The story of Tessier Millwork Company began in a four-car garage on Adams Street in 1949. Roger E. Tessier was a cabinet maker who was 24 years old. The business was named Tessier Millwork Co., and it soon expanded to 518 Main Street, the present-day site of Holyoke Millwork. The business remained at this location until relocating to 263 Park Street in early 1953.
On March 17, 1954, Mr. Tessier purchased vacant land from Holyoke Water Power Company where a commercial building was constructed at 11 Jackson Street. The business, renamed Tessier Millwork and Lumber, placed an advertisement in the Holyoke Transcript-Telegram on June 22, 1954, to indicate it was now doing business at 11 Jackson Street.
There were several growth periods during its existence. In 1956, three additional parcels along South Summer Street were purchased; two from residential owners, and one parcel from Holyoke Water Power Company. The properties were needed to accommodate further expansion and warehousing.
In February 1957, the corporate officers were President Roger Tessier of Chicopee, Vice-President Robert Dame of Hampton Ponds, and General Manager William J. Halford of Easthampton.
On Saturday, April 11, 1959, the company celebrated the grand opening of the all-new Tessier's Millwork and Lumber Co.
The business ventured into product demonstrations and advice for the Do-It-Yourselfers, along with recommending contractors for many construction projects. Building materials and supplies, paints, power and hand tools, garden supplies, and lawn equipment were available for sale.
In the very early 1960s, the business was renamed Tessier's Cash and Carry. The Holyoke Transcript reported in 1963; "Nov.1, 1961, the company set up the first so-called supermarket type of lumber selling operation in the area." On December 5, 1963, the company's fifth expansion in 14 years was a 2,500-square-foot addition. The business now had 30,000 square feet for its use.
The slogan, "Where Price Tells & Quality Sells" appeared in many ads to follow.
In 1971, the company expanded to a second location at 665 Prospect Street in the Fairview section of Chicopee.
The company added wood-burning stoves during the 1970s. Further expansion occurred in 1986. However, economic conditions worsened in the construction industry in the late 1980s. Tessier's closed its Holyoke store in April 1990; the Fairview location, which had moved to 1608 Memorial Drive, closed in August 1990.
The building at 11 Jackson Street has had a succession of owners. However, I do not recall occupancy after 1990.
Source of News articles: Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript-Telegram; Publications dates are as shown.
Photo Credit: Google Maps 2025
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