USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 70
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Loring Parsons Lane was a native of Hartford, Connecticut, but was reared in Westfield and spent practically all of his life there. His connection with the First National Bank of Westfield continued over a period of half a century, and for three dec- ades he was its treasurer. He also was in-
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terested in the breeding of thoroughbred trotting and saddle horses, and raised and owned the celebrated "Earlwood L." a trot- ter which sold for $6,000, the highest price, to that time, ever paid for a trotting gelding. Loring Parsons Lane was affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and was promi- nent in civic affairs. He married Sara Ella Stimpson, well known in society for her charm and ability as a musician. She was a graduate from the Boston Conservatory of Music, and played and sang in concerts with her two sisters, Fanny and Ella. Mrs. Lane, in 1935, celebrated her eightieth birthday. Loring Parsons Lane died in 1926, at the age of seventy-two years. They had three children : Loring Stimpson ; Robert Phelps, of whom further; and Lucy, wife of Oliver K. Church.
The education of Robert Phelps Lane was that gained in the Westfield grammar and high schools, supplemented by a lifetime of serious reading and the daily contact with men and things. His initiation into a busi- ness life was as an employee of the Hamp- den Corundum Wheel Company, at Bright- wood, Massachusetts. His connection then was clerical in character as it was later with Ralph D. Gillett, who was engaged in rail- road construction. In 1914 he went in busi- ness for himself, buying the interests of L. Gladwin, owner of the longest established coal company in Westfield. Mr. Lane has since continued this business under the name of Gladwin and Lane, although its proprietor. No longer is coal the sole fuel sold, for crude oil is dealt in, as is gasoline and allied materials through various sta- tions. He is also a manufacturer of artifi- cial ice.
Like his father before him, Mr. Lane makes a hobby of breeding thoroughbred horses for racing and the saddle. He also is affiliated with the same lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, as was the elder man,
Mt. Maria Lodge, Westfield. He is a mem- ber of the Tekoa Country Club. There are few movements, humanitarian or looking to the welfare of the community with which he is not associated or fails to support gener- ously.
In March, 1919, Robert Phelps Lane mar- ried Sarah Meeker Cummings, daughter of William L. and Anna (Pierson) Cummings, and they are the parents of two children : William and Marcia.
JOHN OLIPHANT MCKEAN-Gifted with mechanical and inventive genius, John Oliphant Mckean, president of the Foster Machine Works in Westfield, has contrib- uted substantially to the advancement and business of the United States. Starting in a modernization of the textile manufacturing modest capacity over forty years ago he has risen through the various departments of this industry, and during this period has gained a wide and varied experience that has qualified him for the important position he occupies today. He is also an able business man and through his accomplishments has frequently been sought by some of the larg- est commercial and financial enterprises for advice and counsel. Throughout his career here he has taken a keen and active interest in the affairs of this community and is prom- inently identified with many of the leading organizations in this vicinity.
John Oliphant McKean was born in Fraser- burgh, Scotland, July 21, 1871, the son of Robert and Margaret (Oliphant) Mckean. In 1888 he removed to this country with his parents who settled in Easton, Massachu- setts. His father, who is now eighty-eight years of age and living in retirement at Wolfsboro, New Hampshire, engaged in farming during his active life.
Mr. McKean was one of two sons, his brother, Robert, now living at Westboro,
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Massachusetts. John Oliphant Mckean re- ceived a general education in the public schools of his native community until he be- came apprenticed to the carriage building trade. He engaged in this work until 1892, when he entered the machine department of a thread mill, an event that was to initiate a distinguished career in the textile field. He then worked in a similar capacity for a shoe machinery concern in Easton, and in 1897 became associated with the Clark Thread Company of Newark, New Jersey, as a de- signer of special machinery, a post he was to occupy until 1899 when he came to West- field and entered the Foster Machinery Com- pany as a designer of textile machinery. His aptitude and ability were quickly recognized and a year after he joined this organization he was made superintendent of their plant, continuing in this capacity for a number of years. His unusual qualifications, coupled with long experience in the business and manufacturing departments of this company led to his appointment as president. The firm does an extensive business throughout the United States and the foreign field. Not only has Mr. McKean been responsible for the designing of company products for over three decades but he also has found time to market several of his inventions to English manufacturers. Apart from his professional pursuits he is a prominent figure in banking circles of this section, serving as a member of the board of directors for the Hampden National Bank and as director for the Co- operative Bank of Westfield. He is a mem- ber of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, the Get Together Club and fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons.
In November, 1896, Mr. Mckean married Mabel Mack, daughter of Alexander and Emma E. Mack of North Easton, Massachu- setts.
FREDERIC MARSHALL JONES- The president and director of the Third National Bank and Trust Company of Springfield, Frederic Marshall Jones was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, June 21, 1874, the son of Marshall and Mary Ann (Roberts) Jones. After attending the public schools of Somerville, Massachusetts, he matriculated at Harvard University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1896. Deciding to pursue architecture as a career, he entered the Lawrence Scientific School, from which he was graduated in 1900 with a degree of Bachelor of Science. He then became associated with Peabody and Stearns, architects, Boston, and was employed by this firm until 1911, when he came to Springfield and joined the Third National Bank and Trust Company. After a practical experience in the various depart- ments of this banking house he became president in 1926.
Mr. Jones is a member of the board of directors of the Springfield Fire and Ma- rine Insurance Company, the Sentinel Fire Insurance Company, the Michigan Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the Kimball Hotel Company, the Holyoke Power and Electric Company, the Holyoke Water Power Company, the New England Fire Insurance Company, the Springfield Gas Light Company and the Springfield Street Railway Company. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Springfield Insti- tution for Savings, and the Springfield Cemetery, a trustee of Smith College, the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, the Springfield Hospital, the Dunbar Com- munity League, and is a member of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In his professional affiliations, he is a member of the Harvard Engineering Society, and socially belongs to the Colony
Hampden-31
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Club, the University Club, the Longmeadow Country Club, the Rotary Club, and the Connecticut Valley Harvard Club. Politi- cally, he is a member of the Republican party ; and in his religious convictions ad- heres to the Episcopalian faith.
On October 30, 1907, Mr. Jones married Florence Osborne Harris of Springfield, and they are the parents of one daughter, Emily Harris.
SAMUEL IRVING BLACKER, M. D .- During a brief but brilliant medical career in the city of Springfield, Dr. Samuel Irving Blacker has won an enviable reputation among his professional colleagues and the public-at-large, being regarded generally as one of the most promising younger physi- cians of this part of the State. Today he is identified with the leading medical institu- tions and organizations of this State and also holds membership in several large na- tional societies.
Dr. Blacker was born in New York City, New York, May 6, 1901, son of Barry and Augusta (Greenblett) Blacker, both natives of Russia now living in New York City where his father is retired. Dr. Blacker re- ceived a general education in the public schools of his native metropolis and after completing his high school studies matricu- lated at the Middlesex College of Medicine and Surgery at Cambridge, Massachusetts, from where he was graduated with the de- gree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1924. He then became an interne at the New York Homeopathic Hospital where he re- mained for two years, and for another two was resident physician at the institution.
On March 18, 1928, Dr. Blacker estab- lished himself in a general practice at West Springfield, which he continues to conduct with outstanding distinction and success. Professionally he is connected with the med-
ical staffs of the Wesson Memorial Hospital, the Mercy Hospital, and the Eastern Hamp- den Hospital. He is a member of the Spring- field Academy of Medicine, the Massachu- setts Medical Society, the Massachusetts Clinical and Surgical Society, the American Institute of Homeopathy and the Mamo- nodes Club. He has taken several post- graduate courses and is planning to spend one year taking post-graduate work in the leading European medical centers. During his period of interneship he included work and study at the New York Neurological and Cancer Hospital on Welfare Island and the Yorkville Maternity Hospital in addi- tion to his activities in the New York Homeopathic Hospital.
Politically Dr. Blacker adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. As an avocation he has become deeply interested in the collection of antiques and has devoted much time to travel, a hobby he indulges in during his leisure.
Dr. Blacker married Freda Ashkinazy, who was born and educated in New York City. After completing her general educa- tion she attended the New York Training School for Teachers and for several years taught in the New York public schools. Dr. and Mrs. Blacker are the parents of one child : Barry Raymond, born December 29, 1933.
ALBERT F. PREMO-During the greater part of his active career, Albert F. Premo has been associated with the W. J. Kelly Company, contractors and dealers in marble and tile, in Springfield. This is the oldest concern of its kind in the city and Mr. Premo, as general manager for the past six- teen years, has played a major part in the development of its important business.
Born in Springfield on May 22, 1893, Al- bert F. Premo is a son of the late Albert H.
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Premo, a musician, who was born in New York, and Catherine (Bradley) Premo, who is still living. He received his education in local public schools including the Spring- field High School, and was still in very early life when he joined the W. J. Kelly Com- pany, an enterprise founded in 1908 by W. J. Kelly and continued by him until his death in 1919. Shortly before his death, the company was incorporated, with Mr. Kelly as president ; Mr. Premo as treasurer and general manager; and William Haskins in the other executive offices. Since the death of the founder, the principal responsibility for the active operation of the company has rested on Mr. Premo, and it is largely due to his very efficient management that the present successful business has been de- veloped. The W. J. Kelly Company has supplied marble and tile for many of the largest and finest buildings and residences throughout a wide area, including all of New England and New York State. It enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its materials and services.
Mr. Premo is a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Tuesday Club, the Nayasset Club, and is affiliated frater- nally with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is selectman for the Town of Wales, where he has his home. During the World War he enlisted and at- tended the Officers' Training Camp at Fort Adams, Rhode Island, and Fortress Monroe, Virginia, receiving the commission of lieu- tenant.
In 1929 he married M. Estelle Hevrieux, of Springfield, and has two children : Albert F., Jr., born October 26, 1933 ; and Alberta, born October 27, 1934.
JACOB FISHER AND SONS, INC .- The career of Jacob Fisher is marked by distinction and success. His business life
forms a romantic adventure in the industrial and commercial history of the city of Spring- field. Nearly forty years ago a young Rus- sian Jew came to the city of Springfield to seek his fortune. He conceived the idea of gathering waste paper, classifying it and selling it to the paper manufacturers of this section. His start was modest. Slowly he built the foundation for an enterprise which has since become one of the largest of its type in this section of the country. Ground- work for the venture was laid in a little office at Nos. 68-70 Liberty Street. From the outset the venture was to prove succes- ful under the competent and able manage- ment of its founder. He had prospered to such a degree that shortly after the turn of the century he was able to purchase a piece of property between No. 105 and 119 Sharon Street, which was to remain the business site until 1921, when he acquired a building at No. 18-24 Belle Street, the present head- quarters for the organization.
Today this company is shipping its prod- ucts throughout the United States and abroad, sending some of its materials as far as China. Approximately fifty grades of paper are carried here which are prepared for shipment by two giant pressing ma- chines, each worth five thousand dollars, and reputed to exert a pressure of two hundred tons. A staff of fifteen people are employed by the company which owns a fleet of four trucks and rents ten others for the purpose . of gathering paper over a radius of two hun- dred miles.
In 1933 Jacob Fisher, the founder of this business retired from active management, thirty-five years after he had launched this highly successful business, which he had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing grow into one of the finest establishments of its type in New England. In addition to this com- pany he also organized the Fisher Brothers, Incorporated, the Jason Realty Company
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and the Interstate Cigarette Sales Company, Incorporated.
Jacob Fisher married Eva Kulvin of Worcester, Massachusetts, and they were the parents of five children: I. Tess, who married Nathan Nirenstein and is the mother of two children: Judith and David. 2. Anita, married to Abbott Brunnell. 3. Geraldine, deceased. 4. Harry, born in Springfield in 1906, educated in the public schools of this city, who later attended New York University and studied law at night for three years at Northeastern University. Shortly after completing his studies he be- came associated with his father in business and after the elder's retirement became pres- ident and treasurer of all of the Fisher inter- ests. He is an active figure in social and civic affairs, being identified with several leading organizations here including the Springfield lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Republican party and at one time was candidate for alderman of the Sixth Ward. Harry Fisher finds great pleasure and amusement in sports of all types and is par- ticularly fond of swimming and the game of football. 5. Milton, born in Springfield, January 23, 1911, educated in the public schools of this city and then attended Yale University from where he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of 1932. He then entered the Harvard Law School and studied there until 1933. Since that time he has been attending the North- eastern University and continuing his legal studies at night. He is associated with his father's enterprises in an executive capacity. Milton worships at the Temple Beth El, is a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha Frater- nity and is athletically inclined.
GEORGE W. STREETER-Widely known in Springfield, where he makes his home and carries on his professional work,
George W. Streeter is one of the respected citizens of his community.
Mr. Streeter was born May 9, 1874, at Hinsdale, New Hampshire, son of Wallace W. and Wealthie (Dix) Streeter. He re- ceived his formal education in the public schools. At an early period in his career he began making a livelihood, and engaged in various enterprises for a few years. , Then, after completing a thorough professional course in New York City, he secured a po- sition with F. A. Caswell in Worcester in 1899. A few months later, early in 1900, he was offered a better opportunity with Francke W. Dickinson of Springfield, who then was located on State Street near Main in a small store. In 1910 he was made a partner in the Dickinson-Streeter Company, Inc., a name still retained. Through Mr. Streeter's ability and personality business soon increased and he persuaded Mr. Dick- inson to move the business to the present location at No. 305 State Street.
In 1919 Mr. Streeter purchased Mr. Dick- inson's interest in the business and has since constantly enlarged his establishment, as well as opening branches in Holyoke, Mas- sachusetts, and Brattleboro, Vermont. As- sociated with him in this business at the present time are his two sons, Richard C. and George W. Streeter, Jr. The show- rooms in Springfield are without a question the finest in New England and the general opinion that Mr. Streeter's personality is the reason for his success is not disputed. He has, as one man said, the peculiar ability of making everyone feel that an important service rendered is one of love and venera- tion.
Mr. Streeter carries on his business in Springfield, as well as in Holyoke and Brat- tleboro and is rated as one of the leaders in Springfield affairs. Aside from his business activity, Mr. Streeter is active in civic and social life. In the Free and Accepted Ma-
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sons he is affiliated with all bodies includ- ing the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite, and also all bodies of the York Rite. He is a Past Master of Roswell Lee Lodge, and the Royal Arch Chapter, is an initiate in Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order No- bles of the Mystic Shrine, and has served as member of the Grand Lodge of Masons. Mr. Streeter also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and numerous clubs and social groups. Professionally he has important affiliations, being a member of the National Selected Morticians and a past president of the Massachusetts State Funeral Directors' Association. He has attended undertakers' conventions in different parts of the United States, and is widely and favorably known in professional circles.
In 1901 George W. Streeter married Flon- nie C. Bliss, of Vermont. They became the parents of two sons: I. Richard C. Streeter. 2. George WV. Streeter, Jr. The two sons, as already noted, are engaged in business with their father. George W. Streeter is a member of the First Congregational Church, of Springfield.
REV. FLORENCE A. LANE-One of Springfield's earnest spiritual leaders is the Rev. Florence A. Lane, who has made a dis- tinguished contribution to his city and com- munity as pastor of All Souls' Church, in Plainfield Street. He has initiated many new features at this parish, all in the spirit of Catholic philosophy and purpose, and has come to be honored and beloved, not only by members of his own congregation, but by the people of Springfield as a whole.
Father Lane was born at Chicopee, Massa- chusetts, son of James and Johanna (Mc- Carthy) Lane, both of whom are now de- ceased. In the parochial schools of Chico- pee, his birthplace, he received his early edu- cation, later attending Holy Name Acad-
emy, Manhattan College, Brighton Semi- nary, and the Catholic University at Wash- ington, District of Columbia. He was grad- uated from the Catholic University in 1897, and on July 26 of that year was ordained at St. Michael's Cathedral, Springfield. His first appointment was at Palmer, Massachu- setts, and afterward he became assistant priest at St. John's Church, in Worcester, and at St. Mark's Pittsfield. On August 7, 1927, he was appointed pastor of All Souls' Church, in Plainfield Street, Springfield, and since that time he has continued in this capacity.
His work at All Souls' parish has been distinctive and productive of great good. Since coming here, he has built a new rec- tory, which is considered a model structure of its kind. He has also beautified the spa- cious grounds of the church proper and has completely renovated the church edifice. He is also pastor of the Mission Church of the Blessed Sacrament, across the street from All Souls' Church, and has likewise directed the complete renovation of this edifice. At the Mission Church of the Blessed Sacra- ment, Father Lane has established the devo- tion to St. Theresa, of "the Little Flower," and this parish is the center of this devotion in the diocese. He holds two special serv- ices every Monday evening, and under his guidance the church has become famous for its two Solemn Novenas, one in June and the other in October of each year.
CUNNINGHAM LIVERY, INC .- An al- most unique business in this section is that of the Cunningham Livery, Inc., of Spring- field, which rents rolling stock and equip- ment to funeral directors of the city and its vicinity. This enterprise was founded in June, 1923, by Sydney B. Hillard and Felix Daignault, the former as president and treasurer and the latter as secretary. Al- though the company's start was modest, suc-
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cess attended their service from its outset and since its inception the firm has grown until it occupies an almost indispensable po- sition among the members of Springfield's undertaking profession. With several beau- tiful hearses, many limousines, accessory equipment and a permanent force of five employees, the Cunningham Livery, Inc., handles approximately twelve hundred fu- nerals annually. Often they augment their staff of employees due to unusual demands for their services, and this extra help may be carried for long periods. While this firm keeps its equipment abreast of the latest and most modern improvements, the firm's suc- cess has been due fully as much to the thor- ough and highly efficient manner in which it has conducted its business.
Sydney B. Hillard was born in Fall River, June 26, 1886, son of Charles B. and Ella A. (Gorham) Hillard. His education was ob- tained in public schools. His first employ- ment was with the Russell Machine Shop, with which company he remained seven years, before entering the employ of Ernest Byron, one of the foremost funeral directors in Springfield. His earlier experience in machinery stood him in good stead and he was placed in charge of the garage and roll- ing stock belonging to Mr. Byron. He had continued in this connection for about five years when he conceived the idea of estab- lishing a livery service designed especially for the convenience of funeral directors. With Mr. Daignault he organized the Cun- ningham Livery, Inc. Mr. Byron gave the new company his entire business in its field and others soon came to appreciate the su- periority and advantages of this new service. Both Mr. Hillard and Mr. Daignault are well known in business circles of Springfield and with the civic cooperation that is expected of successful business men, they have sup- ported projects for community betterment.
Mr. Hillard married Ethel F. Allen of Fall River, and they have two children : I. Louise Madeline, a graduate of Technical High School and of the laboratory course of Mercy Hospital. She is now a laboratory technician. 2. Allen Reed, who attends Technical High School. Mr. Hillard's hobby is boating with his son with whom he has built several boats that are models of work- manship.
Felix Daignault, son of John B. and Veta- line (De Jardine) Daignault, both of whom are deceased, was born in Quebec, Canada, February 2, 1883. He received his education in the public schools of Canada and the United States. He learned the baker's trade and followed it for nearly twenty years. He then established himself in the taxicab busi- ness under the firm name of the Pierce Taxi Company and headed that enterprise until June, 1923, when he joined Mr. Hillard in forming the Cunningham Livery, Inc. He is a member of the St. Jean Society of Can- ada, the Franco-American Society and the Union Club, and attends St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
He married Anna Charron, and they have a daughter, Doris Marie, who attends St. Joseph's Parochial School in Springfield.
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