Paradise Lost
Amazing.Net Store, Autumn 2009
In 1851, the Swedish Nightingale, Jennie Lind, came to Northampton, stayed at the Round Hill Hotel, and took a walk by the pond. Then, she declared, for all the world to hear, “Why this is paradise!”
She was on her honeymoon, after all, marrying her long time accompanist. When you’re in love, everything looks a little better, and P.T. Barnum was Jennie’s promoter. It was probably summertime, when everything around here looks nicer.
Let’s face it: Northampton isn’t paradise, if it ever was. Maybe it’s still a paradise to artists, honeymooners, real estate people, the Chamber of Commerce and newcomers fleeing cities. I am sure that no one ever reminded Jennie that about forty years before she was here, a huge mob, numbering in the thousands, witnessed the legal lynching of James Halligan and Dominic Daley, just a stone’s throw from Paradise Pond. Irish Catholics were not welcome here in Northampton, and the priest that came to give the immigrants’ final rites found there was no room at the inn. I forget who finally put him up for the night.
And after the Irish came the Polish, who worshipped in church cellars and were treated like dirt by the Irish. There is a relentless romanticism about the place that is promoted as the home of idealism and reform, when we’ve always had more than our share of ugliness and bigotry. This website owes no advertiser anything, owes the Chamber nothing, and tries to tell stories about Northampton without the sugar coating.
I’m Mike Kirby. Send me a message at mike.kirby1[at]gmail[dot]com.
thank you for your assistance. There is no record regarding the 490th.
Please do not post. Waiting a response
how can I be of assistance?
Did your site get hacked? Do you want help getting it back to normal? I’m selfishly awaiting any updates on the old Eagles/Lumberyard development on Pleasant St. I saw the huge real estate transaction in Masslive/Republican; stumbled upon it out of boredom/insomnia. But it’s there, and no story, just a transaction. If you need a geek, I’ll gladly help fix your site. I miss your street-level reportage.
Good evening Mr. Kirby,
The Housing Authority, was able to provide a high grade masks to each of our residents. I thankfully able to personally purchased some which I gave to family, friends and others in need. I am no sure if you have the need for one for you or anyone else in your family, it would be my pleasure if you would accept one for each of your family from my personal stock…… I do a “pay it forward” every day and would be happy if you would accept. If you do not need them I will give to another family.
Let me know
Thanks a lot. I have neglected all the little nooks and crannies in my blog, and only today did I see your post. Let me know if the offer is still open. We are a family of two.