Long ago Lowell buys local – (PIP #59)

By Louise Peloquin

The “buy local” rallying cry is not new. Since the time Lowell was called “The Venice of America” the city has prided itself on promoting its products. (1) 

This is the first in a series on the topic.

L’Etoile – October 17, 1924

Why not
Buy from us?

     We are always punctual to serve Lowell and vicinity families the best milk, the most recommendable milk to be found in Lowell or anywhere else. Our milk arrives fresh daily and we distribute it IMMEDIATELY.

     Our milk is never spoiled; we never carry old milk. Every day we sell what we have. If you do not know where to get good milk, call 5697-R and we shall PROOVE that it will be to your advantage to buy from us this important item in your diet.

     We purchase from local farmers. We can provide you with “SPECIAL MILK” for babies.

NOTICE THAT WE DO NOT SELL ANYTHING ELSE BUT FRESH MILK. NEVER HAS ANY OTHER BEEN SOLD TO OUR CUSTOMERS. ASK THEM.

     We are asking for your patronage. We are calling for your business. We are citizens of Lowell and, as such, we believe that the people of Lowell should give us preference. We never sell anything else but the best milk and we will know how to deserve your encouragement. 

Buy in Lowell. – You will have first quality and irreproachable service. Always.

LAROSE BROS.

21 Bachman Street                     Tel. 5697-R

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L’Etoile – September 16, 1924

NEW ENGLAND PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY

     Many Lowell merchants are eager to observe “New England Week” because yesterday they changed their shop window displays and lost no time laying out New England products for the public to view.

     Hundreds of people were surprised to see so many products made in Lowell mills.

     The most famous exhibits are at A. G. Pollard Co., Bon Marché Dry Goods Co., the 20th Century Shoe Store, the Walk Over Shoe Store, the Alberton Furniture Co., the Robertson Furniture Co., and A.E. O’Heir. Dickerman and McQuade carry Shawmut stockings, undergarments from Lowell and game machines from New England. 

     All of the city’s mills are represented in the various Lowell stores. Certain 1925 models are displayed in downtown shop windows. A.G. Pollard Co. carries products from Booth, Merrimack, Appleton, Hamilton, Massachusetts, Tremont, Suffolk, Lawrence and other mills.

     All of these products will remain on display all week. They will give an idea of the excellence of New England products. Certain stores carry items from different places in New England.

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L’Etoile – September 2, 1924

THE PRODUCTS OF OUR MILLS 

The Chamber of Commerce retail merchant committee is about to set up a plan to observe 

“New England Week.”

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     City merchants want to celebrate “New England Week” downtown. Yesterday, their committee at the Chamber of Commerce held a meeting to make preparations. Committee members have not yet come up with a final plan. However, things are progressing and they are seriously working on putting together a beautiful public demonstration for the community.

     The merchants have asked industries from Lowell and vicinity to furnish them with products manufactured in our mills in order to exhibit them in shop windows. In this regard, arrangements have already been made and everything is ready to observe “New England Week.”

    Merchants have labeled their merchandise from various places in New England in order that customers recognize the quality of the fabrics made in Lowell and vicinity.

     Newspapers will announce the final plan thus allowing Lowellians to participate in the celebration.

     Business leaders maintain that by using and promoting our own products, we will attract customers from outside Lowell. (2) 

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1. The Pawtucket Canal was built in the 1790s to bypass the Pawtucket Falls on the Merrimack River. In the 1820’s the canal was enlarged to serve as the main source of water power for Lowell. The 5.6 mile canal system, at the time the largest in any American city, granted Lowell the title “The Venice of America.”
2. Translations by Louise Peloquin.