Springfield MA: City of Firsts

Springfield - 3rd largest city in MA - 4th largest in New England, is a City of Firsts - basketball, Indian motocycle, Dr.Seuss, American English Dictionary +++

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

Our civic pride in 1914!

[Stats @redsoxstats]

This shot from NFL Films is unbelievable

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

President Dwight Eisenhower visited the Eastern States Exposition in 1953. After his tour of the fair, he stopped at Shriners Hospital. The young patients came out to the lawn in wheelchairs to greet the grandfatherly leader. The President headed next to Westover.

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

Located on Eastern Avenue, the Church of the Holy Family was built of brick over a two year period and dedicated in the spring of 1911. Here rang the first bell installed in a local Catholic church. Symbolic engravings of Mary, Joseph and Jesus embellished that bell.

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

The cathedral of St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Round Hill dates back to 1869. Architects Richard and R. M. Upjohn designed the building. Originally built as a non-denominational church known as Memorial Church, the setting is enhanced by the statue and the fountain.

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

Mystery photo: The label on the back of this picture suggests this is our old police station. It looks more like a school to me. Do you recognize it?

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

For over 50 years a group of civic-minded people has worked to save our historic buildings. The trust has sponsored tours of homes and neighborhoods to spread the word of our rich architectural heritage. Check them out at https://t.co/oM8S0nj8gg.

[María Corina Machado @MariaCorinaYA]

The Venezuelan people have received this recognition from the Norwegian Nobel Committee with immense emotion and renewed hope.

The greatest tribute to Alfred Nobel's legacy will be to secure the transition to Democracy, conquer our Freedom, and thus achieve Peace.

Venezuela will be free!

[The Nobel Prize @NobelPrize]

In the past year, #NobelPeacePrize laureate Maria Corina Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions of people.

When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist. Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent, who dare to step forward despite grave risk, and who remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted, but must always be defended �� with words, with courage and with determination.

Read more about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize: https://t.co/74X9vvuAIB

#NobelPrize

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

Congratulations to new Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado for her courageous struggle to bring democracy to Venezuela. It should inspire those engaged in similar struggles around the world - and remind those of us lucky enough to live in America that we have a solemn responsibility to constantly preserve and defend our own hard-won democratic traditions.

[Brian Allen @allenanalysis]

🚨 ICE agents stopped a Colorado family at GUNPOINT, shattered a car window over their newborn, and ignored a mother’s screams:
“There’s a baby in here!”

They didn’t care.

She shielded her infant from flying glass; ICE never showed a warrant, just said: “It’s at the office.”

Colorado law bans ICE arrests outside courthouses.

They did it anyway.
No cause. No explanation. No rights.

Jose Aguilera is still being held in ICE detention.

His wife Maya is still waiting for a warrant.
His baby could’ve been killed.

But sure, tell us again how they’re the “pro-life” party.

[CALL TO ACTIVISM @CalltoActivism]

🚨BREAKING: A video is going
Viral showing a man and a woman who were standing and talking to a pair of cops with shields - were sprayed directly in the face with pepper spray.

Both required medical attention.

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

The Mechanic Arts School at Winchester Square laid the ground work to Trade High School on Elliot Street in 1905. Although the specialty was handwork, a complete college prep program included four years of Latin. The rigorous school day ran from 8:15 to 3:45.

[Springfield MA: City of Firsts @4Springfield]

SpringfieldMA

[Springfield MA: City of Firsts @4Springfield]

#SpringfieldMA

[The Lincoln Project @ProjectLincoln]

Sexual abuser
Adulterer
Felon
Bully
Liar

Is that the person that you want your children to know you voted for? Is that the person you want them to look up to?

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

George Washington visited us twice. He stayed at Parsons Tavern at the southeast corner of Court Square. Tradition says he drank his flip beneath the nearby elm, hence our Washington Elm. Can you tell us about Longmeadow’s Washington Elm, ⁦@LongmeadowH⁩?

[Barbara Shaffer @SpfldHistorian]

The Forest Park neighborhood boomed with the development of the park itself in the 1880s. Successful businessmen and professionals moved into fashionable homes on Sumner Avenue and its side streets. Residents included brewer Theodor Geisel, grandfather of Dr. Seuss.