Holyoke's development was rapid. By 1873, Holyoke qualified as a city. Textiles were the first major product of the City, quickly followed by paper. Within 30 years, Holyoke would become known as the "Paper City of the World".

Holyoke also built schools, churches, parks and many public buildings, including the City Hall, and was well-known for being a vibrant city with arts and culture. This photo is of a Holyoke Street Railway Trolley taking passengers to Mountain Park, Holyoke's famed amuseument park.

The early part of the 20th century witnessed a pattern of development similar to most Northern industrial cities. Difficulties in absorbing large numbers of immigrants resulted in crowded housing conditions. The boom and bust cycle of manufacturing first attracted new residents, and then left them jobless. Holyoke, though, fought back. Service and aid groups, such as the Family Service Society, were organized to meet the needs of the unfortunate. These agencies, oriented towards self-help, seem to be echoed by many of the "new ideas" talked about today.
 

As society adapted, so did business. From its highs of the 1920's industry showed a gradual decline in overall employment. Many labor and energy intensive firms followed the national pattern, and moved to the South and West, to be nearer raw materials and cheaper labor. The remaining industries took advantage of Holyoke's unique resources, especially her highly skilled labor force and plentiful water for power and process uses. Although many of the paper mills left, many specialty paper producers remained, capitalizing on their greater need for the types of resources Holyoke had to offer.

The 1968 economic recession on the Island of Puerto Rico resulted in an influx of Puerto Ricans to Holyoke seeking employment in the local tobacco fields. They were drawn to the Connecticut Valley to plant, tend and harvest tobacco.

The recession of the mid 1970's shook out many of the remaining weaker industries. The current economic base is strong and healthy, facing the enviable problem of difficulties in locating space to expand. Industries include printing and publishing, electrical machinery, plastics, chemicals, and high technology, as well as more traditional companies. The many services and programs for business offered within the City are recognized as supporting and encouraging this growth.

Because of its success, many communities look to Holyoke as a model of the public-private partnership, and attempt to duplicate it as a new idea for improving municipal/industrial relations. What this short history shows us is that these relationships are rooted in over a century of cooperation. This partnership has always been strong in the City of Holyoke, and will doubtlessly continue long into the future.

For more information on Holyoke's history, visit  Wistariahurst Museum or Holyoke's History Room  

For more information on the Holyoke Historical Commission: Please go to the next page