Florence

In 1852, the community that began as Broughton's Meadow officially became the Village of Florence. This small, New England community prospered with the rise of the silk industry and its businesses, such as the Northampton Silk Company, the Nonotuck Silk Company, and Corticelli Silk Mills. Local mills and factories manufactured goods that were shipped around the world while local shops and storefronts continued to grow and change the face of the village. The population expanded due to the success of companies like the Florence Casket Company and Florence Savings, which created more jobs. By the turn of the 20th century, Florence was well established with over 3,500 residents. The community had several churches, a modern schoolhouse, the Lilly Library, a thriving business center, and its own trolley line, which ran to and from Northampton. Florence provides a look at the residents, businesses, and organizations that came to shape the life of this community.

Craig P. Della Penna and Jason A. Clark are both members of the Florence Civic and Business Association. Images included come from the Florence History Museum along with Look Memorial Park, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Forbes Library, Historic Northampton, and other private collections.