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Trudel's presentation will include previously unpublished photographs of the company's operations, samples of original Arnold Print Works fabrics, and family photographs and letters.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

Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. 

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

 

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members. 

 

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

 

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

 

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

 

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."