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Date: 2/22/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — Since 1970, the East Longmeadow Historical Commission has been preserving, protecting and promoting the town’s history.
Chair Tom Behan said, “Our goals are to acquire as many artifacts and items we can to share with the public and educate people about the history of East Longmeadow.”
The commission is constantly working on new exhibits at the Historical Museum and making improvements. Throughout the year people make donations to the Historical Commission, sending historical items, photographs, stories and personal items.
The Town Hall was built in 1882 by the Norcross Brothers with stone from the Kibbie Quarry. The stone was donated and the cost of construction was $7,500. In 1884, the bell was purchased and added to the belfry in the southeast corner of the building. The bell was made by Meneely & Co. in West Troy, NY. Vice Chair Bruce Moore said, “The Town Hall served as a school and town hall up until 1900. In 1901, a small library was added to the building so it had three purposes at the time: a town hall, a school and a library. The school served grades 1-8.” By 1910, the needs of the school had outgrown the size of the building and the school moved out. The small auditorium on the second floor was later used by theatre companies and bands for performances. The Town Hall bell was relocated from the bell tower to the lawn in front of the Town Hall in 2019 and has been on display ever since.
Behan told Reminder Publishing the iron has been covered with a protective coating and has stood the test of time outside very well. There was a round wooden wheel on the side of the bell that served as the ringer. That wood is about 140 years old and some of the elements started to deteriorate. The commission removed the wooden bell ringer and are looking into having it restored. Most recently, they are looking into 3D printing to see if they can have the bell ringer recreated in a synthetic material that can survive outside for a period of time as wooden reproductions are cost prohibitive. One of the commission’s projects is to acquire archival quality storage containers and materials to house the historical documents and photos they have in the History Room at the East Longmeadow Public Library. They are also working with the town and the state government to acquire funds for the archival quality materials and are applying for a professional archivist for guidance.
“We believe a lot of people appreciate the history,” Behan said. “It’s something that’s ongoing nationwide particularly in New England. We have all of these items because they have been preserved. We’re just carrying on that tradition.” Moore added, “It’s hard to keep people interested in the past, but we try to do that as best as we can.”
For those interested in joining the commission or have any questions, email Historical.Commission@eastlongmeadowma.gov. The museum is located on 87 Maple St. and is open the third Saturday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. The History Room at the library is open by appointment. Call Moore at 525-3072 to make an appointment. You can also find them on their Facebook page, East Longmeadow Historical Commission.