The grand history of Lunt Silversmiths on display

By ANDY CASTILLO

Recorder Staff

Published: 08-28-2017 3:37 PM

GREENFIELD — “See your great-great grandfather?” Jim Lunt asked his young son, Denham Lunt, pointing at a black-and-white portrait of George C. Lunt, who established Lunt Silversmiths in 1902.

The portrait was on display Saturday at the Historical Society of Greenfield as part of “The Lunt Silversmiths: Reflections,” an exhibit honoring the local business’ impact. Throughout, hundreds of sterling silver spoons, forks, cups and other items shimmered in window light. And at the center of it all, on prominent display, was a large holiday bowl crafted in 1937 — a glimmering example of artisan skill by local laborers.

“It’s a chance to celebrate a century of great craftsmanship and great people,” said Jim Lunt, a co-owner of the business until it closed in 2009. Business boomed in the early years under the guiding hand of George Lunt, who apprenticed at the business’ former iteration, A.F. Towle & Son. He purchased it after an economic downfall in the late 1800s, renaming it Rogers, Lunt and Bowlen Co. The name was again changed in 1935.

“It was a huge part of the town for a long time. It employed hundreds of people. It was all local people who lived there,” said Meg Baker, secretary at the historical society. The company was an integral part of the community, putting on parades, events and sponsoring a baseball team.

The bulk of papers and other items (such as silver molds, artwork, photographs) in the exhibit were found when Lunt Silversmith’s former Federal Street building was cleaned out a few years ago. Some of the displayed silver, including the holiday bowl, are owned by the historical society. Most were loaned out by community members — some of whom hold a personal connection to the company.

“My father worked there. When he came back from the service, after World War II, he worked at Lunt Silversmiths for a number of years,” said Cyndie Rothschild of Greenfield.

“It floods me with memories, more than I can count. Reminds me how vibrant it was in its prime. And how excellent the people who worked at Lunt were at their jobs,” said Greenfield resident Colby Lunt, descendent of George Lunt. “There’s decades of things you can see strolling around. The historical commission hit a home run. We appreciate it.”

The display took about a year to plan, said Historical Society of Greenfield President Robin Yerkes. Photos and artwork will remain on display, but silver pieces on loan will be returned to their owners.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

You can reach Andy Castillo

at: acastillo@recorder.com

or 413-772-0261, ext. 263

On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo

]]>