The story of the operators of beaches at Holyoke’s Rocky Point continues with a new operator, Patrick “Paddy” J. Kane.
Patrick Kane was born in Holyoke on February 9, 1889 and educated at the Holy Rosary School. On April 30, 1912, he was married to Jane Eggleston, who resided at 31 Commercial Street. Mr. Kane was living at 94 North Bridge Street at the time.
By trade, Patrick Kane was a self-employed electrician operating at 530 High Street. He also holds the distinction of being the first local Dealer of Chevrolets at his showroom at 530 High Street, next door to his electrical shop. He held the dealership for 3 years, relinquishing it when demands for electrical, plumbing and steam fitting work took precedence.
Collopy’s Beach, which operated from 1915 to 1919, was renamed Kane’s Beach in 1920. The area from Mt. Park to Kane’s Beach and beyond to the north was extremely popular during the summer months. Streetcars were filled with each run to the area on a hot summer’s day. The beach area was also accessible by car, with ample parking. The sandy beach was one of the finest in the area. The facility offered refreshments, supervision at the waterfront and modern facilities.
On March 29, 1921, then Alderman Patrick J. Kane signed a lease with the Boston & Maine Railroad to use the land along the Connecticut River at Smith’s Ferry from the Kennedy Farm to the Easthampton town line. The parcel included 89 acres of land at this location. The annual rent was $1,250.
In 1921, Mr. Kane pursued a trespassing case against William Wilson of 186 Pine Street. The case seems nondescript, but it was decided based on a prior South Hadley case, which was elevated to the Massachusetts Supreme Court and used as precedent.
Mr. Wilson admitted to swimming in the waters of the Connecticut River, and his attorney, R. L. Davenport, stated that Mr. Wilson at no time set foot on Mr. Kane’s leased land and was not guilty of trespassing. This was a point of contention. However, the case hinged on how far the water rights extended to Mr. Kane’s property under the lease. Atty Davenport pursued a defense as deep as the high-water mark.
The final ruling stated the waters north of the dam were not a navigable stream, so Mr. Kane’s rights extended halfway to the opposite shoreline. Judge Allyn ruled that Mr. Wilson was guilty as charged and fined him $1.
Before opening for the 1922 season, various improvements were made to the grounds. Mr. Kane added a recreation hall with a dining room, where people could gather and enjoy their time. A railroad crossing was constructed at Mr. Kane’s expense, so cars could drive closer to the beach. Bathing suits were purchased, and Japanese Lanterns were strung along the beach, so the beach could be enjoyed at night as well as day.
A boys’ week and girls’ week were planned between August 7 and 21, 1922. Around 300 to 400 were expected to attend over the two weeks. The youngsters would be housed in a 100-by-20-foot screened building with electricity, capable of accommodating 55.
Lifeguards would be on duty, and entertainment and activities would be provided. This was an Elks-sponsored event, so guests were provided bathing suits, towels and other essentials. There were baseball and volleyball games, plenty of time to swim, and dancing to music played on a Victrola. All the equipment for the activities, along with food for the campers, was provided by the Elks.
At the closing of the camp, the campers were treated to a chicken dinner, and for dessert, 40 pies were delivered by Edward White of the Franklin Restaurant. Rev. John Griffin of the Holy Rosary Church lent a projector for viewing movies provided by George Hammond of the Majestic Theater.
Live music and a refreshment stand located on the beach were introduced in 1923. A photographer was present on select days during 1924. In 1925, realtor Edward Lesieur advertised fully furnished 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-room camps with electricity, lights, and fireplaces. Over time, there would be about 30 camps on the property.
The beach operation transitioned to Michael O’Hare in 1925, and his story will be told in the following installment.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
World War II Draft Registration Card
Registered Marriages, City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1912
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