1885 - 1889 Irish dominate city politics. Major dam renovation is undertaken. Textile workers led by German immigrants strike at Germania Mills and Skinner Unquomonk Silk Mills. Holyoke begins to generate electricity. 1890 - 1899 Holyoke companies are taken over by trusts.
Polish immigrants arrive.
New stone dam is constructed. Lyman Mills is city's largest employer with work force of 1,300. 1893 Canal system construction completed. Holyoke Street Railway purchases land on Mount Tom. 1896 Appointment of first Polish priest.