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Date: 11/21/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — Iron axes pitted from more than a century of age, two-person crosscut saws on the walls and an antique grain cradle scythe suspended from the ceiling — East Longmeadow’s history as an agrarian and quarry town are evident in the antique tools featured by the small shed museum at the rear of the East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum property.
The town’s industrial past is not the only story told by the artifacts displayed in the shed. Relics of day-to-day life in the small town are also exhibited. These include a smudge pot that was used as a flare to alert people to road hazards, a caddie with glass bottles that once contained a home’s daily delivery of milk, damaged tombstones, an antique church pew and, in the center of the room, a “double ripper” snow sled which measures more than 12-feet-long and could have accommodated at least 10 riders.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the shed museum opened to the public for the first time. Members of the commission were on hand to explain the history of the pieces. After learning about the artifacts, some of which have not been on display before, visitors were able explore the main museum.
The East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum was built in 1852 and turned into a museum in 1970. In 2004, the building was moved from the town center, to make way for the Center Square Shopping Center. The museum was placed at 87 Maple St. and a shed was built at the rear of the property to store large items or those for which there was no room in the museum.
“It just started filling up,” said Bruce Moore, a member of the Historical Commission. Over the years the shed became crowded, and it became difficult to find and access artifacts. The decision was made this fall to organize the shed into a subset of the main museum. Artifacts were removed and organized, with information about their history included.
Many of the artifacts at the museum were donated by individuals who had come across the items or had them handed down by relatives. The source of an item is noted, when known. “We’re always looking for things related to town history,” Moore said.
The Historical Commission’s motto is “Preserve, Promote and Protect,” and Moore said he thinks the new shed museum does just that.
The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., every third Saturday from September to June, or by appointment.