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From Neighborhood Grocer to the Modern Supermarket

A new exhibit at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History traces the journey of Big Y Supermarkets from a small neighborhood grocery store to one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. The exhibit, entitled “The Big Y: From Neighborhood Grocer to the Modern Supermarket,”is now on permanent view at the Wood Museum, and tells the story of community development and business innovation and how this local grocery store impacted the food industry. Through photos and memorabilia, the story of its evolution unfolds and connects visitors to a piece of western MA history.

Category: Hampden County, Hilltown Families, History, Springfield, Springfield Museum Tags: Big Y, Grocery Store, Industry, Supermarket, Supermarkets, Western Massachusetts History

Industry of the Past & Natural History Explored this Weekend

Blending topics like geology and natural biodiversity with the study of local agriculture, industry, and culture, the Pioneer Valley Institute offers intriguing programs that allow community members to explore their surroundings while also learning about their natural and cultural significance. Check out these two great events that are hosting this weekend in Franklin County.

Category: Franklin County, History, Suggested Activity Tags: Bog, History, Industry, Logging, Pioneer Valley Institute

History Exhibition Recalls Holyoke’s Industrial Past

Vacant paper mills line the narrow strip of land between Water Street and the Connecticut River in Holyoke, MA. Near the end of the 19th Century, Holyoke, with more than 25 paper mills, was the world’s largest paper manufacturer. Today these mills of The Paper City are skeletal reminders of a former age— some victims of fire, some demolished, a couple converted to other uses. “Echoes of Industry: The Death and Rebirth of Holyoke’s Mills,” a new photo/video exhibit at Wistarihurst Museum, explore this past and a new form of industry that is currently being shaped…

Category: Art, Hampden County, History, Holyoke Tags: History, Holyoke, Industry, paper manufacturers, paper mill, Pioneer Valley, The Paper City, Wistariahurst Museum

Museum of Our Industrial Heritage Wants Franklin County Stories

Museum of Our Industrial Heritage The Museum of Our Industrial Heritage in Greenfield is growing! Last summer, the museum opened a new exhibit on the industrial history of Franklin County and added weekly hours. This summer, there will be another new exhibit – and you can help to create it! The focus of the new exhibit is “Change: Transportation, Trade, and Technology,” and focuses on how these three things have changed communities… Read More