On a sweeping curve of the Connecticut river, about twelve miles north
of the Massachusetts and Connecticut boundary line, is the modern
manufacturing city of Holyoke, with a present population of 30,000. It
is the most extensive paper making city in the world, and the
manufacture of paper is but one of many enterprises. The ceaseless
water-power of the great river turns the wheels of numerous industries
which, within the third of a century, have been located here and have
transformed a sparsely settled rural parish into a busy and populous
city.

Holyoke is a New England growth. It does not resemble the smoky cities
of the iron regions, nor the languid towns of the South. The swift,
powerful current of water does its work without confusion, smoke or
waste. Pure breezes sweep along the valley through the mountain rifts,
and the mountains serve as barriers to ward off heavy gales and
destructive tempests. The slope of the land toward the river gives
opportunity for healthful drainage and the vicinity of mountain springs
and reservoirs supplies a great requisite for a thickly settled city.

[Illustration: THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.]

The impression which Holyoke makes upon its visitors is of modern thrift
and growth. Travellers by railway who enter the city from the north,
look with interest at the great dam, crossing the river from the Holyoke
to the South Hadley Falls shore. Rounding the curve, the large brick
buildings, spires and chimneys of the city come suddenly into view, the
tall tower of the granite city hall rising high above the rest. The
buildings are modern in structure and architecture. Little is found here
that bears the moss and rime of age.