The name Krispy Spuds sparks interest. This is a story about a store and its benevolent owner, who, over his more than 30 years in business, gave much to the children and organizations in Holyoke and the surrounding communities.
Joseph Kazalski, born in the late 1890s, worked as a driver until the late 1920s. He and his wife, Mildred (Karpowicz) Kazalski, resided on lower Hampden Street.
His obituary read, "In 1931, in the midst of the depression, he invested $100 in butter, potatoes and equipment and began making Krispy Spuds potato chips. His first place of business was a little shop at 246 Lyman Street, which featured only potato chips. Later a few novelties appeared on the shelves besides the Krispy Spuds, and as business increased he moved to a new location at 121 High St. where toys, dolls and stuffed animals were added."
During the 1930s, Mr. Kazalski was a wholesale seller of his Krispy Spuds potato chips. He and his family moved to a residence on St. James Ave. In 1939, a newspaper advertisement showed the business relocated to 125 High Street and called itself the Krispy Spuds Novelty Shop. Joseph and Mildred Kazalski were co-owners.
On August 29, 1940, the Kazalskis moved their business to 324 Appleton Street, adjacent to the War Memorial Building. Joseph Kazalski was shown as manager, and his mother-in-law, Agatha (Ludwin) Karpowicz, was an employee. The items for sale expanded to include cigarettes, cigars, newspapers, stationery, school supplies, and Krispy Spuds Potato Chips. Gift baskets filled with candy, small toys and novelties were available. The name was changed to Krispy Spuds Novelty Store.
The toy selection also expanded to include baby toys, roller skates, bouncing balls, and other items. The store evolved as time passed, and new items became available for sale. Ads appeared regularly on the movie page of the newspaper to attract parents, children, and other shoppers.
In 1947, the store moved to 408 High Street. Its inventory continued to broaden to include baby furniture, electronic instruments, models, and toys for construction and learning.
In 1950, Krispy Spuds was featured in the national magazine of the toy trade, and Mr. Kazalski was interviewed.
He often donated items from his inventory to area schools, day nurseries, PTAs, and organizations for fundraising events. He also provided many children with Halloween and Easter costumes and gift baskets.
A final move occurred after a neighboring store's fire in 1956 caused smoke damage to the Krispy Spuds inventory. The 392 High Street store location is shown in the first photo below. The store was renamed Krispy Spuds Toyland. The store stocked only toys.
Mr. Kazalski died in 1961. The store continued and transitioned to new management in 1966. It operated for a short time before closing in 1967.
His 1950 interview in Playthings trade magazine brought out my smile. (His) longtime ambition—"I always wanted a toy store—" was fulfilled. Joseph Kazalski's dream came true.
Sources of news articles and information:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates are shown.
Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories.
Krispy Spuds Toyland, 393 High Street, Holyoke MA
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