The Notch, and other nearby places

History

I have fond Mountain Day memories of the Notch, a pass on Route 116. I've also included some views from Mount Holyoke (the mountain), and some other nearby views that didn't seem to fit in anywhere else.

The Images

All cards are available with both front and back scans, and comments about what is written on the front or back, either by the user or by the publisher, are included below.

Mt. Holyoke Range

front "Mt. Holyoke Range, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Apr 24, 1913 12:30pm in South Hadley. Stamp has been removed, leaving tear mark. #B6093 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Dear Bill, I "did" the Range yesterday but my soul this is a rotten picture of it. It is forty-two times as long as this and it was beastly hot. Moreover it was drizzling when we started so we wore sweaters and I wore a felt hat. It is even warmer to-day but I am going to be a matyr [sic] and study - I haven't done much in that line since vacation. Monday and Tuesday afternoon I went on terribly long walks looking for mayflowers but I have decided they are fabled things which do not really exist. I just paid my bill at "Grids", the general store, and so I am in the process of getting "broke". Never mind one of the kids owes me a dollar and I have two dollars I have saved to pay my expenses this summer! So long TT."

608 The Notch

front "608 The Notch, Holyoke Mountains, South Hadley, Mass." Scott photo.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. Made in Germany.

The Conn. & Old Hadley from Mt. Holyoke, Mass.

front "The Conn. & Old Hadley from Mt. Holyoke, Mass." #462

back Divided back, unused. Kruxo.

View of Holyoke Dam and South Hadley Bridge

front "View of Holyoke Dam, and South Hadley Bridge, from Air, Holyoke, Mass." #10 I'm really not branching out to collect the town of Holyoke, too; this card was a gift. Thanks, Margo!

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Published by the Springfield News Company. Also numbered #71680 Made by Tichnor Bros. Inc., Boston, Mass. "In the heart of the Connecticut Valley, nestling at the foot of world famed Mt. Tom, and partly surrounded by the Connecticut River, lies a city of scenic beauty and industrial progress."

1936 Flood

front "Holyoke - South Hadley Bridge March 19, 1936" #8

back Divided back, postally unused, but inscribed "purchased Holyoke 5/2/36". AZO.

1936 Flood

front "Holyoke Road From So. Hadley Flood March 1936"

back Divided back, postally unused, but inscribed "purchased Holyoke 5/2/36". AZO.

1936 Flood

front "South Hadley Falls, Mass. Flood March 1936"

back Divided back, unused. AZO.

1936 Flood

front "South Hadley Falls, Mass. Flood March 1936"

back Divided back, unused. AZO.

1936 Flood

front "5 South Hadley Falls, Mass. Flood March 1936"

back Divided back, postmarked Mar 30, 1936 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Arrived in good time last night. The wreckage from flood everywhere apparent. J."

1936 Flood

front "North Main Street, So. Hadley Falls March 19 '36"

back Divided back, postally unused, but inscribed by dealers: "March, 1936 Flood" and "South Hadley Falls, Mass Coca Cola Sign" AZO.

A Springfield Home

front A lovely real photo of a home on a tree-lined street.

back Divided back, postmarked Dec 2, 1910 12pm in Springfield, MA. Transit mark Dec 3, 1910 in South Hadley. Published by Griswold & Steele, 37 John St., Springfield, Mass. "Our 'latch string' is always out - come home with Eloise on Saturday. Mother Knox 21 Dorchester St Springfield Mass" Addressed to Susan Bartlett at the College.

Mt. Holyoke Range Looking N.E. from Hotel

front "Mt. Holyoke Range Looking N.E. from Hotel" #464

back Divided back, Kruxo. Postmarked May 31, 1919 7am in South Hadley, as well postmarked from the summit of Mount Holyoke. "Mil Howell is here and six of us are upon Mt. Holyoke. Wish you were here too. Did you get my letter about camping? M. F."

Holyoke and South Hadly [sic] Bridge

front "Holyoke and South Hadly [sic] Bridge Mass. - 660" Bark peels back to reveal view of the bridge.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.

290 Road near Greylock Summit

front "290 Road near Greylock summit"

back Divided back, postmarked Nov 21, 1908 10am in South Hadley. "I can leave college at three o'clock, get the 4.15 train from Springfield, which is the 6.14 from Worcester out to No. Grafton, so you may expect me Mon. at that time. How glad I shall be to get home! Love to all of you from Grace.

Picnic Grounds Mt Holyoke

front "Picnic Grounds Mt. Holyoke Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Jul 5, 1920 9:30am in Northampton(?). All grammar mistakes below are as they were in the card; the sender must have been quite distracted while writing. "Holyoke Mass 7-2-20 Dear Brother I thought I would take a write you a few line to see how you are feeling these How is everything on the old hill It is rainy here to-day and it is enough to make anyone home sick to look out the window So I thought I would take and some card to past my time away Hope you have a good time up to Rutland your sister Vic with love"

Road to Smith's Ferry

front "So. Hadley, Mass., Road to Smith's Ferry"

back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked May 1, 1907 6:30pm in Boston, MA. Published by the Hugh C. Leighton Co. "Thanks for May flowers. Isabel 5-1-07"

Roads to Amherst and Granby

front "Roads to Amherst and Granby, South Hadley, Mass." Hand colored.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Scott Photo #H813.

Roads to Amherst and Granby

front Untitled view; it's this one but it's blue instead of hand colored.

back Divided back, two indecipherable postmarks. "This view is from Mt. Holyoke, near the College, where I went in June. I hope you & Mr. Thomas are very well this summer. I am as usual. I saw the sunflower story. With kind regards A. S. Rice"

Real Photo View: Roads to Amherst and Granby

front Untitled view; it's this one but it's a real photo card.

back Divided back, postmarked Mar 9, 1909 10am in South Hadley. Photo by Edgar T. Scott, Amherst, Mass. "Mar. 8, 1908. This is a piece of the road which I travel 4 or 6 times a day. Pomeroy Corner is just beyond the brow of that hill by the car track. the gent in the background is Mr. Aault, our janitor, who gave me the flowers, you know, and the little plaid girl is one of my hopefuls. School went just awful today. Used the - ahem - persuader on two tonight. We are going to Mrs. Buckhout's tomorrow evening to a social rehearsal of the Glee Club. Think of it! Aren't we getting into society, though! Love, F.M.B."

The Orchards

front "The Orchards, Summer Residence of Mr. Joseph A. Skinner. South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass.

11689 Smith's Ferry and Mount Holyoke

front "11689. Smith's Ferry and Mt. Holyoke, South Hadley, Mass." Copyright 1908 by Detroit Publishing Co.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Published by Detroit Publishing. A Phostint card.

Mt. Holyoke

front "Mt. Holyoke" A real photo postcard.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.

Mt. Holyoke

front A real photo view of Mount Holyoke.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.

Pass of Thermopylae

front "Pass of Thermopylae, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. C. A. Gridley & Son, Ind. #1036. Also numbered #b6239

The Oxbow from Mt. Holyoke

front "The Oxbow from Mt. Holyoke" #463

back Divided back, unused. Kruxo.

The Old Mountain House

front "The Old Mountain House"

back Divided back, unused. GMCCO series. "The first on Mt. Holyoke, So. Hadley, Mass. Built in a day, June 17, 1821. Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles Summer both registered here."

Mt. Holyoke

front A real photo view. "Mt. Holyoke"

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. AZO.

Mt. Holyoke

front A real photo view. "Mt. Holyoke, Mass. Sept 1 - 1905."

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 1, 1905 4:15pm in Northampton. Flag cancel. Transit mark Sep 2, 1905 in South Norwalk CT.

Amherst from Bear Mountain

front "Amherst from Bear Mountain, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Sep 24, 1908 5pm in South Hadley. #B3030 Published by A. S. Kinney. An Excelsior card. "Letter and cheque rec'd all right Lucy is getting on finely. May stay over Sunday Love to all"

Amherst Frat House

front Untitled real photo. "My room doesn't show here as it is on the other side of the house. Have some more pictures of the views from here etc. Will show them to you some time. This is one side of the Frat House. Osborn Stewart."

back Divided back, postmarked Mar 7, 1911 6pm in Amherst Mass, and Mar 8, 1911 9am in South Hadley. Addressed to Miss Ruth Kendrick at Mount Holyoke.

Mitch's Marina

front Untitled aerial view of Mitch's Marina.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Mitch's Hockanum Marina/Hadley, Mass./Located on Rt. 47, 3 miles north of Mt. Holyoke College, on the Connecticut River. Daily or seasonal launchings. Refreshments and picnic tables on premises. Sandy beaches for swimming./Prop. Mitchell Drozdal/Our Slogan: Sail Along With Mitch" Published by New England Aerial Photo Service, Granby, Mass. Also marked Dexter Press, Inc. West Nyack NY. #69784-B

Court House, Northampton

front "5630 -- Court House, Northampton, Mass." Sourvenir Post Card Co N.Y. Inscription: "It was on this corner that I left you 3 1/2 hours ago."

back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 19, 1910 9am in Gardner, Mass. "Gardner, Sun. Eve. Dear Josephine - Arrived safely about seven. Wasn't that great luck? The train pulled into Greenfield just as my car arrived. I told the conductor I was trying to make it and think they made a special effort. I was so glad, it needed just that to make my whole trip such a pleasant one. Hope you were as fortunate. Will write later. Grace." Addressed to Miss Josephine Sweet at Mount Holyoke.

At Prospect Park South Hadley

front "At Prospect Park South Hadley April 12th 1911" A real photo postcard.

back Divided back, stamp box, unmailed but inscribed: "I am going to send you one of my pictures from RUTH Tell mama I will write in a few days Aunt Ella" On the address side: "Ernest A. Parker July 18th 1911."

Auto Wreck

front A real photo postcard of a car wreck. "This is a picture of the "auto" accident which occurred June 2 5.15 A.M."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 12, 1906 6:30am in Spencer Mass. Transit marks on Jun 12, 1906 10am in Holyoke Mass, and Jun 12, 1906 1pm in South Hadley. Addressed to Miss Hattie Mary Manley at Mount Holyoke.

Mt. Holyoke

front A real photo view.

back Divided back, postmarked Oct 14, 1908 9:30pm in Springfield Mass. "Mailed on The Summit of Mount Holyoke." Inscription: "Am up here spending Mt. day. We walked 15 miles over the mts. Having a great time. Going over to Amherst Sunday to see Sam. Love to all. Lora"

Mt. Holyoke From Conn. River

front "Mt. Holyoke From Conn. River" A real photo view.

back Undivided back, unused, but bears marks from being in an album. AZO stamp box.

Skinner State Park

front "Skinner State Park Connecticut River"

back Divided back, unused. "Skinner State Park South Hadley, Massachusetts / A panoramic view from Skinner State Park looking toward the Oxbow Marina at the banks of the Connecticut River." Photo by Jim McElholm. #2US MA 446. Arts & Cards, Brookline, Mass.

Old Meeting House

front Untitled real photo of Old Meeting House Tea Room, dated 1732. This is the building where Woodbridge's restaurant is today.

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 11, 1934 7am in South Hadley. "This is a new eating place since my day but was built in 1732. We had supper here tonight. Ran into a terrible cloudburst in West Springfield. Held us up a while. Am spending the night with Betty. Love, Lena."

North Church, Amherst

front Untitled real photo of North Church in North Amherst. Inscription: "Dear Pauline: I have just returned from Amherst. Had a fine time. I do wish you could come up to the concert to-morrow night. It is going to be simply fine. No tickets required. With much love Hattie May So. Hadley Dec 14, 1905."

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 14, 1905 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Dec 14, 1905 5pm in Spencer, Mass.

South Hadley, Massachusetts

front "South Hadley, Massachusetts"

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Clockwise, from upper left: Gaylord Library; Civil war Monument on Town Green; The Odyssey Bookshop; Town Hall" Copyright The Odyssey Bookshop.

Mt. Holyoke Mass.

front "Mt. Holyoke Mass." A real photo view.

back Divided back, unused.

Mt. Holyoke Ferry

front A real photo view.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.

Chanticleer

front Untitled view of Chanticleer, with Woodbridges restaurant to its right.

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 24, 1973 by the USPS. "Chanticleer / This old meeting house, which hides a tunnel, where escaped slaves fled to their freedom in the 1800's, has been transformed into a delightful country store, gift and yarn shop. Located in South Hadley Center, So. Hadley, Mass." #82793-C Made by Dexter Press, West Nyack, NY. Inscription: "June 24 / I'll be home again before you get this card. Laura hasn't been feeling too well so has decided to go to Cleveland Mon. & her daughter has made an appt. with a Dr. for her. Sorry she won't be coming back to be with me for a while longer. Will be anxious to hear all about your doings of last week. Love, Helen"

United Methodist Church

front Untitled. Now I can identify this photo in my collection.

back "The United Methodist Church / 30 Carew Street - South Hadley, Mass. Serving the Greater Holyoke Area" Printed by Marcus Printing Co., Holyoke, Mass. "the people called Methodists serving Jesus as Lord of city, suburbs and college thru a unified, ecumenical parish" Divided back, not mailed, but inscribed: "Lot 177 Duck Cove / Thursday / Dear Mrs Welch, We arrived this past weekend from Mass. to our little place on Duck Cove. We so enjoyed meeting you last summer & showing the children your blueberry farm. We hope to visit you and would love for you to come out to our place for tea some afternoon. We also would like to see your church. Happy to be here, The Mooreheads / Kent, Nancy / Gary & Glenn"

Catholic Church

front "St. Theresa Catholic Church, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Aug 12, 1971 in South Hadley. Published by Merrimack Post Card Co., 110 Merrimac St., Haverhill, Mass. "Hello; Left Nashua around 1-15 tuesday afternoon, went downtown so Ed could get a haircut, then got on our way to come here and arrived at a few minutes before 4 p.m. It's a nice ride, a lot of changes since we've been here. Enjoying everything. Ed and I went shopping this afternoon, bought a few cards and some groceries for Davis. I hope to see my brothers this weekend. Love Ed & Phonse"

South Hadley baby

front Real photo of a baby in a rocking chair. Inscription up the side reads: "Ethel Irene Bagg." Inscription greeting reads: "So. Hadley Mass Dec 30 '06. Dear Edith :- Your present rec'd, & thank you very much. I was at home for Xmas, & Harold took baby's picture & fixed it in this card. We are all about sick with colds, it is such changeable weather we can't keep well. I think mother will go to Hats tomorrow, she has cold as well as us, but keeps the thermometer about up to 90 degrees I should think. Well I must get diner [sic] now with love to all Ida B / Ink not work good on this side of card"

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 31, 1906 12midnight in South Hadley.

South Hadley children

front Real photo of a baby in a carriage with a little girl standing next to the carriage.

back Divided back, postmarked Dec 23, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. Inscription: "Dear Edith :- I am up home for over Xmas, Hazel & Thelma taken at Hattie's last summer. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year[.] Am sending you a litter [sic] also. With love Ida B."

Holyoke Dam

front Untitled view of the Holyoke Dam.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "View from South Hadley, MA / Holyoke Water Power Company Dam - Built 1848 / Mills of Holyoke in Background" Published by Elite Printing Co., South Hadley for the South Hadley Historical Society.

Carew Manufacturing Company

front Untitled artwork of the Carew Manufacturing Company.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Carew Manufacturing Company / Pioneer Paper Mill of Connecticut Valley / Established 1848" Published by Elite Printing Co., South Hadley for the South Hadley Historical Society.

Old Canal

front Untitled water view.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Remains of Old Canal near Red Cliffe Canoe Club" Published by Elite Printing Co., South Hadley for the South Hadley Historical Society.

Hockanum Ferry and Mt. Holyoke

front "Hockanum Ferry and Mt. Holyoke, Northampton Mass" #880, also #59387. Large tear along bottom repaired with tape.

back Divided back, postally unused but inscribed: "Home via Ferry and 'Hamp' / Mary / Ethel & her mark / July 19, 1916"

Prospect House, South Side

front "Mt. Holyoke, Mass. Prospect House, South Side"

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son, South Hadley. #34014

Train and Mount Tom

front Untitled view of a train. I believe that is Mount Tom and its summit house in the background. Inscription: "Pa took this. Edith"

back Undivided back, postmarked Jan 3, 1907 11:30pm in Holyoke, Mass. and transit marked Jan 4, 1907 7:30am in Southington, Conn.

Cows near Mount Tom

front Untitled view of cows in a pasture. I believe it is near Mount Tom because it was sent by the same person who sent the previous card. Inscription: "Edith"

back Undivided back, postmarked Jan 10, 1907 11:30pm in Holyoke, Mass. and transit marked Jan 11, 1907 1am in Springfield, Mass. and Jan 11, 1907 7:30am in Southington, Conn.

Clapp homestead, Montague

front Untitled real photo view of a house. Inscription: "Merry Christmas wishes - this is the home on the hill to which I hope you will some day come. Your friend Mary E. Clapp"

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 24, 1906 11am in Montague, Mass. and transit marked Dec 24, 1906 8pm in South Hadley. Addressed to Miss Sarah J. Agard in South Hadley.

Methodist Church

front "Methodist Church, North Main St., South Hadley Falls, Mass." Inscription: "Could you not use 200 of these? Please advise. J. B. Sutcliffe Holyoke, Mass." Sutcliffe was a postcard publisher in the early 20th century.

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 5, 1906 1:30pm in Holyoke, Mass.

Methodist Church

front "South Hadley Falls, Mass., Methodist Episcopal Church." Inscription: "South Hadley Falls, Mass., Nov 2, 1905. Dear Friend:- If possible, please be present at a special Rehearsal of our Drama, to be held tomorrow Friday evening at the parsonage, 46 Bardwell St. After the rehearsal there will be a little social time, with games and refreshments. Faithfully yours, Edmund L. Smiley."

back Undivided back, postmarked Nov 2, 1905 10:30am in South Hadley Falls, Mass.

Methodist Church

front "Methodist Church, Carew St., So. Hadley Falls, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Oct 24 am in Ocean Bluff, Mass. "Dear Gertie:- Had a lovely trip out to see Austin & Sally. Went last week. This church is almost across the street from him. Yesterday we went in to Boston, and to-morrow we are going to Plymouth. Had lovely weather until the past two days. See you soon. Lovingly, Mary."

North Main Street

front "N. Main St., South Hadley, Mass." Published by Joseph C. Fringelin. This view is actually in South Hadley Falls, not South Hadley. The Methodist church is on the far right in the background.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused.

Mount Holyoke and Ferry

front Real photo view of Mount Holyoke and the ferry.

back Divided back, unused. Dealer inscription: "Mount Holyoak [sic] & Ferryboat"

Mount Holyoke

front Real photo view. Inscription: "Mt. Holyoke & the Connecticut River - Nr. Northampton Mass. Scene of J. G. Holland's "Katrina" "

back Undivided back, postmarked Jul 14, 1906 [?] in Boston, Mass.

Knolls

front "The Knolls / The Most Beautiful Place for a summer cottage, we know of, is at The Knolls, South Hadley, Mass. 340 feet above seal level, 3 minutes ride from Mount Holyoke College. Groceries, Ice, Milk, etc., delivered on the place at country prices. A few fine sites left. Further particulars can be had by seeing or writing Henry R Johnson 313-315 Main Street Springfield Mass. / Charles E Johnson The Knolls South Hadley Mass."

back Undivided back, which may date this card to pre-1907.