In the fast-paced world of modern development, where old structures often give way to new constructions, it’s rare to find a piece of history that stands virtually untouched by time. Yet, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, a charming Queen Anne-style Victorian house has captured the internet’s attention for doing just that. A viral “then and now” photo comparison, shared on Reddit in October 2024, showcases this 130-year-old gem, highlighting how little it has changed since the late 19th century. This blog post dives deep into the story behind the house, its historical context, the surrounding area’s evolution, and why it serves as a testament to preservation efforts in New England’s Pioneer Valley.
The Viral Photo That Started It All
The image that sparked widespread fascination is a side-by-side comparison: on the left, a black-and-white photograph from around 1895, showing the freshly built house with its intricate woodwork, wraparound porch, and turreted roof. The background reveals a sparsely treed hillside with a dirt path or track ascending what appears to be the base of Mount Tom—a prominent basalt peak in the region. On the right, a color photo from 2023 depicts the same house, now painted a soft yellow-green, with mature trees, overgrown bushes, and subtle modern updates like aluminum siding. Remarkably, the core architecture remains intact, from the pointed turret to the ornate porch railings.
Posted on Reddit’s r/OldPhotosInRealLife subreddit by user sverdrupian, the post garnered over 4,500 upvotes and nearly 80 comments within days. Commenters marveled at the house’s endurance, with discussions touching on everything from historical land use to the irony of cyclical tree growth in the area. One top comment noted, “The irony is that the area was originally wooded, then it was cleared as farmland when it was first settled, and then trees were replanted after it became residential.” Others pointed out minor changes, like the removal of original shutters and the addition of a decorative well in the yard where a large tree once stood, as seen in 2007 Google Street View images.
What makes this comparison so striking? It’s not just the house—it’s the contrast between the barren, newly developed landscape of the 1890s and the lush, residential neighborhood of today. The hill in the background, once home to a trolley line climbing Mount Tom, now features glimpses of Interstate 91, symbolizing how infrastructure has evolved around this steadfast structure.
A Glimpse into the House’s History
Built in 1893 by John T. Williams, the house at 118 Lincoln Street exemplifies Queen Anne Victorian architecture, popular in the late 19th century for its eclectic mix of asymmetrical designs, textured surfaces (clapboard and shingles), and decorative elements like bay windows and gingerbread trim. Williams, likely a prosperous resident during Holyoke’s industrial heyday, constructed it in what was then a burgeoning neighborhood for the city’s middle and upper classes.
Holyoke itself was a powerhouse of innovation at the time. Nicknamed the “Paper City,” it harnessed the power of the Connecticut River through an intricate canal system and the Hadley Falls Dam, becoming the world’s leading producer of writing paper by the 1880s. This industrial boom attracted waves of immigrants—Irish, French-Canadian, and later Puerto Rican—fueling the construction of grand Victorian homes for mill owners, managers, and professionals. Neighborhoods like Oakdale and Springdale, where this house likely resides, were dotted with such residences, designed by local architects to reflect the era’s prosperity.
Over the decades, the house has seen minimal alterations. While some commenters lamented the switch to aluminum siding (which hides the original wood clapboards) and the loss of certain trim details, these changes are cosmetic and reversible. The structure’s survival is attributed to Holyoke’s post-industrial shift; as mills closed in the mid-20th century, the city avoided aggressive urban renewal projects that demolished historic buildings elsewhere. Instead, community efforts preserved these Victorian enclaves, turning them into quiet, tree-lined streets that feel frozen in time.
The Backdrop: Mount Tom and the Trolley Era
The hillside looming behind the house in the vintage photo isn’t just scenery—it’s Mount Tom, a 1,202-foot mountain that’s part of the Mount Tom State Reservation. In the early 1900s, this area was a tourist hotspot, thanks to the Mount Tom Railroad, a funicular trolley system built in 1897 by the Holyoke Street Railway Company. The nearly mile-long incline railway, with cars like the “Elizur Holyoke,” carried visitors up 700 feet to the Summit House—a grand hotel offering panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley.
The trolley line, visible as a track in historic images, navigated steep rock cuts and brought thousands to the peak for picnics, dances, and even early aviation demonstrations. Tragically, the Summit House burned down in 1929, and the trolley ceased operations in the 1930s amid the Great Depression and the rise of automobiles. Today, the path is a hiking trail, and the summit hosts communication towers, but the view remains a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The house’s foreground position in these “then and now” shots underscores how everyday residential life coexisted with this recreational marvel.
Interestingly, Reddit discussions highlighted the landscape’s transformation: the once-cleared farmland has regrown into dense woods, partly due to natural reforestation after the 1938 hurricane devastated old-growth trees, and later events like the 1970s Dutch elm disease outbreak. This evolution adds layers to the photo’s narrative, showing nature’s resilience alongside human preservation.
Preservation Efforts and Holyoke’s Enduring Legacy
Why has this house—and much of Holyoke’s Victorian architecture—remained largely unchanged? Credit goes to local pride and targeted preservation. The city’s Heritage State Park protects mill ruins and canals, while neighborhoods benefit from historic district designations that encourage maintenance without overdevelopment. Commenters from nearby Westfield and Springfield echoed this sentiment, praising Western Massachusetts for its “beautifully kept up” older homes.
Holyoke’s story is one of reinvention. From its peak as an industrial giant (producing over 80% of U.S. paper at one point) to economic challenges in the late 20th century, the city has rebounded with arts initiatives, like the annual Holyoke Canal Walk, and eco-tourism around Mount Tom. The house at 118 Lincoln Street stands as a symbol of this stability, evoking nostalgia for a “more natural era” before paved driveways and interstates dominated the view.
Visiting Holyoke Today
If this tale piques your interest, Holyoke is worth a visit. Start at 118 Lincoln Street for a personal “then and now” moment—use Google Street View for virtual exploration if you’re far away. Hike Mount Tom for those valley views, explore the canals at Heritage State Park, or join a historic walking tour to see more Victorian treasures. The city’s diverse community, with its Puerto Rican heritage festivals and revitalized downtown, adds modern vibrancy to its storied past.
In an age of constant change, this Victorian house reminds us of the value in holding onto history. Whether you’re a architecture buff, history enthusiast, or just love a good “before and after,” Holyoke’s timeless charm is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. What’s your favorite preserved spot? Share in the comments below!
