History of Chicopee, Massachusetts, USA

Chicopee, chik'o-pe, a post-village constituting part of Chicopee city, Hampden co., Mass., is on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, at the mouth of the Chicopee, and on the Connecticut River Railroad, at the junction of the Chicopee Falls Branch, 4 miles N. of Springfield. It has 7 churches, a convent of the Sacred Heart of Mary, a high school, a national bank, a savings-bank, and extensive manufactures of cotton goods, statuary, cutlery, locks, bi. cycles, and machinery. Here are the cotton-mills of the Dwight Company, which has a capital of $2,000,000 and employs 2000 operatives. Pop. 7000; of the city, 14,050.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 20. - Kasimir Obara and Szymon Galuszka, two Poles, were found dead in bed this morning in the parochial residence connected with the Independent Polish Catholic Church of Chicopee. It is supposed that they were drunk when they went to bed and carelessly built a rousing fire in the hot-air furnace in the cellar of the house.
They permitted the register to remain open and then went to bed. Coal gas and hot air came up in such quantities that the medical examiner considered that they died in an hour after retiring. Obara was the household servant of the pastor of the church, and Galuszka was a friend whom he had induced to spend the evening with him.

The paint-shop of M. I. Fuller, on Pine street, at the Falls, was almost totally destroyed by fire about 8:15 o’clock yesterday morning. Mr. Fuller was passing through the shop and stepped on a parlor match, which lay close to some turpentine which had been spilled on the floor. The whole place was ablaze in an instant, Mr. Fuller being obliged to beat a hasty retreat. The fire department responded to the alarm with all possible speed, but it was more than 10 minutes after the alarm was turned in that they got to the scene of action. One of the hose companies pressed Osborn’s milk cart into service, attaching the reel to the rear of the vehicle. The horse was decrepit, however, and matters were not much improved, even with the company pushing behind. Arriving at the fire, however, the department did good work. The saved Mr. Fuller’s barn, which stood but 12 feet away, and also that of D. M. Cook, 20 feet away. The loss is about $1000, partly insured in the Delaware company through...

A fire broke out last night about 10:10 in Mendel Riner’s clothing store at 20 Springfield street, Market square. The flames started in the rear part of the store, near the stove, in which there was no fire. Several persons had been smoking pipes and cigarets just before the proprietor went upstairs. The insurance is $4000, place through James H. Loomis. Mr. Riner had moved upstairs about a month before. The damage is estimated at about $2000. The department responded promptly to the alarm, and soon extinguished the blaze. There is some suspicion of an incendiary origin of the fire.

Wooden Way Across the Connecticut Destroyed by Fire.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Nov. 12. - The old wooden bridge across the Connecticut River between Chicopee Junction and West Springfield was burned this noon. Sparks carried by the strong westerly wind set fire to a number of buildings in Chicopee, including the Boston and Maine station, and the entire Fire Department was called out. The loss, aside from the bridge, is small.

The bridge was built in 1848 as a toll bridge, was more than 1.2000 feet long, and had seven spans. It was made a free bridge in 1872. With the exception of the old toll bridge at Springfield, it was the last of the old wooden bridges across the Connecticut River in Massachusetts.

Chicopee, a city of Hampden co., Mass., on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, at the mouth of the Chicopee, and on the Boston and Maine R., 4 miles N. of Springfield. It has extensive manufactures of cotton and knitted goods, bronze statuary, hardware, bicycles, machinery, boilers, fire-arms, swords, carpets, etc. Pop. in 1900, 19,167 (inclusive of Chicopee Falls, Fairview, and Willimansett, incorporated with it).

Szot Park:

Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors at Szot Park. It's a great spot for picnics, sports, or just a leisurely stroll. They often host events and have a playground for the kids.

Chicopee Memorial State Park:

If you're into outdoor activities, check out Chicopee Memorial State Park. It offers hiking trails, a pond for fishing, and a beach for swimming during the summer.

Cabotville Historic Sights:

Explore the historic Cabotville area, which played a significant role in the industrial history of Chicopee. You'll find charming old buildings and perhaps stumble upon some local history.

Chicopee Public Library:

For a quieter day, visit the Chicopee Public Library. It's not just a place for books; they often have community events, lectures, and activities.

Chicopee Country Club:

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Chicopee Country Club. It's a well-maintained course with scenic views.

Elms College:

Take a stroll around the beautiful campus of Elms...