When thinking about the mills in Holyoke that still stand, one may get the impression that the factory was built as originally constructed and that no significant modifications occurred subsequently. However, with respect to Beebe & Holbrook, modifications, including demolitions and reconstructions, took place throughout the 1800s and into the early 20th century.
The factory maps appear quite similar from 1911 to 1955. However, a portion of the building's northern section along Dwight Street was removed at some point. Before-and-after photos are shown at the end of the map display.
Map Sources are individually cited.
1870 View of the vacant lot on the south side of
Dwight Street between the First & Second Level Canals
Dwight Street between the First & Second Level Canals
1874 View of the Beebe & Holbrook Paper Company factory, initially built for the
Hampton Paper Company in 1871
1876 View of Beebe & Holbrook with the neighboring Connecticut River Pulp Mill (#19)
and Massasoit Paper Company (#17)
1877 View is similar to the 1876 map above
1881 View of Beebe & Holbrook Paper Company. Additional industrial
development bordered by the First & Second level Canals
and Dwight and Appleton streets included the
Wauregan Paper Company (#7) and Merrick Thread Company (#9)
The 1884 Map identifies the 5 mills on the rectangular parcel described above (ref. 1881 View)
The 1889 map shows significant changes from the preceding 1884 map.
The pulp factory was demolished, and Beebe & Holbrook expanded
along the Second Level canal. This occurred in 1886.
1895 Map of the Beebe & Holbrook Co. mill site
with additional modifications.
By 1911, Beebe & Holbrook is shown as extending about halfway
from Dwight to Appleton Street along the Second Level Canal.
Little has changed in the former Beebe & Holbrook buildings between 1911 and 1949
The highlighted third and fourth floors
The June 2024 Google Maps photo shows the changes
adjacent to Dwight Street. (personal photo collection)
No comments:
Post a Comment