Silvio O. Conte

“ But in every age, some men succeed in rising above the transcient, and in creating works which outlast the times which produce them. The founders of Holyoke were such men. They built with such honesty and intelligence that the city has never been forced to abandon its original foundations.
Since its founding, Holyoke has, of course, experienced the economic fluctuations that every industrial community knows. Throughout, however, the people of Holyoke have exhibited an undaunted spirit and Holyoke today remains as it was designed, a manufacturing city. ”

“ Patrick's Day parade with my Irish friends. What has impressed me most about the parade is the enthusiasm it generates among all of the residents of Holyoke—those of all ethnic backgrounds and of all ages. It is not only a community festival, and a superb one, but its renown has spread so that the spirit of the parade encompasses the entire western Massachusetts area. ”

“ Not only has the need for moral leadership been superbly met in this community, the desire for quality education for all has been fulfilled. Formal education in Holyoke had its beginnings in a humble, one-room schoolhouse in 1802. As the community grew, so, too, grew Holyoke's schools. Today, excellent public and parochial systems provide the young residents of Holyoke with a variety of opportunities for instruction. ”