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was born at 40 West Street in Chicopee Ma.
As they prospered, new products were
added and Sitarz Manufacturing Company became
the Chicopee Sausage and Provision Company.
As they continued to prosper, more lines
of products and groceries were added. In
the growth process, the company organized
to become the S&P Market. Because customers
were not as mobile in those years as they
are today, management decided to market
their products directly. They hired a horse
and wagon and began to sell door-to-door
and store-to-store in nearby cities and
towns.
In six years, manufacturing was, indeed,
a major component of their company's operation.
The demand for larger and more spacious
quarters became apparent. They purchased
land on a small site off Chicopee Street
that ultimately became Sitarz Avenue. There,
construction of their new plant, and still
their present location, was begun.
At that time, as the scope of their operations
expanded, and management's responsibilities
increased, Antoni Budarz, John Szczepanski
and Wladyslaw Kaminski joined the partnership.
The company's growth pattern continued.
Finally, on December 31, 1931, the company
incorporated and became Chicopee Provision
Co., Inc., manufacturers of "Blue Seal"
Table Ready Meats and Specialties. It has
been a successful run that promises to reach
the next millenium and beyond.
Even though the founders were attuned to
achieving success, they faced many serious
obstacles and impediments along the way.
Their site was located close to the banks
of the Connecticut River. When the river
overran its banks in 1936, 1938 and 1955,
dangerous flooding created huge losses to
the plant and inventory. Fortunately, there
was no loss of life.
When meat and foods were rationed during
World War II, Chicopee Provision nearly
closed its operation because of the
lack of beef and pork. During those five
years, only the most resourceful of that
type of business survived. The Blue Seal
brand withstood the shortages and
continues to be a favorite of many people.
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