The Post Office Spa, better known as the P.O. Spa, opened for business at 690 Dwight Street on October 29, 1936. The luncheonette was situated in the Urania Block at the southwest corner of Dwight and Elm Streets. Its immediate proximity to the U.S. Post Office likely contributed to the origin of its name.
The restaurant was opened by Ferdinand "Fred" Rigali, who lived at Sonoma Place, a stone's throw from the restaurant location. For years, he maintained a 5 A.M. opening time for breakfast and lunch service. His specialty was Italian-American dishes.
Mr. Rigali had a background in the restaurant industry, having managed the Chateau Harmonty in Granby, Mass, in the 1930s. He was an employee of his brother, Peter, at his restaurant during the 1930s. Additionally, in the late 1920s, he co-owned the Lincoln Spa, another popular establishment of its time. This was situated at 94 Suffolk Street, at the southwest corner of Chestnut.
In 1950, after Peter Rigali's death, Mr. Rigali purchased Peter's, which was located in the Knights of Columbus (K of C) building opposite the Victory Theater at 84 Suffolk Street. He would manage that restaurant while his wife, Leonetta, managed the P.O. Spa. Peter's Restaurant was sold in February 1956.
In 1952, Mr. Rigali, an active K of C and Elks member, opened a six-lane bowling alley in the K of C building. He sponsored the P.O. Spa team in the bowling league. He was also an avid bowler and had competed in a national candlepin championship in Boston in 1952.
The P.O. Spa was one of the very popular morning and lunchtime spots with students at Holyoke Catholic High School. The restaurant was involved with the school through its participation in fundraisers and the sale of tickets to various events.
The P.O. Spa continued to operate in the Rigali family for 37 years. In 1973, the business was sold to Caroline Orsini, with whom he had been a business partner when they owned the Lincoln Spa. In March 1977, the P.O. Spa was sold to Shirley Zebrowski, and it was later sold to Constance and Roland Roy that same year.
Although an exact year was not discovered, the P. O. Spa closed during the late 1980s or very early 1990s.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican); Orlando (Florida) Sentinel; publication dates and pages are shown.
MACRIS: Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System Search Results - MACRIS
Google Maps; maps.google.com
Facebook: Growing Up in Holyoke, Massachusetts
Ancestry: Price & Lee City Directories, Holyoke, Massachusetts
Photo Credit: Facebook; Growing Up in Holyoke, Massachusetts
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