Springfield: Volume I

INTRODUCTION

As most histories about Springfield will tell you, William Pynchon and seven other men bartered for the land that was to become the current city. It all began as Agawam Plantation, and, since then, Springfield has gone through many changes and growing pains. What stands out, however, is the remarkable strength, resilience, and ingenuity of its citizens. A rich past tells the story of manufacturing, cultural, and social accomplishments that have earned the city the reputation as the city of firsts.

What I have attempted to do with this book is to pay tribute to the people who were, and are, the fabric of Springfield’s exciting story. Beginning with the founder and the early citizens of the 1600s, and including immigrants from every corner of the world, they and their descendants became the inventors, business founders, church leaders, laborers, educators, and public employees of Springfield. Without them, this city would not have its unique blend of charm and tenacity, and it could not have survived the difficult times, which tore apart other cities that were never able to make a full recovery.

Springfield deserves to be proud of its heritage and history, and based on all I have learned throughout this project, it will continue on its path to a bright and strong future.

One

THE EARLY YEARS

Early maps show the Connecticut River as the most convenient way to travel, since few roads were in place then. The river was used by William Pynchon to ship furs and bring goods to the settlement. Along its banks, the future city was scattered with marshes, streams, some fertile ground, and pine barrens. (Courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.)

This stone, erected by Joseph Wait in 1763, attests to the travel made along this road between Boston and Springfield. Many of the city’s earlier settlers came to the plantation from Boston on foot, which usually involved a two-week trek that covered 100 miles. (Courtesy of National Park Service, Springfield Armory NHS, Springfield, MA; 674-SA.a.1.)

This statue of Miles Morgan, an early settler, was erected as a tribute by a fifth-generation descendant of his. The Forbes & Wallace Department Building can be seen in the background, and it is interesting to see, even then, the somewhat crowded parking conditions along the city streets. (Courtesy of Ramon Blood.)

Members of the Pynchon family are shown here on December 1, 1927, at the dedication of the Pynchon Memorial Building. William Pynchon is considered to have founded Springfield in 1636. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are as follows: Mrs. Stafford Hendricks, daughter of George Pynchon 9th; Mrs. George M. Pynchon Jr. (10th); and Mrs. Harold Pynchon, mother of William Pynchon 11th. In the back row, from left to right, are Mrs. Cora Pynchon Mallory, sister of George M. Pynchon 9th; George M. Pynchon 9th; and George M. Pynchon Jr. (10th). (Courtesy of Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.)

William L. Smith, lawyer, democrat, and twice president of the Common Council, was elected mayor in 1870. He pledged allegiance to The laws of business and of common sense. In upholding that vow, he cut appropriations by 25% and held them steady in 1871, thereby balancing the budget for the first time in years. He was elected to the State Senate in 1872. (Courtesy of Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.)

Samuel B. Spooner succeeded Smith in 1872 and continued his plan by backing the initiation of annual appropriations to reduce the debt. However, grandiose projects of the growing city doubled the expenditures so that by 1873, the debt was 1.1 million, and by 1875, it was 2.5 million. (Courtesy of Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.)

In the late 1800s, the city’s Catholics launched a boycott of stores and businesses that had a policy of firing any person who refused to work on Christmas. The action was effective. It showed the determination of this group and also paved the way for the election of William P. Hayes as the first Irish-Catholic mayor of Springfield. (Courtesy of Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.)

When the railroad arch was built in 1890 to alleviate