From the account books collection, this 9-volume set reflects the varied interests and responsibilities of an early nineteenth century justice of the peace, merchant, landowner, and entrepreneur in Prescott and Shutesbury, Massachusetts. Henry ran a general store and began a palm -leaf hat making business. Customers, mostly women, braided hats at home in exchange for credit at the store. Howe Family Papers, 1730-1940 . Family business records from Enfield, Massachusetts, where members were storekeepers, printers, postmasters, and owners of the telephone exchange and gas station.
Records reflect the region's conversion from a barter economy to one based on cash.
Howes Brothers Photographs Collection, ca. Alvah and George Howes traveled the Connecticut River Valley for 25 years beginning in 1881 photographing the local inhabitants at home, at work and at school. They reveal a great deal about the region's economic conditions at the turn of the century, as well as documenting particular businesses and industries of the area, including the Howes Brothers' photographic business itself. Massachusetts Agricultural Surveys, 1910-1965 . Studies conducted by the University of Massachusetts in conjunction with various agencies of state and federal government, pertaining to land use, farms as businesses, farm management, costs of milk production, tobacco and onion production, raising poultry, and livestock disease.