The cover art of the book.
Photo credit: Michelle Johnson
LUDLOW — As part of Ludlow’s 250th birthday celebration, the Ludlow 250 Book Committee created a commemorative 200-page book of the town’s history and milestones.
Released on Nov. 19, “The Town of Ludlow Celebrates 250 Years” takes readers on a timeline from the pre-1636 founding of Springfield and the emergence of the Eastern Outer Commons (Ludlow), to the current redevelopment of the mill buildings and the Semiquincentennial parade and picnic. The book also highlights Ludlow’s government, public safety, agriculture, business and industry, houses of worship and cultural centers, nonprofits, the military, cemeteries, schools, sports, transportation, and celebrations with over 370 pictures and articles scattered throughout.
Chair Brian Bylicki of the Ludlow 250 Book Committee said, “It feels great. The 250 Book Committee has been working on this book for two in a half year and it looks fantastic. It’s been a lot of work writing articles and finding pictures, but it’s been a fun project, and it worked out well.”
The 250 Book Committee also consists of Dr. William Koscher, Martin Fanning, Bruce Fenney, Diana Roy, Sandra Stanek, Mary Beth Silva, Kathy Ouimette and Nate Venancio.
In celebrating Ludlow’s 250th birthday, one of the things the town wanted to do was put out a book, so in February of 2022 they formed a book committee to write a book. The 250 Book Committee went to the Hubbard Memorial Library, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the Republican and the Ludlow Register as part of their research. People also donated information and stories, giving them old scrap books of different events.
“I want readers to have an appreciation of what Ludlow has gone through and what Ludlow has been about; to see the changes and see how people have reacted over the years finding out something new and exciting,” Bylicki said. “The accomplishment of doing the research and putting it together has really given me a true love for history. I’ve always loved history, and this just helped reinforce that and the idea of getting the stories out there and having people read it. The 250 Book Committee wants people to see the book, get the history of it and get the feel of the town.”
The books are available in the town clerk’s office in Town Hall. They’re $32 payable by check only in the clerk’s office. For pre-ordered books, contact Kathy Ouimette at kathleenouimette1977@gmail.com.
