The historic Thomas Smith House at 251 North West St., Feeding Hills, will be the site of a Spring Flea Market and Open House hosted by the Agawam Historical Association.
Photo credit: David Cecchi
AGAWAM — The Agawam Historical Association is organizing a Spring Flea Market on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Thomas Smith House, 251 North West St., and is seeking dealers of antique, vintage and artisan items to participate.
Local historical societies and civic organizations have also been invited to attend to promote their organizations, presenting an opportunity to join others at a community event in support of local historical preservation.
There are 12-foot by 12-foot spaces available for $25. Dealers must provide their own tables and shade. Space availability is first come, first served.
Space rental proceeds will benefit the Agawam Historical Association’s efforts to preserve the town’s history at the Agawam Historical and Fire House Museum and the Thomas Smith House.
To reserve a space at the flea market, readers must send a check before Thursday, April 24, payable to Agawam Historical Association, P.O. Box 552, Agawam, MA 01001.
For any questions, readers can contact Joe Potter at 413-821-5102 for more information.
In the event of rain, the event will be hosted the following day, Sunday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event comes after the success of last year’s Community Tag Sale on the same grounds and Agawam Historical Association President David Cecchi said, “Anyone with antique, vintage, or artisan items to sell is welcome to participate.”
The Agawam Historical Association is a private, nonprofit organization working to preserve historic materials, documents and landmarks pertaining to the town of Agawam and to provide educational opportunities concerning Agawam’s history.
The Smith House is preserved in its largely original, unrestored condition and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum occupies the former Elm Street Fire Station, and houses artifacts pertaining to the town and the Agawam Fire Department.
The Thomas Smith House and its preserved 1920s garage will also be open for tours during the flea market with free admission.
Cecchi shared his excitement for being able to offer tours for the community.
He said, “We are very excited to open the Thomas Smith House to the public during this event. It is a great opportunity for the pubic to see this unique 18th century home. People are very surprised at what they see when they walk into the house. It has not been restored. It has been preserved in near-original condition, without central heat or central plumbing.”
The house can be visited virtually as well at tinyurl.com/yxy9ezv9.
The Thomas Smith House is one of the few remaining resources from the 18th century agricultural past of Feeding Hills.
The history of its residents represents the long history of farming in this section of Agawam and the shift into working outside the community by its later owners is representative of the pattern of suburban development that occurred in the town and throughout the country in the early 20th century.
The house is an unusually intact example of 18th century building practices and an unusually unaltered example of mid-to-late 18th century Connecticut River Valley design and materials, and of vernacular Georgian style.
Cecchi said new members are always welcome to join the Agawam Historical Association and for more information or future events, readers can visit agawamhistory.org and/or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
“The Agawam Historical Association has an ambitious schedule of events planned from April until November,” Cecchi concluded.
