Thank you so much, cee4fun! These photos mean a lot to me. My memories of Springfield are always with me, as I've never adapted to my life in Florida. My parents were Russian immigrants who knew little of this country, so I was on my own a lot - to explore and soak in every detail of my environment. Springfield will always be "home".
+Myra Weaver You might like this movie about the re-incarnation of Peter Proud, It's an old movie made mostly in Springfield MA. ua-cam.com/video/HQIRmimwLCo/v-deo.html There is a scene where you will see big construction going on as he turns a street, well that street is Chestnut St. and he makes a left into Harrison Ave, that construction is now Chestnut Towers: www.google.com/maps/place/Springfield,+MA/@42.1043205,-72.5878762,3a,60y,267.79h,82.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCp5Ou2MteFBFVBwCpscB5w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89e6e62c08e4b81f:0x1d1808da41b9aabd!6m1!1e1 There are two towers the one above is the smaller of the two towers 16 floors high. The other tower is in the future known as 10 Chestnut St with 34 Floors behind him on chestnut street not shown but also under construction: www.google.com/maps/@42.1028893,-72.5856519,3a,75y,193.49h,97.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJwNUeYWU_zDRVfV7INGFbw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 The taller of the two does not have a 13th flr as they were supersticious back then. The second and third floor are also missing but I don't know why. The big tower is the tower shown in this video as a video thumbnail. The towers are in downtown area. The bridge they see in the beginning of the video when they entering from west Springfield is the Memorial Bridge. There are other places but you need to look cause I will never finish writing if I try to tell you all the streets and places. Here's a song you will love of Springfield 1960's: ua-cam.com/video/IZc1UwbMkXg/v-deo.html Well thanks for your story, if you have more to add I will love to read it :) bye!
@@TheMikester307 so I was not the only one that remembered this film. This music definitely echos that artist. The city lies on the Connecticut River. It's the curve of said river and that magnificent bridge over it. Time may go by but there will always be this city. I will forever call it Riverside.
It was music from Jerry Goldsmith. That film was so obscure. It starred such wonderful talent. Most of them are gone now. But I feel wonderful whenever I go back to Springfield. Because I listen to Jerry Goldsmith's score. So brilliant of you to hear the similarity. Someday Springfield and Hartford will regain their glory maybe.
I grew up in sixteen acres but have many fond memories of downtown Springfield. Thank you for taking the time to do this for those who no longer live in Springfield.
I was born in Springfield in 1946. Lived on Woodside Terrace near Belmont Ave. I moved to Florida in 1960, but my heart has always been in Springfield, which was a wonderful place to grow up. Any one remember Steiger's, Forbes & Wallace, the "X" ?
+Myra Weaver Hi, thank you for posting some of your childhood memories of when you lived in Springfield. I looked up the the Steiger's, Forbes & Wallace building and sadly discovered that it was demolished after standing vacant for 5 years. Forbes & Wallace Industry Retail Founded 1874 Defunct 1976 Headquarters Springfield, Massachusetts Products Clothing, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, and housewares. Website None The store was closed in 1976, and the buildings remained vacant until demolition in 1982. More details here: www.emporis.com/buildings/225144/forbes-and-wallace-inc-department-store-springfield-ma-usa In Wikipedia there is even more including this postcard picture of the building, though not the real image that's burnt into your memory, it helps in bringing out good times of a specific area out of the building not remembered otherwise. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Forbes_and_Wallace_--_Leading_store_--_Springfield%2C_Mass_%2879430%29.jpg Now this picture is a real picture of Forbes & Wallace 1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8adILSA0XY/VOKouJ_dF4I/AAAAAAAAH3I/_XexkmDRXu8/s1600/413%2Bforbes.jpg This is another website with history on Forbes & Wallace lostnewengland.com/2015/01/forbes-wallace-springfield-mass/ Here is the Wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_%26_Wallace You also mention the X, well the X is still there I go to the doctors there which is in Belmont Ave and Sumner Ave. Dickinson Street also crosses the X. I'm 100% sure it's not the X you remember but there should be remnants of the old X, the one you remember. www.google.com/maps/place/Sumner+Ave+%26+Belmont+Ave,+Springfield,+MA+01108/@42.0861955,-72.5586588,167m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m7!1m4!3m3!1s0x89e6e65c9b741251:0xb543a40441e3634c!2sSumner+Ave+%26+Belmont+Ave,+Springfield,+MA+01108!3b1!3m1!1s0x89e6e65c9b741251:0xb543a40441e3634c Here is Woodside Terrace and Belmont Ave www.google.com/maps/place/Woodside+Terrace,+Springfield,+MA+01108/@42.0893197,-72.5748473,284m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89e6e6f6b136cda1:0x15346850c48dafd5 Again thank you for posting your part of when you lived in Springfield. My search to help you taught me of a place I didn't even know about thank you for that. Let me know if you want me to look for anything else and I will gladly help with whatever I can. Have a nice day :) Bye! :)
@@cee4fun The old Hooters downtown was one of my haunts, for the reason the girls did not look so young in those days? I have a few old Springfield videos too. Forest Park in 1985 ua-cam.com/video/GEV87cZ-pjc/v-deo.html and St. Joseph's Church in the South End 1984 (demolished to build the Berkshire Bank) exterior video after the church ceremony ua-cam.com/video/luODdmFUYUk/v-deo.html
@@StanSwan Which of the two reporter's is you on the first video and what was the name of that game the old people were playing in Forest Park ? On the second video that beautiful church was demolished for a bank? God that's so sad 🤐 Thanks for posting them ☺
@@cee4fun On the Forest Park video I am off camera, the cameraman. We were really just messing around on those videos. We also made a school project for Cathedral High school of the of the Jewish Synagogue on Sumner Ave. ua-cam.com/video/a0BVgEQh1Rk/v-deo.html
NICE CLEAN JOB!!! The video was very smooth and it felt as if I were back there again. Thanks for a trip down memory lane as I grew up in Springfield, Holyoke, and West Springfield, Mass. circa 1950. Keep up the good work!! You did a great job showing the building names, etc. as some people don't even lift the cam up from the ground. Give us more. Great work keep it up!!
Maybe this will bring back the good memories you have: www.google.com/search?q=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma&client=tablet-android-samsung&prmd=msniv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwid69ap___rAhWEoHIEHcVgAJwQ_AUoBHoECBYQBA&biw=911&bih=683 Thanks for the post, I enjoyed doing the search. Here's the 1836 flood front of the Johnson's Book Store, enjoy. 😊 www.google.com/search?q=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma+flood+of+1936&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjiwuCBgYDsAhUJMN8KHSpZDwoQ2-cCegQIABAC&oq=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma+flood+of+1936&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQDFAAWABg0pABaABwAHgAgAEAiAEAkgEAmAEA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=cqFrX-LBCYng_Aaqsr1Q&bih=683&biw=911&client=tablet-android-samsung&prmd=msniv#imgrc=6aPsSMX5StaLxM
Anyone remember the clock with the weather on the bank downtown for decades? I believe it was Third National Bank! Bay State West with the walkways to Forbes & Wallace, and Steigers!
This one? image.masslive.com/home/mass-media/width960/img/republican/photo/2011/10/-de18e514f0b7c546.JPG This is the website www.masslive.com/business-news/2011/10/springfields_tower_square_celebrates_40.html Hope you like it 😁
The City is Bless by God in so many ways. Architecturally (Largest Contcentration of Victorian Style Homes in the North East and the city has Colonial, Italian Renaissance, Greek Renaissance and modern Buildings as well.) Environmently (Largest Parks System in New England). Socially (John Cena a Springfield graduate, Kurt Russell "Actor",Dr. Seuss, Milton Bradley (Monopoly,Checkers, board games) Medically (Home to 4 Hospitals Vibra Hospital, Shrines, Mercy, Baystate).
I've got lots of family there and have visited many times. Wonderful city, wonderful people. I'm from L.A., and it's hard to think of a town that could be more different. I love Springfield. I also would always go to Friendly's and also have birch bear and ham sandwiches, a family tradition on my father's side.
hey there! did you say that they "moved" the white house where they have now built that huge courthouse? That white house was the Alexander house, and it was gorgeous! It was still there in early 2005 and i am sorry i did not take photos!
yes even now when i look at the videos and picture, it breaks my heart! to see our beautiful hometown looking like that. Houses I used to walk by everyday, houses I had friends living in, downtown buildings that were over 100 yeas old... sad indeed!!
Actually, you were very helpful. With what you told me, I was able to find that it was Taku Iwasaki: Sound of Snow Falling. And I can certainly understand your nostalgia about times gone past in your town. I have those same feelings for Lawrence, though I don't live there now. Thanks again.
The area across from the bus depot where you mentioned it was once a little park with benches and did not know what stood there prior. That's where the historic Hotel Charles once stood. It was connected to the still standing and long vacant Union Station. The hotel and train station were built around 1928. Union station closed in the early 70's and has remained vacant ever since. Though many developers have come and gone with plans to reopen, only to later abandon project and leave town.
Dude you caught me off guard, your comment pulled my heart strings, sorry about your situation with your grandma passing away. The music together with your story really got to me 😢 I hope things get better for you buddy, I lost both my grandma and grandpa, mother and father also so I probably know some of what you may be going through. Thank you for sharing. All I know is that time will make things easier as it goes by. God bless you and your love ones and know that you are a good person for thinking about your grandma. Again thank you for the comment 😀 have a good day and keep your grandma in your heart, bye! 😁
To the young Boricua, who posted this, thank you. I can vividly remember walking off the bus for the first time, and seeing Steigers! It was like a blast from the past. I saw George Carlin, at the Paramount, and the Springfield Indians at the civic center, (btw, Elvis played there too), ahh how I love the city of homes.....
Did anyone go to Sumner Avenue Elementary? Is it still there? How about Forest Park?The "X" which was up Belmont Avenue? I lived at 133 Woodside Terrace from birth to age 14 (1946-1960) and part of my heart is still there. I'd love to hear from anyone who was there at that time.
+Myra Weaver It's still there: www.google.com/maps/place/Sumner+Avenue+Elementary+School/@42.0828688,-72.5748978,3a,75y,163.71h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNgduDc9V7Wi99V7u9bcXqQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xee0005fe21417da3!6m1!1e1 Here is 133 Woodside Terrace, it's really nice. No I was not from there but I thought you would like to see it. www.google.com/maps/place/133+Woodside+Terrace/@42.0906485,-72.5719522,3a,85.8y,106.65h,86.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIpoinJvPguYiTq0O9cpgDA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x4061bd6f4ca4212c!6m1!1e1 As for Forest Park, I go to that Park every Summer, here is a video, it's 4 years old but it still looks the same way now. I love going there to think or to go to the zoo with my family. Sometime we just walk all day around the park or get wet by the sprinklers. ua-cam.com/video/FIuWYU4yRz0/v-deo.html.
Truly thanks for the video. I use to work as the night janitor at Steigers when I was home from college. Went to Tech High School . Shame what Springfield was and how it is now.
Yep. That used to be where the Charles Hotel was located. After the building was torn down and made into a park, students from Putnam Voc Tech High School built some structure in the park. I forgot what it was, but it has been been removed.
i went to buckingham junior high in winchester square. very old school. the floors were all buckling . i had one class at the top in the attic area . we had to run on the sidewalk around the school for exercise . the new fire station now stands in its place . that was 1963 when i attended .
Springfield was nice but let's not pretend it was perfect. I had a few racist teachers in the 70's who said crazy stuff like " I would hate to be black today, you have no excuse." I could go on. I was assaulted twice by teachers. Yet, I had some of the best teachers in the world at Technical High school, especially Mr. Peabody and Miss Baron. And I couldn't understand why no white people would come to the football rallies when there were whites on the team. Obviously, the well to do have left Springfield.
Springfield certainly has it's challenges. But it's nothing the right ones for the job can't handle. And that's been the majority of the problem. Decades after electing corrupt politicians who aline themselves with their cronies and line their pockets, this is what the citizens get. Despite that, Springfield has weathered the storm fairly well. Crime is a problem, but has been blown overwhelmingly out of proportion from reality. The violent crime statistics we see today were the same 30+ years ago. 18 homicides were recorded in 1985. And today we still hover in that same vicinity give or take. Not to even begin to suggest that's acceptable. But to those who often make sweeping statements every time a shooting is on the evening news, that Springfield is getting worse or is out of control, look at the facts. At no time ever in the city's history has violent crime been an outright daily occurrence. You may have occasional spike in which for entire week, something major may happen everyday. But that's usually followed by a period of days weeks or months before the next major outbreak of violence. By the time you reach years end, you surprise yourself by counting the overwhelming majority of those 365 days in which someone did NOT get shot, stabbed, murdered or assaulted. Springfield is absolutely capable of improvement on all fronts. We just have yet to find those with the talent and dedication to get us there.
Since I've been here I have never seen anyone get shot, stabbed or killed even though I hung out or walked through whats considered the worst of places known in the news reports as high crime rate capacity areas. The only crimes I ever saw or heard of were coming from the News Channels, not from my own experience. I'm glad I wasn't around when they accured :) I most certainly agree with you on everything you have posted, thank you for sharing your thoughts
...was Baystate West. My dad used to carry me on his shoulders do I could see out if the skywalk in to Main Street. The first floor of Baystate West was Friendly's, a jewelry store & McRory's department store. The block of Main St between Harrison & E. Court was Johnson's bookstore. I was last there with my pal Justin and it was a bi-level store. Boland Way (between the Marriott & Sheraton) was once Vernon Way, it was renamed for a former mayor.
The vacant lot @ 4:44 is where the Hotel Charles stood. After it closed it became a shelter/SRO. Then they had a fire on the upper floors and that spelled the end of the hotel. I was a firefighter then and was working the night it caught fire.
I think there was a Woolworth's store where the Sheraton is. My family went to Indians games at the civic center. When I was a kid, Springfield was THE place to be, it was family friendly, it was safe, it was beautiful. Now the South End hardly changed until after I moved
Wow! that was the old Chestnut Tower, now they are known as Skyview. I remember that back then the Civic Center which is now Mass Mutual was still around. Thanks for the post 😁
I've been looking for older pictures of older Down Town... Mainly Late 70's-90's. I grew up in Mass. I lived on State street. And was looking for memories of the area around .. Well basically across from tower square area...
I was born and raised in Springfield and I had a WONDERFUL childhood. It was a great place to grow up until something changed. It went from little fights, to people killing each other left and right. Needless to say, I live in jersey now
Thanks for the comment, it's nice to read peoples story how they recall certain parts of their childhood that would otherwise never be spoken or read about and forgotten forever. Who knows if you would have ever spoken about what you have just wrote otherwise? It's almost like therapy cause I know you felt good remembering your childhood :)
Noah Estrado Wow you're a magnet for bike thieves, you don't need a knife, you need a dog to warn you of the thief trying to steal your bike. Try yelling out "call 911" or scream for help somebody is stealing our bike. Knives can get you killed in a struggle and of course you can also kill somebody which in turn will take you to jail for a very long time. By going to jail for killing the bike thief you will become the killer that killed the bike thief, that sounds worst than the thief who was stealing your bike.
Jammel Roberson dude springfield is a shity down and has been for the last 39 years now they even put up a casino in the main street area driving people out of there business so that the state can take ownership of rare buildings that cost more than what yoy can afford. And as for killing people I was born and grew up in Holyolke and then moved to Springfield there ismt a diference between the towns othwr than holyolke havwing more nobs to go around
+A.W comic publications Someone else posted this: Updated list Private Investment in Springfield not counting the South End project which I totally disagree: Over 500 Million dollars in Investment. Over 1.3k jobs (On these projects)there is about 3.7k people unemploy in Springfield, over 63k working, second largest City pop in Western Mass Chicopee at 56k Factories/Industrial: New CRCC Factory in East Springfield New Falvey Linen in East Springfield New PVTA garage in East Springfield Recently Super Brush (Factory) upgraded its factory in Indian Orchard. Hotels: Holiday Inn and Court Square additionally there is talk about another one in the North End by the republican. Restaurants. David Ortiz in the talks of opening a Restaurant New Magic Johnson will Open up a restaurant in next 18 months. Frontera Grill on Boston rd. By Nov 2017 NewAfghani Restaurant just Open @ Columbus Center Downtown New Whistle Stop at Union Station New IHOP @ 5 Town Plaza Fast Food chains : Chester Chicken (East Springfield),Taco Bell, KFC, DD's openings new sites Wendy's, Mcdonalds, BK, DD's, etc all renovating. Additionally Red Rose, Chef Big Wayne Mamou, Pizza Hut Also Dennis 2016, local restaurants Compari's Ristorante, Ciro have open up Amenities New bicycles for union station so that people who want can ride them around to Tower Square, Armory, Quadrangle, Springfield His Museum, River Front Park(being remodel), Restaurants, MassMutual Center, Basketball Hall of Fame, Symphony Hall, City Center, possible a Baseball Stadium in the future. Scape Springfield. "Look it up" Luv2Play (Indoor gaming facility in 5 Town Plaza) Retail : New Wonderland Gifts @ Tower Square. New clothing store opening soon right next to PCX clothing store downtown. New retail site next to Aldi's on Boston rd. Yankee Matres 2016, Planet Fitness (not retail), Some more local stores like Milan, Mens Mart n more have open at the Mall. Lens Crafters as well indoor gaming facilities. Housing: New development at bay st, East Springfield behind Springfield Plaza, redemodeling apartments in dowtown and Finally Yes!: Chestnut Tower. Amenities:Even New amenities coming in for dowtown like Scape Springfield just open (if u don't know what it is look it up, Rental bikes,etc. Coffee Shops on Main St. Medical Baystate Health is not done with the Hospital of the Future. It is just Finishing its new power plant. Education: Springfield College New Students Commons Western New England University New Cafeteria and student spaces New High School Facility Cathedral High School American International College New state of the art Health Sciences educational facility. 4 big projects that are also coming are: Paramount Theater 45 million Eastfield Mall bringing in condos new offices , shops, etc YMCA a multi-million dollar renovation. Basketball Hall of Fame a 30 million dollar renovation.
I used to live in the south end on 51 oswego. Moved to another state beforebthe tornado hit. I have mixed feelings about springfield. Some good memories mostly, then it wemt bad with all of the fights and gangs.
Yeah those are the days I like most. I used to work near the Mardi Gras and I heard that the Civic Center lettering is still on the parking garage lol. I hope the proposed casinos will be a good thing for the city. They need the jobs for real but I'm skeptical about casinos.
I know what you mean, every time something new is built another memory becomes of what use to be there. Like when Mass Mutual use to be the Civic Center, I miss the old place. I don't know it just felt different for me. Thanks for your post 😁
Not everyone there is on section 8 cause some of the workers live there including a manager and the Arab guys that own the 2 Delis from Chestnut Street. Section 8 didn't ruin anything, people that have jobs and money ruin things by looking around for people to buy drugs from which in turn get busted and tell the police who sold him some dope in order to get an early released from jail, which in turn causes all the media gossip that many people like you listen to and blame it on section 8.
@@calebostrowski-braman They are not on the same block though, but yes 50 would be the answer. The big one had an underground Olympic size swimming pool inside of it going down the stairs from the lobby and the smaller has an outdoor swimming pool. I don't know if the big one still has the inside swimming pool but they now have a huge fitness center in it. 😁
I like a little run down places, it wasn't till I grew up that's I noticed that where I grew up in was really runned down and that's because I saw some really old 1970`s photos of my block in New York city, lol those were the places where I had the most fun. 🤣
Really? That's Kool man. Bob Hope was hilarious I use to see him when I was a kid on the TV, I never got to see him in person live. You are a lucky man. The old Civic Center is now called Mass Mutual. I liked the old Civic Center. Anyways thanks for commenting it's nice to know someone else had good memories there 😀
Springfield was so beautiful now look's ugly I was born in Springfield end I will die in Springfield don't know why they destroy abrithing that was so beautiful
I guess they feel it looks better than before. We can only remember and maybe take pictures and video record so everyone can enjoy what we used to enjoy years before 😜 thanks for the comments have a good day ☺️
Across the street from the Peter Pan/PVTA station was the Hotel Charles, a once stately hotel that was derelict most of the time I remember it. Then, further down...
I was born and raisd in Springfield in the 60s Springfield was a good place to live in now it is 2015 and look at Springfield now shootings happening 5 times a mouth
It does appear some work has finally commenced as of recently, as the PVTA plan to move in and occupy a significant portion of the space. Peter Pan plans to come across the street as well, though as of late, its more tentative than they let on several years ago, as they claim it's contingent on whether the proposed MGM Casino comes to town. The Hotel Charles had ceased operations as a Hotel well before my time. However it remained as partial use as low income housing through the early 90's.
Me too 😔 I like the way it looked on the black and white photos, it would be nice if I could go back in time and fall in love with a beautiful woman 😍 lol I hope my girlfriend doesn't see this, she'll be really pissed even though someone from way back then would probably be 100 plus years smelling like mothballs lol. I like mothballs hahaha. Ok I'm getting carried away, I just wanted to say thank you for comments ànd have a wonderful day 😀
I understand the point of these videos but nothing ever stays the same. You lose too many tomorrows looking back to yesterday. Why not spend that time making it a place worth living again? I remember the way it used to be as well but I still see no reason it can't evolve rather than de-volve. I grant you it will take lots of hard work but the folks that were around during those golden years if you will were all about that. If it had to be done it had to be done. We know it's not so good now. But if the remaining good residents stay apathetic just imagine what it will be in 15, 20 years from today.
+Invisible Sun Thank you. I understand what you are saying too, but what was intended was to better understand the history from people that lived here longer than I have. I like the stories people post because they are not written like in a book you can find in a store. These people have good stories of their childhood that far surpass those written in a book store though those are good too, I don't have to pay for them here. People get very emotional when writing about things that makes them remember of their childhood and that makes them happy. If they are happy then I'm already doing my part in Springfield. Your words are sounding apathetic to the people that took their time to write about their feelings. I don't think you really mean to be apathetic but it sounds like you are scolding people for feeling good even though you don't mean to. I do get your point though, thanks :)
I grew up in Springfield so I understand their feelings about the changes. I just feel as if things don't have to keep changing for the worse if we take a harder stance against those who are making it worse. There are good memories for me as well, I was born there. I was only implying that there is no reason to stop making new ones and give something the children of tomorrow something to return to. It may be too late for today's youth but it really starts from the cradle. If they have those positive experiences from the start then they will more likely find a way to keep building on it. I do want things to change for the better. I don't know anything about the Mayor but do you trust his intent? Is he sincere? Do you feel as if he is taking a step in the right direction? I google mapped the city and to be honest it's hard to say.
Invisible Sun Thank you for making things more clear, I knew you weren't really trying to be harsh to the other people, even you had good memories of Springfield. That was the point and goal intended with the video, to hear your story too :) I just wished you would have posted more about the good stories you have hidden in your vault of memories. People want to hear it and I do too :) thank you very much. Without getting into the politics about the Mayor, all I can say is that I don't really know what are his intents. If he is sincere, only he knows if he really is. Well all I can say is that there is a hell of a demolition taking place all over the downtown area for what will be the MGM Casino. According to the plan there is going to be Ice Skating Rinks, Bowling Alleys, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Hotels, and a whole lots of jobs. Downtown is getting a whole new facelift according to what suppose to be the plans, they plan on making it look like the old downtown merged into the modern downtown. This according to the plan will be finally completed and done with by 2018. Well that's about all, take care, have a great Holiday and a Happy New Year :)
Thank you so much, cee4fun! These photos mean a lot to me. My memories of Springfield are always with me, as I've never adapted to my life in Florida. My parents were Russian immigrants who knew little of this country, so I was on my own a lot - to explore and soak in every detail of my environment. Springfield will always be "home".
+Myra Weaver You might like this movie about the re-incarnation of Peter Proud, It's an old movie made mostly in Springfield MA.
ua-cam.com/video/HQIRmimwLCo/v-deo.html
There is a scene where you will see big construction going on as he turns a street, well that street is Chestnut St. and he makes a left into Harrison Ave, that construction is now Chestnut Towers: www.google.com/maps/place/Springfield,+MA/@42.1043205,-72.5878762,3a,60y,267.79h,82.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCp5Ou2MteFBFVBwCpscB5w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89e6e62c08e4b81f:0x1d1808da41b9aabd!6m1!1e1
There are two towers the one above is the smaller of the two towers 16 floors high. The other tower is in the future known as 10 Chestnut St with 34 Floors behind him on chestnut street not shown but also under construction: www.google.com/maps/@42.1028893,-72.5856519,3a,75y,193.49h,97.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJwNUeYWU_zDRVfV7INGFbw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 The taller of the two does not have a 13th flr as they were supersticious back then. The second and third floor are also missing but I don't know why. The big tower is the tower shown in this video as a video thumbnail. The towers are in downtown area. The bridge they see in the beginning of the video when they entering from west Springfield is the Memorial Bridge. There are other places but you need to look cause I will never finish writing if I try to tell you all the streets and places.
Here's a song you will love of Springfield 1960's: ua-cam.com/video/IZc1UwbMkXg/v-deo.html
Well thanks for your story, if you have more to add I will love to read it :) bye!
I'm actually amazed that no one has asked just what this music is. I simply love this piece whatever it is.
The Sound of Snow Falling. I don't know who composed it, Wrote it, Sung it if they did or what orchestra played it. Sorry:(
Well the beginning is from an anime called Samurai X.
It sounds like the score to "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud," a 1975 movie that might have been filmed in Springfield, it was set there!
@@TheMikester307 so I was not the only one that remembered this film.
This music definitely echos that artist.
The city lies on the Connecticut River. It's the curve of said river and that magnificent bridge over it. Time may go by but there will always be this city. I will forever call it Riverside.
It was music from Jerry Goldsmith.
That film was so obscure. It starred such wonderful talent. Most of them are gone now.
But I feel wonderful whenever I go back to Springfield. Because I listen to Jerry Goldsmith's score.
So brilliant of you to hear the similarity.
Someday Springfield and Hartford will regain their glory maybe.
I grew up in sixteen acres but have many fond memories of downtown Springfield. Thank you for taking the time to do this for those who no longer live in Springfield.
No, thank you for your time :) I appreciate it.
I was born in Springfield in 1946. Lived on Woodside Terrace near Belmont Ave. I moved to Florida in 1960, but my heart has always been in Springfield, which was a wonderful place to grow up. Any one remember Steiger's, Forbes & Wallace, the "X" ?
+Myra Weaver Hi, thank you for posting some of your childhood memories of when you lived in Springfield. I looked up the the Steiger's, Forbes & Wallace building and sadly discovered that it was demolished after standing vacant for 5 years.
Forbes & Wallace
Industry Retail
Founded 1874
Defunct 1976
Headquarters Springfield, Massachusetts
Products Clothing, footwear, bedding,
furniture, jewelry, beauty products, and housewares.
Website None
The store was closed in 1976, and the buildings remained vacant until demolition in 1982. More details here: www.emporis.com/buildings/225144/forbes-and-wallace-inc-department-store-springfield-ma-usa
In Wikipedia there is even more including this postcard picture of the building, though not the real image that's burnt into your memory, it helps in bringing out good times of a specific area out of the building not remembered otherwise.
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Forbes_and_Wallace_--_Leading_store_--_Springfield%2C_Mass_%2879430%29.jpg
Now this picture is a real picture of Forbes & Wallace
1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8adILSA0XY/VOKouJ_dF4I/AAAAAAAAH3I/_XexkmDRXu8/s1600/413%2Bforbes.jpg
This is another website with history on Forbes & Wallace
lostnewengland.com/2015/01/forbes-wallace-springfield-mass/
Here is the Wikipedia page:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_%26_Wallace
You also mention the X, well the X is still there I go to the doctors there which is in Belmont Ave and Sumner Ave. Dickinson Street also crosses the X. I'm 100% sure it's not the X you remember but there should be remnants of the old X, the one you remember.
www.google.com/maps/place/Sumner+Ave+%26+Belmont+Ave,+Springfield,+MA+01108/@42.0861955,-72.5586588,167m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m7!1m4!3m3!1s0x89e6e65c9b741251:0xb543a40441e3634c!2sSumner+Ave+%26+Belmont+Ave,+Springfield,+MA+01108!3b1!3m1!1s0x89e6e65c9b741251:0xb543a40441e3634c
Here is Woodside Terrace and Belmont Ave
www.google.com/maps/place/Woodside+Terrace,+Springfield,+MA+01108/@42.0893197,-72.5748473,284m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89e6e6f6b136cda1:0x15346850c48dafd5
Again thank you for posting your part of when you lived in Springfield. My search to help you taught me of a place I didn't even know about thank you for that. Let me know if you want me to look for anything else and I will gladly help with whatever I can. Have a nice day :) Bye! :)
me too but 2007-2014 I'm over to north Carolina
and the truly sad thing is the tornadoes damaged, or destroyed a lot of those beautiful old buildings!!
Anyone remember "DeMarcos Wholesale Corner"? A Relative of mine owned It, seriously miss it. Must've shut down around '91-'93 ish..
They gave you five thumbs up so I think some do remember that place 😀 thanks for asking have a nice day 😊
I am amazed how much the city has changed since 2005 let alone the old photos.
Yeah and we without realizing are aging as well . Thank for dropping by 😊
@@cee4fun The old Hooters downtown was one of my haunts, for the reason the girls did not look so young in those days? I have a few old Springfield videos too. Forest Park in 1985 ua-cam.com/video/GEV87cZ-pjc/v-deo.html and St. Joseph's Church in the South End 1984 (demolished to build the Berkshire Bank) exterior video after the church ceremony ua-cam.com/video/luODdmFUYUk/v-deo.html
@@StanSwan Which of the two reporter's is you on the first video and what was the name of that game the old people were playing in Forest Park ?
On the second video that beautiful church was demolished for a bank? God that's so sad 🤐
Thanks for posting them ☺
@@cee4fun On the Forest Park video I am off camera, the cameraman. We were really just messing around on those videos. We also made a school project for Cathedral High school of the of the Jewish Synagogue on Sumner Ave. ua-cam.com/video/a0BVgEQh1Rk/v-deo.html
@@StanSwan That was interesting nice work ☺
NICE CLEAN JOB!!! The video was very smooth and it felt as if I were back there again. Thanks for a trip down memory lane as I grew up in Springfield, Holyoke, and West Springfield, Mass. circa 1950. Keep up the good work!! You did a great job showing the building names, etc. as some people don't even lift the cam up from the ground. Give us more. Great work keep it up!!
God that really made me feel good thanks for the good comment, it make me want to do more.
I LOVED Johnson's Bookstore when I was a kid growing up in the 60s!!
Maybe this will bring back the good memories you have:
www.google.com/search?q=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma&client=tablet-android-samsung&prmd=msniv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwid69ap___rAhWEoHIEHcVgAJwQ_AUoBHoECBYQBA&biw=911&bih=683
Thanks for the post, I enjoyed doing the search. Here's the 1836 flood front of the Johnson's Book Store, enjoy. 😊
www.google.com/search?q=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma+flood+of+1936&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjiwuCBgYDsAhUJMN8KHSpZDwoQ2-cCegQIABAC&oq=johnson%27s+bookstore+springfield+ma+flood+of+1936&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQDFAAWABg0pABaABwAHgAgAEAiAEAkgEAmAEA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=cqFrX-LBCYng_Aaqsr1Q&bih=683&biw=911&client=tablet-android-samsung&prmd=msniv#imgrc=6aPsSMX5StaLxM
I didn't discover it until the 70's.
Anyone remember the clock with the weather on the bank downtown for decades? I believe it was Third National Bank! Bay State West with the walkways to Forbes & Wallace, and Steigers!
This one? image.masslive.com/home/mass-media/width960/img/republican/photo/2011/10/-de18e514f0b7c546.JPG
This is the website www.masslive.com/business-news/2011/10/springfields_tower_square_celebrates_40.html
Hope you like it 😁
hey there thank you for responding to me about the Alexander Building on Elliott street. I appreciate that.
The City is Bless by God in so many ways. Architecturally (Largest Contcentration of Victorian Style Homes in the North East and the city has Colonial, Italian Renaissance, Greek Renaissance and modern Buildings as well.) Environmently (Largest Parks System in New England). Socially (John Cena a Springfield graduate, Kurt Russell "Actor",Dr. Seuss, Milton Bradley (Monopoly,Checkers, board games) Medically (Home to 4 Hospitals Vibra Hospital, Shrines, Mercy, Baystate).
Thanks for info, good job :)
I've got lots of family there and have visited many times. Wonderful city, wonderful people. I'm from L.A., and it's hard to think of a town that could be more different. I love Springfield. I also would always go to Friendly's and also have birch bear and ham sandwiches, a family tradition on my father's side.
hey there! did you say that they "moved" the white house where they have now built that huge courthouse? That white house was the Alexander house, and it was gorgeous! It was still there in early 2005 and i am sorry i did not take photos!
yes even now when i look at the videos and picture, it breaks my heart! to see our beautiful hometown looking like that. Houses I used to walk by everyday, houses I had friends living in, downtown buildings that were over 100 yeas old... sad indeed!!
Actually, you were very helpful. With what you told me, I was able to find that it was Taku Iwasaki: Sound of Snow Falling. And I can certainly understand your nostalgia about times gone past in your town. I have those same feelings for Lawrence, though I don't live there now. Thanks again.
Meilseoir Schwartzthal Wow, thank you, it makes me feel good to know someone feels like I sometimes do :)
The area across from the bus depot where you mentioned it was once a little park with benches and did not know what stood there prior. That's where the historic Hotel Charles once stood. It was connected to the still standing and long vacant Union Station. The hotel and train station were built around 1928. Union station closed in the early 70's and has remained vacant ever since. Though many developers have come and gone with plans to reopen, only to later abandon project and leave town.
I was raised in Springfield from 72 - 91 on Roosevelt Ave and I look back with fond memories
My grandmother (89) unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago, so it is cool to see pictures of places she had been, like 50 years ago.
Dude you caught me off guard, your comment pulled my heart strings, sorry about your situation with your grandma passing away. The music together with your story really got to me 😢 I hope things get better for you buddy, I lost both my grandma and grandpa, mother and father also so I probably know some of what you may be going through. Thank you for sharing. All I know is that time will make things easier as it goes by. God bless you and your love ones and know that you are a good person for thinking about your grandma. Again thank you for the comment 😀 have a good day and keep your grandma in your heart, bye! 😁
To the young Boricua, who posted this, thank you.
I can vividly remember walking off the bus for the first time, and seeing Steigers! It was like a blast from the past. I saw George Carlin, at the Paramount, and the Springfield Indians at the civic center, (btw, Elvis played there too), ahh how I love the city of homes.....
Did anyone go to Sumner Avenue Elementary? Is it still there? How about Forest Park?The "X" which was up Belmont Avenue? I lived at 133 Woodside Terrace from birth to age 14 (1946-1960) and part of my heart is still there. I'd love to hear from anyone who was there at that time.
+Myra Weaver It's still there:
www.google.com/maps/place/Sumner+Avenue+Elementary+School/@42.0828688,-72.5748978,3a,75y,163.71h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNgduDc9V7Wi99V7u9bcXqQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xee0005fe21417da3!6m1!1e1
Here is 133 Woodside Terrace, it's really nice. No I was not from there but I thought you would like to see it.
www.google.com/maps/place/133+Woodside+Terrace/@42.0906485,-72.5719522,3a,85.8y,106.65h,86.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIpoinJvPguYiTq0O9cpgDA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x4061bd6f4ca4212c!6m1!1e1
As for Forest Park, I go to that Park every Summer, here is a video, it's 4 years old but it still looks the same way now. I love going there to think or to go to the zoo with my family. Sometime we just walk all day around the park or get wet by the sprinklers.
ua-cam.com/video/FIuWYU4yRz0/v-deo.html.
Myra Weaver
yes Sumner av school is still there the x in forest park is still the same to
I live in forest park white street
Was that empty lot by the rail road tracks? If so, that was the "Hotel Charles". It was abanded for years. Torn down in the late 80's or early 90's.
Truly thanks for the video. I use to work as the night janitor at Steigers when I was home from college. Went to Tech High School . Shame what Springfield was and how it is now.
You're welcome, thanks for commenting 😁
This video needs an update. Springfield has come a long way since 2005❤️
Thanks l will get on it soon 😁
@@cee4funglad you're still around here on UA-cam 😊
I really do, thank you I've been lazy lately 😁
This brought tear to my eyes. My Aunt use to live in the tower on Chestnut St. Memories 💜
Aww, thanks for posting, hope you're ok :(
Yep. That used to be where the Charles Hotel was located. After the building was torn down and made into a park, students from Putnam Voc Tech High School built some structure in the park. I forgot what it was, but it has been been removed.
Springfield da' BEAUTIFUL!
:)
I think you mean Was beautiful
i went to buckingham junior high in winchester square. very old school. the floors were all buckling . i had one class at the top in the attic area . we had to run on the sidewalk around the school for exercise . the new fire station now stands in its place . that was 1963 when i attended .
harry doherty Thank your for sharing☺
Springfield was nice but let's not pretend it was perfect. I had a few racist teachers in the 70's who said crazy stuff like " I would hate to be black today, you have no excuse." I could go on. I was assaulted twice by teachers. Yet, I had some of the best teachers in the world at Technical High school, especially Mr. Peabody and Miss Baron.
And I couldn't understand why no white people would come to the football rallies when there were whites on the team. Obviously, the well to do have left Springfield.
Tech High Tigers! Mr Dooley, Coach Duck, Coach Mason, Coach Monarer, Coach Wilson, Colonel Potter, Chief Palmer. Great years!
I wonder if the poster here is talking about Millie Barend, a math teacher in the Springfield school system
Springfield certainly has it's challenges. But it's nothing the right ones for the job can't handle. And that's been the majority of the problem. Decades after electing corrupt politicians who aline themselves with their cronies and line their pockets, this is what the citizens get. Despite that, Springfield has weathered the storm fairly well. Crime is a problem, but has been blown overwhelmingly out of proportion from reality. The violent crime statistics we see today were the same 30+ years ago. 18 homicides were recorded in 1985. And today we still hover in that same vicinity give or take. Not to even begin to suggest that's acceptable. But to those who often make sweeping statements every time a shooting is on the evening news, that Springfield is getting worse or is out of control, look at the facts. At no time ever in the city's history has violent crime been an outright daily occurrence. You may have occasional spike in which for entire week, something major may happen everyday. But that's usually followed by a period of days weeks or months before the next major outbreak of violence. By the time you reach years end, you surprise yourself by counting the overwhelming majority of those 365 days in which someone did NOT get shot, stabbed, murdered or assaulted. Springfield is absolutely capable of improvement on all fronts. We just have yet to find those with the talent and dedication to get us there.
Since I've been here I have never seen anyone get shot, stabbed or killed even though I hung out or walked through whats considered the worst of places known in the news reports as high crime rate capacity areas. The only crimes I ever saw or heard of were coming from the News Channels, not from my own experience. I'm glad I wasn't around when they accured :) I most certainly agree with you on everything you have posted, thank you for sharing your thoughts
:( I am afraid our beautiful hometown will never be the same.... So sad! I remember that church on maple!!!
...was Baystate West. My dad used to carry me on his shoulders do I could see out if the skywalk in to Main Street. The first floor of Baystate West was Friendly's, a jewelry store & McRory's department store. The block of Main St between Harrison & E. Court was Johnson's bookstore. I was last there with my pal Justin and it was a bi-level store. Boland Way (between the Marriott & Sheraton) was once Vernon Way, it was renamed for a former mayor.
the times were so simple lets bring these days back PLEASE
Love this so much I’m a Springfield native living in Hawaii I miss old Springfield
Wow! Hawaii? I wish I was there instead 😎. Thanks for the post.😁
The vacant lot @ 4:44 is where the Hotel Charles stood. After it closed it became a shelter/SRO. Then they had a fire on the upper floors and that spelled the end of the hotel. I was a firefighter then and was working the night it caught fire.
Thanks for the info and thanks for posting :)
I think there was a Woolworth's store where the Sheraton is. My family went to Indians games at the civic center. When I was a kid, Springfield was THE place to be, it was family friendly, it was safe, it was beautiful. Now the South End hardly changed until after I moved
and oh you did a great job!!!!!!!!!!! a thing i was supposed to and hopefully will do soon. go to springfield and start snapping!
I remember Steigers too. Springfield was a pretty great city back in the day.
People are Beatifying this City again if u get the chance take a peek for your self.
+4engislh class If we all get involve we will create a healthier environment for our kids.
Shortly thereafter the hotel was condemned and vacated. And not long after, there was a major fire which led to it's demolition.
I grew up on Central St... the (was green when I lived there) in the brown house on the corner of Central & Cherry
katsrayoflight I always liked that house.. I grew up on Central street in the apartments on the right hand side...
Great video lived there until 22. Gone 36 years . Sad but glad I left .
Wow! Gone 36 years so a revisit is due 😀 thanks for posting 😁
I used to live on the 31st floor in taller chestnut building back in late 90's
Wow! that was the old Chestnut Tower, now they are known as Skyview. I remember that back then the Civic Center which is now Mass Mutual was still around. Thanks for the post 😁
I've been looking for older pictures of older Down Town... Mainly Late 70's-90's.
I grew up in Mass. I lived on State street. And was looking for memories of the area around .. Well basically across from tower square area...
4:40.. is that where the old steigers used to be ??
Can't really tell where the location is.
That building you remember that was demolished was a hotel dont remember the name
Has anyone ever heard of the Stannard Cafeteria that was somewhere on Main Street in Springfield?
I tried to find it but couldn't, can you give me more info?
The old building was the old Charleston Hotel where it was knocked down n to benches put up know it's a 5 story parking lot
I remember the two benches and the old brick building but I didn't get to see the Charles Hotel :( thank you for everything else though :)
I was born and raised in Springfield and I had a WONDERFUL childhood. It was a great place to grow up until something changed. It went from little fights, to people killing each other left and right. Needless to say, I live in jersey now
Thanks for the comment, it's nice to read peoples story how they recall certain parts of their childhood that would otherwise never be spoken or read about and forgotten forever. Who knows if you would have ever spoken about what you have just wrote otherwise? It's almost like therapy cause I know you felt good remembering your childhood :)
springfield for life. ive had about 5 bikes stolen, i carry a knife with me everywhere
Noah Estrado Wow you're a magnet for bike thieves, you don't need a knife, you need a dog to warn you of the thief trying to steal your bike. Try yelling out "call 911" or scream for help somebody is stealing our bike. Knives can get you killed in a struggle and of course you can also kill somebody which in turn will take you to jail for a very long time. By going to jail for killing the bike thief you will become the killer that killed the bike thief, that sounds worst than the thief who was stealing your bike.
Jammel Roberson dude springfield is a shity down and has been for the last 39 years now they even put up a casino in the main street area driving people out of there business so that the state can take ownership of rare buildings that cost more than what yoy can afford. And as for killing people I was born and grew up in Holyolke and then moved to Springfield there ismt a diference between the towns othwr than holyolke havwing more nobs to go around
+A.W comic publications Someone else posted this:
Updated list Private Investment in Springfield not counting the South End project which I totally disagree:
Over 500 Million dollars in Investment. Over 1.3k jobs (On these projects)there is about 3.7k people unemploy in Springfield, over 63k working, second largest City pop in Western Mass Chicopee at 56k
Factories/Industrial:
New CRCC Factory in East Springfield
New Falvey Linen in East Springfield
New PVTA garage in East Springfield
Recently Super Brush (Factory) upgraded its factory in Indian Orchard.
Hotels: Holiday Inn and Court Square additionally there is talk about another one in the North End by the republican.
Restaurants.
David Ortiz in the talks of opening a Restaurant
New Magic Johnson will Open up a restaurant in next 18 months.
Frontera Grill on Boston rd. By Nov 2017
NewAfghani Restaurant just Open @ Columbus Center Downtown
New Whistle Stop at Union Station
New IHOP @ 5 Town Plaza
Fast Food chains : Chester Chicken (East Springfield),Taco Bell, KFC, DD's openings new sites
Wendy's, Mcdonalds, BK, DD's, etc
all renovating. Additionally Red Rose, Chef Big Wayne Mamou, Pizza Hut
Also Dennis 2016, local restaurants Compari's Ristorante, Ciro have open up
Amenities
New bicycles for union station so that people who want can ride them around to Tower Square, Armory, Quadrangle, Springfield His Museum, River Front Park(being remodel), Restaurants, MassMutual Center, Basketball Hall of Fame, Symphony Hall, City Center, possible a Baseball Stadium in the future.
Scape Springfield. "Look it up"
Luv2Play (Indoor gaming facility in 5 Town Plaza)
Retail :
New Wonderland Gifts @
Tower Square.
New clothing store opening soon right next to PCX clothing store downtown.
New retail site next to Aldi's on Boston rd.
Yankee Matres 2016, Planet Fitness (not retail), Some more local stores like
Milan, Mens Mart n more have open at the Mall. Lens Crafters as well indoor gaming facilities.
Housing:
New development at bay st, East Springfield behind Springfield Plaza, redemodeling apartments in dowtown and Finally Yes!:
Chestnut Tower.
Amenities:Even New amenities coming in for dowtown like Scape Springfield just open (if u don't know what it is look it up, Rental bikes,etc.
Coffee Shops on Main St.
Medical
Baystate Health is not done with the Hospital of the Future. It is just Finishing its new power plant.
Education:
Springfield College
New Students Commons
Western New England University
New Cafeteria and student spaces
New High School Facility Cathedral High School
American International College
New state of the art Health Sciences educational facility.
4 big projects that are also coming are:
Paramount Theater 45 million
Eastfield Mall bringing in condos new offices , shops, etc
YMCA a multi-million dollar renovation.
Basketball Hall of Fame a 30 million dollar renovation.
I used to live in the south end on 51 oswego. Moved to another state beforebthe tornado hit. I have mixed feelings about springfield. Some good memories mostly, then it wemt bad with all of the fights and gangs.
Thanks for the info. And you were lucky moving away before the tornado. Good luck to you. bye :)
Yeah those are the days I like most. I used to work near the Mardi Gras and I heard that the Civic Center lettering is still on the parking garage lol. I hope the proposed casinos will be a good thing for the city. They need the jobs for real but I'm skeptical about casinos.
Thank you!
You're welcome 😊
Here is my life a lot memories I which everything couldn't stayed the way it was now don't look the same but I still love my town ❤♥
I know what you mean, every time something new is built another memory becomes of what use to be there. Like when Mass Mutual use to be the Civic Center, I miss the old place. I don't know it just felt different for me. Thanks for your post 😁
I will always have a strong love for this city. Even if I end up moving one day Springfield will always be home
Thank you 😁
i loved the old Springfield not this new one
Me too, thanks for the post 👍😄
@@cee4funyou and me both
Not everyone there is on section 8 cause some of the workers live there including a manager and the Arab guys that own the 2 Delis from Chestnut Street. Section 8 didn't ruin anything, people that have jobs and money ruin things by looking around for people to buy drugs from which in turn get busted and tell the police who sold him some dope in order to get an early released from jail, which in turn causes all the media gossip that many people like you listen to and blame it on section 8.
What happen? It looked like such a beautiful city back then...bring back the trolleys.
Lol I want the trollies too :)
HOW MANY FLOORS IS THE TOWER SUPPOSED TO HAVE ON 10 CHESTNUT STREET!!!!???? 😮
The big tower is 34 floors and the smaller tower is 16 floors.
@@cee4fun All together, if these two buildings combined, then there WOULD be 50 floors in that one superbuilding complex!
@@calebostrowski-braman They are not on the same block though, but yes 50 would be the answer. The big one had an underground Olympic size swimming pool inside of it going down the stairs from the lobby and the smaller has an outdoor swimming pool. I don't know if the big one still has the inside swimming pool but they now have a huge fitness center in it. 😁
I mean the big one has a fitness center in it. 😃 Thank you for the post.
To anyone who is from Springfield: I am from Worcester, I feel your pain. 😞
Thank you :)
It had been the Springfield Civic Center
When I was a kid the arcade was still open alittle ran down but awesome
I like a little run down places, it wasn't till I grew up that's I noticed that where I grew up in was really runned down and that's because I saw some really old 1970`s photos of my block in New York city, lol those were the places where I had the most fun. 🤣
Your old apartment building is now a section 8 dump. Damn shame because the apartments are still nice. The people have absolutely ruined it.
I love sprigfield my life where I was born love this video
Thanks for your post 😀
When the fuck did Spinge field had a lake
I don't know what to answer :(
Porter lake at Forest park. :)
But it's more like a pond. Not very big.
I use to fish there.
Wait they use to be a arcade what the
Hahaha!
Bank North had been SIS
SIS was one of the oldest banks in massachusetts
Woulda been better if it was before and after pics of main st... Just my opinion
What a beautiful city it once was.
Yes it was, thanks for posting ☺
I saw bob hope at the civic center ❤
Really? That's Kool man. Bob Hope was hilarious I use to see him when I was a kid on the TV, I never got to see him in person live. You are a lucky man. The old Civic Center is now called Mass Mutual. I liked the old Civic Center. Anyways thanks for commenting it's nice to know someone else had good memories there 😀
I miss the old beautiful architecture we used to have, now it's being replaced by ugliness.
Yup me too, I like the old architecture always. Thank for the post 😊
Springfield was so beautiful now look's ugly I was born in Springfield end I will die in Springfield don't know why they destroy abrithing that was so beautiful
I guess they feel it looks better than before. We can only remember and maybe take pictures and video record so everyone can enjoy what we used to enjoy years before 😜 thanks for the comments have a good day ☺️
To the original poster, you are so correct!!!
Across the street from the Peter Pan/PVTA station was the Hotel Charles, a once stately hotel that was derelict most of the time I remember it. Then, further down...
I was born and raisd in Springfield in the 60s Springfield was a good place to live in now it is 2015 and look at Springfield now shootings happening 5 times a mouth
bruce espositoi Yea it's sad :(
No problem we all have lives & schedules :)
The city has lost its soul and character what happened here
+bostonjay011 I guess everyone grew up
❤❤❤❤❤😘 the town I was born my life ❤❤❤❤
Peter Pan that's not fair from me not at all
That's nice :)
It does appear some work has finally commenced as of recently, as the PVTA plan to move in and occupy a significant portion of the space. Peter Pan plans to come across the street as well, though as of late, its more tentative than they let on several years ago, as they claim it's contingent on whether the proposed MGM Casino comes to town. The Hotel Charles had ceased operations as a Hotel well before my time. However it remained as partial use as low income housing through the early 90's.
The rise and fall of springfield ma
Welcome to the 413/Hampden County area
I live next to down town man
Well maybe you can make a video when you visit, If not you can post a video of your town :)
I wish abri thing was like before. ❤
Me too 😔 I like the way it looked on the black and white photos, it would be nice if I could go back in time and fall in love with a beautiful woman 😍 lol I hope my girlfriend doesn't see this, she'll be really pissed even though someone from way back then would probably be 100 plus years smelling like mothballs lol. I like mothballs hahaha. Ok I'm getting carried away, I just wanted to say thank you for comments ànd have a wonderful day 😀
that white house is haunted
Lol 🤫
Gazebo?
harmoni youse to live there
That's gonna be something though I'm surw
I understand the point of these videos but nothing ever stays the same. You lose too many tomorrows looking back to yesterday. Why not spend that time making it a place worth living again? I remember the way it used to be as well but I still see no reason it can't evolve rather than de-volve. I grant you it will take lots of hard work but the folks that were around during those golden years if you will were all about that. If it had to be done it had to be done. We know it's not so good now. But if the remaining good residents stay apathetic just imagine what it will be in 15, 20 years from today.
+Invisible Sun Thank you. I understand what you are saying too, but what was intended was to better understand the history from people that lived here longer than I have. I like the stories people post because they are not written like in a book you can find in a store. These people have good stories of their childhood that far surpass those written in a book store though those are good too, I don't have to pay for them here. People get very emotional when writing about things that makes them remember of their childhood and that makes them happy. If they are happy then I'm already doing my part in Springfield. Your words are sounding apathetic to the people that took their time to write about their feelings. I don't think you really mean to be apathetic but it sounds like you are scolding people for feeling good even though you don't mean to. I do get your point though, thanks :)
I grew up in Springfield so I understand their feelings about the changes. I just feel as if things don't have to keep changing for the worse if we take a harder stance against those who are making it worse. There are good memories for me as well, I was born there. I was only implying that there is no reason to stop making new ones and give something the children of tomorrow something to return to. It may be too late for today's youth but it really starts from the cradle. If they have those positive experiences from the start then they will more likely find a way to keep building on it. I do want things to change for the better. I don't know anything about the Mayor but do you trust his intent? Is he sincere? Do you feel as if he is taking a step in the right direction? I google mapped the city and to be honest it's hard to say.
Invisible Sun Thank you for making things more clear, I knew you weren't really trying to be harsh to the other people, even you had good memories of Springfield. That was the point and goal intended with the video, to hear your story too :) I just wished you would have posted more about the good stories you have hidden in your vault of memories. People want to hear it and I do too :) thank you very much. Without getting into the politics about the Mayor, all I can say is that I don't really know what are his intents. If he is sincere, only he knows if he really is. Well all I can say is that there is a hell of a demolition taking place all over the downtown area for what will be the MGM Casino. According to the plan there is going to be Ice Skating Rinks, Bowling Alleys, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Hotels, and a whole lots of jobs. Downtown is getting a whole new facelift according to what suppose to be the plans, they plan on making it look like the old downtown merged into the modern downtown. This according to the plan will be finally completed and done with by 2018. Well that's about all, take care, have a great Holiday and a Happy New Year :)