Springfield: Volume II

Images of America: Massachusetts

by Ginger Cruikshank

Images of America: Springfield Volume I gave readers a photographic history of the city’s ethnic populations and religions. It also told the story of education and public service in the “City of Firsts.” In Springfield Volume II, author Ginger Zabecki Cruickshank takes readers on a second journey through the past to the origins of the city’s many businesses, transportation systems, and social agencies, such as the YMCA and local hospitals that have served the people of Springfield, as well as some of the best sports stories in the city’s history. The stories and early photographs of well-known companies including Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Friendly’s Ice Cream Corporation, and Merriam-Webster are shown in this striking volume. All have roots in Springfield, as do Milton Bradley and Smith & Wesson. The famous Knox automobiles and the Peter Pan Bus Company are brought to life with other stories in the fascinating development of transportation in the area. As the city has adapted and grown with the population and changing economic times, it has built a tradition of citizens succeeding despite great obstacles. It is that tradition that has made the city what it is today.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2000

Reviews

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Images of America series are pretty low-rent productions, so I can never rate them too highly. They are really just some photos thrown together with little narrative. I enjoyed this one more than the first volume of Springfield history because it focuses on businesses and social services (more my interests). It really is amazing how many famous and still standing businesses got their start in the area.

[Nick Vantangoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book was much better than the first volume. It was a great look back at the history of the city of my birth.