To all the new residents of Greenfield and, more broadly, Franklin County, this story might be of interest to them as well as everyone who has lived here for longer.
On the lower end of Main Street, on the north side from the corner of Wells Street to Conway Street, were the following stores: On the east corner of Wells Street was Braff’s Cleaners. One could also rent tuxedos there for weddings and other formal occasions. On the west side was the Home Furniture Store. Up Wells Street was Knapp’s Paint-Hardware, which was owned by the Knapp family, which initially started the business on Bank Row. Wallpaper was one of the best items for sale.
When I wrote a story about drug stores recently, I recalled one store, Carroll’s Cut Rate, which was located next to the Home Furnishing Co. Down the street there was Montgomery Ward Co. and Sears. Next door to Sears was Alberti’s restaurant, a fine place to eat Italian food.
Across the street was Petrin’s gas station, which is now the location of Rite Aid. A larger store up the street was Potter’s Grain store. These days, Pella Products occupies that building. On the corner of Miles Street was New England Box Company. Now, lawyers use that building. Inside is some beautiful woodwork that was completed back when it was built.
As you can see, Main Street had many stores that are now gone. The Home Furnishing Co was there for so many years until being recently sold. Whitney Hill Antiques is now there.
I hope you like this trip down memory lane — my recollections of what Greenfield’s lower Main Street had to offer in the way of stores over the past many years.
Robert Bitzer, 92, of Erving is a lifelong resident of Franklin County, having been born in Greenfield. His columns are inspired by extensive photo albums and thorough collections of correspondence he has compiled over the years.