The most recent entry on this blog was Carlisle's, which was located at 365 High Street. Today, we skip across the street to 366 High Street, Bay State Coin Company, a long-running business serving coin and stamp collectors and other hobby enthusiasts.
The principal of the business during much of its existence was Paul Marshall Abel. Born in 1933, Mr. Abel was a South Hadley resident previously associated with the Liberty Coin Shop at 341 Newton Street in his hometown. He served in the U. S. Air Force as a flight engineer during the Korean conflict
The Bay State Coin Company was initially a partnership formed by Paul M. Abel, Edward Goheen, and Jacob J. Moskovitz. The store opened at 356 High Street on October 13, 1959, and within its first year, the company relocated several storefronts to 366 High Street.
In April of 1962, Paul Abel purchased the 2/3 interests of Messrs. Goheen and Moskovitz and became the owner along with his spouse, Margaret (Peggy) Ostrom Abel. Margaret Abel was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College and taught at West Springfield High School and Stoneleigh-Burham School in Greenfield.
Bay State Coin featured supplies for collectors and bought and sold rare gold, silver, and copper coins and stamps. Supplies included coin folders, magnifying glasses, literature, and coin collectors' valuation books.
Numerous ads were placed over the years offering high prices for stamps and coins. Paul Abel was often called upon by the Holyoke Transcript to provide his expertise and opinions on gold and silver prices and the latest circulating rumors surrounding extreme values of certain coins. Several store ads show "Scoops," limited-time sales prices on a certain day and within a window of time during the store's business hours.
As the business grew, the store expanded its merchandise to include stainless steel tableware, Swiss watches, HO train sets, slot cars, and paint sets. Hobby sets for building scale model cars and airplanes, along with other accessories, were available for sale.
In the early 1970s, diamond reproduction rings and wedding ring sets were added to the store's inventory at prices more affordable than the authentic items at jewelry stores.
Although a definitive year for the store's closure was not determined, it is believed to have occurred in 1992, after a general inventory clearance sale in late 1991. Bay State Coin continued to operate as a home business for a number of years into the next century.
Paul and Peggy Abel were also skilled roller skaters. They won many individual and couples dance events from 1995 onward. In 1997, they were the Northeast Regional Senior Champions and advanced to compete in the nationals. Paul Abel continued to participate in these events into his 80s.
Citations:
No comments:
Post a Comment