New Haven, Hartford & Springfield Rail Service

The old New York, New Haven and Hartford is only memory now, for those old enough to remember, but we have a lot to look forward to in the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail service, which will provide Western Massachusetts and Connecticut with improved rail service and expanded connections...and at speeds of up to 110mph, cutting travel time between Springfield and New Haven to 73 minutes.  Oh, to get off I-91 and get on the train.

 

NHHS service will provide direct or connecting service to New York City, Boston, and Vermont.  For more on the New Haven, Hartford & Springfield, have a look here.

 

For more on the restoration and redevelopment of Springfield's Union Station, have a look here.

 

 

 

Church of the Presidents - Quincy, Massachusetts

 

In acknowledgment of Presidents Day yesterday, today we visit Quincy, Massachusetts and the United First Parish Church, which is also locally called The Church of the Presidents.  Both President John Adams and his son, President John Quincy Adams worshiped here.  They, along with their First Ladies, are buried in a family crypt below the church.

Grave of John Adams & Abigail Adams

The Greek Revival church, built in 1828 is also called The Old Stone Temple, as it is constructed of granite, much of which was donated by John Adams from a quarry site on land he owned.  It was designed by Alexander Parris, who also designed Boston’s Quincy Market.

Grave of John Quincy Adams & Louisa Catherine Adams

The congregation was established in 1636, and this is the fourth meetinghouse constructed.

For more on this beautiful and historic church, visit this website.

Blizzard of '78

Dug out from the storm yet?  Inevitably, this weekend "Nemo" visitor reminded most of us (who were living then) of the Blizzard of '78.

Here's a few others who remember, too:

Coverage from WGBH, WBZ radio, and the Patriot Ledger, all with photos and video on YouTube.

(Don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page and mute the music so you can hear the audio.)

A Call for Memories of Mt. Tom Theatre - Holyoke, Massachusetts

This is to put out a call for memories.  In preparation for a book I’d like to write on theatre on Mt. Tom in Holyoke, Massachusetts, I’d like anyone to contact me who is willing to share memories of experiences either as a member of the staff, an actor, or one of the audience.
 

Library of Congress, public domain



Live theatre had seen different incarnations on Mt. Tom, some of which were discussed in this previous post.  The old playhouse, called The Casino at one time, hosted the Casino Stock Company in 1911.  In the 1930s there were the WPA-sponsored shows, and in 1941 came the heyday of Mt. Tom theatre with The Valley Players, some of whose members, including Hal Holbrook, went on to greater fame.
 

 

In the early 1960s, with the discontinuing of The Valley Players, the Mt. Tom Playhouse played host to a variety of touring shows featuring well-known actors and actresses. 

 

The Casino is gone now, and Mountain Park was closed in 1987. 

I’d appreciate hearing from anyone with memories of theatre at Mt. Tom.  Either leave a comment or send me an email at: JacquelineTLynch@gmail.com.  I’d also be happy to conduct phone interviews or in person.  Just drop me a line and let me know.  Thank you.