Historic North Adams

44 Eagle Street: The Flatiron Building

2019-01-24T19:18:55+00:00

Hayden Block: The Multipurpose Social Hub of North Adams

The Flatiron Building, 38-44 Eagle Street, also called the Hayden Block, was originally built as a singular floor unit in 1830. Later on, the building was given two additional floors in 1866; thus making it a three story structure, which was accessible by Eagle and Church Street. Subsequently, the building was modified by the addition of its northern tip. The addition removed two large bay windows on the northern facade, and created the tip of the building. Consequently, Hayden Block was officially given its flatiron shape. Overall, the building was done in a Italianate style, and made out of clapboard, a brick foundation, and given a heavy wood cornice flat roof.

Following the completion of the building, Hayden Block welcomed a handful of successful businesses during the late nineteenth century. One of the original establishments was the Elephant Boot and Shoe Store, which was headed by Francis Clark and James Mandeville during the 1890’s. The company, which operated out of 44 Eagle Street, was one of the area's first boot and shoe sale destinations, that specialized in shoe repair and shoe shining. Boland's, which was a retail store, circulated out of 38 Eagle Street. During this time, Hayden Block was under the ownership of Shepherd Thayer. Thayer was rather well known throughout the community due to his service as Justice of Peace for the town of North Adams.

Prior to World War I, Hayden Block was home to a wide variety of businesses. One of many establishments during this time period, Yon & Bissaillon, became a well-to-do furniture dealer and upholsterer. Yon and Bissaillon sold carpets, oilcloths, stoves, tinware, furniture, and many more home related goods. The Flatiron Building was slowly but surely becoming a place for businesses to prosper, and many entrepreneurs took note of this. One of those entrepreneurs was James Nagel. Nagel opened up one of the city’s first barber shops in the late 1890's--Nagel's Barber Shop--which operated out of 44 Eagle Street

Following the end of World War I, the Flatiron Building was regarded as a hub of North Adams. The building housed a Chinese Laundry out of 38 Eagle Street, which was owned by Sang Lee--a Chinese immigrant. Furthermore, Morris Sokolove ran a clothing, repair, and pressing shop out of 40 Eagle Streets doorfront. In addition to that, James Nagel's barber shop remained in business even after the financial troubles of World War I. Even though Hayden's Block housed numerous businesses after World War I, many of them eventually ended up vacant due to the Great Depression during the 1930's. It wouldn't be until the financial support of World War II, that the building would once again flourish.

The Baptist Church purchased the Flatiron Building in 1962. After acquiring the building, the local Baptist Church devised a restoration plan for the building. Of the businesses up for restoration, Torchy's Shoe Repair, which operated out of 44 Eagle Street, was included in the plans for renovation. Anthony J. Sacco, an elected commander of the Legion Post in North Adams, and a WWII veteran, took over Torchy’s Shoe Repair on April 1, 1965, changing the name to Tony’s Shoe Service. The business was rather profitable, and it remained in service for fifteen years.

From the 1970's to the 1990's, the Flatiron Building started to lose its luster. Many of the previous businesses ultimately closed up shop, or moved location; thus leaving many storefronts vacant. Nevertheless, during the 1970's, 38 Eagle Street became home to Sam Charlie’s Laundry for over fifteen years. In addition to that, Paul's Barber Shop, and Tony's Shoe Service circulated out of Hayden Block. In the 1980's, the buildings main use transitioned from retail to studio and gallery spaces. 40 Eagle Street saw the addition of DiLego's Deli, and Saint Cyr's Music Studio in 44 Eagle Street. By 1990, however, many of these businesses had moved or closed.

Presently, much of Hayden Block remains vacant, with many of the storefronts remaining as galleries. Nonetheless, the building has become an Airbnb hotspot. Even though today the Hayden Block is not the business hub it once was, the entirety of Eagle Street is expected to be revitalized, in the prospect of returning Eagle Street to its former glory. Hopefully the Flatiron Building will soon be filled with businesses and commerce yet again.

For more (including 10 images) view the original article

St. Francis of Assisi

2019-01-24T19:19:10+00:00

No trace now remains of this large church that was one of the most prominent landmarks in a city of steeples.

Located at the intersection of Eagle and Union Streets, for over 125 years, St. Francis served Catholic parishioners in North Adams and was the oldest Catholic church building in town before being torn down in 2017.
It was Catholic immigrants who first brought Catholicism to North Adams. In the early 1800s several Catholic Irish families settled in North Adams, Massachusetts and were only able to receive mass tri-monthly from Father Edward Cavanaugh. The first mass in this area was held in the home of a Kildare, Ireland native: Michael Ryan. Father Charles Lynch who first came to this community as an assistant in 1860 was later appointed as the parish's priest and around November 1862, bought land on Eagle Street to begin building the church edifice. The first cornerstone was officially laid in the summer of 1867. Father Burke later bought the Arnold Property on Eagle Street for over $20,000. It was decided that this property would be used as a residence for the local pastors.
In 1956 the roof of the church was reaching an extremely dangerous condition and needed immediate attention. The slate needed to be replaced and work needed to be done on the brick and wood. This cost the church around $50,000 at the time. Repairing the roof was only the beginning in the building program for St. Francis. St. Francis began this building program, with the help of donations from parishioners, in 1960 to both expand as well as rebuild and update their properties. This project was delayed for several years until the Sisters of St. Joseph were relocated from their convent so that a new rectory for local priests could be built. Building this new rectory was expected to be around $300,000 at the time.
In addition to this change, in 1961 their plans included tearing down their new property on 93 Eagle Street to make a new parking area. Following the construction and continuous operation of five buildings (the church, the two schools, the rectory, and the convent) St. Francis fell into a debt of $699,000. In the mid- to late-1980s the church was in need of repairing their 12 foot cross placed at the top the 125 foot tower, along with a plan to re-landscape their property after lightning struck the property 30 years prior. With the last exterior work being done in 1914 this plan was put into place with a cost of $14,000 to complete.
In 2007 it was found that much needed repairs for the church would cost more than a million dollars that they did not have. Only a year later, the church closed its door and most churchgoers attended a nearby parish: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, across from MASS MoCA. In 2016, the doors were still closed and the steeple became a serious hazard as it began to collapse. Since the church had been closed for a number of years, the cost of repairs being too high, and due to the safety concerns that urgently needed to be taken care of, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield decided to take immediate steps to demolish the church.
Today the property where a historic church once stood, with many passing through the doors over one hundred twenty five years, remains empty with no definite plans to occupy the space.
For more (including 9 images) view the original article

27 Eagle Street

2019-01-24T19:19:23+00:00

Home to a over a one-hundred year tradition of small businesses serving North Adams.

27 Eagle Street has seen an influx of different businesses since it was first built as a home in 1816. The first owner of the home was Jared Damon, who owned much of the street in the 1800s. He likely used the house for part of his saddle and harness business. In the later nineteenth century the house changed hands on several occasions without a steady owner, or business occupying the space.
Nearly a hundred years after first being built, 27 Eagle street became home to the Standard Mercantile Co. Grocery Store. While this was not the only grocery store in North Adams, they were known for their quality service, as noted in most of their advertisements. The grocery store occupied 27 Eagle street for about ten years until 1926 when a shoe store bought out the space. The Self Service Shoe Store moved onto Eagle Street from a different location in North Adams, and would eventually celebrate their fourteenth anniversary on Eagle street. According to their advertisements they offered the best deals on shoes in the town. Nearly ten years later, in 1935 the Self Service Shoe store would move in location, but still remain on Eagle Street. While both the grocery store and shoe store had ownership over 27 Eagle street they occupied the lower levels of the building. Different and multiple tenants occupied the upper levels of the building throughout this time.
In 1937 the Mazza brothers took up ownership of the location, and opened what would eventually become the locally famous bakery Molly’s. The bakery was originally based in Williamstown, but moved to the larger location on Eagle street in 1937 to keep up with popular demand. In 1966 Kurt Halder took over the bakery after it was closed for a short time when the brothers retired. Halder opened and closed multiple locations of the bakery in his 18 years of ownership, but always made sure the baking was done at the Eagle St. location.
Judy and William Tietgen brought the bakery from him on January, 10th 1984 after working under Halder the previous few months. At this point the bakery had a loyal local following, and in 1987 the Pavlak family took over the bakery and would own it for the next ten years. The final owners of Molly’s Bakery purchased the store in 1998 from the Pavlakis, after it was closed for the first half of the year. Kevin and Lorraine Poette were happy to bring the bakery back to the locals who did not want to see their beloved long time bakery close. Ten years later, however, the bakery closed for the last time in March 2008.
In more recent years 27 Eagle street has served as a home to multiple small businesses under several different owners. After Molly's Bakery closed, The Party Place, a party supply store, opened at the location, and remained open until about 2011. At one point, for a very short time an artist supply shop took up business in the building. Next there was a small gift shop. Eagle Street Artisans sold locally made art, small gifts, jewelry and other goods made by Berkshire artists. This artisan consignment shop, which opened in 2016 closed in 2018. It remains to be seen what will come next to continue the long history of small businesses at 27 Eagle Street.
For more (including 9 images) view the original article

Jack's Hot Dog Stand

2019-01-24T19:19:34+00:00

Jack's Hot Dog Stand has been in the same location for over a 100 years and continues today to be one of the city's most iconic locales.

Many North Adams’ residents are familiar with 12 Eagle Street as only where Jack’s Hot Dogs exists, but before that and into the 1920s, there were multiple businesses and people who occupied the spaces of 12 Eagle Street before it was just one location. In the 1910 business directory of North Adams, many businesses are listed as residing in 12 Eagle Street. Before Jack’s even existed there was a Book Binder under the name of North Adams Blank Book Co., an Arts Goods and picture frame producer owned by R. E. Schouler, an optician named Guilford, and Uncle James provided typewriters and supplies from 12 Eagle as well. In 1917, the year Jack’s opened, there still was not a listing for Jack’s Hot Dogs in the business directory. W.H, Morrissey, a plumber, had his information in the business directory, R. E. Schouler was still selling art goods and photo supplies, and E.H Babcock was operating out of the building as a locksmith. In the 1921 directory, Belding Sign Shops and Jack’s Hot Dogs joined the list.
Boasting that they have the same grill they have used since first opening, Jack’s Hot Dogs has been a family business since 1917, Despite the immense changes that have taken place in North Adams over the past 100 years, they continue to remain a treasured part of the community. After World War II Jack’s was able to boast of a returning veteran eating over 50 hot dogs in a contest. Jack’s also held a hotdog eating contest between representatives from then then North Adams State College (currently Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) and students from Williams college in 1985. This was an event that brought attention to Jack’s, and local college students into the community.
The setup of Jack’s has remained very similar throughout the hundred years it has been in business but there have been challenges. In the early months of 2000, Jack’s was looking to move to Main Street, North Adams. After deliberating, they eventually ended up keeping the original location and opening a second one in Adams, which later closed.
Jack’s has weathered a hundred years in North Adams, which is an accomplishment for any business, but doubly so in a town that has seen better years for business. The current owners, who are direct descendants of the original owners, plan to keep Jack’s open for as long as they can.
For more (including 6 images) view the original article

9-13 Eagle Street

2019-01-24T19:19:37+00:00

Starting with a reputation as a great place to find seafood, 9-13 Eagle St. evolved to house long-standing clothing and jewelry shops.

Many different businesses resided at 9 Eagle Street that had an impact on the community over the course of the twentieth century. First known as Rope’s Fish Market in the 1920s and then Whitcomb’s Fish Market, it was finally bought as the Favreau Brother’s Market and renamed Saulnier’s Market in 1930 by Wilfred F. Saulnier who remained in charge for over thirty-five years of excellent service in North Adams. Saulnier’s specialized in seafood which is what they were known for. Wilfred Saulnier closed the market doors on September 2, 1967 after over thirty-five years of business in North Adams, leaving a mark on the community.
The property was then sold to John J. Levanos, proprietor of Jack’s Hot Dog Stand. In 1968 the space that used to be Saulnier’s Market was then renovated and made available for new business to come in. Center Sports Goods was looking to move from their Main Street location at the time so as a result, the owner Fred M. Levey decided to move the business to 9 Eagle Street in 1968. Center Sports Goods was at this location until they closed in the 1980s.
The jewelry stores that resided at 13 Eagle Street also made their mark on Eagle Street and the community of North Adams. First known as Pharmer’s Jewelers in the 1930s managed by Harry B. Jolley, this was later bought on February 8th 1943 and was renamed Jolley Jeweler’s. At that point it was owned by Harry B. Jolley and co-owned by his wife Elizabeth Jolley which shows how involved they were with their new business. Jolley sold everything from silver plates and silverware to wedding rings and watches. Jolley Jeweler’s closed its doors in May of 1971 and the property was put up for sale.
Louis and Susan Chalifoux were looking to open up their very own clothing store and 13 Eagle Street seemed like the very place to establish it. The Feminine Twist was opened in 1976 by another husband and wife dynamic duo at 13 Eagle Street eager and excited to get into the business scene. In the early 1980s they left 13 Eagle Street and moved to their location at 85 Main Street. Soon after the well-known Sprague Electric closed The Feminine Twist followed in 1985, leaving yet another legacy on Eagle Street and in the small town of North Adams Massachusetts.
For more (including 9 images) view the original article

43-51 Eagle Street:

2019-01-24T19:19:44+00:00

At various times, you could buy cigars, clothing, toys, and books at the stores here.

Everyone has errands to run and things to buy, and from the 1870’s to the present day, 43-51 Eagle Street, also known as the Jane A. Cady block, would always make it onto your list of places to go. Starting in the 1860’s William Bradford owned the properties and his daughter Jane A. Cady inherited the block after her father's passing. She soon turned the block into a thriving business area. Having a hardware store and grocery next to other meant that families could do their shopping together.
After Jane Cady passed away the buildings were sold and split between Simon Kronick and Jacob Lenhoff who transformed the block into a Cash Market and a Clothing Store respectively at 49 Eagle Street. In 1897 at 49 Eagle Street, you would find T.M Calnan’s Cigar Store, a pillar in the community where men from all over town gather to share stories while buying and smoking cigars. Also at 49 Eagle Street, Troy Cash Grocery & Meat Market was another booming business that sold high quality foods at low costs. Troy’s was the place where everyone went to buy their groceries and see familiar faces while shopping. This was a well liked shop in the community where men could relax and enjoy each other’s company.
For many years after until 1925, the People’s Cash Market by Kronick was a booming business. Located at 45 Eagle Street, this market sold all sorts of differing groceries. Another longtime business beside the Cash Market is Lenhoff’s Guarantee Clothiers. However an unfortunate fire in 1927, caused the store to have repeated sales in attempt to get rid of damaged goods in hopes of recovering some profit.
Another staple business in the North Adams community was Sam Hirsh’s Drug Store. If you needed medicine to ease aching pain, this drug store was a great place to find remedies to get better. In 1949, the Readyhough Flowers at 44 Eagle Street was a great place to find the items to win over the hearts of your beau. However, its time on Eagle Street was short lived and the business moved a few years later to 371 Eagle Street.
In 1958, Jack’s Army & Clothing Store first opened and is still a longtime resident on 49 Eagle Street. The store was known for their low prices and quality materials. Jack’s Army and Clothing store catered to men, women and children. The next business, the Pepper Tree, opened 1974 as a popular boutique at 43 Eagle Street. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Valmore Richards, sold things that appealed to the young and old, including jewelry as well as embroidery and knitting. The shop also specialized in Christmas wreaths and ornaments.
In 1975, the happiest place in North Adams was the Dickory Dock, a toy store. The store at this time moved from 15 Eagle Street to 45 Eagle Street because of the need for more space to meet the growing demand for their products . The store had two levels. Two years later, The Corner Attic at 48 Eagle Street was a place that let people buy and sell used books. It also served as a jewelry and wood art store. The Corner Attic was an ideal place for many everyday items all in one place.
Together, these stories show the important legacy and impact of businesses found at 43-51 Eagle Street in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
For more (including 12 images) view the original article

12-16 Eagle Street: The Decker Block

2019-01-24T19:19:59+00:00

The rich history of this building block has almost always included a barber shop.

12-16 Eagle Street was known as the Decker Block throughout the 1800s. This simple brick building stands only a short walk from Main St and houses one of the longest existing restaurants that has been on Eagle St.
A devastating fire made its way through the Decker Block in the mid-1800s, leaving behind a shell. The current building was built in its place. The Decker brothers, Isaac and Edwin, the current owners at the time, completed the renovations around 1876.
The building itself has had two other owners beside the brothers. The Witherall family owned the building during the early half of the twentieth century. The building was then sold to longtime renters, Mary and Jufros Levanos. It is currently owned by Jeff Levanos and is now oftentimes referred to as the Levanos Building.
Several businesses have been located in both buildings. Very few records have survived from the earlier building and the earliest ads that have been found starts as early as 1900. These ads help to provide a timeline of how long these businesses were located here.
Looking for a good locksmith and handy man? In the early half of the twentieth century, Mr. Eugene H. Babcock could have helped you. Located on the second floor of 12 Eagle Street, Mr. Babcock’s shop was located there from 1900 to 1952.
Looking for a specialized art and photo shop supply store? Also located on the second floor of 12 Eagles was Mr. R. E. Schouler. He sold art and photo supplies in his shop from 1903 to 1921.
Next door, 14 Eagle Street has had a long history of housing barbers. Ferris Barber Shop was located here from 1970 to 1973. Ferris many not have been there long but there has almost always been a barber shop since then. Norm’s Barber Shop moved in to Eagle Street in 1974 and it was at least there until the 1980s. The current barber shop, Klipper Kingz, has been there since 2008.
The longest resident of 12 Eagle Street, beating out Mr. Babcock for being in business there for the longest, is Jack’s Hot Dog Stand. 2017 was the 100th anniversary for this little restaurant. This tiny hole-in-the-wall of a restaurant might be small but it is worth stopping by.
The Levanos Building or more commonly known as the Decker Block has been standing for over 140 years. It has housed many different businesses and owners of the building has changed several times. Who knows what the next hundred years could bring?
For more (including 7 images) view the original article

19-21 Eagle Street

2019-01-24T19:20:11+00:00

A butcher shop and a photography studio have occupied this building in a history dating back to the 1800s.

The city of North Adams has a long and vibrant history. While it now a bustling, artistic town, in the past it was largely known for its industry and business, including those businesses found on Eagle Street.
The history of 19 and 21 Eagle Street begins in the 1800’s. 21 Eagle Street was the first building to be built, and was originally built as a criminal lockup between 1864 and 1869. In 1869, the building was deemed unfit for use. It was then that the building was bought by the Tower Brothers, Horace and Henry Tower. The brothers renovated the building and in 1876 began using it as their butcher shop. In 1870, they then began building 19 Eagle Street, completing it in 1872. The brothers ran their successful butcher shop until Henry sold his stake in the business to his brother. Shortly after in 1901, the company went bankrupt, and Horace Tower sold the building over to a woman by the name of Amelia Hodskins.
Not much is known about her or what she did with the building in that time. Most likely, the place was used as a residence for either herself or other tenants. She then sold it to Charles Kronick in 1915. Kronick used the building for his shoe store that opened in 1920. You can still see parts of the Kronick's store advertising on the outside bricks on the second and third stories of the southern side of the building. Other stores also opened and closed, including a thrift shop that sold dry goods and clothes that was successful through the 1920’s and 1930’s. In the fifties, Moderne Studios Photography moved into the location on Eagle Street. It was popular in the 60’s as most of the schools in the area had their student’s yearbook pictures taken there. Also in the 1960’s, a shop called Anne’s Kiddie shop opened in one of the buildings and sold a variety of children’s goods.
19 and 21 Eagle Street are currently unoccupied by and empty storefront and a small park area. On the storefront appears to be a notice of intent to renovate the building, however it is dated 2011. At one point, an old display from a town art event was also posted on it’s walls. Once learning of the long history of the building and the street, one can only hope that it may one day return to its former glory. Until then, we will wait to see what can happen in the future.
For more (including 6 images) view the original article

1-5 Eagle Street

2019-01-24T19:20:24+00:00

Meeting up with Main Street, these buildings have anchored the Eagle Street business district for over a century, housing firms such as Rice's Drug Store, New England Butter, and the Climax Boot Shop.

Situated on the corner of Eagle and Main Street, the history of the buildings found at 1-5 Eagle Street demonstrate the long and important legacy of businesses on Eagle Street in North Adams.
1 Eagle Street, which shares the corner between Eagle and Main, had its first business, Rice's Drug Store, in 1871. Standing two stories tall, the store did experience some hard times, including a fire in February of 1916, but still stood tall for almost 100 years. Following its closure, various restaurants, including the current pizza restaurant Bella Roma, have occupied 1 Eagle Street.
The businesses occupying 3 Eagle Street during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have ranged from small convenience stores to clothing businesses. The first business located here was a small provisions store owned by Walter L. Rich, which sold fruits, meats, dried goods, and any other necessities a person might need. The store was open for seven years until the C.H. McGurk Men’s Furnishing store replaced it. This store only lasted for a short period of time, before being followed by another furnishing store and then a Luncheon owned by the Siciliano Brothers. Currently, 3 Eagle has been combined with 1 Eagle street and is part of the restaurant Bella Roma.
Originally bought by the same men owning the Rice's Drugstore a few doors down, 5 Eagle Street’s first business was the New England Butter company that ran for almost 20 years. Though primarily selling butter, the store also sold other goods. Following its closure it was replaced by a store that sold sweet delicacies such as candy, ice cream, and popcorn and it was owned by the Siciliano Brothers. After a fire broke out in 1916, it was replaced by the Climax Boot Shop (also known as the Climax Cash and Carry Boot Store in its later years) and which anchored this location for the next 30 years. After its closure in the 1940s it was replaced briefly by dress shop called Marlettes and directly after that store’s closure, another dress and women’s clothing store called Peggy Parker opened in 1949. It remained in this location until the 1980s. Today, the space is occupied by the hair salon, Kim’s Kut.
For more (including 9 images) view the original article

Calvin T. Sampson

2019-01-24T19:20:33+00:00

Calvin T. Sampson, with little schooling, grew from a farmer in Vermont to one of North Adams' most prominent businessmen in the late 1800s.

Born October 2, 1826 on a small family farm in Samford Vermont, Calvin Sampson became one of North Adams' wealthiest residents.
Sampson had very little schooling but was a vigorous reader and saved money for textbooks any chance he got. He performed odd jobs around the farm, one of which was hauling wood four miles from his home into the village of North Adams. This task would prove invaluable as he met friends along his route who “were useful in later (business) operations.” Leaving behind a wife and children, Sampson’s father Calvin Sr. passed away when Sampson was just twenty years old. His older brother Chester took over their family farm which was now over one hundred acres as their mother had inherited a little over forty-five acres from her parents. Sampson’s sister was also able to purchase some land, requiring Sampson to hire farm hands. This act allowed Sampson to marry Julia Hayden of Clarksburg, Vermont three years later. In the same year his cousin George Millard purchased a shoe factory in North Adams and asked Sampson to sell off some of the extra supplies housed in the building. In 1850 Sampson and his family decided to sell their farm and move into North Adams, where he opened his own shoe shop a year later.
In 1851 he opened his first shoe store and within two years he began to make his own shoes. Sampson’s shoe industry took off with the purchase of the old plant on Marshalls street in 1869. He worked as the president of the plant until 1891 when he retired and left the factory to the companies treasure George W. Chase.
Sampson’s career as a business man became a nationwide story when he decided to bring Chinese workers to North Adams to break the strike in his factory. Conflict with the labor union, known as the Knights of St. Crispin, began in 1868. The tension between Sampson and the Knights of St. Crispin continued over the next two years, ending in the year 1870, and lead to the strikes. The Sampson mill ended up discharging all known active members of the Knights of St. Crispin. To supplement the loss of workers Sampson brought in Chinese workers from San Francisco. The men and women workers who were brought to the Sampson Mill stayed in the area for ten years and numbered around 120 workers. Sampson’s Chinese workers were able to turn out more pairs of shoes at a higher rate of efficiency compared to the performance of the Crispins. The introduction of the Chinese workers into the North Adams workforce inspired many other business men to explore the idea of Chinese workers. Sampson’s humble beginnings as a shoe peddler going from house to house to a booming business man who was notorious for bringing in Chinese workers from the west coast and influencing others to do so.
Calvin T. Sampson passed away in 1893 and is buried in Hillside Cemetery.
Map Coordinates: 42.691575, -73.1247837
For more (including 8 images) view the original article