Recently my nephew, Alan Bitzer, asked me why I had not written a story about Christmas lighting. He has a good memory and his youth was spent in Greenfield, but he now lives in Connecticut.
He told me of his memories of the trees on the common that were lighted. He remembers most of the lines that were strung across the streets were lighted with colored lights and had a wreath in the center. Each was hooked on buildings on each side of the street.
So, here is my story about them. Presently lighting and decorations are attached to the light poles in that area. Years ago, there were beautiful ropes of colored lights that were put across the street in different locations. There were wreaths of greenery in the center of each one. I think the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works would put them up and take them down. It is possible that kind of lighting got discontinued because of safety and expense issues.
Presently, a tree is lighted on the Veterans Mall each year. During the holiday season it is worth your while taking a stroll or driving downtown to see all the beautiful lights. Many of the stores also have their own kind of decorations for the season.
I told my nephew that the mayor, Greenfield Business Association, and store owners decide what will be put up. Lamp posts are now being used. Perhaps someday the older type of decoration will again be able to be used (safely).
Greenfield has always had beautiful holiday lighting and people really enjoy looking at all of it. Just another story of mine to brighten up each and every day during this season now upon us.
Robert Bitzer, a frequent contributor, lives in Erving.