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Community Spotlight - Easthampton, MA |
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Easthampton may have long been viewed as Northampton’s less trendy step-sibling, but in recent years, the city has been creating a stir all its own. This is, in no small part, because of the Western Mass. community’s ability to retain a small town vibe, even as it continues to grow and develop.
With a population of 16,000, Easthampton is located in the heart of Hampshire County, in the midst of the Pioneer Valley. The community neighbors the larger, more bustling and “artsy” Northampton; this close proximity is ideal for trips to a city with a more metropolitan, bohemian feel. Easthampton is also bordered on the east by Mount Tom, with the Mount Tom State Reservation extending into various areas of the city. Mount Tom provides a lush scenic, mountainous backdrop to Easthampton life. In addition, the mountain is an ideal place to go hiking, biking, or have a picnic, with a breathtaking view at the peak of the Pioneer Valley.
To further add to the picturesque setting of Easthampton is the Manhan River, which the city was primarily built around. This river runs through much of the city; feeding into Nashawannuck Pond along Cottage Street (one of the main downtown streets), where a grassy park surrounds the pond. On any given spring or summer day, one can find families picnicking, fishing or just sitting along the river, taking in the scenery. A brief walk will find you at the tiny but quaint John  Bator Park, where the gazebo offers a gorgeous view of the river, particularly during sunset. Those looking for a larger outdoor place to spend the afternoon only need to drive down the road, where there is Nonotuck Park. This 190 acre recreation park has everything from sports fields to an in-ground outdoor swimming pool. In addition, the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Northampton/Easthampton border, offering a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
Although when driving into Easthampton by way of Northampton, you will first be greeted by  chain restaurants and stores such as CVS and McDonalds, drive a little further and you will encounter a whole different story. Tasty Top, a roadside ice cream shop and grill retains the look of a 1950s drive-up ice cream shop. On warm summer evenings, it is the place to be; you will always find it swamped with families and golfers alike, who make use of the golf course located directly behind Tasty Top. Drive a little further and you will hit downtown Easthampton, which maintains a New England village atmosphere with its historic architecture. Unlike the busier Northampton, Easthampton’s downtown life appears to move at a slower pace.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops spread throughout the downtown streets, but both car and pedestrian traffic is lighter. Stop in for a meal at the Silver Spoon restaurant, or grab a slice of Pizza at Nini’s Pizzeria. Run some errands at the supermarket, or shop for antiques in one of the quaint antique shops. The shopping is conveniently located in and around the downtown area.
While Northampton may be known for its focus on the arts and its booming artist community, Easthampton is becoming increasingly art-friendly by the day. Although currently in between locations, the Flywheel Arts Collective opened in 1999. This venue served as a music, performance, and art space, bringing bands in from as far as Israel and as nearby as local high schools. Although tiny, many famous acts have graced the Flywheel stage, including Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Formerly located on Holyoke Street, the Flywheel will reopen at its new location in Easthampton Town Hall sometime during late summer 2007.
The Eastworks building is another art and community-friendly Easthampton locale. This former Stanley Home Products factory building is immense and almost overwhelming in size. The first floor is home to numerous small shops selling everything from used CDs to children’s toys to antiques. In addition, restaurants such as the Apollo Grill entice diners from near and far. Other floors in the Eastworks building have renovated spaces that are currently used as offices and artist studios.
Originally considered a part of Northampton, Easthampton was settled by European immigrants in 1664. In 1795, Easthampton became its own official village, but it wasn’t until 1809 that it officially became a town. During the Industrial Revolution, factories and mills were first built, primarily focusing on textile manufacturing. Just before the turn of the 20th century, the Hampton Company and the West Boylston Manufacturing Company moved to Easthampton. Specializing in cloth production, these factories brought an influx of Canadian and Polish immigrants to the town. The Great Depression hit Easthampton hard; however, World War II brought better economic times with a more improved manufacturing situation. Throughout its history, Easthampton has also been home to farms and family-run businesses, which have helped maintain its small town atmosphere and helped the community’s economy. In 1999, the town of Easthampton officially became a city, when the community changed its charter.
Easthampton retains an all-American, homegrown atmosphere. The city is a popular destination for homeowners who can’t afford the high cost of living in Northampton. The city has a school enrollment of approximately 1,700 students in kindergarten through grade 12, with students attending one of Easthampton’s three elementary schools, followed by White Brook Middle School and then Easthampton High.
Easthampton’s cohesive community environment is enjoyed by many of the residents who call the city home. “It’s a small caring community,” says Sharon Rust, an Easthampton resident of 19 years. “It doesn’t have the big city feel of Northampton; it has a very small town feel, and it’s a community oriented place to live,” she says.
Easthampton is a small, homey city on the upswing. Its community-oriented feel, interest in the arts, and recent influx of development are making the Easthampton a popular place to raise a family, work, or stop in for the day to visit one of the numerous places of interest.
About the author: Allison Egan-Sherry is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a major in Communication and Culture with a concentration in Media Dimensions. Allie currently resides in Northampton, Massachusetts.
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