Charles Klapes at the Colonial Spa, circa late 1960s
Description:
"Charles John Klapes, a native of Theologos, a suburb of Sparta, Greece, opened the Colonial Spa on Saturday, August 28, 1920. Charles left his home in Greece in 1906 and was ready to start his new business in 1920. According to his son Alexander in a tribute to his father upon his passing, Charles looked at the property in the middle of winter to see it in its 'least attractive state.' He l;liked what he saw and brought his young wife Aphrodite to Wakefield where they eventually raised their children: John, Michael, Mary, Alexander, Constantine (Charles), and Benjamin. According to the ads which appeared in the Wakefield Daily Item on the two days prior to the opening in 1920, the ice cream parlor and soda fountain includes a 'spacious area in the rear half of the store for the ice cream, tables,' and 'eight tables for the ladies.' The 'Spa' as it was called in the newspaper reports, also carried a large line of candies, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. The opening was very successful, and 'the new fittings and attractive window displays, with orchestral music in the evening, brought many visits and good patronage.' The Colonial Spa continued solely as an ice cream parlor until the 1930s when a luncheonette was added. In addition to the luncheonette, the Colonial Spa evolved over the years to include a book section, an extensive candy section and a giftware section. The luncheonette closed in 1983. The Colonial Spa remained a family owned business until its closing in December 2000 following the death of Alex Klapes." Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 2017 Photo courtesy of Jeff Klapes and the Klapes Family
