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Trudel's presentation will include previously unpublished photographs of the company's operations, samples of original Arnold Print Works fabrics, and family photographs and letters.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

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:25AM / Sunday, March 15, 2026

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 

 

The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.

 

"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.

 

A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 

 

Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 

 

Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 

 

They will submit those with a school picture to the governor.