In 1956, Francis Methot of Ludlow purchased the television division of the Tel-O-Wire Sound Company. Mr. Methot had been the Service Manager of the sound company for seven years. He first located his business at 39 Railroad (now Heritage) Street, the former site of the Tel-O-Wire Sound Co.
At its inception, Francis Methot not only sold televisions but also added outdoor TV antennas and rotors to adjust their direction for a clearer picture. He continued with the service end of the business. In 1960, he added Citizen Band Radios to his inventory. The store carried televisions from several major manufacturers of the day, including RCA, Zenith and Motorola. Furniture-style stereo systems were also popular items.
In April 1965, a retail merger occurred with Joseph Rufo, who owned TV Mart located at 247 Main Street. Mr. Rufo had been a long-time employee of Worthington Pump & Machinery Corporation before embarking on retail television sales and service.
The partners initially leased space at 517 Dwight Street from Dwight Realty Corporation. The building, located opposite City Hall, included 1,200 square feet of showroom space and 800 square feet of repair room space. There was a color and stereo lounge, as well as a 20-foot service counter. At the time, there were 5 full-time and 2 part-time employees. The business owners purchased the building in December 1965.
Not only did the store sell televisions, radios, stereo systems, outdoor antennas and related accessories, but it also added ranges and air conditioners, as shown in 1968 ads.
By the end of 1976, the owners announced the closure of their business. Francis Methot moved on to manage Gamelli TV & Appliance Company in Springfield. Joseph Rufo serviced televisions and other electronic devices at a newly established repair shop at 80 Race Street. He would continue under the business name, Rufo’s TV Repair Factory, until retiring in 1989.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
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