Mount Tom is one of two things in common reference, a
mountain in
Holyoke, MA, or a
ski resort bearing that mountain's name.
In regards to the mountain itself, two men explored the area that eventually became Holyoke,
Elizur Holyoke and
Rowland Thomas. There were two mountains in the area, and each chose one to take his name. As it turns out,
Mount Tom ended up in
Holyoke, and
Mt. Holyoke (also the name of a famous women's college) ended up in
South Hadley. There is
confusion to this day from people who don't live here.
In regards to the skiing area, it closed
recently, along with the
amusement park, named
Mountain Park (which
closed many years ago). Right now the
property remains
vacant, awaiting a
buyer. It used to be quite an awesome
ski resort (others in the area are bigger, with more trails) for the locals. In the
summer time it was thankfully a
water resort park (later losing out to
Riverside's water attractions, only 20 minutes away.
Mount Tom still resides as a part of Holyoke's
history as it still holds the
Summit House, which is currently under
renovation. This house is all a part of
Old Holyoke, back when it was
The Paper City; when the
Canoe Club flourished and it was
rich and affluent. Performances and the arts live up there now, along with tours of
Holyoke via the
Mt. Tom Railroad, where passengers get a guided view of the skyline of Holyoke.
Mount Tom is a huge place; touching a huge section of Holyoke and
Northampton. It also makes for an excellent
camping spot. There is quite a beautiful
State Park up there on it, where visitors can go up to
Goat's Peak, to view the other side of the
mountain, overlooking the
Oxbow, and
Connecticut River. Well worth a trip, if you are in the area.