USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 36
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Frank Ernest Deeley was born in South- ampton, England, September 3, 1902, the son of Alfred and Anna (Mazengarb) Dee- ley. His father, who was born in London, England, and died in New York City, was associated with the White Star Steamship Company during his active business life. He was a member of the Congregational Church of England. Mr. Deeley's mother, also a native of his birthplace, is now living in New Hampshire.
Mr. Deeley received a general education in the schools of his native community, later attended the public schools in New York City and Colfax, Washington, and finally completed his education in New York, where he was graduated from high school. He then took a series of courses
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with the American Bankers' Association and entered the banking business, serving as branch manager for one of the large finan- cial institutions in New York City.
In 1928 he abandoned the banking busi- ness to become associated with the refrig- eration department of the General Electric Company at Richmond Hill, Long Island, New York, and worked here until 1932, when he came to the city of Holyoke to become manager for Breckenridge, Incor- porated, located at No. 258 Maple Street. A year later he took over the concern and in addition to marketing refrigerators and other electrical appliances, added the Gen- eral Electric oil furnace and air conditioning equipment to his line. Under his able and careful management the business experi- enced such a growth that he was compelled to remove to larger quarters in the spring of 1934, establishing his new location at No. 267 Maple Street, where today he displays one of the most attractive show rooms in the entire Nation. His wisdom in enlarging his stock has been more than justified through the business he has secured. Shortly after occupying this new site he was awarded a contract by Mount Holyoke College for the installation of a new and unique heating plant, which in its scope has served to revo- lutionize the methods previously employed. The entire plant comprises over one hun- dred and ninety General Electric oil fur- naces, one hundred and twenty of which are located in one room. The success he was enjoying warranted further expansion and in February, 1935, he took over the Brecken- ridge branch at No. 18 Center Street in Northampton, which he now operates in conjunction with his Holyoke establishment.
A gifted and talented singer, Mr. Deeley began his career as a soloist during his boy- hood in the State of Washington. At that time he was featured as one of the finest
boy sopranos in the Northwest and toured that section, singing with many celebrated artists, among them Madame Gadski. He was appointed soloist for the boys' choir of Spokane, which was composed of eleven hundred voices and was scheduled to make a tour of the country. This program was canceled, however, due to the big infantile paralysis epidemic which broke out during 1916. Despite the gravity of the situation, Mr. Deeley was granted a special permit by the Board of Health and allowed to travel throughout the country. It was in this man- ner that he came to meet President Wilson, acting as special representative of the Spokane choir, which had been scheduled to sing at the White House. Shortly after this he returned to New York City and became boy soloist for the historic Grace Episcopal Church. Later, when his voice changed, he began to study under Harry Woodstock of this city, who was training him to become a tenor. Throughly versed in music, Mr. Deeley began coaching and among his pupils was Bruno Huhn, with whom he tutored for musical interpretation. He be- came tenor soloist for the Madison Avenue Baptist Church, sang here for three years and then spent two years as soloist for the Peddie Memorial Church of Newark, New Jersey, later securing a similar position with the First Congregational Church of Far Rockaway, Long Island. He then sang for two years in the Saint George Episcopal Church in Flushing, Long Island, and after removing to Massachusetts, occupied the position of tenor soloist with the Christ Episcopal Cathedral in Springfield. Today he sings at the Second Congregational Church of Holyoke.
While business has commanded much of his time he has not neglected the civic and social activities of his surroundings. He is a member of the Holyoke Rotary Club, the
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Young Men's Christian Association, the Mount Tom Golf Club of Holyoke, and the Holyoke Canoe Club. In addition to find- ing great pleasure in music he is also very fond of travel and during his leisure makes extensive journeys.
On May 28, 1927, at the Riverside Church in New York City, Mr. Deeley was married to Ruth Gleason by Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick. She is the daughter of Herbert Louis and Edith (Putnam) Gleason, who now reside in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where her father is a well-known artist. On her mother's side she is descended from the old and distinguished Putnam family of this State. Mrs. Deeley, who is a graduate of the Arlington High School, studied art in Boston. She is active in the Women's Club of Holyoke, is a leader in the Girl Scout movement and a member of the Second Con- gregational Church in this community where she teaches Sunday school.
DONALD E. BRECKENRIDGE-Serv- ice has been the predominating factor in the success of Donald E. Breckenridge, presi- dent and general manager of Breckenridge, Incorporated, one of the largest distributors of electrical appliances for the home in Western Massachusetts. During the period he has been in business here he has been responsible for the introduction of sales in- novations that have not only increased his business but have also proved invaluable to the home owner seeking to modernize his residence. His organization serves western Massachusetts, including Worcester County and part of Vermont, and is regarded as one of the finest establishments of its type in the State.
Donald E. Breckenridge was born in To- ledo, Ohio, May 7, 1897, son of Harry W. and Nellie (Mowry) Breckenridge, the for- mer a native of Toledo, the latter of Fre-
mont, Ohio. He received a general educa- tion in the public schools of Franklin, Penn- sylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from West High School there. He then ma- triculated at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and was originally a member of the class of 1919, but due to war service did not graduate until 1920. During the seven years that followed the completion of his academic education he worked in a number of lines and continued in various positions until 1926, when he became associated with the General Electric Company at Cleveland. He made rapid progress with this organiza- tion and was appointed distributor for Gen- eral Electric refrigerators in eastern Iowa in 1929 with headquarters at Davenport, Iowa. Toward the end of 1930 he was offered the franchise for the western Massa- chusetts district, which he promptly ac- cepted. This led to the launching of a busi- ness in the city of Springfield that has been noted for its success and distinction. In the face of adverse economic conditions Mr. Breckenridge has managed the enterprise with such ability that he found it advisable to open a branch in Pittsfield. The person- nel of his organization now numbers about fifty people. The officers of the corporation consists of Mr. Breckenridge as president and general manager, Harry W. Brecken- ridge, Cleveland, as vice-president and John O. Warren as treasurer.
The introduction of new ideas has been one of the main factors in the success of this business. It was Mr. Breckenridge who first pioneered the idea of furnishing architec- tural advice in the building and equipping of complete kitchens in new homes and also in the remodeling of old kitchens. In this work he has furnished home owners with a complete kitchen planning service and fur- ther took the entire responsibility for the kitchen remodeling work and sublet the
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electrical, carpentry, plumbing and plaster- ing work to local firms. This innovation immediately centered attention on his estab- lishment which has been maintained since. Business headquarters for the organization are located at No. 629 Main Street in Spring- field.
Mr. Breckenridge is a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity. He is fond of outdoor sports, finds particular pleasure in the game of golf and makes a hobby of sketching and painting in oils. While a student at Cor- nell, Mr. Breckenridge enlisted in March, 1917, went to France and served with the Ist American Camion Corps attached to the French Army. After the United States en- tered the conflict he returned to this country and enlisted as a private in the American Army. At the conclusion of the war he was lieutenant in the Heavy Artillery, 31st Regi- ment.
In 1921 Mr. Breckenridge married Joyce Cook, a native of Groton, South Dakota, and they are the parents of two children : 1. Lina Jane. 2. Donald Edward, Jr.
HERMAN CARL HEIDEN-Achieving outstanding success in his chosen field of ac- counting, Herman C. Heiden has come to occupy an outstanding place in the financial realm of the city of Springfield, where today he is treasurer of the Highland Cooperative Bank. He has engaged in business here for a number of years and through his accom- plishments has come to win wide recogni- tion as a man of unusual ability.
Mr. Heiden was born in Northampton, March 10, 1884, son of William C. and Mar- garet A. (Nehring) Heiden, the former a native of Hadley, and the latter of Ham- burg, Germany. His father, who died in 1927, engaged in farming throughout his life. Mr. Heiden received a general educa- tion in the public schools of his native com-
munity and after completing his high school studies entered business college. When his studies were completed he embarked on a business career that has become marked for its distinction and success. During the years he has engaged in the accounting pro- fession he has been associated with the New England Audit Company, Smith and Wes- son, Huck's Transfer Company and several other organizations. In addition he has car- ried on extensive private work. He came to this city from Hadley and soon estab- lished himself among the foremost account- ants of this vicinity. His professional ex- cellence led to him being invited to become treasurer of the Highland Cooperative Bank, one of the finest institutions of its type in Hampden County. He accepted the post and has been identified with the bank in this capacity ever since. Socially Mr. Heiden has confined his activities to frater- nal matters, being a member of the Blue Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. In his religious convictions he worships at the Hope Congregational Church of this city, serving here as a member of the board of deacons, an elder and trustee.
In 1907 Mr. Heiden married Rachel M. Wadsworth of Hadley and they are the par- ents of two children : 1. Carl W., born Feb- ruary 22, 1909. 2. John M., born February 8, 1916.
RICHARD A. ROCHFORD, M. D .- Dr. Richard A. Rochford, of Springfield, has had an active career in civic, military and pro- fessional fields. Trained to the practice of medicine and surgery, he has not been con- tent to remain within the limits of one inter- est, however absorbing that interest may be, but has associated himself with groups whose purposes are community fellowship. Within and without of his profession he has made many friends. His colleagues in med-
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icine recognize his skill and knowledge and hospitals and medical societies have added him to their staffs and rolls.
Dr. Rochford was born in Wellesley, March 26, 1889, son of Nicholas J. and Eleanor A. (Leonard) Rochford, both of whom are deceased. His father was a build- ing contractor. Graduated from Newton High School, Dr. Rochford entered Holy Cross College where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1910, and, having decided upon a career in medicine, matricu- lated at the Harvard Medical School from which he received a Doctor of Medicine de- gree in 1914. Later he was a graduate stu- dent at Holy Cross College and in 1925 earned a Master of Arts degree there.
He served his interneship at Carney Hos- pital, Boston, and began to practice in Springfield in the fall of 1916. Busily en- gaged in his work when the United States entered the World War, Dr. Rochford sur- rendered his private practice to volunteer for war service. His overseas service began in May, 1917, as consultant to the Headquar- ters Group of the 4th Division and the 3d Army Headquarters, with the rank of cap- tain. More than two years later, in June, 1919, he was returned home and honorably discharged. Thereupon he reentered private practice in Springfield where he has since continued. Dr. Rochford was resident phy- sician at Carney Hospital, Boston, where he interned, and is on the staff of Mercy Hos- pital. His bent was towards surgery and his aptitude for this delicate work has been nationally recognized by his election as a Fellow of the American College of Sur- geons. He is also a member of the Spring- field Academy of Medicine, the Springfield Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Medical Association. For eleven years (1935) he has been a member of the Springfield Board
of Health and the city is indeed fortunate to have his experienced opinions.
Aside from his profession Dr. Rochford is well known fraternally as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. His religious affiliation is with Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Springfield, and his favor- ite club is the Springfield Country, where he plays his favorite game, golf. He possesses a virile, resonant and pleasing voice and sings second bass in two of Springfield's best known singing organizations, the Or- pheus Club and the Elks Choristers, being president of the latter, and he also sings in Saint Michael's choir. He is respected and esteemed as man, doctor and citizen, for his interests are many, his friendships countless and his character is expressed in wholesome and unselfish ways.
On June 22, 1925, in Springfield, Dr. Rochford married Margaret Fitzgibbon, a native of Springfield, and they are the par- ents of six children : I. James. 2. William C. 3. Mary Eleanor. 4. Barbara F. 5. Mar- garet. 6. Jean.
JOHN PATRICK DOWLING-While his career has not run to the great length of many older members of the bar in Holyoke, John Patrick Dowling has won recognition from colleagues and clientele as an able law- yer, alive to the interests of both his client and justice. He was born in Holyoke, May 9, 1899, son of John and Katherine E. (Green) Dowling. His father was a native of County Kerry, Ireland, born July 2, 1865, and died in Holyoke, November 9, 1930. He had long been retired from a wholesale busi- ness and at one time conducted a popular tavern in the city for some years. He mar- ried Katherine E. Green, of Holyoke birth, daughter of Patrick and Catherine Green,
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both of whom came from Ireland and died in Holyoke. Patrick Green was a veteran of the War Between the States, and a well- known realtor in his later years.
John Patrick Dowling was graduated from the Holyoke High School in 1917, and from Williston Academy a year later. He matriculated at the Boston University Law School, as a member of the graduating class of 1922. On September 22, 1922, he was ad- mitted to the Massachusetts bar and estab- lished himself in his profession in Holyoke. He has always practiced without a partner, and has his office at No. 225 High Street. He is a member of the Holyoke and the Hampden County Bar associations. Mr. Dowling is a Democrat in his political alle- giance. In 1931 he was elected as a member of the school committee in Holyoke and was reelected to the same position in 1934 for another term of three years. Fraternally he is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and Advocate for several years, and is also affiliated with Holyoke Lodge, No. 902, the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, of which he is a Past Exalted Ruler. He is a member of the Hol- yoke Country Club, and, like his parents and wife, a communicant of the Holy Cross Ro- man Catholic Church.
In Springfield, July 7, 1933, John Patrick Dowling married Mary M. Toomey, a native of Springfield, daughter of Charles E. and Mary A. (Sullivan) Toomey. Mr. Toomey is president and general manager of the R. H. Smith Manufacturing Company, of this city. Mrs. Dowling, a graduate of the Fitch- burg Normal College, was a teacher in the schools of Longmeadow, prior to her mar- riage. She is a member of the Holyoke Business and Professional Women's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Dowling have a daughter, Ann T., born July 7, 1934.
STANLEY S. STUSICK, M. D .- Prom- inent among the young physicians and sur- geons of the city of Springfield and Hamp- den County is Dr. Stanley S. Stusick, who for the past seven years has been practicing in this metropolis and during this period has built up a lucrative practice as well as achieving recognition as one of the foremost younger men of his profession. Today he is prominently identified with the leading medical institutions of this section and is active in a social and civic capacity.
Dr. Stusick was born in Chicopee, Massa- chusetts, September 25, 1897, where he re- ceived a general education in the public schools of Springfield and Springfield Tech- nical High. After completing his studies here he determined to pursue a medical ca- reer and matriculated at Tufts College, where he took a two-year pre-medical course and later entered the medical school of this institution, receiving his degree of Medical Doctor here in the class of 1924. Upon fin- ishing his scholastic training he began to serve an extensive interneship, first being associated in this capacity with the Spring- field Hospital, later the Providence Lying- In Hospital, and finally the Women's Hos- pital in New York City. The experience he acquired at this time eminently equipped him for the special work he has since in- dulged in, which embraces obstetrics and surgery.
In 1928, Dr. Stusick came to the city of Springfield and established himself in a practice which has since been noted for its outstanding success and distinction. From the outset he was recognized by his col- leagues and the public-at-large as a profes- sional man of unusual ability. He is now on the staff of the Springfield Hospital, where he is assistant surgeon and is visiting obstetrician at the Wesson Maternity Hos-
Anderen The Center
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pital. Dr. Stusick is a Fellow of the Amer- ican College of Surgeons, and belongs to the Springfield Academy of Medicine, the Springfield Medical Association, the Mas- sachusetts Medical Society and the Ainer- ican Medical Association.
Socially, he is a member of the Long- meadow Country Club, and in politics ad- heres to the principles set forth by the Republican party. During his collegiate career he was elected a member of the Phi Chi Fraternity; and he also served in the Student Army Training Corps during the World War.
On June 20, 1931, Dr. Stusick married Alice Mikus, of Chicopee. They now reside at No. 11 High Street. Both the doctor and his wife are accomplished musicians, he be- ing a pianist and Mrs. Stusick a harpist and violinist of merit. She is also well known for her ability as a pianist and violin- ist. Dr. Stusick is an ardent sportsman, and finds great pleasure in golf, and fishing.
FREDERICK WILLIAM PRENTICE is a representative of that valuable class of New Englanders whose occupational activ- ities seem to descend from father to son, and whose background and traditions are derived from the early members of the Mas- sachusetts Bay Colony. Since he began his industrial career, at the beginning of the present century, Mr. Prentice has been asso- ciated with the manufacture of thread. His father retired after more than a half cen- tury's connection with thread making. Both men have played well their parts as enter- prising and useful citizens of Holyoke.
Frederick William Prentice was born in Holyoke, January 20, 1884, son of George Mason and Ann Elizabeth (Thompson) Prentice, and the grandson of Henry Mason Prentice and his wife Elizabeth (Lyman) Prentice. Grandfather Prentice was born
and died in Willimantic, Connecticut, as did his wife. The Prentice name entered New England history as early as 1633, and the surname in old England is as ancient as 1318. George Mason Prentice, father of Frederick William, was born at Meriden, Connecticut, May 20, 1847, and died in Holyoke, April 23, 1924. A thread maker by vocation, he was associated first with the Willimantic Linen Company, Willimantic, Connecticut, and then was overseer and superintendent for the Merrick Thread Com- pany, of Holyoke, now a part of the Amer- ican Thread Company. He made the un- usual record of having been for fifty years with only these two corporations, prior to his retirement. He married Ann Elizabeth Thompson, a native of Willimantic, born August 18, 1849, who lived most of her life in Holyoke and died at Derby, Connecticut, January II, 1928. She was a daughter of Hezekiah and Alma (Pidge) Thompson, the former born in Lyme, Connecticut, and died in Holyoke. He was a corporal in the 18th Connecticut Regiment during the Civil War. His father, Captain William Thompson, was said to have been in the Revolutionary War and to have taken part in the Boston tea party. He was a native of England and lived in Willimantic, and later with a daugh- ter in Ohio.
Frederick William Prentice was educated in the Holyoke public schools and studied at the Holyoke Business Institute. In the first month of the present century, he en- tered the employ of the American Thread Company, in Holyoke, establishing a con- nection with this corporation which never has been broken. He started as a spool boy, the bottom rung of the ladder which he was to climb. In the past thirty-five years his experience in the thread business has cov- ered many phases. His first post of execu- tive importance was that of department
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overseer. Later he was superintendent of the finishing departments. Since June, 1933, he has been agent for the Holyoke Mills of the American Thread Company. There are both manufacturing and finishing plants in Holyoke, and threads of all types are pro- duced. Mr. Prentice is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Rotary Club, and of the First Congregational Church of Holyoke. Golf and other out- door sports comprise his recreational activ- ities.
At Smiths Ferry, October 10, 1906, Fred- erick William Prentice married S. Eleanor Sperry, born March 6, 1885, at Seymour, Connecticut, daughter of Frank Douglas and Lydia Ann (Hard) Sperry. Frank Douglas Sperry, general contractor, was born De- cember 31, 1860, at Oxford, Connecticut, and died September II, 1907, at Smith Ferry. Mrs. Sperry, born April 23, 1860, at Beth- any, Connecticut, died at Holyoke, on Feb- ruary 16, 1930. Frank Douglas Sperry was a direct descendant of Richard Sperry who settled at Sperry Farms, now known as Westville, Connecticut. The story is told that the Sperrys fed the regicides Goff and Whaley who were in hiding at West Rock, Connecticut. Mrs. Prentice supplemented her education with two years of art studies. She is a charter member of the Eunice Day Chapter, Daughters of the American Rev- olution, of Holyoke ; is a director of Holyoke Home for Aged People; a member of the First Congregational Church, and of other women's organizations.
GEORGE C. PERKINS-The Perkins Soap Company in Springfield holds a dis- tinctive place in the industrial life of Hamp- den County, being the only establishment of its type in this vicinity and one of the larg- est in New England. Founded by Eugene C. Perkins, now treasurer of the concern, it
is headed by his son George C., of this re- view. Though a comparatively young com- pany it has enjoyed an unusual growth and its products are sold throughout the textile and business centers of the Nation. As pres- ident of this organization George C. Perkins is not only one of the youngest business ex- ecutives holding such a position in the county, but is also one of the well-known figures in its industrial realm.
George C. Perkins was born in the city of Springfield, December 24, 1906, son of Eu- gene C. and Alice C. (McKay) Perkins, the former a native of Meredith, New Hamp- shire, the latter of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. His father, who is now treasurer of the Perkins Soap Company, founded this enterprise with C. H. Dunker in 1923. Prior to that time he had been associated with the Fisk Manufacturing Company for a period of about eighteen years. He first came to the city of Springfield in 1896, being em- ployed at the time by George Nye and Com- pany and later entering the aforementioned firm. Shortly after founding the new soap company, Mr. Perkins and his partner built a plant at No. 210 Albany Street, which in subsequent years had to be expanded to meet increasing business demands. The op- erating site now comprises more than twenty thousand feet of floor space. The building itself is located near the Boston and Albany railroad tracks, a factor that makes it possible to pump oil directly from tank cars to the large vats on the upper floor of the plant.
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