Lock System of the South Hadley Canal
The lock system of the South Hadley Canal (LOCATION) was once 375 feet long. It was in five sections. Each section had its own pump to add water to the lock. The entrance into the lock system is south of the Vietnam Veterans Bridge.
Gatehouse Park in South Hadley
Gatehouse Park (LOCATION) is only opened for special occasions. Notice that the two gatehouses are really old gatehouses with additions added to their tops. You can tell this by their brickwork. The westernmost of the two gatehouses was made in 1848. It is now on top of the apron for the 1900 masonry dam. The easternmost gatehouse was put in place in 1900 but it is not on a plan of the 1900 masonry dam so it perhaps was an afterthought. The South Hadley Navigation Canal and the Bardwell Industrial Canal were combined in 1848 into one canal that served as both a power canal and a navigation canal. The 1848 wooden dam raised the river water enough so that the middle and northern portions of the South Hadley Navigational Canal were not needed. This dual use lasted until 1862 when the navigation ended. From then until 1977 the southern half of the canal was a power canal only.
VIDEO and Panoramic Video
Clovis Robert Block
The Clovis Robert Block (LOCATION) was built in 1888 in the Quebec ghetto of the city. That ornate roofline is superb. One of the early tenants was a dentist. Clovis Robert was born in Chambly of Quebec and died in Holyoke in 1909. He is buried in Forestdale HERE.
Sanborn map analysis:
Maplewood Hotel
The Maplewood Hotel (LOCATION) was constructed for Frank Beebe of the Beebe Wool Mill. He was very much interested in the heritage of Holyoke and in helping the poor of Holyoke. He himself lived on one of the floors. Part of the establishment was the Maplewood Dining Rooms at 16 Essex Street. Next door up was the Maplewood Baths at 18 Essex Street. They used there a method called the Battle Creek Sanitarium System.
Sanborn 1949 map shows the Home Improvement Centre is there along with the Community Welfare Offices and Apartments
Friedrich Block
The Friedrich Block (LOCATION) was built by the Friedrich Architectural Supply Company. It is located directly behind the Friedrich Block along Race Street. The Friedrich Block has had many tenants over the century that it has been there but none is more famous that the Weinstein Furniture Company.
E H Friedrich Sheet Metal Works Factory is along Sargeant Street.
Friedrich Sheet Metal Works Factory additions are along Race.
Holyoke Steam
Along Race Street but now alongside Appleton Street is the Steam Building – a former radiator pipe and plumbing supply store. The Steam is now multi-purpose.
To its north is the Russell Hall Building.
Charles Koegel and Son Machine Shop (Holyoke)
306 to 312 Race is from 1905 to 2011 the Charles Koegel and Son Machine Shop. They were the makers of paper making tools and equipment, and underground drills and explosives. Later they made paper cutters and circular knives. In general the family were machinists. In 1885 Charles Koegel is working at the Holyoke Paper Company (at the juncture of the second and third level canals). In 1892 he opens a small mill on Bigelow Street. In November 1904 they buy the land and erected their larger business on Race Street. The land had a wooden clad house on it and that was taken down. On 8 August 1911 the father would die at 63 years old and the sons would take over the firm. FINDAGRAVE
Since 2011 it has been the Holyoke Professional Arts Center at Mahoney Place.
Churchill Neighborhood of Holyoke
Sons of Zion Cemetery (Chicopee)
Holyoke on the National Register
Perpetual Help Church and area
Notre Dame Cemetery (South Hadley)
Second Congregational Church of Holyoke
