Kudos to Joe Rae, principal of J.S. Rae Construction, for giving new life to the iconic Sweetheart Restaurant on the Mohawk Trail in Shelburne Falls. Beginning as a gift shop specializing in maple sugar hearts, and later as a tea house before becoming the restaurant that generations frequented for meals and special occasions, the Sweetheart flowered with the opening of the Mohawk Trail circa 1919 and the nascent tourist business of the Pioneer Valley and destinations west to the Berkshires. The automobile was king and people reveled in the beauty of West County and its many scenic vistas of the Deerfield River and Mount Greylock.
The Sweetheart was the gem along the lovely Trail and people from far and near frequented it during their vacations. Joe’s comprehensive restoration of this piece of historic architecture deserves our recognition and thanks. Since its reopening a few years ago people have flocked to it to experience its charm and gracious perch above the Deerfield. Thank you, Joe.
Brad Brigham
Colrain