Small Town Framingham, Sunshine Dairy 1927

Taste a little of my book on Framingham, come back in time with me.

Small Town Framingham Sunshine Dairy started in Framingham1927

New Sherborn Historical Society display moo-ves in - Sherborn, MA - Wicked Local Sherborn

I think everyone that grew up in Framingham had to know about the Sunshine Dairy.  In those long ago days, we were lucky to get out of the warm summer heat in the  house by sitting on the front porch
or driving some place with the car windows open for an ice cream with the windows open in the car.  If you like the information you get here, my little book  Small Town America, Framingham is available on Kindle or in paperback, and it is full of this kind of "stuff": about the way it was...There was even a place on Hollis Street across from Dom's market the last building on the right, before you cross the tracks on Hollis street to head to downtown.  The trains stopped there to load the milk and dairy supplies that were traveling away from our area...and we could buy ice cream right there.

We would get in the car and go to the Sunshine Dairy, they had entertainment, music , singing, ice cream cones , mor   e and we could feed the ducks...way long ago when the world was simple...Why not take a peek at my book on Amazon, open some of the pages and see if you like learning about how it was long long ago in Framingham.

If I Didn't Care by The Ink Spots (1939)

Want to know what it was like to grow up with the Greatest Generation?  Here is what they sang in our little town of Framingham, Mass.  Yes, it was a small town once, and in those days, everyone  had horsehair furniture.. The standup radio was made of wood and took the place of honor as a tv does today. .Mom and Dad had twin chairs with an ashtray in between, my brother Frank and I had the sofa  ( horsehair too!)  It itched and tickled, which led to tickling, screaming and of course the eventual  spanking!

Small Town Framingham, history center

Thank you to the outgoing President and Welcome to the new president...it's exciting what is happening at our History Center

Greetings,      After serving for five years as the FHC Board President, Helen Lemoine turned the reins over to long time volunteer and board member, Kevin Swope.  At our annual meeting last Tuesday, we saluted Helen's incredible leadership, hard work, and friendship. Happily, she'll continue serving on the board and will still take my calls!  Many thanks to Maryelaine Sullivan as well. She'll be moving off the board after serving as Clerk and Vice President.  Charles Murphy, turned the Treasurer's position over to his trusted former partner Diana Edwards of Murphy, Edwards, Goncalves and Ferrera, PC.  We're looking forward to another exciting year with fine people steering the ship.    Annie Murphy Executive Director Summertime on the Centre Common! Pumpernickel Puppets from Sir George and the Dragon       Free Children's Programming Thursdays July 18th - August 15th 2:00 pm       When you feel ready to "unplug", cool off, and enjoy some good old fashioned entertainment and activities with your children this summer, head to Framingham Centre!  We launch the series on July 18th at the Village Hall, with Pumpernickel Puppets presenting the tale of Sir George and the Dragon.  For details and a complete series schedule, which includes a Framingham Legends and Lore Story Hour, Block Painting, Parlor Games and more, click here.  All programs are free thanks in part to our co-sponsor, NorthEast Community Bank.  And while you're here, plan to visit the Framingham Farmers' Market on our doorstep before or after the program!     Visit us at the Farmer's market June 27th 12:00-5:00 pm       Stop by and chat with FHC volunteers and interns about upcoming programs, enter our free raffle, and grab a coupon for 25% off any resale item in our Museum Gift Shop.  Check out the Shoppers' World Exhibition before or after you hunt for your bargain purchase at the Edgell Memorial Library.  Village Hall Accessibility Update   Photo credit Damianos Photography We are so pleased to report that Framingham's Town Meeting passed a near-unanimous vote to allocate $200,000 to install an elevator at the Village Hall along with handicap bathrooms. Between the leadership of Framingham's Town Manager, Bob Halpin, and the support of FHC friends on various committees and on the floor of Town Meeting, our dream to see this building become accessible to all will finally become a reality. Stay tuned for when...   Meet Summer Intern Laura Stagliola.... Laura interned  at the National Museum of American History during the Spring of 2013     Hi everyone! I will be a senior at Framingham State University majoring in History with a minor in Museum Studies. I feel honored to be chosen as the first Tom Desilets Memorial summer intern at the FHC.   I will be working on the Dennison Manufacturing Company collection now that all the boxes and files have been moved from the Dennison building downtown to the Edgell Memorial Library.  I am organizing and archiving each product sample, corporate paper, "Round Robin", scrapbook, etc. so they can be added to the on-line catalogue. I am managing several dedicated volunteers are helping me tackle this huge task and we have made great strides in our work already!   When I'm not busy with the Dennison collection, I orchestrate many the FHC's social media platforms and assist Charlene with promoting our upcoming events. Annie, has me doing little projects on the side, and I love the variety. I hope the summer doesn't fly by too fast because I don't want this internship to end. I look forward to meeting more volunteers, members, and visitors in the future, so come say "Hi"! Shoppers' World 1951-1994 closed July 4 -11   Due to the holiday and our upcoming Civil War Teacher Training Institute at the Edgell Memorial Library from July 9-11, the exhibition will be closed from July 4-11. Come see us beforehand or call for an appointment.  508-626-9091 House Tour Recap Thanks to over 100 volunteers, homeowners and business sponsors our 12th annual House Tour was one of the best yet. As one visitor said "I love this day. It is a day of community." It was a day to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of our neighborhoods as over 650 people joined the tour.  Just a few weeks later, planning for House Tour 2014 is already underway!  Is there a home you'd like to see featured on an upcoming tour?  Perhaps your own home?  Send your suggestions to Charlene@framinghamhistory.org

Campanelli Ranch Homes, Framingham, Driving Tour

in my book, Small Town America, Framingham, the story of how this type of housing came to be.  At the end of the war, returning vets needed homes...and...

Small Town Framingham, remembering La Cantina

La Cantina celebrates - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News  read about it here, put your cursor on the blue line below and go to the news article.

La Cantina celebrates - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News       

Just wish we had been there, good fortune !  We will try and get there soon

Small Town Framingham Farley's Diner Rt 9

April 15, 2007 by Author 

From .... FRAMINGHAM VIEWS ON WORDPRESS..
PLEASE GO TO THAT SITE AND SEE MORE OF OLD FRAMINGHAM     When in Framingham, visit the History Center on the Framingham Center Common to see the many postcards and memories of old Framingham. 
  

Farley’s Diner

Back in the day, and  not many years ago, there were places to go for something to eat late at night, and after a show. Farley’s Diner was one of those places. Westbound on Route 9 just before Framingham Center, this is how it looked in a rarely seen Kodachrome postcard.

Small Town Framingham Shoppers World Opens

 Back to: Framingham, MA, Massachusetts, Massachusetts forum, All US cities.

Shoppers World - Framingham, MA - A mall in Framingham, MA with great water features and gardens

So busy, but just could not resist taking the time to bring this to you....it is amazing, how this changed the course of downtown Framingham and what people were saying when it opened.  I tried in my memoir , to bring the breath of the people to life, what they said and did, during the changing times, especially after the war, when our lives began to change drastically.

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On October 4, 1951 Shoppers' World opened in Framingham, MA with forty-four stores. There were twenty-five thousand people including John E. Hurley the State Treasure present. The only anchor store of the mall in the beginning was the southern ends Jordan Marsh. The dome which could be seen from the air was used as a visual reporting point for approaching aircraft to the Logan Airport in Boston by placing it on aeronautical charts.

After London's St. Paul Cathedral and Rome's St. Peter's Basilica the Jordon Marsh done is thought to be the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Shoppers World also has two six-hundred and seventy-five feet two level wings that flank each other and are separated by a two story one-hundred foot open courtyard mall. These are surrounded by open parking lots.

A multi-purpose theater called the Cinema originally which had a balcony, full stage with a curtain fly area, lighting grid, scenery and a large seating section for an orchestra was included in the Shoppers' World original design. There was also live summer productions at the theater during the 1950's in addition to the movies that were shown there. When General Cinema took over the theater it was turned into a movie house alone.

Eventually Jordan Marsh's Basement Store and a Stop & Shop were later added to the mall's northern side as an anchor. The mall while remaining roofless began to take the shape of the newer malls as the size increased. A long, two-level, rectangular shop with no roof covering the central area of the mall which meant that customers had to go outside to get between stores. The roof line of the stores was extended to keep customers out of the snow and rain.

A permanent water fountain containing colored lights that are synchronized and picnic tables with sun umbrellas in a garden area; there are flowers planted seasonally in the garden. There were several kiddie rides including a merry-go-round, boat ride and Ferris wheel at the courtyard's north end at Shoppers World during the 1950's. The mall was decorated for the holidays and Santa made an appearance with live reindeer every year in from of the Jordon Marsh Basement Store.

The kiddie rides were replaced by a Gazebo area during the 1980's. During the 1980's and 1990's there were regular performances by brass and ragtime bands at the near the Gazebo. The first shopping center to have a musical water fountain show was Shoppers' World. The 1939 New York World's Fair fountains was the basis for the Dancing Waters attraction at the mall which is programmed to colored lights and music.

In 1995 a modern, U-shaped Shopper's World opened after the current owners decided that the facilities were outdated. Best Buy, Starbucks and a number of other chain stores were included in the new development. If you are ever in the Framingham, Massachusetts area you should make it a point to visit Shopper's World. There is something for everyone in this modernized mall that has managed to keep its original charm.

Small Town Framingham Abner Wheeler House

My friend Barbara Volpicelli and I worked here when we turned 16. It was a historic stop on the old turnpike, Route 9  When we went there to work, it had fine dining, orchestrated by Mr Noble Jackson.  He ran the place with a tight hand.  The food was wonderful, things you don't see on the menu anymore...like sweetbreads ( part of the animal), calves liver, etc.  The bakery was wonderful!  I remember the people and the place like it was yesterday.  A pleasure to work there with all of them, in the long ago.  

Small Town Framingham , life with a catalog

This is making its way on the internet and thought I would give you a good picture of the time.  We purchased from Sears and Roebuck Catalogue and Montgomery Ward.  Just glance through the catalogue for what life was like before the war, and through the war....then BOOM!  After the war, what a change came upon us!

Subject: 1934 Christmas catalog from Montgomery Ward

Huge differences but then so were the wages.........

1934 Christmas catalog from Montgomery Ward...

Everything was made in America, too!

Note the last line! Baby, we've come a long way!!

Small Town Framingham, History Center news

Mr. Harry Selfridge (standing) and Mr. Charles S. Dennison (to his right) "Preaching the gospel of honesty and integrity in the retail trade" - Hotel Somerset, Boston, 1909   Join us for a short annual meeting followed by:    Mr. Selfridge and Mr. Dennison a friendship and business partnership                                         Tuesday, June 18th 6:00 pm                                           Edgell Memorial Library                                        3 Oak Street, Framingham    The Dennison Collection continues to be full of surprises. Recently discovered correspondence between Mr. Charles S. Dennison and Mr. Harry Selfridge brings the current PBS series, Mr. Selfridge, close to home.  Who knew that Dennison had its own department at Selfridge's of London and that Mr. Dennison sent two Framingham women from his art department over to design one of the famous store windows before opening day in 1909? They also taught English saleswomen how to fashion flowers from Dennison crepe paper making "Dennisonites" out of their new friends. Come learn more about the friendship and partnership of these globally recognized retail moguls.     Members will vote on a new slate of officers and the annual budget, and a year-end wrap-up will precede this presentation.   For more info, email director@framinghamhistory.org   Photo:  from Boston Herald, 1909 "H. Gordon Selfridge, English merchant addressing gathering of Boston Business men at Hotel Somerset."

Framingham History Center 16 Vernon Street Framingham, Massachusetts 01703 508-872-3780 www.framinghamhistory.org

Small Town FraminghamTommy Dorsey Orchestra With Frank Sinatra - Blue Skies

After the war, I remember the songs of the Dorsey brothers, and Frank Sinatra and this sound....with the chorus.... it was a new form of jazz, developing from the earlier forms....the radio in our living room, played the great music of the day, until the TV sets became available, I can't remember the exact year, but  I think it was  1945...Garino' Music Store was where we all rushed to get our TV, shopping was still in downtown Framingham.  My Mom was so excited to be bringing home a TV...!

Small Town America, Framingham Freedoms Forge ( gift for fathers) and Foster Brooks

Foster Brooks as Drunk pilot on Dean Martin Show - YouTube

Foster Brooks playing a drunk airline pilot on the Dean Martin Show. Very funny XD

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzAXb7qCCAo - Cached

Guarantee your Dad, if he loves business and excitement of production....will love this book.  I talked about it for a month..loved it!

We had some wonderful comedy skitches back in the days of early Television.  We could not get cars, washers, refrigerators, or any big manufactured goods all during the war.  Production was limited to war materials...did you know we could build a ship in 51 days....I read that in Freedom's Forge, how exciting the time was....we could produce..and we produced like no one had ever seen before in history.

Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II by Arthur Herman (May 8, 2012)

• $28.00 $17.84Hardcover
• Order in the next 6 hours and get it by Wednesday, Jun 12.
• $13.99Kindle Edition
• Auto-delivered wirelessly

Small Town Framingham Nobscot Scout Reservation

Betcha, I got you on this one too!   Maybe some of you?  I didn't know it was open year round for camping....cool, real cool in winter!

[PLEASE WAIT FOR NAVIGATION TO LOAD]
Information:      Nobscot Scout Reservation is located in Framingham / Sudbury, and is available for weekend camping throughout the year. We also conduct an extensive Outdoor Education program for schools, religious youth groups, and community youth groups.      The Nobscot Scout Reservation is full of great hiking trails and local history, including a burial ground used for small pox victims centuries ago.  With great views and hiking trails Campsites, lean-tos, and cabins are available for groups looking to spend more than the afternoon.  Nobscot facilities are available for rental by civic, corporate, community, and religious organizations.      Over 480 acres of beautiful forested land makes Nobscot the largest parcel of land inside the Interstate 495 beltway. The grounds are owned by the Knox Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America. Nobscot is rich in Native American and Revolutionary War history. The ecological and environmental importance of the Reservation is unmatched.      Nobscot offers and enjoyable hike up to Tippling Rock, one of the highest points in Eastern Massachusetts ! There are views of three states, Boston's towers, Mt. Monadnock, and more. Nobscot is the IDEAL LOCATION for youth groups to experience an 'outdoor classroom' session; and for civic, business, religious and corporate groups to conduct retreats and seminars. Among Nobscot's advantages: ·         Year-round rental of facilities; ·         Strategically located within the center of the Interstate 495 arc; ·         Within a 30-minute drive from most locations in eastern Massachusetts; ·        Ten minutes away from major shopping centers, yet surrounded by nature’s beauty.      In the recent past, Nobscot has taken on a new image. Some may have noticed new or renovated cabins, signage to help with your visit and even new flower beds at the camp entrance. For added convenience, Nobscot also offers vending machines near the parking lot. These will carry soda, water and juice to meet all of our visitor's needs.      Additionally, you can visit the Andersen Memorial, located near the entrance to find a map and helpful information to assist in your visit. It is our hope that you will enjoy your hike at the reservation, so please sign in and take a printed map to help navigate the trails. Resources: ·         Nobscot Facilities Guide         Directions: From the East: Take Mass Pike to exit 13 Natick Route 30 to Route 9 West. Follow Rt.9 to Framingham exit (just past Staples). At the light, take a right onto Edgell Road. Follow Edgell Road for 3.5 miles. Camp entrance is on the left following the Framingham Animal Hospital on the ri From the South: Take Route 495 North to Route 9. Take Route 9 East to the exit for Framingham State College. At the light, take a left onto Edgell Road. Follow Edgell Road for 3.5 miles. Camp entrance is on the left following the Framingham Animal Hospital on the right. From the West: Take Mass Pike to exit 12, Route 9 East. Follow Rt. 9 through 3 sets of lights to Framingham State College exit. At the light, take a left onto Edgell Road. Follow Edgell Road for 3.5 miles. Camp entrance is on the left following the Framingham Animal Hospital on the right. From the North: Take 495 Exit 24 to Route 20 East. Follow Rt. 20 to Nobscot Road, Sudbury (just past Star Market Plaza on the right before Friendly' s). Follow Nobscot Road approximately 1.5 miles. Camp is on the right at 1 Nobscot Road.

Small Town Framingham Garden in the Woods -

If you have never seen this , take a ride over someday .  The spring in New England is beautiful...

Small town Framingham, making news in 2009

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9 stores: How we're coping

7 of 9

Seven decades in the family business

• Full story: In one town, recession helps bridge cultural rift

Timothy Hanna, owner
Ken's Steak HouseKen's is a Framingham landmark with a national reputation: Many shoppers recognize the popular line of salad dressings that bear its name. Behind the ubiquitous supermarket staple is a family-run restaurant founded in 1941.
The old warhorse is still learning new tricks. Ken's Steak House recently began hosting comedy nights to get people's minds off the economy. On those nights, the restaurant sells out.
"In these times, people are trying to get the most they can for their money," says owner Tim Hanna. "It's good for us because we own the land. If I rented, I don't think we'd be able to offer the value and quality we do. Fortunately, my parents lived by the motto 'Make hay while the sun shines,' and they lived conservatively. Now there are rainy-day reserves available."
Ken's is actually going to be expanding this spring. After acquiring and refurbishing an old diner car, Hanna made plans to add a 1930's style diner, fitted out with black-and-white TVs, costumed waitresses, and a menu featuring classics like green beans, meatloaf and gravy.
"It will be like stepping back in time, which will be fun," says Hanna. "With so much doom and gloom, it will be a pleasant break."

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LAST UPDATE: MAR 02 2009 | 11:06 AM ET

Small town Framingham Try To Remember - Harry Belafonte

Harry did lots of songs from the Islands, so I thought I would show his voice in another way.  He came to the Carousel Theater, probably in the 60's, + Timmie Hanna, took him water skiing at Lake Cochituate.

Small Town Framingham, Art Tatum : Art's Blues ( 1947 ) ( Fabulous Dorseys )

Note the names on this ...lots of famous people.  Did you know that + Byron Sculos invited the bands that played at the Maridor back to his house for"Jam Sessions"   many a night.  In those days Framingham like most places had lots of dancing.  It was a wonderful way to relax, on the weekend, Friday and Saturday night, dancing at the Maridor on Route 9...

Small Town Framingham The BOBCATS " Big Noise From Winnetka " !!!

Bing Crosby's brother Bob, had his own band and the Bobcats...this was at the beginning of Jazz....

Smaall Town Framingham Ted Weems

Ted Weems was a big name in the long ago.  Framingham folks listened to this music on the radio, and went dancing to the tunes of the time, including this...at Chicken Pete's in Medway, I think it was....and on Route 9 , where the Oriental Restaurant is now, there was a roadhouse, overlooking the reservoir...

Esther Williams Obituary: View Esther Williams's Obituary by MetroWest Daily News

Esther Williams Obituary: View Esther Williams's Obituary by MetroWest Daily News. she was one of our role models growing up ,along with Sonja Heine

Chief Arthur Martins, retires 1987 Middlesex News article

Now you know I am cleaning out files, pictures and a life time of memories....Do you recognize the faces of the past?