50 West Glen Street
Holyoke, MA, USA

50 West Glen Street, Holyoke, MA, USA

Born in this home

My grandparents, William and Rose Degraff built the home in 1937. They relocated there with their 3 children from canal Street and resided until their death. William Degraff died in the house in his bedroom. I was born in the house, residing with parents for two years visiting alternate weekends. In my late teens moved back after grandfather died to live with my grandmother until her death. They were a French speaking family. French was the primary language of the house. Residents surrounding them were all French speaking. The outside of the home looks the same, other than the fence in the back. When the home was built the driveway as it stands today had a wider property line on the left side. The house on the left were good friends and grandfather allowed him to add on to his garage with the understanding he had priority use if there was a need for visitors parking. After he died, things changed so not sure how the original property line was altered, it seemed to be. The inside is completely different as the lovely walls have been destroyed. They were painted over. The original walks were hand plastered and glazed. There was hand painted trim work around the ceiling which was gorgeous and very expensive. I'm sure it's still under the paint. It was a lovely and loving home.

Newspaper mentions homeowner drafted into War in 1944

Homeowner in 1944 was a contingent draftee into war in 1944.

Original homeowner, William P. Degraaf, mentioned

Original homeowner, William P. Degraaf, mentioned for graduating from hospital corps school at the U.S. Naval hospital.