Historian to Discuss Dr. Samuel Jones and Arnold Print Works at North Adams Library

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Public Library will host historian and graphic designer Samuel M. Trudel on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m.

Trudel will discuss his recently published two-book series on the history of the Arnold Print Works from 1868 to 1942, focusing on Dr. Samuel M. Jones' ownership (1915-1942).

The presentation will cover Jones' acquisition of the North Adams-based textile manufacturer, the company's survival through the Great Depression, its return to profitability, and its eventual sale to Sprague Electric in 1942 due to World War II. At the time of the sale, Arnold Print Works employed 2,500 people.

Trudel's presentation will include previously unpublished photographs of the company's operations, samples of original Arnold Print Works fabrics, and family photographs and letters.

The event will be held in the 3rd-floor community room of the North Adams Public Library, located at 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA, 01247. It is free and open to the public and is co-hosted with the North Adams Historical Society.

Barrett Holds off Fitch in State House Race

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
11:20PM / Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Candidate Andrew Fitch thanks his supporters for their work on the campaign and promised 'we're going to get him next time.'

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — State Rep. John Barrett III showed Tuesday that it is still his time to serve.

 

In an election night cliffhanger that had supporters of each candidate anxiously checking their cell phone screens two hours after the polls closed, Barrett defeated challenger Andrew Fitch in the First Berkshire Democratic primary for the State House of Representatives.

 

With one town, Peru, missing from the vote total, Fitch called Barrett to concede the race at about 10 p.m. with Barrett holding a 3,597-3,476 lead, a margin of 121 votes.

 

With no Republican on the ballot, Tuesday's winner will be unopposed in the November general election.

 

After receiving well wishes from his supporters at the GOAT Sports Bar and Grill, Barrett talked about his win and shared part of his motivation for seeking another two years in the post he has held since 2017.

 

"When [Fitch] called me up and said that he was going to be running against me and said, 'I want to announce I'm going to run in two weeks,' and then he says, 'This is my time and your time to retire,'" Barrett said. "Well, that's when I decided I was going to run."

 

On Tuesday, Barrett congratulated Fitch, a North Adams city councilor, on a well-run campaign after accepting his concession.