Historic North Adams

"Happy" Jack Chesbro

2023-08-02T03:56:55+00:00

John Dwight Chesbro was born in North Adams on June 5, 1874 and grew up at 177 Bracewell Avenue. His personality was such that he was dubbed “Happy Jack” at an early age. As he matured his interests turned to the game of baseball, specifically the position of pitcher. He played on most any team that would have him here in Berkshire County as well as teams in an around the Springfield area. In 1894 he answered a posting in the newspaper to work at a Massachusetts mental hospital which also fielded a baseball team. The following year, he moved to the Albany area, pitching for Johnston in the New York League. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long because the league folded due to lack of money. By 1896, Jack was playing semi-pro ball in Cooperstown, NY. A year later, the 5 foot 8 inch, 180 pound Chesbro was playing in the Atlantic League. It was there that the major league ball clubs began to show an interest in Happy Jack. He came very close to signing with Baltimore until the Orioles backed off without a known reason. His disappointment didn’t last long however when the Pittsburg Pirates came knocking on his door. He signed a $1,500 contract and, to show Baltimore they made a mistake, Jack won 17 games and lost only 4. Chesbro, backed up by Honus Wagner and other great players, helped Pittsburg move from 7th place, in 1899, to the National League Pennant in 1901. He led the league with 21 victories and 10 loses. In 1902 Jack perfected the spitball, then a legal pitch. That year he won 28 games and lost only 6. Changes would come to Chesbro in 1903. In 1903, the American League was formed to counter the dominance of the National League. Happy Jack took his spitball to play for the New York Highlanders (later the New York Yankees). He pitched in their very first home game, beating the Washington Senators 6-2. The Highlanders ended the season in 4th place. This only made Jack more determined to win the following season. In 1904, he won 41 games and lost 12 (a winning record that stands to this day), gave up 338 hits, 88 walks and struck out 239. His earned run average was 1.82. Despite these stats, the Highlanders lost the pennant on the last day when Chesbro throw a wild pitch. It was said to be his greatest disappointment. His last season in the majors was in 1909 when he was released by the New York team and signed by the Boston Red Sox. He only needed eight more wins to reach 400 games, but that was not meant to be. Jack only pitched in one game for the Boston team, which he lost to New York. When he retired from baseball, he moved to Conway, MA and bought a farm to raise chickens. He kept his hand in baseball however by coaching the Amherst College baseball team. In 1924, he accepted a coaching job with the Washing Senators. Because of failing health, Jack left the team moved back to Conway. In 1931 he suffered a heart attack and passed away on November 6, 1931 and was buried in Howland Cemetery in Conway.

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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.

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11 Eagle Street

2019-01-24T19:23:32+00:00

There is a distinct New England flavor to a building whose history includes Chie’s Downy Flake Doughnut shop and the Puritan Clothing store

11 Eagle street has been home to many shops throughout the years. As well as the rest of the shops and buildings that are home to the once bustling popular streets home to North Adams. Since the mid 1800’s it has been home to 8 different stores and 15 different owners. And any many times was rented out to businesses. George Millard was the original owner of 11 eagle street where he was co-owners, with another gentleman, of a clothing store. Due to lack of information I am unsure of when the clothing store started but I am aware of it being sold to a woman by the name of Sophia Stevens and J.A. Harmen in 1866 and over a three-year period from 1866-69 was occupied by Millard Jackson, A. Boyton, and Mary Loomis who then sold it to a man the name of Michael Sanford who owned a salon. From 1870-1893 there is no record of a business taking place. From 1894-1944 it was bought and owned by the Corisglia family who had rented it out a business in 1920 “Walter Johndrow confectionary” and in the 1930’s to “Chie’s Downy Flake Doughnut shop,” “Leaven’s jewelry store,” and Spitner and kitchton Grocers.”

In 1940 Puritan Clothing store opened up and I believe in was owned and run by the Corisglia family I know that they ran a clothing store in 1944. In the 1950’s it remained and continued the trend of being a clothing store until the 60’s where it was bought and became for a short time “Modern Studio’s photography.” At one point in the 60’s Modern studios moved to another location on Eagle street and was to my knowledge vacant until bought in the 70’s and became Mia’s Specialty shop where it became a clothing store and has continued to be a clothing store to now in 2017 and now goes by the name Mia’s Exchange. To see the number of owners, shops, and businesses that 11 Eagle street and the rest of Eagle street had to offer was surprising especially when you take into account what Eagle street looks like now. When you walk down Eagle street now your likely to notice Desperados or Jacks hot dogs not the many businesses that are there now or that where there in the past 150 years. The history needs to be brought back to light so people can

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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?
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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.
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1908 Measles Outbreak in North Adams

2023-05-22T17:20:05+00:00

A few things catch the eye as one looks through the Report of the Board of Health of North Adams from 1917. For one, the causes of death. July in particular seemed to be an odd month—“acute indigestion” was the demise of four North Adams residents during the dog days of summer, along with one local losing their life due to an “accidental cannon discharge.” On another page, contagious disease cases and deaths are counted from 1917 and earlier years. Diphtheria, Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis—most of these range from 0 cases to 100, the highest numbers going to diseases like Typhoid Fever and Diphtheria. A number jumped out at me though: 728. Seven-hundred-and-twenty-eight. This number came under the 1908 line, in the section for measles cases. According the United States census in 1910 that would have been about 3% to 4% of the population of North Adams at the time.
In total, 830 cases of contagious disease were reported to the Department of Health in 1908, most of them being from measles—this is in comparison to 141 contagious disease cases in 1907. Two deaths occurred because of the disease itself, but other deaths occurred because of the respiratory complications measles brings about in the body. The main complication of measles is tuberculosis. In 1908 there were 26 cases of tuberculosis, compared to 14 in 1907. Of these 26, 15 died. Before a measles vaccine was licensed in 1963, 2.6 million deaths occurred a year from the disease and the complications it leads to.
The measles virus is a part of the paramyxovirus family. Also in this family are parainfluenza virus, the mumps virus, and the respiratory syncytial virus. The virus is passed on like many others—through the air or through direct contact. However, unlike other viruses, there is no evidence of measles occurring in any animal other than humans.
Infected North Adams residents would have started to feel feverish about 10 to 12 days after being exposed to the virus. The high fever itself would last from 4 to 7 days. Then the telltale signs of measles would set in—runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots develop on the inside of the cheeks. These symptoms last for several days, but once those days had passed a new symptom would appear. A rash begins popping up on the upper neck and face. The rash will spread across the body within 3 days, and last up to a week. Best case scenario, someone exposed to measles will be sick for about 7 days, but symptoms can remain for 18 days.
Most deaths from the virus occur for those under five and over twenty. The most common complications are pneumonia and an ear infection. In severe cases, measles can lead to encephalitis, blindness, and diarrhea. Measles, like chickenpox and smallpox, leaves its host with lifetime immunity, so once you catch it, you cannot catch it again. Diseases like this tend to make their rounds because of this—there will be a substantial amount of a town or city’s population that will fall ill, meaning a large portion will have immunity if they get through the sickness, but once the population begins to grow again with those not exposed to a virus, the disease returns. Looking again at the 1917 annual report, one can see the pattern that every couple of years an outbreak will occur after a low case year.
The bulk of the cases came from December 1907 (151 cases), January 1908 (399 cases), and February (142 cases). By May there was only one case a month, and by August no cases would be reported for the rest of the year. There were 1,660 quarantine inspections because of the outbreak, which caused the Department of Health to go over $1,460 of their $7,000 yearly budget. According to the report, the overdrawn money was also due to a recent law which made impoverished citizens suffering from a contagious disease the charge of the Department of Health. A place to comprehensively treat contagious diseases had yet to be established in North Adams at this time.
In the 1908 report, the Board of Health kept demanding a place be built where they could actually treat contagious diseases like measles, scarlet fever, and diphtheria. They had received one new building and technological aid in 1907, and that was a bacteriological laboratory. They Board of Health claimed that it saved them time in diagnosing, and though their budget ran over with the quarantines, it would have overdrawn far more without the lab. To create the lab, it cost the city $100.00 in 1907. The lab may have been a part of the North Adams hospital when it was made, as there is no evidence of it being a standalone building.
In their 1917 report, the Board of Health pushed for more funding from the city to prevent further outbreaks of disease in the city. They claimed that the city had been lucky, until 1908, that there had not been a major contagious epidemic—“…what shall we do when our turn comes? How many times the realization of the almost criminal carelessness of this city in not providing a place for the treatment of contagious diseases has been forced upon this Board, which must meet them when they appear.” The Board of Health actually advocated for much more than what they would they would need to treat the city, including new school buildings, a better sewage system, and a playground for the children in school and the factories.
A vaccine for measles would finally be licensed in 1963, so in 2016 America we tend not to worry much about measles outbreaks like this. However, cases of contagious disease thought to be well under control seem to have been appearing in the last couple of years due to the anti-vaccination movement. These new cases tend to mostly be in children as most teens and adults are vaccinated.
Adapted from the original article in Hoosac Trails: The Journal of the North Adams Historical Society and Museum of History and Science, Volume XXV, Number IV (June 2016)
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1939 Attempted Closing of the State Teachers College of North Adams

2026-04-08T03:57:49+00:00

The Governor of Massachusetts, beginning in the early 1930s, threatened to close the State Teachers College of North Adams in hopes of saving the state one and a half million dollars. Word spread about the idea of abandoning the college back in 1933 to the West Pittsfield Shakers, who sent out a plea in hopes of them to stay open. The discussion of closing the college gained traction again in 1936, though it was ultimately rejected in 1939 due to the strong presence at a Boston hearing by Northern Berkshire citizens.
On April 4, 1939, Grover C. Bowman discussed the impact of the college at a Kiwanis club’s weekly luncheon meeting address. He felt that if the college were to close, the learning opportunities of the less fortunate boys and girls in Western Massachusetts would disappear as they would not have anywhere else to go for a good education. Considering most of the students at the time were low income yet highly ambitious, Bowman had the right to speak out on their behalf. Not long afterwards, the state commissioner Walter F. Downey, took a visit to the college. He enjoyed his trip to the extent that he proclaimed to be very interested in keeping it open like he was the owner.
North Adams had politically powerful figures on its side to win the fight to keep the college open. Politician Arthur M. Robinson and newspaperman John W. Haigis were among the biggest defenders, as they unified both the Berkshire and Franklin counties to gain support. On April 12, 1939, the parent-teacher association at C.T. Plunkett Junior High held a meeting to read the opposition letters that would be sent to the governor to reverse his decision. The next day, plans were in place for residents of Adams to get involved in a formal protest against the closing of State Teachers College of North Adams in Boston. Students from Adams were always included during the college enrollment period, and most of the teaching force of the schools in the area consisted of graduates from the college.
On April 18, 1939, a motorized march on Boston was held to present the facts-and-figures argument to keep the college open. Representatives from Berkshire and Franklin counties, as well as the cities of North Adams, Adams, and Williamstown, rallied together to send out copies of the resolution. Judge Israel Ruby of Williamstown cited the colleges high placement record as conclusive proof for it to remain open. All copies reached the Governor as well as thirty-two crucial members of the state legislature. Due to the unanimous local support and statewide agreement, the governor ultimately made the decision to no longer pursue the closure of the State Teachers College of North Adams.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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