Author’s Note: This story has been particularly challenging to research because the historical records contain several conflicts surrounding names, dates, and places that cannot always be reconciled. Like every story on the Southwick Time Machine, it is a living document. The story will get updated if additional information is uncovered.       — A Southwick Time Machine Original     From Russia to Trouble on Point Grove Road Albrecht Maske was born on October 15, 1905, in Russia. As Albert Maske, he crossed the Atlantic from Bremen, Germany, aboard the S.S. Friedrich der Große with his grandmother, Pauline (Mizel) Maske. They arrived in America on July 14, 1909. (Albert sometimes wrote his date of birth as October 15, 1902, which is what he did on his draft card in 1942.)   Believed to be Albert (Maske) Maskill  (Photograph from a user-submitted online family tree; original source and date unknown) According to the ship’s records, one of Pauline’s so...

 — A Southwick Time Machine Original Mystery   Edward S. Root married Mary J. Blanchard on February 23, 1898. The couple later settled at 39 King Street in Westfield, Massachusetts. Edward was a whipmaker who also moonlighted as a well-known dance promoter for many of the city's major balls. Mary was prominent in Western Massachusetts fraternal circles, active in the Daughters of Rebekah and holding several positions within the order. With no children, she was free to travel, entertain friends, and attend gatherings.   Mrs. Mary Jane Root   In early May 1920, Mary, a member of Eastern Star Rebekah Lodge, was appointed marshal of the Massachusetts assembly, then in session in Boston. She remained socially engaged through most of that summer. On July 15, members of the Past Noble Grands' Club of Eastern Star Rebekah Lodge surprised her with a party at her home; she entertained them with a lawn party.  Mary observed her birthday on July 18, and about a week later ...

  Content Note: This account concerns events from the more recent past and includes subject matter that may be distressing to some readers.    — A Southwick Time Machine Reader-Requested Courtroom Controversy   On July 7, 1983, Ralph Ward Rice Jr. of Southwick, Massachusetts, appeared before Judge George Cregan Keady Jr. in Hampden County Superior Court in Springfield to answer charges of incest and rape of a child by force. The charges reportedly involved Rice's then-12-year-old daughter. Judge George Cregan Keady Jr. According to prosecutors, the crimes occurred between June 21 and September 7, 1981. An investigation by the Hampden County District Attorney's Office eventually led to grand jury indictments against Rice in March 1983. He was arrested and charged with two counts each of incest and rape of a child by force. By 1982, the Commonwealth had removed Rice's six children, five daughters and one son, from their “trailer park home” on Hillside Road in Southwic...