USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 63
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It was shortly after disposing of this establishment that he became associated with the Henry J. Perkins Company, one of the most widely known fruit and produce concerns in this part of the country. Even-
I & Thegood.
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tually Mr. Marchetti took a financial inter- est in the firm and during the later years of its existence served as clerk of the corpora- tion, maintaining this post until the enter- prise went out of existence in January, 1933. Despite the serious and adverse economic conditions that existed at the time, Mr. Mar- chetti, with characteristic courage and vigor, inaugurated his present business the follow- ing April. The fact that it has continued to operate successfully in the face of trying circumstances, is a glowing tribute to his ability. Today this establishment is ranked among the largest and most reliable of its type in the city of Springfield and its vi- cinity. The firm is devoted to the market- ing of all types of fruits and produce, in- cluding dried fruits, and has a large and lucrative commission clientele among the fruit and vegetable growers of this territory.
In addition to his business interests Mr. Marchetti has taken a keen and active part in the social and civic affairs of his sur- roundings and is a member of several of the leading clubs and societies here. He has always been known to support all worthy public projects and has been generous in his donations to a number of private institu- tions. In religion Mr. Marchetti adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and worships at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of that denomination in this city.
Mr. Marchetti married (first), in 1916, Ida Brondoni, a native of Italy who passed away in December, 1918. There was one daugh- ter by this marriage, Esther. He married (second), in 1927, Mrs. Caroline (Moroni) Della Libera, also a native of Italy and the widow of Benjamin Della Libera. By her first marriage she became the mother of one daughter, Rena Della Libera. Mr. and Mrs. Marchetti are the parents of one son, Carlo. The Marchetti family reside at No. 32 Tracy Street, Springfield.
FREDERICK E. EHRGOOD-The dour atmosphere that enshrouds most of the bur- ial grounds in the world is rapidly being transformed into one of quiet and dignified beauty. A school of thought has sprung up in recent times that believes in carrying out in this atmosphere the philosophy and spirit of life eternal, with happiness as the ulti- mate goal. The cemetery of old, with its characteristic landmarks is giving way to the new type of resting place where :
On every hand will be the manifestation of God's promise-in the rustling foliage of majestic trees, the cheerful song of many birds, the aroma of vari-hued flowers and shrubs, and the sun-flecked splash of mar- ble fountains. Beautiful winding drives and paths will make these gifts of Nature available to all. No misshapen monuments and other customary signs of Earthly Death will be permitted to suggest the sor- rowful and detract from the beauty of this-God's Garden.
Such is the expression of the founder, builder and manager of the Hillcrest Me- morial Park and Mausoleum, Frederick E. Ehrgood, who is responsible for the develop- ment and management of one of the most beautiful memorial parks in New England.
He was born in South Gibson, Pennsyl- vania, March 7, 1877, son of Francis E. and Della E. (Gardner) Ehrgood, both natives of that State. His father was manager for the railroad car shops of the Delaware, Lack- awanna & Western Railroad. Mr. Ehrgood received a general education in the public schools of his native community, later at- tended and was graduated from the high school in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and fin- ally completed his studies at a business col- lege in Scranton, where he remained until he entered the United States Navy on May 10, 1894. He became a member of the crew of the U. S. S. "Constellation," and later of the U. S. S. "Essex," sailing vessels, and saw service during the Spanish-American War aboard the flagship of the Atlantic
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Fleet, the U. S. S. "New York." He was now followed by leading cemeteries and commissioned to carry messages from Ad- memorial parks throughout the country. miral William Sampson to the Cuban gen- eral staff during the insurrection. On Aug- ust 20, 1898, he was honorably discharged from the service and directly afterwards was appointed by President Mckinley to a posi- tion with the survey party sent down to the Republic of Nicaragua in connection with the proposed canal. He remained with this body for two years and then returned to the United States where he became associated with the International Correspondence School offices in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the capacity of bookkeeper. He remained here for one year after which he joined the Erie Railroad Company as payroll clerk. He rose to become paymaster for the coal mines of this concern and continued until September, 1905, when he entered the serv- ices of the International Lumber Company of Pennsylvania as a member of the sales department in New York State.
His activity in the mausoleum business dates back to 1914, when he came to Syra- cuse, New York, and completed a building there. Later he came to Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts, and erected the first community mausoleum in New England. From here he went to Leominster, where he performed similar work, remaining there until August 18, 1924, when he came to the city of Spring- field and organized the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, a one hundred and four acre property which was the first cemetery of its type to be developed on a park plan in New England. The peace and beauty of this place is enhanced by its beautiful landscaped architecture and gardens, the absence of any mournful reminder, and its beautiful music. In the latter connection Mr. Ehrgood is the first person to have music installed in a cem- etery, and today music is employed at all services and has established a precedence
As a pioneer in the community mauso- leum field, Mr. Ehrgood has become widely recognized and highly respected. He is en- tirely responsible for raising the capital and designing the mausoleum for the Hillcrest Memorial project in Springfield, which he has managed since its organization. It is generally regarded as one of the outstanding cemeteries in the world. To fully appreciate this fact we briefly describe the grounds and facilities. The mausoleum has the classic beauty of Grecian architecture. It is housed in a limestone fireproof building whose in- terior combines the sacred beauty and dig- nity of a church with the quiet and comfort of a home. Its main hall is bathed in the warm glow of a Tiffany Art stained glass window designed by Mr. Ehrgood, and the corridors containing the crypts are marble- lined. One section of the park is devoted to members of the Masonic Order and their families, another to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. One of the most arresting features is the eighteen-foot floral clock, faced with living flowers and encased in a special weather-resisting material. This is the only floral clock in the United States. There are numerous other features, each beautiful in itself, that serve to make this memorial park the ultimate "Acres of Mem- ories." Herein was pioneered the elimina- tion of all above-ground monuments in mod- ern cemetery development.
Apart from his professional and business activities Mr. Ehrgood has been active in the social and civic life of his surroundings where he is a member of the Central City and fraternizes with the Masonic Order Lodge, No. 305, of Syracuse, New York. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania So- ciety of New England.
Frederick W Martin.
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Mr. Ehrgood married (first), in 1903, Evaline Brown, who died in 1915. There were two children by this marriage : Donald E., who is associated with his father, and Eleanor E. Mr. Ehrgood married (second), December 25, 1917, Ruth E. Chrisler of Springfield.
FREDERICK WILLIAM MARTIN-
The Martin Funeral Home is well known in Holyoke and its environs not only for its professional standing but also for its being the business of Frederick William Martin, who is prominent in many circles. In his present position few would think that he early in life was handicapped to an extent that makes his success seem nearly incredi- ble. He was born in Boston, June 28, 1891, and at three years of age was a ward of the State which gave him into the charge of Louis W. Gleason, a farmer and Civil War veteran. When he was thirteen years old he was bound over by the State to Dexter R. Barnes, also a farmer and a Civil War veteran, and, like Mr. Gleason, a resident of Granby, and there Mr. Martin remained until he was twenty years old. For his services he received room, board and cloth- ing and attended local schools. His career thus far, certainly, held little promise for a conspicuous place in the life of a good-sized city but such was his nature that he asked for no more than a chance to make his own way.
His chance came when, having reached the age of release from his State-imposed mode of living, he made arrangements to work for the G. H. Foster Undertaking establishment, as a hearse driver. Leaving Mr. Barnes' farm on Saturday night, Sep- tember 15, 1910, he began his new work that same night. In addition to his work as a driver he had charge of the horses and received four dollars a week, out of which
he paid his room and board. He was dili- gent in his work, ambitious to learn and made himself useful to his employers in ways outside of his duties. Seven years later, upon the resignation of R. D. Newell as assistant funeral director, Mr. Martin was given that position, which he held until 1917.
During this time he attended the Renouard Training School for Embalmers in New York City, was graduated September 27, 1915, passed the examinations with an aver- age of ninety-seven and the Massachusetts State Board with a grade of ninety-four. He served three months in 1915 with a Mas- sachusetts regiment at Columbus, New Mexico, being a corporal, and later did guard service with this regiment on what is now the Boston and Albany Railroad, between Springfield and Albany. After two months on this duty he was assigned for one month to the State Armory at Springfield. In April, 1917, his regiment was called for service in the World War, and was sent to France after two months' training at West- field. Arriving in France in October, 1917, he was overseas eighteen months and took part in all major engagements. The regi- ment became the 104th, and Mr. Martin was a member of Company D "Holyoke's Own." He was, for a time, orderly to Captain, later Brigadier-General Edmund J. Slate, of Com- pany D.
Upon his return to civilian life Mr. Mar- tin again became associated with his former employer, Mr. Foster, as assistant funeral director and remained until the fall of 1919. He resigned September 1, 1919, to join C. R. Alger, of Holyoke, as assistant funeral director and embalmer and was there until May, 1931. He had had many years' experi- ence, was well-trained and had saved enough to engage in business with a partner. Wil- liam J. Hall, under the firm name of Martin
Hampden-28
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and Hall. Their funeral home was opened July 10, 1931, at the present address, No. 232 Elm Street. Mr. Hall later resigned and since then Mr. Martin has continued the business as the Martin Funeral Home. The Home was formerly the residence of Mrs. Amanda S. Coolidge, and was remodeled and equipped into a modern undertaking establishment. Mr. Martin has paid special attention to embalming, and his reputation has extended to nearby cities to which he is often called.
He is popular in the organization of which he is a member, including the American Turner Bund, American Legion, Oak Lodge, No. 163, Independent Order of Foresters, of which he is Noble Grand ; the Rod and Gun Club, the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and the Izaak Walton League of Amer- ica. Politically, he is a Republican, serving as chairman of his ward; and his religious affiliation is with the Second Congregational Church. His sports are fishing and hunting.
On October 19, 1920, Frederick William Martin married Sarah Brown Sturges, born in Holyoke and daughter of Arthur A. and Janet (Hall) Sturges, the former of whom was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died in Holyoke in 1922, and the latter, a native of Reading, Connecticut, who resides with her daughter. Arthur A. Sturges was employed by the Chemical Paper Company. Mrs. Martin was educated in public schools of Holyoke and is a member of the Second Congregational Church, the Women's Club of Holyoke, Daughters of Union Veterans, Oak Leaf Rebekah Lodge, and other organ- izations. They are the parents of a son, Stanley Burr Martin, born October 30, 1925.
HERMANN BOSBACH-Among the leaders in the cleaning and dyeing industry of Hampden County is Hermann Bosbach, treasurer and founder of Hermann Bosbach.
Incorporated, an organization he has con- ducted with outstanding success for over a quarter of a century and that today is listed as one of the foremost establishments of its type in this vicinity. A native of Germany, Mr. Bosbach came to this country as a young man, settled in Holyoke, where he secured work in the textile mills, and was later engaged in a similar capacity in other sections of the country. Eventually he re- turned to this community and resumed his original connections here. He started, as a sideline, a small dry cleaning business that grew to such an extent that he resigned his position with the mill to devote his entire time to his venture. Under his able and careful management the business has devel- oped to undreamed of proportions and is equipped with the most modern facilities which enable it to engage in all phases of the cleaning and dyeing trade.
Mr. Bosbach was born in Hückeswagen, Germany, December 27, 1868, son of Julius and Rosa (Winkhoff) Bosbach. His father was born in Hückeswagen in 1839 and died there in 1893. He engaged in the textile business as a finisher of woolen cloth. Mr. Bosbach's mother was the daugh- ter of Daniel and Christina (Zieb) Wink- hoff. Mr. Bosbach received a general educa- tion in the State schools of Germany and after completing his education became an apprentice in the cloth finishing trade. He worked in his native land until 1895 when he determined to come to America and seek his fortune. During that year he arrived in this country and settled in Holyoke where he secured employment with the Germania Mills, a connection he maintained for six and a half years. In 1902 he joined the Chicopee Mills at East Rochester, New Hampshire, and a year later resigned to visit Germany. After a lengthy visit he returned to the United States and located in Passaic, New
·
Frank Forestière
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Jersey, staying there until he went to the Pacific Coast to practice his trade. In the far West he worked in Santa Rosa, San Jose and San Francisco, California. During his career in the latter city the place was de- stroyed by the famous earthquake and fire of 1906. The mill he was associated with was completely demolished and a month later he returned to Holyoke to resume his connections with the Germania Mills here. He continued with this concern for three years. Prior to his resignation he had started a small dry cleaning business in his leisure time. The venture grew to such an extent that he was finally compelled to give up his position with the mill and devote his entire attention to this business, which rep- resented the first establishment of its kind in this city. A year later, in 1910, he built the first dry cleaning plant in this vicinity, which was known as the Mount Tom French Dry Cleaning Works. The excellence of his work soon won Mr. Bosbach a wide reputa- tion and the increase of his business forced him in 1916 to expand his quarters. At this time he rebuilt and enlarged the plant, mak- ing it a two-story structure which measured one hundred by twenty-five feet. With the increase of working space Mr. Bosbach in- stalled the most modern facilities and de- vices employed in the trade. Shortly after the new building was completed the com- pany was incorporated under the name of Hermann Bosbach and Mr. Bosbach became treasurer, his wife president and his daugh- ter secretary, an executive staff which con- tinues to manage the establishment. Today. in addition to the cleaning of all types of wearing apparel, this concern is equipped to take care of innumerable household articles, such as drapes, furniture and rugs. They repair, remodel and make new fur coats and have provided in their establishment cold storage space for these garments.
In the trade Mr. Bosbach is a member of the National Association of Dyers and Cleaners of the United States and Canada, the Massachusetts Association of Dyers and Cleaners and other organizations of a simi- lar nature. Socially he belongs to Holyoke Lodge, No. 902, of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In religion he adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and worships at the Blessed Sacrament Church of that denomi- nation in this city.
On May II, 1895, Mr. Bosbach married Bertha Stopgeshoff, born in Lennep, Ger- many, and daughter of Albert and Julia (Ba- lore) Stopgeshoff, both of whom were na- tives of that country and are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bosbach are the parents of three children : I. Rosa Julia, a graduate of the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chico- pee and now associated with Hermann Bos- bach, Incorporated, where she serves as sec- retary. 2. Albert Hermann, a graduate of the Holyoke High School and also of the Mitchell Designing School of New York City. He is now associated with the Bos- bach firm as furrier designer. He is the father of three children: Robert George, June Rose, and Albert Hermann, Jr. 3. Her- mann Joseph, who is a graduate of the Hol- yoke High School and the National Asso- ciation Institute of Dyeing and Cleaning. He is now associated with Hermann Bos- bach, Incorporated. On March 28, 1932, he married Valeria Leona Pitkin, daughter of Stanly B. and Katherine (Smith) Pitkin of Westfield. Mrs. H. J. Bosbach is also asso- ciated with the Bosbach firm.
FRANK FORASTIERE, head of one of the largest undertaking firms of Hampden County, was born August 6, 1882, in Italy. He was twelve years old when he came to this country with his parents and in the
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public schools of Hartford, Connecticut, and the International College (1900-02), he re- ceived his education. Choosing a career in the undertaking field he attended the L. D. Odou Embalming Institute, New York (1905) and, following his graduation re- ceived a State license as embalmer and worked with various firms, with which he obtained much experience.
In 1918 he came to Springfield and opened his own undertaking establishment at No. 131 Williams Street, soon establishing him- self by the quality and perfection of his serv- ice. Three years later, in 1921, he moved to larger quarters at No. 125 Williams Street and in 1927 was compelled by the expansion of his business to locate in still larger quar- ters at No. 45 Locust Street, property which he purchased. Here he has remained since, conducting his business with quiet dignity, unusual conveniences and most modern equipment. From forty to fifty metal and wooden caskets are at all times on hand for selection and a large rolling stock offers complete and comfortable transportation.
Associated with Frank Forastiere is his son, Anthony, who was born on July 17, 19II, was educated in public schools and at Princeton University. Besides his connec- tion with his father's firm, Anthony Foras- tiere is a gifted sculptor and has won the commendation of critics for several heads distinguished by his attention to detail.
Frank Forastiere is a member of the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, Victor Emanuel Society, Mt. Carmel Society, St. Anthony Society of Agawam, Dante Club, St. Vincent and Paul Society, several other societies, and of Mt. Carmel Church. His participation in the work of Italian organi- zations has been especially helpful because of his ability to coordinate the culture of Italy with American customs. But the gen-
eral civic welfare of Springfield has always been one of his concerns and his support of all projects for community betterment has been exemplary. He was member of the Council, Ward Three, 1922, 1924, and 1927.
On May 9, 1909, Frank Forastiere married Carmela Troiano, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Guzio) Troiano, of Yonkers, New York, and they are the parents of the son, Anthony, previously mentioned.
AARON OSCAR BERNSTEIN, M. D .- The medical profession in Springfield has a worthy representative in Aaron Oscar Bern- stein, M. D., who has practiced in this city since 1925, and has played a constructive part in its progress and betterment. He was born in Providence Usda, Minsk, Russia, October 17, 1890, and was brought to Amer- ica as a boy of three years by his mother. The family settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Dr. Bernstein received his prelimi- nary education. After passing the Regent's examination in New York City, he entered Fordham College for pre-medical studies. These completed, he served two years in the Flower Medical College and Hospital, New York City, but went to St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he was graduated with the class of 1922, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and served an interneship of one year in the Coney Island Hospital, New York City.
During these years of study and of tech- nical training, the career of Dr. Bernstein was interrupted by his service during the World War. Enlisting in 1917, he was as- signed to a mobile hospital Unit No. 100, in the Medical Corps, and went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces. His term of service took him to various places in France, and his honorable dis- charge was followed by further medical work and studies upon his return to the
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United States. Dr. Bernstein is a member of the American Legion and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Springfield Academy of Medicine. His fra- ternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is actively interested in music, the opera and travel.
On Washington's Birthday, 1925, Aaron Oscar Bernstein married Emma Brody, of Brooklyn, and they are the parents of two children: 1. Robert Brody, born March 4, 1926. 2. Burrell Gerson, born June 8, 1927. Dr. and Mrs. Bernstein reside at No. 764 Chestnut Street, Springfield.
ROSWELL C. LAUB-Like many suc- cessful men, Roswell C. Laub, general agent of the Monarch Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, engaged in a variety of endeav- ors before deciding upon his vocation. He was born at Waterloo, New York, January 14, 1891, son of Douglas A. and Ella E. (Ritter) Laub, both natives of Seneca County, New York. He grew up on his father's farm and attended the local schools, being graduated from high school in 1908. He supplemented his formal education by study in the Geneva (New York) Business College, from which he was graduated in 1909. Later he pursued special studies ; viz. : The Alexander Hamilton Institute's course on modern business; the Business Training Corporation's course on foreign trade ; Dr. Frank Channing Haddock's course on psy- chology. For a time he was an instructor in the Geneva Business College, teaching auditing, accounting, commercial law, and advanced English.
It was with unusually extensive training and outlook that Mr. Laub entered seriously upon his business career. For two years he was chief clerk to the general agent of the American Railway Express, at Rochester, New York. For fourteen years he was as-
sociated with Art in Buttons, Inc., Roches- ter, New York, the largest manufacturers in this line in America. Mr. Laub occupied various positions of responsibility with this corporation which included that of buyer of raw materials, all of which came from South American countries, and he made a trip to that continent in this connection. He served as a director from 1920 to 1928, and also was export sales manager, tariff lobbyist in Washington for not only the Art in Buttons, Inc., but for the vegetable ivory button in- dustry as a whole. In May, 1924, he became general sales manager and so served until August, 1928. During this connection he traveled extensively in foreign countries in the interest of his employers, visited eighty foreign cities and established branches in seventeen foreign countries. While travel- ing in foreign countries he also represented several other American firms and prepared a treatise on handling foreign trade with South America. He resigned his position with Art in Buttons, Inc., in August, 1928, to become general agent in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Monarch Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, Massachusetts, remaining there for three years. Since August, 1931, Mr. Laub has been in Springfield, as home office general agent for Worcester County and western Massachusetts. A large number of salesmen work under his direction and initi- ative.
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