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Mohawk Trail Centennial Dedication Set for Saturday

A picture book from an exhibit of postcards and Mohawk Trail memorabilia at the North Adams Museum of History and Science.

FLORIDA, Mass. — The winding Mohawk Trail will be rededicated on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Whitcomb Summit.

Thought to be the nation's first scenic byway, it will be honored on its centennial with speaking program, displays and cake.

The trail runs for 65 miles between Orange and Williamstown, reaching its highest elevation of 2,272 feet above sea level at the Whitcomb Summit, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following the paths made over the centuries by the region's natives, it was both a major transportation connector to the Berkshires and featured dozens of tourist attractions along its length such as the "Hail To The Sunrise" statue at Mohawk Park.

The road is probably best known for its scenic views, particularly the spectacular displays of fall foliage on the 36-mile trip over the Hoosac Range from Greenfield to the steep Hairpin Turn in Clarksburg and North Adams.  

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.