park. PHOTO BY ON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN ABOVE: PHOTO COURTESY OF DCR

Holyoke Rows

By Sarah Wedaman

Let’s Get On the Water!

Holyoke Rows began in 2000 with an extraordinary idea: everyone deserves access to river recreation. As a non-profit community boathouse, our programs encourage relationships across generations and among communities that might not otherwise connect. Come down to our location on the beautiful Connecticut River and you’ll find a humming convergence of rowers & kayakers of all ages and abilities, people fishing, people swimming, young parents from The Care Center, veteran’s dragon-boating, birders, and those just happy to be among so much good energy. Join us and experience a supportive, welcoming environment, you’ll love the adventure!

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE SLATER. BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL ZIDE.

“Hop in. Give it a try.”

On Tuesday and Thursday nights and early Saturday mornings, you will find Gabe and Izzy, both age 16, squeezed into the stern of eight person boats, navigating, steering and focusing the energy of adult rowers between the ages of 32 and 78. They tell their teams to keep their heads up and hold their core strong, calling out the drills Head Coach and Executive Director Stephanie outlined at the beginning of the practice. At the end of practice Gabe expertly lands the 62-foot rowing shell on the dock. “I think landing is one of Gabe’s superpowers,” one rower said.  Gabe started coming to Holyoke Rows only two years ago, after his mom saw an ad about a kayak camp here. “I didn’t really want to go to the camp,” Gabe said. “But I ended up liking kayaking a lot, and when Stephanie invited me to row, I was willing to try.” Izzy came with a friend one day to try out rowing when she was in middle school, and just kept coming.  Now they both row for the high school team and have jobs as coxswains for the masters rowing program. They exemplify the transformation that happens on the Connecticut River when people get a chance to “hop in” and try something new.

Two teenagers from Holyoke who got  a chance to get on the water are now helping others do the same. Come on down and let them help you get on the water too.

ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE SLATER. ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL ZIDE.

Beyond Walls

By Stephanie Colon

During the summer of 2022 and 2023, the City of Holyoke was able to experience something beyond its wildest imaginations. Beyond Walls, a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing gateway cities through art, undertook the task of painting the city one wall at a time. The Beyond Walls Tours were more than just murals, they signify the abundance of culture, diversity and love that lives within the city. The transformative power of art was seen within the city of Holyoke.

2022 Tour

Beyond Walls with their unique approach to revitalize urban communities have created an experience for the residents of Holyoke. The impact of Beyond Walls First tour was nothing short of overwhelming. As the vibrant murals began to grace the walls, residents and tourists’ responses were overwhelming with nine murals in the first tour during the summer of 2022, the city was eager to bring them back. The murals signified more than just a painting on a wall, it gave inspiration to local artists.

A surge of local art

During the interlude between the first and second tour, Holyoke’s creative spirit continued to flourish. The initial success of Beyond Walls’ initiatives seemed to ignite a spark within the community, inspiring local artists, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the evolving artistic landscape. Walls, sidewalks, and previously overlooked spaces blossomed into canvases for artistic expression, reflecting a city that was embracing its cultural identity.

ABOVE: Edwin David Sepulveda, from Puerto Rico, stands in front

he created on

building on High Street in Holyoke.

PHOTO BY FREDERICK GORE/THE REPUBLICAN.

2023 Tour

The focus of the tour for the summer of 2023 was directly inspired by the rich global culture that already lives here in the city of Holyoke. Beyond Walls worked closely with the El Corazon Project to bring this experience to life and to spark a renewed sense of excitement and engagement among the residents. This fostered a shared identity that art can really transcend borders.

When Beyond Walls came for the second tour it surpassed everyone’s expectations. with over 15 new murals, the city was becoming even more vibrant. The impact of the art reached unprecedented heights, with social media playing a pivotal role in amplifying the enthusiasm. Social media lit up with a surge of posts and stories dedicated to the mesmerizing new murals. Residents and tourists shared everything they say whether it was directly posted from a professional photographer, drones, or just an iPhone from a resident walking by.

It didn’t stop there as people began to take their appreciation for the murals a step further by organizing their own mural tour guides. Residents began to claim the murals as their own and shared personal stories and unique interpretations of the art.

Local Artist Highlighted

The second tour organized by Beyond Walls held a distinctive significance as it shone a spotlight not only on renowned muralists but also on the pool of local talent within Holyoke. By providing a platform for local creatives to contribute to the visual narrative of their city, Beyond Walls empowered

TOP: Mural by Case MacLaim. PHOTO COURTESY BEYOND WALLS

RIGHT: Vero Rivera, from Puerto Rico, painting a large mural on a building in the Holyoke Puerto Rican Cultural District.

PHOTO BY FREDERICK GORE/THE REPUBLICAN

ABOVE: Father and Baby Moose,” by the artist known as Bordalo II, is located at Clemente and Spring streets in Holyoke’s downtown. REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO.

artists to share their visions and talents on a broader stage. Natasha, a Holyoke native was able to share her unique interpretation of her Puerto Rican heritage. This deliberate inclusivity fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, as the city came together to celebrate its diverse artistic voices.

World Renowned Artist

Beyond Walls brought multiple worldrenowned artists to the city of Holyoke. The lineup includes Bikismo, David Zayas, Alexis Diaz, Gleo, Case Mclain, BKFoxx, Don Rimx, Rueben Ubiera, Repoe, Gofive, Takeone and many more. Having world renowned artists gracing the walls of Holyoke, was profoundly significant as it was validating its place in the world of culture and art.  Holyoke is a city determined to support art and artists within the community. Beyond Walls inspired a surge of local artists and organizations making murals of their own. Art has proven time and time again that it transcends borders and shows no limitation to interpretation.

TOP: Mural by Ruben Ubiera. PHOTO COURTESY BEYOND WALLS

MIDDLE: Mural by BKFoxx and CP1. PHOTO COURTESY BEYOND WALLS

BOTTOM: Mural by Golden305. PHOTO COURTESY BEYOND WALLS

Cannabis

By Aaron Vega

In 2016, the voters of Massachusetts voted in favor of legalizing Adult Use Cannabis. This was the eventual next step after Cannabis was first decriminalized in 2008, and Medical use Cannabis was legalized in 2012.

With our manufacturing history and a local vote of 56.9% on the State ballot question in favor of legalization, Holyoke opened the door for this new industry.

Keeping the local permitting process as simple and streamlined as possible, the City of Holyoke had issued almost 80 Host Community Agreements (HCA’s), the first step in the licensing process, and approved nearly 40 Special Permits, the local authori zation to operate a Cannabis business.

The Green Rush started strong in Holyoke with many properties selling well above market value. Former blighted and underutilized properties began to see a new life.

Market saturation, price compression, and major investors moving to the next legal market all contrib uted to the slowing down of the Green Rush. 2023, in many ways, was the year of reckoning for the cannabis industry in Massachusetts.

By the end of 2023, Holyoke was home to 6 Cannabis dispensaries; Boston Bud, Holyoke Cannabis, Dazed, East Coast Pharms and LuxLeaf.

Large Cannabis growers, Green Thumb Industries, doing business in Holyoke as RISE, maintained a 60,000 sq foot cultivation and manufacturing opera tion in Holyoke.

Truelieve, another multi–State Cannabis company, had operations in Holyoke for over two years before they left the State and abandoned their cultivation facility in Holyoke.

The new Cannabis industry is another chapter in Holyoke’s long history of Commerce and Manufacturing.

process, many designation Social Equity or Economic Empowerment applications by the Cannabis Control Committee. Many of these smaller companies are locally owned, as well as minority and women lead companies.

TOP: A view inside the Canna Provisions cannabis dispensary at 380 Dwight Street. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN

ABOVE: East Coast Pharms celebrated its grand opening in Holyoke yesterday. PHOTO CREDIT DENNIS HOHENBERGER

Holyoke: A City of Celebrations

By Aaron Vega & Sharon Konstantinidis

With the 150th Anniversary of the City on the horizon, the Friends of City Hall approached Mayor Garcia about the need to dedicate City Hall, as it had never been done. With that, the Mayor declared a year of celebrations! And so it began!

Long standing annual events like the Holyoke St Patrick’s Day weekend were rebranded with the 150th logo. Unique events like the Great Holyoke Brick Race combined efforts with Doors Open and  The Paper City Food Festival for a Day In the Yoke, making a full day of events for families from all over Western MA.

From the dedication to the closing of the time capsule, Holyoke came together in 2023 to host a variety of community events and celebrate 150 years as a city, a culturally diverse community!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Mayor Joshua Garcia signing 150th birthday card at the Holyoke Senior Center. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE., Senior Center 150th display. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE., Senior Center 150th birthday treats. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE, 150th Birthday cake. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE, Hibernians Celebrate 150th at picnic, (L-R) Nilka Ortiz and Stephen Faye. PHOTO PETER HOGAN, Birthday cake at Concert in the Park celebrating Holyoke’s 150th. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE., Aaron Vega signing 150th Birthday Card at the Concert in the Park event. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE., Sharon Konstantinidis bringing treats for concert-goers at Holyoke’s Concert in the Park event. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE. Signatures on the 150th birthday card. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE.

Origin of Holyoke’s 150th Commemorative Seal

By Jeff Bianchine & Sharon Konstantinidis

As the 150th Committee convened to plan for the upcoming year, it became evident that a distinctive 150th logo was essential for the branding of marketing events, activities, and promotional items. The committee, drawing inspiration from the city seal and previous logos, reviewed several ideas. On September 13, 2022, a logo was chosen, highlighting the iconic tower of City Hall, Mt Tom, and the signature Holyoke purple.

In the Spring of 2022, Jean Jonker, a dedicated Friend of City Hall, brought forth the idea of a commemorative seal to the nascent 150th committee. Jeff Bianchine, a graphic designer, operator of the Print Shop on Main St, and a well-connected figure in the Holyoke art community, was urged by Jonker to create or commission a fitting design for the sesquicentennial celebration. Collaborating with local illustrators Joel Kappenman and Dylan Guzman over several months, Bianchine oversaw the development of the seal’s background, City Hall depiction, and decorative elements. The initial design, rendered in black and white as line art, was later infused with color.

Kappenman, using an iPad, crafted the background—a modern reinterpretation of the original city seal, incorporating communication towers and a hydroelectric dam. Simultaneously, Guzman provided an aerial illustration of City Hall, showcasing the tower’s weathervane - the Friends of City Hall logo. Bianchine combined these illustrations, positioning them behind the medallion seal and a celebratory 150th banner.

The words encircling the seal hold significance, representing the seven figures depicted in the

ballroom’s stained glass windows—a restoration project initiated by the Friends of City Hall in 2013. The collaborative effort resulted in a meaningful and visually striking commemorative seal for Holyoke’s 150th anniversary.

The reveal of the logo took place on the White Lion commemorative can presented at City Hall Dedication. Various items such as sweatshirts, T-shirts, keychains, pins, and stickers featuring the logo were produced by the Print Shop.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSHUA RIVERA.

The Dedication

By Sharon Konstantinidis, Co-Chair

On April 6, 2023, residents, volunteers, elected officials, and the 150th Committee gathered in Holyoke’s beautiful City Hall Ballroom for the dedication of City Hall, over 150 years in the making!

The event began with a march by the Caledonian Pipe Band, a welcome by OPED Director and 150th Committee Co-Chair Aaron Vega, the Presentation of the Colors by American Legion Post 325, the Pledge of Allegiance by youths from the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc., and the National Anthem sung by Aleyana Ramos-Batlle.

Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, the 45th Mayor of Holyoke, provided opening remarks noting that City Hall, the beating heart of Holyoke, welcomes every citizen from all neighborhoods in our diverse, dynamic city. The event included speeches from Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Representative  Patricia Duffy, and an aide to Senator John Velis - Mark Messer, City Councilor Kevin Jordan, Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Jordan Hart, and City Historian Penni Martorell highlighting the construction and history of City Hall. The land dedication was prominently featured by Rhonda Anderson, Indian Affairs and  Larry Spotted Crow Mann who acknowledged and honored the native people of the Holyoke region.

Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir showcased Holyoke’s young talent as a rendering of the dedication plaque was unveiled. The event concluded with music by the Western MA Senior band while guests enjoyed a “Taste of Holyoke” with food provided by several area restaurants including Amedeo’s, Crave Holyoke, El Paraiso Colombiano, Fame, La Isla, Ortiz Café, Taino and 150th Birthday cupcakes provided by Holyoke Preservation Trust.

Thank you to the 150th Co-Chair and Dedication Event Chairperson Sharon Konstantinidis, and all the volunteers that made this event a success.

PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF HOLYOKE

Dedication of Holyoke City Hall

Mayor Garcia’s Dedication Speech

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Good afternoon. And welcome to this momentous occasion.

We’re here today to dedicate — to finally dedicate — the beautiful City Hall that is the beating heart of Holyoke.

Construction was completed 148 years ago but, for reasons unknown, a formal dedication never happened. So now, as we celebrate Holyoke’s 150th anniversary, we’re going to take care of that.

Although built of stone, as so many monuments are, Holyoke’s City Hall is a living, working monument. It welcomes every citizen from every neighborhood in our diverse, dynamic city. It is a monument to democracy and equality.

Our City Hall is majestic, which is fitting, because within its walls we honor and practice the majestic principle of government by and for the people. If our City Hall looks like a palace, that’s because it is: The Peoples’ Palace.

Within these walls are the offices and meeting rooms where we work together to preserve and improve the quality of life for every resident of Holyoke. You see these grand arches? An architect will tell you that an arch consists of two incomplete elements that become strong when they lean on each other. The collaborations that take place inside our City Hall are like that: No one person has all the answers, but by working together — by leaning on each other — we become stronger in our pursuit of all that is best for Holyoke.

The collaborations, negotiations and compromises that drive the engine of city government

extend beyond City limits. In fact, 300 years ago, before Holyoke was a city, it was part of Springfield. 250 years ago, we were part of West Springfield. We have not forgotten our roots and I would be remiss if I didn’t give a special welcome today to West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt. We go back a long way, and we continue to cooperate on regional issues because — just as no man is an island — no city goes it alone. I also want to welcome (other Mayor’s present). And welcome to all our state delegation including our Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, our partners in Government who understand cross-jurisdictional collaboration supporting each other to improve the quality of life for everyone.

I’m going to wrap it up with a few words from my predecessor, Mayor William B.C. Pearsons, Holyoke’s very first mayor, elected in 1873. In his first official address, Mayor Pearsons said he hoped, quote: “Municipal affairs may be administered economically, honestly and judiciously.”

He went into detail about fiscal restraint and prudent oversight and concluded with the words:

“I trust we shall mutually support each other in all just and meritorious measures that may be introduced, or perfected, for the happiness and prosperity of our constituents, in all action that may be taken to advance the

moral, social or physical condition of the people.” What Mayor Pearsons aspired to 150 years ago, and many Mayors before me (some who are here today), I commit to today and I dedicate both City Hall and myself for as long as my cabletow allows, to the people — all the people — of Holyoke and the people of Massachusetts for civic engagement and the practice of good governance.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia marching in the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

Community Three Kings Day Celebration

By Kayla Rodriguez

For over two decades, Nueva Esperanza has illuminated the winter skies of Holyoke with a radiant tradition, the Community Three Kings Day Celebration. Rooted in the heart of the city’s Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean community, this event has blossomed into an annual testament to culture, community, and compassion. With an unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of Puerto Rican heritage, Nueva Esperanza has not only maintained but magnified the significance of el Día de Reyes, a holiday that holds profound meaning in the hearts of many.

The Vision of Nueva Esperanza

Nueva Esperanza, an arts and culture nonprofit, has steadfastly held its role as a catalyst and partner for a vibrant and powerful Puerto Rican and AfroCaribbean community in Holyoke. At its core lies a vision to serve as a hub of culture and creation for this community, and events like the Three Kings Day Celebration perfectly exemplify this aspiration.

Embracing Three Kings Day: A Rich Tradition

El Día de Reyes, or Three Kings Day, has been celebrated in Puerto Rico and throughout the Latin world for generations. On January 6th, this festive occasion marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. In Puerto Rico, the festivities begin the night before, as children place boxes of hay under their beds, anticipating the arrival of the kings and their offerings. This cherished tradition, passed down through the ages, continues to infuse magic into the hearts of Puerto Rican families.

A Resonance in Holyoke

In Holyoke, where Puerto Rican heritage is a living tapestry, the Three Kings Day Celebration has found fertile ground to flourish. With the largest Puerto Rican population per capita of any city in the United States outside of Puerto Rico proper, Holyoke has a unique resonance with this holiday. Nueva Esperanza recognizes the importance of upholding cultural heritage and preserving traditions, ensuring that this celebration resonates deeply with the community it serves.

Nueva Esperanza’s Mosaic of Joy

Collaboration is the cornerstone of Nueva Esperanza’s Three Kings Day Celebration. Bringing together various organizations, the event becomes a testament to unity and shared purpose. Over 500 families, particularly those in need, are embraced by this celebration each year. While there are no limitations on participation, the focus remains on serving low-income Hispanic communities, bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAYLA RODRIGUEZ/NUEVA OF HOLYOKE

A vivacious tapestry of events awaits attendees. The Three Kings, adorned in regal attire, grace the cel ebration, their presence adding a touch of enchant ment to the occasion. As children gather to capture precious memories with these majestic figures, gifts and toys are tenderly bestowed upon them, evoking smiles that illuminate the room.

Honoring Heritage:

A Vibrant Cultural Experience

The sounds of island music fill the air, beckoning attendees to dance and revel in the rhythms of their roots. The celebration embraces traditional island elements, from joyful parrandas to mesmerizing bomba performances. Attendees are treated to an array of culinary delights, including Arroz con Gandules and

potato salad, evoking the flavors of Puerto Rico.

A poignant moment of prayer, led by a pastor, connects the celebration to its sacred origins, offering insight into the biblical narrative that underpins the holiday. The Nativity story, beautifully shared, intertwines faith and culture, reinforcing the bonds that tie Holyoke’s community to its heritage.

Spreading Joy, One Gift at a Time

The true essence of the Three Kings Day Celebration lies in the joy it imparts. Gift-giving takes center stage, as children from infants to teenagers receive presents, often their only gifts during this celebratory season. As they unwrap their treasures, smiles emerge like radiant sunbeams, illuminating the room and warming the hearts of all present.

Interactive activities foster engagement, as families gather to bedeck crowns, write letters to the Three Kings and assemble hay-filled shoe boxes or brown bags, reminiscent of a Puerto Rican childhood tradition. The spirit of creativity thrives, with opportunities for face painting, cookie decoration, and much more.

A Future of Smiles and Surprises

Nueva Esperanza’s Community Three Kings Day Celebration is a tapestry woven from the threads of community, tradition, and compassion. While embracing the present, it also envisions a future where surprises may include a real-life camel, enhancing the authenticity of this cherished holiday.

Generosity forms the cornerstone of this event, with community sponsors and local organizers uniting to create a positive impact that transcends generations. A beacon of cultural pride and unity, this celebration is a living embodiment of Nueva Esperanza’s vision — a hub for community, creation, and culture.

As Three Kings Day continues to light up the winter nights of Holyoke, the luminous smiles it kindles become a testament to the enduring power of traditions, and to a community that stands united, fostering hope, joy, and connection year after year.

Holyoke Pride Committee

By Jeffery Anderson-Burgos

In June, Pride Month celebrations were organized by the Holyoke Pride Committee. The month began with a raising of the Pride flag at City Hall on June 1st. The event, emceed by committee co-founder and city councilor, Juan Anderson-Burgos, included a proclamation presented by Mayor Joshua Garcia. Speakers included Leo Rodriguez from the House of Colors, Councillor Jose Maldonado Velez, as well as a keynote speech from local legend of the LGBTQ+ and drag community, Savannah Rivers-Amore. The event focused on both the spread of rights and acceptance of the community, but also recognizing that efforts to roll back those rights through intimidation and legislation meant that the work needed to continue.

The main event of the month’s celebrations took place on June 17th with the second annual PrideFest. The event showcased talented performers, local vendors of all sorts, and just a little bit of last-minute resiliency. Originally slated to take place at Veterans Park, plans quickly changed the day before the event due to thunderstorms in the forecast, leading to a move to the War Memorial Building.

The event began with words of support and celebration from State Representative Patricia Duffy and State Senator John Velis. For hours, event attendees were treated to exciting performances from a variety of local talents, including Tito Midnight, Damela Cuca DeVille, Richard Parris Scott, Ruby Monroe, Serenity Lockhart, Fanny Lockhart, August Anthony, Peachy Crème, Izzy DunRaven, Mystikk, Veronica Midnight Lockhart, Tytannia Lockhart, Scarlett Nightshade, Mx Christmas, Natalia Fierce, Juana B OnTop, and Savannah Rivers-Amore.

They were also treated to a variety of delicious food from local establishments, shopping the wares of craft vendors, and getting valuable information from many participating local organizations.

Top headliners included Mary Lambert and Jessica Wild. Mary Lambert, a Grammy-nominated and MTV Award-winning singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist, serenaded the crowd with songs that have made her renowned around the world. In an interview with Holyoke Media following the event, Lambert spoke of how inspiring it was to see people come together to make something special happen. She also spoke on the cultural change that had happened with the expansion of rights over the past ten years, but also on the increase of hostility toward the community that had come with more visibility.

She added that it meant this gave more reason to host and participate in Pride celebrations and show itself to be a loving and joyful community. Jessica Wild performed at PrideFest just as the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars was airing, with her appearing as one of its leading contenders. Wild, who originally appeared on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, had become a fan favorite and an inspiration both in the LGBTQ+ community as well as in the Puerto Rican community. In her interview, she spoke on how honored she was to be invited to represent both communities. She added that she loved the support she felt in Holyoke and enjoyed seeing families celebrating the community and united together.

Members of the Holyoke Pride Committee include Juan Anderson-Burgos, Jose Maldonado Velez, Ramon Albizu (a.k.a. Tito Midnight), Jeff Bianchine, Nadia Schuessler, Frank Martinez Lopez, Anne Thalheimer, Jennifer Keitt, and Jeffery Anderson-Burgos.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLYOKE PRIDE COMMITTEE

Noche de San Juan Festival/Cookout

By Kayla Rodriguez

As the sun dips below the horizon on June 23rd, a wave of celebration ripples across Puerto Rico, a tradition known as the Night of San Juan. Just as a firefly’s glow captures the magic of a midsummer’s night, this festivity captures the hearts of Puerto Ricans, drawing them into a tapestry of rituals, beliefs, and unity. Now, transported to Holyoke, the Noche de San Juan Festival takes on new life, bringing the essence of Puerto Rican culture to the heart of the city.

Honoring Saint John the Baptist: A Universal Celebration

With roots tracing back to Saint John the Baptist, the Night of San Juan is a harmonious blend of faith, culture, and community. While the Catholic community marks the saint’s birth, this celebration transcends religious boundaries, inviting people of various beliefs to join in rituals aimed at dispelling misfortune.

The hallmark of the Puerto Rican celebration unfolds on the nights of June 23rd and 24th. Thousands gather by water’s edge, whether it’s the serene embrace of a river, the endless horizon of the sea, or the refreshing depths of a pool. In a symbolic act of purification and renewal, individuals immerse themselves in the water, taking three to nine plunges. This ancient custom carries significance unique to each participant, and as they emerge from the water, they do so with the collective hope of attracting blessings and warding off negativity.

Bridging Tradition:

Noche de San Juan in Holyoke

Nueva Esperanza, in its unceasing dedication to preserving culture and creating connections,

introduced the Noche de San Juan Festival to Holyoke. This vibrant event, now in its third year, weaves the threads of Puerto Rican tradition into the fabric of the city’s own cultural mosaic. In a city not blessed with beaches, Carlos Vega Park stands as the chosen venue, its waters taking the place of the ocean’s embrace.

A Joyful Blend of Customs

Holyoke’s Noche de San Juan Festival is a joyful amalgamation of traditional rituals and

contemporary festivities. The park transforms into a playground of water slides, bounce houses, games, and music, capturing the youthful spirit that resides in everyone. Families gather to create art, fostering a connection between generations while exploring their creative sides.

The heart of this celebration lies in the tantalizing aromas that waft from grills, as the community comes together to indulge in a cookout-style feast. The Arroz y Pernil contest, a culinary battle of

REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO

flavors, ignites friendly competition among Holyoke’s Hispanic restaurants. The community, true to its role as the ultimate judge, selects the top three winners, a tradition that infuses the festival with the thrill of discovery and camaraderie.

A Gateway to Connection and Rebirth

At Carlos Vega Park, the significance of water takes on new dimensions. The water slides mirror the cleansing ritual of Puerto Rico, washing away negativity and inviting fresh beginnings. It becomes a conduit for connection, allowing people to forge new bonds and rekindle old friendships.

As for the bonfires, a tradition that holds a special place in Puerto Rican hearts, perhaps one day the flames will find their home in Holyoke, kindling not just fire but the spirit of the festival itself. The journey of traditions is one of evolution and adaptation, and the Noche de San Juan Festival is an embodiment of this progression.

A Celebration in Unity

Nueva Esperanza’s Noche de San Juan Festival stands as a bridge between cultures, a symbol of unity that defies borders and beliefs. In Holyoke, where diversity reigns and community thrives, this event has found its rightful home. Through its waters and festivities, it carries forth the hope for prosperity, the promise of renewal, and the assurance that, under the midsummer sky, the ties that bind us are stronger than ever.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAYLA RODRIGUEZ/NUEVA OF HOLYOKE

Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke Festival

By Kayla Rodriguez

In the heart of Holyoke, a city pulsating with history and diversity, a new tradition was born in August 2022. The inaugural Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke Festival, a celebration steeped in Puerto Rican culture, emerged as a vibrant addition to Holyoke’s tapestry of events marking its 150th anniversary. With each passing year, this festival promises to become an indelible part of the city’s rich history, forging connections between past and present, faith and festivity, and community and culture.

The Roots of Fiestas Patronales

Originating from the revered Patron Saint Festivals of Puerto Rico, Fiestas Patronales are deeply intertwined with the establishment of municipalities and the profound influence of the Catholic Church during their inception. These celebrations, once purely religious, have evolved over the years, absorbing secular and folkloric elements into their fabric. Today, they stand as grand spectacles renowned for their carnival-like fair attractions, traditional culinary delights, soulstirring music and entertainment, and the preservation of cherished local customs.

In 2022, Holyoke experienced its first taste of the Fiestas Patronales magic. The festival, held in August, marked an exhilarating debut for the city. A celebration that encapsulates the essence of Puerto Rican culture, it was a testament to Holyoke’s vibrant and diverse community.

Honoring the Virgin Guadalupe and Sacred Heart

Each year, Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke pays homage to a different patron saint, drawing a direct

connection to Holyoke’s diverse tapestry of residents. In 2022, The Virgin Guadalupe was honored, while 2023 Sacred Heart was honored. The festivities kicked off with a solemn service at Guadalupe Church, where the community came together in prayer, seeking blessings for the festival, the organizing committee, and the entire Holyoke community.

This spiritual prelude was followed by a ceremony at Veterans Park, dedicated to the chosen patron. In a moment of reflection and unity, binding the community in the spirit of the celebration.

A Vision Brought to Life

The story of Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke is one of vision and determination. This marvelous celebration

was made possible through the initiative of Holyoke’s very first Puerto Rican mayor, Joshua Garcia. Recognizing the potential of bringing this cherished tradition to Holyoke, Mayor Garcia convened a diverse group of community leaders, non-profits, and Hispanic business owners to discuss the feasibility of this grand event.

Out of these discussions emerged Nueva Esperanza Inc., with its strong background in arts and culture, serving as the Fiscal Sponsor. The executive director of Nueva Esperanza Inc. also became an integral member of the organizing committee, lending their expertise to this monumental undertaking. Notable community figures, organization and busi ness owners, including those from

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE

Bar and Grill, Paraiso Colombiano Restaurant, Jibaritos Social Club, and Fiestas Cafe Restaurant, dedicated their time and expertise to the planning and execution of the event. City councilors Jenny Rivera and Jose Maldonado, retired police officer Melvis Romero, and Committee President Melvin Sanchez of Bomba Radio Station contributed their unique skills and knowledge, ensuring that every facet of the festival ran seamlessly.

A Collective Effort for a Unifying Experience

Each committee member played a distinct role, contributing their skills and talents to ensure the festival’s success. The ultimate goal? To provide local

businesses and vendors with an opportunity to thrive and, most importantly, to offer the Holyoke community an unforgettable cultural experience deeply rooted in heritage.

Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke owes its success to the unwavering support of generous sponsors, Holyoke Police Department, Holyoke Fire Department, Board of Health, Department of Public Works, Licensing Dept, Mayor’s office and the dedication of countless volunteers. We deeply appreciate the mayor’s office for their readiness to provide various forms of support for this event. This festival is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, forging bonds that strengthen the very fabric of the city.

A Growing Tradition

In its first year, Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke drew nearly 30,000 (estimated) attendees over the course of four days. By 2023, that number had surged to over 40,000 (estimated), a clear indication of the festival’s growing popularity and its integral role in the community.

As the years roll on, Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke promises to become an enduring and cherished part of Holyoke’s history, a bridge between the city’s rich past and its vibrant future. This festival is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the power of community, culture, and unity in shaping the destiny of a city. Holyoke’s 150th anniversary is marked not only by its past but also by the promise of a brighter and more culturally connected future, thanks to the Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke Festival.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN HARPER

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Holyoke: Greek Festival

By Sharon Konstantinidis

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Holyoke, once again, shared their Greek culture and rich history with the surrounding community during a mini– Greek Festival. Visitors enjoyed Greek cuisine, music, vendors, and of course, those famous Greek pastries!! Tours were offered where participants were visibly in awe of the byzantine iconography, wood sculpting, stained-glass windows and inquisitive to hear about the Orthodox faith.

Holy Trinity Church has been a strong staple of Holyoke’s Christian community since 1917. From individuals and families to the hungry and the homeless, Holy Trinity is committed to serving the ever-growing needs of the community. During the festival the “ice-cream emergency” mobile food truck was invited to provide the community with free ice-cream Sundae’s with toppings… including a baklava topping!!

The Greek Orthodox community of Holyoke traces its beginnings to about the year 1900. By 1905, there were approximately 25 individuals of Greek extraction living and working in the “Paper City.” The paper and textile mills which dominated the industrial base of the area required willing hands and strong backs to produce their goods. A steady influx of immigrants continued to swell the ranks of the Hellenic population, so that by 1910 there were several hundred persons, whose native language was Greek, residing in Holyoke. In those early years, the Holyoke residents were compelled to travel to Springfield for church - a ten-mile distance by trolley and back again. As their numbers grew, however, they began to consider the possibility of holding church services closer to home. Today, Holy Trinity Church is one of 500 parishes among the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

As Holyoke celebrates its 150th Anniversary, Holy Trinity’s presence will continue to serve the hungry and homeless and administer to those in need through its many outreach programs, community partnerships, and even a mini festival!!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHARON KONSTANTINIDIS

Doors Open Holyoke 2023

By Marie Brazaeu

The Third Annual Doors Open Holyoke was an amazing success and a perfect collaboration with the 150th Anniversary Celebration. Holyoke saw a busy and fun day of events on October 14th with the Day in the Yoke’ Events including the Great Holyoke Brick Race, Pioneer Valley Makers Fair, and the Paper City Food Festival. Local community organizations, small businesses, city officials and community leaders came together to celebrate across the paper city.

Doors Open Holyoke, in its third year,  provides an opportunity to discover hidden architectural gems in the city of Holyoke, and to see behind doors that are rarely open to the public for free. The goal is to connect people to local destinations in Holyoke of cultural, historical and architectural significance, bridging communities and inspire new perspectives. The first Doors Open took place in France in 1984, and the concept has spread to other places in Europe, North America, and elsewhere.

Doors Open 2023 had 17 locations! Each of these unique sites demonstrates the best Holyoke has to offer. From historical institutions to contemporary buildings these places show what makes Holyoke so special. Thank you to all the sites for opening their doors to the community for a day of fun:

H.H. Richardson Train Station

International Volleyball Hall of Fame

Holyoke Fire Department

Wistariahurst Museum

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Massachusetts Academy of Ballet

Open Square

Children’s Museum at Holyoke

MIFA Victory Theatre

Girls Inc. of the Valley

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Holyoke Heritage State Park

HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute

Masonic Temple / Mount Tom Masonic Lodge

Print Shop

United Congregational Church of Holyoke

LightHouse Holyoke, Second Floor of the STEAM Building

Donald Sanders, executive artistic director of the MIFA Victory Theatre in Holyoke is with a restored portion of a mural that used to hang in the theatre. The panel can be seen at the Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN

CENTER: The fourth floor of the Open Square development on Open Square Way is home to a variety of businesses from law offices to dance schools — one more unseen part of the city opened up by Doors Open Holyoke, Oct. 15, 2022.

7- year-old Mason Lalchandani of Holyoke plays at the Air-Maze at the Children’s Museum at Holyoke.

TOP: Mayor Garcia. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE

TOP

PHOTO BY DAVE CANTON / THE REPUBLICAN.

TOP RIGHT:

PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN

BOTTOM RIGHT: Holyoke Heritage State Park. PHOTO BY DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN

CENTER: A look inside of Lighthouse Holyoke on Race Street. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

Historical Tours of Greater Holyoke

By Bob Comeau

The Historical Tours of Greater Holyoke has conducted public tours since 2015. During this special year – the 150th anniversary of Holyoke as a city – tours have focused on both locations that are celebrating their own anniversaries or entities that are promoting Holyoke in 1873.

Community Field and Anniversary Field, celebrating centennials in 2023, held a joint tour to the two fields. Ashley Reservoir has commemorated its 150th anniversary with a special historical tour around the scenic body of water. A special “Sesquicentennial Ramble through Historic Holyoke” tour offered participants the chance to imagine what older buildings were like in 1873, such as those on Chestnut, Maple, and High Streets. The iconic Holyoke Canal Tour participants walked from the First Level Canal through the Holyoke Heritage State Park to the pedestrian bridge on the Second Level Canal. The tour focused on the design and function of the canal, noting its historical points about important mills. The group toured the Hadley Falls Workers’ Housing, the Boat Lock Station, and lastly the gatehouse of the Holyoke Canal.

Historical Tours of Greater Holyoke has offered public and private tours in Holyoke, South Hadley, and Chicopee for 9 years now. Tours are given on parks, streets, reservoirs, churches, canals, and cemeteries. In past years, tours have included Holyoke Heritage Trail, Olmsted Landscapes in Holyoke, Four Churches in the Highlands, and Veterans Park. In coming years, a presentation series called “A House in Holyoke through Time” will resume, and a new presentation series called “A Mill in Holyoke through Time” will begin. Holyoke is a very complex city with a vibrant past and

a hopeful future. People love learning about Holyoke whether they have lived here a long time or are newcomers. Hopefully, the many venues in the city that offer insights into its history will continue to do so and will gather more people into its ventures. One can only hope that in 2073, at the bicentennial of the city, there will be those that will enjoy the past and the present of Holyoke.

The Unforgettable Legacy of the Great Holyoke Brick Race

By Jeff Bianchine

Holyoke’s rich history is woven with unique traditions, and among them stands the Great Holyoke Brick Race.  This annual event on Race Street along Holyoke’s picturesque canals, has enchanted audiences since 2011.

Conceived by artists Bruce Fowler and the late Dean Nimmer to highlight a growing art scene, it has evolved into a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community spirit in our downtown. Beyond a test of speed, the race is a canvas for ingenuity and artistic expression. Participants transform ordinary bricks into miniature masterpieces, showcasing a kaleidoscope of creativity — from outrageous and unique concepts to meticulously crafted race cars.

This event has become a platform for Holyoke’s art ists, residents, and tourists to challenge themselves and defy conventions of traditional racing. As rolling works of art traverse a custom concrete track, Holyoke’s creative spirit comes alive, transcending galleries and finding expression in a gravity-powered street race. From a whimsical idea first held each June, it has grown into an annual October extravaganza, drawing generations together with pillars of friendly competition and artistic expression.

The race symbolizes the city’s commitment to innovation and community engagement. Not just entertainment, the race weaves a sense of camaraderie into Holyoke’s social fabric, fostering connections among residents and emphasizing shared experiences. Looking forward, organizers envision the race embracing new technologies while preserving the simple joy of sending bricks down a track.

In 2023, the creative community mourned Dean Nimmer’s loss, whose vibrant personality and contributions shaped the race’s identity. His dedication

TOP: A large crowd watches a heat in Great Holyoke Brick Race on Race Street. PHOTO BY DAVE ROBACK/ THE REPUBLICAN.

LEFT: Dean Nimmer a founder of the race was the Master of Ceremony in Great Holyoke Brick Race on Race Street in Holyoke on October 15, 2022. PHOTO BY DAVE ROBACK/THE REPUBLICAN.

to creativity and innovation continues to inspire. As Holyoke celebrates 150 years, we acknowledge Dean’s profound impact on the city’s cultural landscape. His legacy lives on in the joyful chaos of racing bricks and the countless artists he influenced.

The Great Holyoke Brick Race stands as a living tradition, a testament to the city’s ability to embrace the unconventional and celebrate its unique identity. As we turn the pages of Holyoke’s history, let’s also anticipate the chapters yet to be written by the rolling bricks that continue to define Holyoke’s dynamic legacy.

TOP: Great Holyoke Brick Race winners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE.

LEFT: Dean Nimmer explaining the rules to the participants, 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE.

RIGHT: Images from the Great Holyoke Brick Race. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE.

Paper City Food Festival

By Jordan Hart Executive Director, Greater Holyoke Chamber

The Paper City Food Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the resilient spirit of the community, serving as a catalyst for unity and celebration. This annual event, a collaborative effort between the Greater Holyoke Chamber and Invitir Holyoke, transcends its culinary roots to become a joyous convergence of diverse cultures, local businesses, and musical talents. As a post-pandemic initiative, it has played a pivotal role in revitalizing our downtown area, breathing life back into restaurants, and creating a platform for local musicians to showcase their art.

In the heart of Holyoke, the festival transforms the streets into a gastronomic haven, featuring an array of culinary delights from the city’s diverse restaurants. It goes beyond being a mere food event; it’s a communal celebration that brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our shared identity. The aroma of delectable dishes wafts through the air, beckoning residents and visitors alike to savor the rich flavors that encapsulate the essence of Holyoke.

The partnership between the Greater Holyoke Chamber and Invitir Holyoke symbolizes the harmonious collaboration between two organizations with distinct cultural backgrounds. This synergy has not only facilitated the success of the Paper City Food Festival but has also become a model for bridging cultural differences and fostering collaboration for the greater good. Together, they have worked tirelessly to create an event that not only showcases the city’s culinary prowess but also serves as a powerful tool for community building.

Post-COVID-19, the festival has become a beacon of hope for downtown businesses and restaurants,

offering them a much-needed platform for recovery. The bustling streets during the festival signify a community that is resilient, supportive, and eager to rebuild. The local musicians, carefully curated to represent the diverse talents within Holyoke, add a melodic backdrop to the festivities, turning the event into a multi-sensory experience that resonates with all who attend.

In essence, the Paper City Food Festival is more than a gastronomic extravaganza – it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the unyielding spirit that defines Holyoke. It stands as a shining example of how partnerships can bridge cultural gaps, rebuild economies, and bring people together in the name of shared joy and prosperity.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE

Holyoke’s 150th Gala: An Unforgettable Evening Celebrating the City’s Past, Present and Future

By Jeffrey Cattel

The Paper City’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration culminated with Holyoke’s 150th Masquerade Costume Gala. The sold out, historic event was held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at City Hall. The Gala drew over 300 attendees, bringing together long-term residents and newcomers alike to celebrate Holyoke’s storied past and its bright future. Guests were dressed to the nines in stunning outfits and exquisite masks.  Candlelit stairs led guests to the Grand Ballroom, which was transformed into an elegant event space prominently featuring Holyoke’s signature purple hue. Tables included stunning floral and candelabra centerpieces. Attendees enjoyed food catered by The Log Cabin and music from Maxxtone and Holyoke Civic Symphony.

The Gala featured a silent auction on the first floor, boasting over 50 items generously contributed by local businesses. Unique offerings included experiences like a ride to school in a fire truck from the Holyoke Fire Department and a chance to have dinner with Mayor Joshua Garcia. Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to restore the historic stained-glass windows in the Grand Ballroom.

The Gala’s was made possible thanks to the meticulous planning of the Friends of City Hall, especially Kathy McKean, Joseph Charles, Christopher Gauthier, Olivia Mausel, Jean Jonker, Zina Tissi, and Clancy Bolona.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE

Time Capsule

By Aaron Vega and Sharon Konstantinidis

The City of Holyoke made history! “This is the moment” said 150th Committee Co-Chair Aaron Vega, after he asked those in attendance to “…take a deep breath and take it all in. The time capsule is a gift to the future generations of Holyoke, to experience what this vibrant and diverse City offered.”

After a year and half of planning and a year-long series of events, the celebratory year concluded on Thursday, December 7, 2023, in the City Hall Ballroom foyer, with the sealing of the Capsule; not to be opened until 2073.

Sharon Konstantinidis, 150th Committee CoChair, acknowledged that the idea to have a time capsule was due to Friends of City Hall members,

“The 150th Anniversary celebration has been a constant reminder of Holyoke’s riches, its bygone days, and it’s exhilarating future. Coming together as a community to celebrate one another’s cultures, food, music, and traditions has brought immense joy to me and my family.”

- Mayor Garcia

Jean Jonker and Olivia Mausel. She stated that “this was no easy feat to pull off” and gave credit to OPED’s Christine Berge for her support in acquiring, cataloging, and photographing items”. Konstantinidis stated

that “I had the pleasure of playing Vanna White, as late as this morning”, as over 100 treasures showcasing the City’s past, present, and future were videotaped by Holyoke Media for future viewing.

Aaron Vega worked closely with Mike Stone and the team at CoFab, a local fabrication company, to construct a custom-made Volleyball trophy structure to be home for the two preservation boxes.

ABOVE Holyoke city employees and community members posed for a photo with the Time Capsule volleyball trophy at the Time Capsule Closing event in the City Hall Auditorium Foyer, Dec. 7, 2023.

PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

He stated that “this task was not without its challeng es, and completion came down to the wire!” When asked about this experience, Mike Stone proudly mentioned the collaboration efforts amongst the local fabrication businesses stating that “he hoped that the time capsule and Volleyball trophy would be used in 2073 for the next 50 years for new items”.

To ensure Holyoke’s past is well represented, Konstantinidis stated that various items included would reflect the history, culture, and achievements of Holyoke. The time capsule was filled with Holyoke High School & Dean Technical High School sports apparel, including a football helmet; several books either about Holyoke or written by Holyoke authors; and a volleyball signed by the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. Also included are previous anniversary publications, 150th merchandise, items from various Holyoke businesses, restaurants, organizations, and 2023 events.

RIGHT The Cofab Design Team wheeling in and assembling the Time Capsule volleyball trophy.

PHOTOS SHARON KONSTANTINIDIS

BELOW Jordan Hart, executive director at Greater Holyoke Chamber, and Holyoke mayor Joshua A. Garcia put the box containing over 100 Holyoke-related items into the Time Capsule.

PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

“One of our favorite submissions”, Konstantinidis stated “spearheaded by OPED’s Stephanie Colon, were questionnaires by 5th Grade students, self-portraits, and all, about what they liked to do in Holyoke. Visiting the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside was number one; these students will be 60 years old when the time capsule opens!”

Konstantinidis shared “I will have fond memories of the 150th Anniversary, especially all things time capsule and commemorative book, as my final chapter with the City of Holyoke is coming to a close with my pending retirement. It has been an honor to be part of Holyoke’s history.”

“I am thankful to have witnessed this historic event,” notes Vega, “and I wonder what those in 2073 will think when it is opened?”

If you want to know more about Holyoke’s happenings: visit exploreholyoke�org

TOP ROW: A ‘Letter to the Future Mayor’ from Holyoke mayor Joshua A. Garcia that was put into the into the Time Capsule volleyball trophy containing over 100 Holyoke-related items at the Time Capsule Closing event. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN

BOTTOM ROW: Aaron Vega, Director of Planning & Economic Development for the City of Holyoke, and Co-chair of Holyoke’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations Sharon Konstantinidis. PHOTO BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, Images of some of the items placed int he time capsule. PHOTOS SHARON KONSTANTINIDIS.

Eat, Drink and Be Holyoke

By The Holyoke Rotary Club

The Holyoke Rotary Club was proud to bring back Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke, a premier tasting fundraiser and silent auction on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The event took place in the Holyoke City Hall Ballroom and was the final celebration event of the 150th Anniversary celebrations.

The event, which was on hiatus from 2019 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a welcome return. The Holyoke Rotary Club has a long and rich history within the community and was honored to be included in the 150th celebrations.

Over 300 Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke tickets were sold, raising more than $20,000 to help support Holyoke Rotary Club initiatives. The proceeds help provide scholarships to high school seniors, food resources to those in need, and funding towards international clean water projects. Previous projects supported by the Holyoke Rotary Club from Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke funds have included contributions towards the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts Inclusive Playground at Kennedy Field, the media room at the Holyoke Library, K-9 vests for the Holyoke Police Department, and literacy projects with Kelly School and Holyoke Boys’ and Girls’ Club, among others. Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke would not have been possible without the event sponsors and generous donations of participating local restaurants and beverage providers. The event sponsors included platinum sponsor Holyoke Medical Center, and silver sponsors Center for School Crisis Intervention & Assessment, Dowd Insurance, Marcotte Ford, and PeoplesBank. Food and beverages were proudly provided by 110 Grill, Amedeo’s, Brennan’s

Place, Crave, Fame, Hamel’s Summit View, Kate’s Kitchen, Ortiz Family Café, Pics Pub, Rusty’s Place, White Hut, and Woodstone Tavern.

ABOVE: Art Lobdell, of Holyoke Rotary Club, at ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Holyoke’ fundraising event held in Holyoke City Hall Auditorium Ballroom, Dec. 7, 2023.

TOP RIGHT: Dustin Mendenhall, of 110 Grill at Holyoke Mall, served guests.

MIDDLE: Myra Ahern at Holyoke Rotary Club’s ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Holyoke’ fundraising event.

RIGHT: Mike Zucco, of Quality Beverage, showed the products to guests.

PHOTOS BY HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN.

Holyoke Demographics:

Holyoke City Hall Coordinates: 42°12’23” N, 72°36’27” W

Population: ...................................................................... 37, 929

Per capita income ....................................................... $25,744

Median income: ............................................................. 45, 045

Elevation: 200 ft (60 m)

Highest elevation (Mount Tom) 1,202 ft (366 m)

Race

Hispanic or Latino ........................................................ 21, 909 White 16, 524 Black or African American 963 American Indian/Alaska Native ..................... 31

............................................................................... 224 Some other race ...................................................... 34 Two or more races 476

Political affiliation (11/7/23)

................................................................ 9, 243

1, 738

Holyoke Facts:

1� Holyoke’s population rose from just under 5,000 in 1860 to over 60,000 in 1920.

2 � Today Latinos form the city’s largest minority group, with the largest Puerto Rican population per capita of any American city outside Puerto Rico proper, at 44.7%. The entire Latino population of Holyoke, as of the 2010 census, was 19,313, or 48.4% of the city’s population of 39,880.

3

� The Holyoke Dam and the City’s canal system produce over 65% of the City’s electrical power at some of the lowest utility rates in New England and, as of 2016, between 85% and 90% of the city’s energy was carbon neutral, with administrative goals in place to reach 100% in the future.

4

� Commonly referred to as “The Paper City”, at one point over 25 paper mills were in operation in the city and 80% of writing paper used in the US was made in Holyoke. The first and last paper mill to operate in the city was Parsons Paper Co.

5

� Current Paper Companies: Hazen Paper; Sonoco; and United Paper Box. Current Printing companies: Hadley, Hitchcock, Marcus, and Mansir.

6

9, 275 Tax Rate (per $1000) FY22:

Water rate (FY19) ......................................................... .47/100 gallons

Sewer rate (FY23) ......................................................... $7.50/1000 gallons

� Long-Standing Manufacturing - R.R. LeDuc (1967) specializes in precision sheet metal and custom powder coating, producing a variety of products for the communication, military, medical, electronics, and commercial industries; Ederon, (1976) is a subcontract puzzle manufacturer and cuts over 12 million puzzles per year, distributing to all the major retailers throughout the country containing the “Made in the USA” label; United Paper Box (1979) produces “Made in Holyoke” packaging including Elizabeth Taylor’s white diamond perfume box; and Meridian Industrial Group (1981) has been producing parts for patriot missiles to 30,000 LB pieces used for hydroelectric dams, specializing in large part CNC precision manufactory.

7� Local Long-Standing Food Establishment: Nick’s Nest since 1921.

8 Long-Standing Pizza Places: Capris Pizza 50+; Dinos Pizza 48+; Amedeo’s 38+; Pizza D’ Action 35+; and Italian Friendly 30+

9� Local Long-Standing Restaurants: Schermerhorn’s 100+; JP’s 38+; Delaney House 27+.

10� Newly Opened Restaurants: Fame, White Hut, La Isla, and Donovan’s.

Index

Symbols

77th Infantry Division 73

110 Grill 169

150th Gala 163

AAgawam 19

Ahern, Myra 169

Aiken, Susan 14, 184

Albizu (a.k.a. Tito Midnight), Ramon 150

Algonquian 15

Alianza 84, 99

Amedeo’s 145, 169, 170

American Federation of Labor 31

American Legion Post 325 145

American Writing Paper Company 31, 38

Amherst 63, 76

Ancient Order of Hibernians 67, 68

Anderson-Burgos, Jeffery 4, 149, 150

Anderson-Burgos, Juan C. 12, 149, 150, 182

Andrew, Elizabeth 4

Anniversary Hill Park 38, 113

Anniversary Hill Project 133

Ansel, Rosemarie M. 105

Anthony, August 149

Appleton Corporation 130

Appleton Street 23, 36, 65, 71, 72, 75, 89, 90, 111, 127

Arce, Miguel 56

Armstrong, Price 14, 184

Arnold, Nicole 14, 184

Arnold, Rosemary 14, 184

Arroz y Pernil 151

Ashley Reservoir 13, 27

Aubrey, Michelle 14, 184

Ayala, Ashley 115 B

B-17 Flying Fortress 73

Baez, Ed 14, 184

Bannister, Matthew 131

Baptist Village 15

Bard College 85

Bard Microcollege 85

Bartley, David K. 12, 182

Bernard, Barbara 71

Baseball Hall of Fame 59

Basketball Hall of Fame 130

Bass, Kevin 58

Battlefield Block 56

Battle of El Caney (Cuba) 31

Bauman, Dr. Julia 36

Bay of Biscay 72

Bayron, Jose 14, 184

Bay State Hat Company 46

Baystate Health 54

Bay State Motors 117

Beauchemin 16

Beaudoin, Raymond O. 72

Beaudry, Patrick 14, 184

Beauty Nook Salon 46

Beech Street 31, 101

Belfield, Netherlands 81

Belfield Volleyball Club 81

Berge, Christine 4, 14, 184

Berrios, Maria 56

Bethlehem Baptist Community Church 42, 88

Beyond Walls 3, 81, 95, 139, 140, 141

Bianchine, Jeff 3, 4

Bishop, Steve 78

Bisko Kaba group with WOFA 135

BKFoxx 141

Black Rose Trucking 115

Bliven, Shannon 14, 184

Board, Daphne 14, 184

boathouse at Holyoke Rows on Jones Ferry 134

Boat Lock Station 158

Bolona, Clancy 163

B OnTop, Juana 149

Bordalo II, 140

Boricic, Aleksandar 78

Boston Bud 142

Bowler, Bernice 14, 184

Bowler, Elbert 14, 184

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke 48, 96, 97, 128, 145

Bracero Act 46

Brattleboro, Vermont 76

Brazeau, Marie 4, 156

Brennan, Bo 58, 169

Brennan, Pat 58, 169

Brian Boru Club 68

Brick Race 104, 143, 156, 159, 160

Brightside 107

Bronx Bombers 59

Brooks, William 94

Broughan, Sister Elizabeth 109

Brouillette, Len 14, 184

Brunelle, Deb 14, 184

Brunell, Erin 14, 184

Buck, Jack 59

Burgos, Juan Anderson 4

Burke, Mike 95

Burns, Christine 4, 104

Burns-Johnson, Paul 14, 184

Burt & Lyman 24

Busby, Helene 14, 184

CCaballero-Roca, Gloria 14, 184

Cabot Street 26, 30, 88

George Cahill 59

Caledonian Pipes and Drums 68, 145

California Angels 58

Cameron, Zach 58

Canal Tour 158

Canal Village 20

Cana Provisions 142

Cannabis 142

Cannabis Control Committee 142

Holyoke Canoe Club 30

Canton, Massachusetts 127

Capris Pizza 170

The Care Center 85, 137

Carriage House 82

Carvalho III, Joseph 2, 19, 54, 87

Casey, Karen 70

Casey, Rory 14, 184

Caspar Ranger Lumber yard 40

Cassin Academy of Irish Dance 97

Caswell, Taylor 90

Cathedral High School 109

Cattel, Jeffrey 163

Cavanaugh, Eileen 96

Center for School Crisis Intervention & Assessment 169

Central Massachusetts Machine Inc. 129

Centro de Restauración Emanuel, Inc 52, 88

Champagne, Julius 62

Charles, Joseph 15, 163

Chase, Henry A. 65

Chateau Thierry 36

Cherry Hill 74

Chicopee 3, 84, 92, 102, 103, 132, 158

Children’s Museum 49, 57, 62, 117, 136, 156, 157

Chile 107

Chinese Educational Mission 29

Christian Pentecostal Church 88

Christiansen, Jens 16

Christmas, Mx 149

Chung, Nathan 14, 184

City Sports Bar and Grill 154

Civic Symphony, Holyoke 61, 163

Civilian Conservation Corps 41

Civil Rights March 45

Clancy, Tom 68

Clough, James A. 65

CML Iglesia 88

CNC precision manufactory 170

Cocchi, Nicholas 97

CoFab 166

Cofab Design Team 167

Cokotis, Fr. Tom 89

Collamore, William R. 14, 184

Colon, Jorge 14, 184

Colon, Stephanie 3, 4, 139, 168

Colón, Yadilette Rivera 14, 184

Comeau, Bob 158

Comeau, Robert 3, 4, 16, 158

Commemorative Seal 144

Company D (Holyoke Company) of the Second Massachusetts Regiment 31, 36

Condon, Nancy 4

Congregation Rodphey Sholom 33, 87, 88

Congregation Sons of Zion 87, 88

Conklin Office Furniture 116

Connecticut 19, 21, 22, 27, 36, 46, 55, 85, 87, 107, 108, 121, 123, 137, 138

Connecticut River 19, 21, 22, 27, 85, 87, 108, 121, 123, 137, 138

Connecticut River Railroad (CRRR) 19

Connecticut Valley 36, 46

Connecticut Valley Lumber Company 36

Connor, Roger 59

Conway, Paula 81

Cooper-Gordon, Theresa 14, 184

Correra, Jose 14, 184

CP1 141

Crafts Tavern and Inn 39

Crave Holyoke 145

Craven Jr., Harry 120

Craven Sr., Harry 120

Craven, Kate Sullivan 121

Craven, Mary 120

Creed, Thomas 14, 184

Crème, Peachy 149

Crescentini, Marco 14, 184

Cronenworth, Jake 58

Cronin, Claire 70

Cronin, Maureen 14, 184

Crosby, Eileen 4, 19, 54

Crosby, Sarah 85

Crosier Field 111

Cruz, Kyong 14, 184

Curran, Kelly 4

Curtis, Lawrence 127

Cutting, Mark 14, 184

DDalhausser, Phil 78, 79

Damela Cuca DeVille 149

Damon, Tim 14, 184

Davis, Jamie 78

Day, Dennis 68

Dazed 142

Dean Technical High School 167

DeBoer, Kathy 79

Dedication 144, 145, 146

Delaney House 170

Del Pilar-Morales, Dr. Esteban A. 14, 184

Denette, Mike 132

Descheneaux, Tyler 58

Dhaliwal, Gurinder 14, 184

Dia de la Familia Hispana 50

Día de Reyes 147

Dibble, Frank 66

Dillon, Virginia K. 109

Dinos Pizza 170

DiPino, Frank 58

Dodge, Michael 14, 184

Donahue School playground 134

Donovan’s 170

Doors Open Holyoke 156

Dowd Insurance 169

Downie, Mara 70

Dreikorn’s Bakery 30

Driscoll, Lt. Gov. Kim 74, 145, 146

Duffy, Representative Patricia 11, 127, 145, 149, 158

Dugre, Cheryl 14, 184

Dukakis, Michael S. 135

Dulude, Tony 14, 184

Dunay, Christopher 14, 184

Dunlap, Mark 14, 184

DunRaven, Izzy 149

Dwight, Minnie Ryan 43, 45

Dwight, Mrs. W. G. 111

EEast Coast Pharms 142

East – West Mountain range 18

Eat, Drink and Be Holyoke 169

Ebenezer Assembly of God 88

Ederon 170

Eger, Carl 4, 14, 184

Eger JR, Carl 14, 184

El Corazón de Holyoke 81

El Corazon Project 140

Elms College 109, 134

El Olivar Pentecostal Church 88

El Paraiso Colombiano 145

Enlace de Familias 51, 86

Envirofoil® 119

Escobar, Sixto 42

E.T. Bosworth Company 27

Eureka! Program 92

Evangelical Lutheran Society 26

Ewing, George C. 20, 22

FFairbanks & Company 20

Falcetti, Michael 14, 184

Falco Brass Band 38

Farr Alpaca Company 28, 38, 39

Faye, Stephen 4, 14, 143, 184

Feliciano-Sims, Irene 14, 184

Fernandez, Ada 51

Fernandez, Rafael 51

Fierce, Natalia 149

Fiestas Cafe Restaurant 154

Fiestas Patronales 153, 154

Finegold + Alexander Architects 67

First Baptist Church 87, 88, 90

First Baptist Society of Ireland Parish 19

First Congregational Church of Holyoke 87

First Congregational Society of Ireland Parish 19

First Lutheran Church 87, 88

First Methodist Society 23

First Presbyterian Society 30

Flanagan, Callie 14, 184

Fournier, Chris 14, 184

Fowler, Bruce 159

France 72, 156

French Canadians 24

Friends of City Hall 3, 4, 17, 143, 144, 163, 166

Frost, Dr. George E. 63, 64

G

Gala 2, 163

Galvan, Sylvia 56

Gándara 91

Gándara’s Community Housing Program 91

Gándara’s NOEL Cancer Prevention and Screening Program 91

Gándara’s Residential Services for Women (GRSW) 91

Garcia, Mayor Joshua A. 2, 8, 14, 54, 56, 74, 118, 143, 145, 146, 149, 163, 167, 168, 184

Garcia, Priscilla 14, 184

Garcia, Stefany 4

Gary Rome Car Wash Dog Wash & Detail Center 117

Gary Rome Hyundai 117, 118

Gaughan, John 69

Gaughan, Kim 69

Gauthie, Christopher 14, 184

Gauthier, Christopher H. 4, 14, 15, 16, 163, 184

Gazillo, Chelsea 14, 184

Gebo, Robert 91

Genesis Spiritual Life Center 108

German 24, 29, 31, 32, 34, 73

Germania Woolen Mills 24

Germany 73, 119, 136

Gibson, Terry 14, 184

Girls Inc. of the Valley 92, 93, 156

Givner, Kocayne S. 12, 14, 182, 184

Glasheen, Abby Rose 70

Glica, Cappie 14, 184

Gloutak Field 134

Goldstein Brothers Amusement Company 76

Goldstein, Nathan E. 76

Goldstein, Samuel 76

Goldstein-Sommers, Mimi 76

Gonsalves, Sean 14, 184

Goodwin, Doris Kearns 68

Gore, Frederick 60, 97, 139, 140

Gosselin, Beth 14, 184

Grace Church 46

Grace Congregational Society 31

Grady, Barbara 14, 184

Granby 52, 104

Grande, Ben 129

Grande, Steve 129

Grande, Steven E. 129

Granger, Sister Denise 90

Graziani, Sante 66

Greater Holyoke Chamber 3, 114, 117, 118, 161, 167

Greek Festival 155

Greek Orthodox 36, 87, 88, 89, 155, 156

Green, David 58

Greenfield 76

Green High Performance Computing Center 53

Greenleaf, Oriah 24

Gulluni, Hampden District Attorney Anthony 97

Guzman, Dylan 144 H

Hadley 19-22, 24, 27, 35, 55, 104, 122-123, 158, 170

Hadley Falls Company 19, 20, 21, 22, 24

Hadley Falls Legal Tender bill. 22

Hamel’s Summit View 169

Hampden Freeman Newspaper 22

Hampden Street 23, 32, 93, 111, 120

Harbilas, Bill N. 14, 184

Har, Jordan 4

Harkins, Reverend Patrick 107

Harris, Paul 104

Hart, Jordan 4, 14, 114, 145, 161, 167, 184

Hastings, Ruth-Ann 124

Havourd, Donald 119

Hazen, John 119

Hazen Paper Company 119

HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute 156

Headline Studios Massachusetts 2

Healey, Gov. Maura T. 74

Healy, Fran 59

Healy, Gerald 69

Hernandez, Libby 14, 184

Hernandez, Rev. Wilfredo 46

Herschel, Clemens 30, 35

H.H. Richardson Train Station 156

Hickey, John 135, 136

Highlands Methodist Episcopal Church 30

Hillside Residence 107, 108

Historical Commission 3

Hitchcock 170

Hodnicki, Jill A. 19, 54

Hoey III, Francis 14, 184

Hohenberger, Dennis 78, 142

Holy Cross Parish 88

Holyoke City Council 12, 182

Holyoke Community College 3, 46, 61, 63, 64, 67, 80, 99, 118

Holyoke Crossing 113

Holyoke Dam 35, 122, 170

Holyoke Elks 59

Holyoke Fire Department 154, 156, 163

Holyoke Gas & Electric 33, 54, 90, 121

Holyoke Health Center 81, 98

Holyoke Heritage State Park 4, 16, 50, 51, 52, 62, 104, 113, 135, 136, 156, 157, 158

Holyoke High School 22, 27, 29, 31, 33, 46, 47, 58, 61, 63, 68, 70, 80, 118, 133, 134, 145, 167

Holyoke Home for the Aged 36

Holyoke Housing Authority (HHA) 99

Holyoke Junior College 46, 63

Holyoke Lumber Company 27

Holyoke Machine Works 28

Holyoke Mall 13, 47, 48, 49, 106, 124, 125, 126, 131, 168

Holyoke Medical Center 101, 102, 103, 111, 169

Holyoke Millers Baseball Team 47, 48

Holyoke Mirror 24

Holyoke Parks and Recreation 133

Holyoke Preservation Trust, Inc. 16

Holyoke Public Library 19-30, 32-37, 39, 41-43, 46-48, 52, 65-67, 104

Holyoke Rotary Club 4, 36, 54, 104, 133, 169

Holyoke Rows 134, 137, 138

Holyoke St Patrick’s Day Parade 43, 68, 69

Holyoke Scientific Association 66

Holyoke Soldiers Home 43, 54

Holyoke’s Opera House 29

Holyoke Testing Flume 30

Holyoke Transcript 24, 30, 43, 50, 51

Holyoke War Memorial Building 13

Holyoke Waterpower Company 33, 24, 65, 121

Holyoke Youth Museum 82

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 8789, 155, 156

Homework House 109, 110

Horan, Carolyn 14, 184

Horan, Catherine 107

Horan, Jeffrey 14, 184

House of Colors 86, 149

Howard Johnson Motel 45

Hurricane Maria 86

Hyry-Dermith, Dalila 14, 184

IIglesia Apostólica Cristiana de Bethsaida 88

Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostal 46, 47

Iglesia de Dios Evangelica Inc 89

Iglesia de Dios Palabra de Vida 89

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal 89

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI 89

Iglesia de Jesucristo Ministerio Agape 89

Iglesia del Dios Soberano 89

Iglesia de Poder & Uncion, Inc 89

Iglesia Fuego Santo 89

Iglesia Moradora De Zion 89

Iglesia Pentecostal Fuego de Dios 89

Iglesia Pentecostal La Senda Antigua 89

Iglesia Pentecostal Palabra de Verdad 89

Iglesia Pentecostal Poder Transformador 89

Iglesia Union Cristiana Tabernáculo 89

Immaculate Conception 33, 89, 109

Ingleside Mall 113

Interstate 91 46, 63

Invitir Holyoke 161

Ireland 15, 19, 20, 22, 24, 70, 136

Ireland Parish 15, 19, 20, 22, 24

Irish Catholic 87

Isaza-Villegas, Orlando 56

Italian Friendly 170

Italian Progressive Society 32

Italy 78, 79, 119, 136 J

Jacobs, Juelz 97

Jacobson, Lenny 70

Jerry Rome Motor Company 117

Jerry Rome Nissan 117

Jibaritos Social Club 154

Johnson, Michelle 2

Jones Act 36

Jones Point Park 134

Jonker, Jean 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 144, 163, 166, 184

Jourdain, Kevin A. 12, 182

JP’s 170

Junior League of Holyoke 40, 62

J & W Jolly 129

KKaeppel, Hugo 42

Kane, Michael F. 90

Kappenman, Joel 144

Kass, Tom 19, 54

Kate’s Kitchen 104, 128, 169

Kates, Mary 66

Keane, Catie 70

Keane, Timothy 14, 184

Keith Construction, Inc. 127

Keitt, Jennifer 4, 14, 150, 184

Keller, Sue 128

Kennedy, John F. 68

Keough, Jill 90

Kidwell, David 61

Kietner, Joseph 14, 184

Kilborne, Katherine Skinner 82

Kindred Behavioral Health 54

King, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther 105

Kingston, Ontario 107, 108

Kittredge, Michael 47

Klinge, Wayne 14, 184

Knapik, Michael R. 90

Knights of Columbus 68

Knights of Labor 30

Knox, Josh 14, 184

Kocziusczko Club 31

Konstantinidis, Sharon 3-4, 71, 83, 143145, 148, 155, 166-168

Kreutzmann, EJ 58

Kruckemeyer, Kate 14, 184

Kumar, Jay 132

Kwinitekw River 18

LLabrie, Steph 116

Ladd, Phyllis 107

La Isla 145, 170

Lake, Steve 58

Lalchandani, Mason 157

Lambert, Mary 149

Landau, Amy 14, 184

Langdon, Elena 14, 184

La Primera Iglesia de Dios Inc 89

Larivee, Elizabeth 14, 184

La Ruta del Sabor 86

Latino Christian 87

Lauren Niles Associate 14, 184

Lavelle, James M. 14, 90, 184

Leahy, Caroline 70

Lebron-Martinez, Gladys 14, 184

Lebron-Martinez, Jessica 14, 184

LeDuc, R.R. 170

Lefebvre, Jason 14, 184

Lefebvre, Mildred 14, 184

Lehmann, Al 14, 184

Leja, Frank 59

Lewis, Emily Georgia 61

LGBTQ+ 149, 150

LightHouse Holyoke 156

Little Salinas 55

Living Stone Assembly of God 89

Lobdell, Art 169

Lockhart, Fanny 149

Lockhart, Serenity 149

Lockhart, Tytannia 149

Lockhart, Veronica Midnight 149

Loehr, Gustav 104

The Log Cabin 85, 163

Loman, Doug 58

Lombardozzi, Stephen 58

Loomis House 36

Loomis, William 36

Loomis, W. S. 65

Lopez, Diosdado 51

Lopez, Frank Martinez 86, 150

Lopez, Nelson 14, 184

Lopez, Rosanna 14, 184

Luchini’s Family Restaurant 52

Luciano, Anthony 14, 184

LuxLeaf 142

Luzuriaga, Denis 14, 184

Lyman Mills 23, 24, 42

Lyman Street 28, 117

Lyman Terrace 42, 100

Lynch, Ellen 63

MMacGrath-Smith, Meagan 16

MacGregor, Rebecca 101, 111

Machado, Victor 14, 184

John S. Mackenzie 72

Mackenzie. Muller. Beaudoin 72

Mackenzie Stadium 47, 52, 58, 60, 134

MacLaim, Case 140

Macy’s 126

Madrigal Choir 145

Maestrini, Larissa França 78-79

Magrath-Smith, Meagan 14, 184

Mainville, Matthew 14, 184

Makarov, Leonid 61

Maldonado, Jose 149, 150, 154, 182, 184

Mancini, Trey 58

Manitoo (Great Spirit) 18

Mann, Larry Spotted Crow 18, 145

Mansir 170

Maple Street 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 55, 88, 89, 111, 117

Maragliotti, Vincent 77

March on City Hall 49

Marcotte Ford 128, 169

Marcus 170

Casa Maria 46, 47, 55

marijuana 53, 54

Marrero, Dennis 100

Marrero, Marcos 14, 184

Martinez, Rev. Joel A. 89

Martin J. Dunn Energy Center 121

Martin, Tánaiste Micheal 70

Martorell, Penni 4, 19, 54, 145

Mary’s Meadow 108

Masonic Temple 156

Massachusetts Academy of Ballet 156

Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts 76, 77

Massachusetts State Dinosaur, Podokesaurus holyokensis 20 Mass in Motion 3, 4

Matchemungqus 18

Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic parish 32

Mausel, Olivia 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 163, 166, 184

Maxxtone 163

Mayfield, Phillip 46

Mazzola, Joseph Charles 4, 14, 15, 184

McCarthy, Jack 14, 184

McCollum, Dian 14, 184

McCormick, Jr., John B. 32

McCullough, David 68

McDonnell, Bishop Timothy A. 90

McEvady, Cathy 70

McGee, Brenna 14, 184

McGee, Todd 12, 182

McGiverin, Joseph M. 12, 182

McGivern, Kelly 70

McKay, Robert 104

McKean, Kathy 4, 163

McNally Field 50, 53, 134

McNiff, Russell 68

Medina, Betty 50, 56, 86

Meier-Zimbler, Sarah 99

Mendenhall, Dustin 169

Meridian Industrial Group 129, 170

Merrick Thread Company 41

Merrick Thread Mill 24

Merry-Go-Round 50, 136

Messer, Mark 145

Mettey, George 14, 184

MIFA Victory Theatre 156

Mill River flood 82

Milwaukee 58

Miracle League of Western Mass Playground 133

Mishe-Toonupasug (Great Turtle) 18

Missionary Church 89

Mitchell (Cynthia Woods) Funds 77

Molnar, David 61

Monahan, Mary L. 14, 184

Monarch Civic and Social Club 43

Monroe, Ruby 149

Montano, Juan 14, 184

Mont Marie Senior Residence 90

Moquin, Jonathan 14, 184

Moquin, Jr., Jonathan 14, 184

Morales, Endy 58, 60

Morgan, Wiliam J. 81, 94

Morgan, William G. 31, 78, 79

Moriarty, Jr., Cornelius J. 123

Moriarty, Mary 14, 184

Moriarty, Michael 14, 184

Morrison, Jennifer 70

Morrissey, Sister Jane F. 109

Morse, Alex 17, 52

Mosher Street 30

Mountain Park 31, 33, 50, 51, 71, 120, 136

Mountain View Baptist Church 89

Mount Holyoke 18, 63, 65, 85

Mount Tom 13, 20, 33, 47, 48, 53, 73, 156, 170

Moving to Work (MTW) 99

Mowll and Rand 76

Mt Tom Ski Area 120

Mueller LNG Solar 121

Muller, Joseph E. 72

Mulry, George 14, 78, 79, 80, 184

Murphy-Romboletti, Tessa R. 12, 182

Murphy, Tom 58

Mystikk 149

NNaismith, James 94

National Blank Book Company 42

National Endowment for the Humanities 136

Naturalization Act (Bracero Act) 46

The Nautilus 32

Neal, Congressman Richard E. 9, 74, 95

NECBL Champions 58

Nekoda, Katsutoshi 78, 79

Nekoda, Reiko 78

Nelson, Andrew 90

New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) 58

New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO) 130

New Hope Church of God in Christ 90

Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi 97

Nick Cosmos Way 96, 97

Nick’s Nest 170

Nieves, Carmen 84

Nightshade, Scarlett 149

Niles, Lauren 14, 184

Nimmer, Dean 159, 160

Nipmuc 18

Nipmuc Creation Story 18

Noche de San Juan Festival 151, 152

Nonatuck 18

Northampton 19, 22, 76, 88, 101

Northampton militia 22

North Carolina 107

Northeast Regionals 59

Nuestras Raices 51

Nueva Esperanza 3, 4, 49, 52, 55, 56, 81, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 154

Nunez, Franchesca 14, 184

OO’Brien, Pat 68

O’Connell Companies 93, 130

O’Connell, Daniel 130

O’Connor, John “Jinx” 59

O’Dair, Liz 14, 184

O’Hara, Maureen 68

Okinawa 73

Olmstead 16

Olver, Congressman John 90

Open Square 156

Open Square Way 157

Operation Bootstrap 43

Ortiz Family Café 145, 169

Maribel Ortiz 14, 184

Ortiz, Maribel 14, 184

Ortiz, Nilka 143

O’Sullivan, Kathleen Theresa 68

Our Lady of Guadalupe 52

Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic parish 30

Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel 108

PPagán, María G. 14, 65, 66, 184

Palombella, Peter 16

Panitch, Mimi 14, 184

Panitch, Sue Ellen 4

Panlilio, Curtis 2

Pantoja, Rosa 14, 184

Paper City Food Festival 143, 156, 161, 162

Paraiso Colombiano Restaurant 154

Parker, Suzanne 92

Parsons, J. C. 65

Parsons Paper Co. 23, 25, 30, 32, 52, 65, 170

Parsons Paper Mill 22, 23, 32

Partee, Morriss 14, 184

Pasialis, Liana 14, 184

Passage of the Organic Act of 1900 33

Patronales Festival 2

Pearsons, Mayor William B.C. 146

Peck Middle School 55

Pedlar Banking Center 131

Pennings, Dr. Frederik 103

PeoplesBank 131, 169

The People’s College 33

Perdrizet, John 14, 184

Perpetual Help Roman Catholic parish 31

Perrier, Nicole 14, 184

Phaneuf, Wayne E. 2, 19, 54

Philadelphia Mummer String Band 68

Pics Pub 169

Pierce, Stephanie 4

Pilar-Morales, Dr. Esteban A. Del 14, 184

Pittsfield 76, 107

Pizza D’ Action 170

Pluta, Elaine 17, 52, 90

Pocomtuck 18

Podokesaurus holyokensis 20

Poland 136

Holyoke Police Department 80, 154, 169

Porter, Chuck 58

Poulin, Eric 58

Prandi, Silvano 78, 79

Precious Blood Roman Catholic parish 26

Preissler, Katherine 135

Pride Committee 149, 150

PrideFest 149, 150

Prill, Sebastian 4

Print Shop 3, 144, 156

Proprietors of Locks and Canals 20

Providence Hospital 29, 107

Providence Place 108

Puello, Will 12, 182

Puerto Rican Parade 49, 146

Puerto Rico 31, 33, 36, 46, 55, 79, 136, 139, 140, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 170

Pynchon, William 19

QQuality Beverage 169

Quebec 136

Queen of Vaudeville 36

Quinneticut River 19

Quinn, Sister Mary 90

Quinones, Antonio 14, 184

R

Rain or Shine Club 36

Ramos-Batlle, Aleyana 145

Reichelt, Mayor William 146

Republican, The 2

Reynolds, Tom 133

Ricklas, Louis 117

Ridge, Thomas 68

Riley, John 19

Riondato, Matteo 14, 184

Rivera, Israel 12, 14, 182, 184

Rivera, Jenny 154

Rivera, Pricilla 4

Rivera, Vero 140

Rivers-Amore, Savannah 149

River Valley Counseling Center 105

Road Race 68, 69, 70

Roberts Field Sports Complex 133

Rodriguez, Kayla 3, 4, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153

Rodriguez, Leo 149

Rodriguez, Lizabeth 14, 15, 184

Rodriguez, Navae 4, 14, 184

Rodriguez, Yolanda 115

Bill Rogers 68

Julita Rojas 14, 184

Rojas, Julita 14, 184

Roland Pouliot Pool 97

Rome, Dorothy 117

Rome, Gary 117, 118

Rome, Jerry 117

Romero, Gustavo O. 14, 184

Romero, Melvis 154

Rome, Samuel 117

Rua, Laddy 75

Ruiz, Yumilka 79

RuPaul’s Drag Race 150

Rusty’s Place 169

Ruth, Babe 59

Ryan, Laura 70

S

Sacred Heart 29, 46, 52, 55, 153

Sacred Heart Church 46

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic 29

Saint-Mihiel 36

Salazar, Luis 14, 184

Salgado-Cartagena, Maria 55

Sanabria, Marilyn 14, 184

Sanchez, Melvin 154

Sanders, Don 76

Sanders, Donald 77, 156

Santiago, Lillian 56

Sargeant St. 29

Sbrisca, Amanda 63

Scanlon, Abigail 62

Schermerhorn’s 170

Schiele, Silvester 104

Schuessler, Nadia 14, 150, 184

Scott, Richard Parris 149

Scott Tower 41

Segunda Iglesia Mana del Cielo 90

Seidel, Henry “Butch” 14, 184

Seiler, Megan 82

Sendlewski, Garrett 98

Senior Center 71, 143

Sepulveda, Edwin David 139

ServiceNet 106

Seven Day Adventist Church 90

Sharpe, Mimi 4

Shewchuk, Mary Ellen 16

Shorey, Hiram E. 104

Sik, Yau Foke 29

Simison, Cynthia G. 2, 72, 94, 109

Sisters of Notre Dame 26

Sisters of Providence 88, 107, 108

Sisters of St. Joseph 88, 90, 109

sitting volleyball 80, 81

Skinner, Belle 82

Skinner Coffee House 33

Skinner, Joseph Allen 66

Skinner Mill 27, 29, 62

Skinner, Sarah 82

Skinner & Sons Mill 135

Skinnerville 82

Skinner, William 28, 65, 77, 82

Slater, Jane 137, 138

Smith’s Ferry clubhouse 30

Soldiers’ Home 54, 74, 102

Sonoco 170

Sons of Zion Synagogue 33

Soto, Anthony 14, 184

Soto, Estrella (Chloe) 4

Soto, Hector “Picky” 79

South Hadley 22, 27, 104, 158

South Hadley Falls 22, 27

South Holyoke 33, 50, 55, 56, 100

Spanish American Club 53

Spanish American Men’s Softball League 53

Spanish American War 31

Spradley, Willie 14, 184

Springdale Park 13

Springfield 2, 19, 20, 24, 29, 55, 74, 76, 84, 87, 88, 90, 92, 94, 104, 107, 109, 130, 146, 155

Stack, Robert 68

Stain glass restoration 17

Steiger’s Department Store 31, 42

St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic parish 23, 26

Stone, Mike 166, 167

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 90, 104, 156

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 90

Stursburg, Hermann 24

Sullivan, James N. 130

Sullivan, Michael 14, 184

Sutter, James 14, 184

Sykes, Kristen 14, 184

T

Taino 145

Tallman, Peter 12, 182

Tallman, Peter R. 12, 182

Tanguay, Eva 36

Taupier, William 63

Templo Pentecostal La Hermosa 90

Teshner, Anne 85

Thalheimer, Anne 14, 150, 184

“The Paper City” 170

Thermoforming 132

Thibodeau, Kate 19, 54

Thomas, Creed 14, 184

Three Kings Festival 2, 147, 148

Time Capsule 3, 166, 167, 168

Timmins, Amy 106

Timmons, PhD., George 63

Tissi, Zina 4, 16, 163

Tito Midnight 149, 150

Towne, Elizabeth 32, 37

Trask, Jeffrey A. 14, 184

Treeger, Don 18, 62, 71, 77, 89, 97, 127, 130, 156, 157

Trolley Park 31

True Deliverance Church of God 90

Truelieve 142

Tulchinsky, Vadim 16

UUbiera, Ruben 141

Unitarian Society 28

United Congregational Church of Holyoke 90, 156

United Paper Box 170

Universal Plastics 132

Urbina, Ruben 53

USS Remlik 72

V

Vacon, Linda 12, 182

Valley Blue Sox 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 134

Vecinos/Neighbors 51

Vega, Aaron 3, 4, 14, 71, 83, 113, 142, 143, 145, 166, 168, 184

Vega, Carlos 3, 56, 82, 100, 151, 152

Vega, Isabella 14, 184

Velez, Jose Maldonado 12, 14, 149, 150, 182, 184

Velis, State Senator John C. 10, 64, 149

Verdun 36

Veteran’s Services Department 73

Veterans Memorial Park 13

Victory Theatre 76, 77, 156

Viens, Kathy 95

Vining, Mrs. R.S. 111

Virgin Guadalupe 153

Visiting Nurse Association 111

Volleyball 31, 47, 62, 78-81, 136, 156, 166, 167

Volleyball Hall of Fame 47, 62, 78, 136, 156

Vottero, Jane Johnson 63

Vulopas, Fr. Harry 89

W

Walker, William J. 43

Walnut Street 27

Ware 76

War Memorial Building 71, 72, 75, 149

Warner, Milan P. 35

Warren, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth 8

Wdowiak, Tanya 14, 184

Wedamen, Sarah 14, 137, 184

Weidinger, Mike 58

Welch, Don 14, 184

Welch, Smiling Mickey 59

Westover Field 73

West Springfield 19, 20, 87, 90, 146

Whelihan, John G. 14, 184

White Hut 169, 170

Whiting Paper Co 24

Whiting Reservoir 13

Whiting, William 65, 101

Wild, Jessica 149-150

Wildman, Jim 127

Wilhelm, Carl 28

Wilhelm Collection 24, 28, 34, 37

Willcox, Frank G. 66

Williamsburg 82

William Skinner’s Unquomonk Silk Mill 28

Williams, Rosalee Tensley 14, 184

Willimansett 19, 22

Wilson, Aaron 14, 184

Wilson, Ellie 14, 184

WinnDevelopment 127

Wistariahurst 3, 4, 19-22, 26, 33, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48-52, 54, 57, 66, 82, 136, 156

Wistariahurst Museum 3, 4, 19-22, 26, 33, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48,-52, 54, 57, 136, 156

Wohlers, Mark 59

Women’s Civic League 38

Wongprasert, Shanrit 78, 79

Woodstone Tavern 169

Work Progress Administration 77

World ParaVolley 80

World War I 72, 75

Wright Pond 27

Wydra, MaryKay 14, 184

Wylie Jr., J.H. 94

YYankee Candle 47, 124

Yankee Pedlar Inn 54

YMCA 31, 33, 71, 78, 80, 94, 95

Z

Zarrillo, Michael 58

Zide, Michael 137, 138

Zucco, Mike 169