Main Street Ludlow, circa 1899 (1st Floor)

As would be expected, a barber shop was a familiar and necessary part of the downtown scene . . . The entire barber shop is set up just as it was when used by Nick Marro, barber, for many years in Ludlow. Many Ludlow visitors recall sitting in the barber chair having their hair cut. Just outside the door is the “painless” dentist drill used by Drs. Stevens, Hope and Bixby. We have been informed that it was not “painless”.

The blacksmith’s shop was an important part of the town’s services . . . It consists of a harness/blacksmith shop which contains among many other artifacts the sleigh used by Dr. Bryant of Ludlow on his home visits in the winter. Across the “street” we have an exhibit focusing on the Ludlow’s five woolen mills. The woolen industry was a large part of Ludlow’s economy which much woolen material provided for soldier’s uniforms during World Wars I and II.

But what would Ludlow have been like without the the ice cream parlor? Next door is the General Store. There you will find most of the items found in the General Stores of that time, including souvenir dishes, pottery, cameras, lunch boxes, cheese cutter, adding machines, lawn mowers and the proverbial checker set and pot belly stove.

. . . and a doctor’s office was a vital part of the town’s needs. Our Doctor’s office contains antique medicine bottles and instruments as well as an adult cradle from the 1800’s. There is also a Doctor’s desk and a wheelchair.

And, of course, the fourth estate was needed to keep the town informed.