In 1898, E. Caligari & Son had its auspicious beginning when Eugene Caligari, newly arrived from Chiavenna, Sondrio, Italy, embarked upon the American dream of owning his own business. Early on, Eugene and his son, Eugene, Jr., worked hard as laborers for several paint contractors, often walking to jobs or hiring a horse and wagon until the trolley became a more efficient means or transportation. They learned every aspect of the painting business from scraping and priming exteriors to delicate interior trim painting. Before long Eugene, Sr., and his son, Eugene Jr., now deceased, purchased a makeshift delivery truck which they used to carry paints, ladders and odd equipment for the jobs. Though they were not fluent in English, they learned quickly that hard work is rewarded by loyal customers. Their honesty and hard work gave them the sizeable following of customers needed to start their own company.

Eugene, Jr., left Great Barrington for Norfolk, Virginia to open a paint contracting business there, leaving his father and new wife, a widow, Amelia Magadini to run the business in Great Barrington. Soon another son was born, named William. William, alternately known as “Pebble” or Bill succeeded his father in the business by working hard and distinguishing himself during his high school career as an outstanding athlete. Young Bill learned the painting trade and continued to build a strong customer base, expanding into other related areas of home decorating. He married Patricia Dewey and took over the management of the business from his elderly father who ultimately passed away at 96 years of age. He and “Patty” had three sons, Eugene, Jeffrey and William, Jr. Bill's two sons, Jeffrey and William, Jr. now own and operate the extremely successful business begun over a century ago by their grandfather,  and have expanded the operation to other businesses.

• E. Caligari & Son - Store, 75 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0030

• E. Caligari & Son - Office, 307 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-4334

• Caligari's Hardware, 224 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-0488

• Caligari Sanitary Supply, 224 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA. (413) 637-0855

• Taylor Rental Center, 7 High Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-1770

• Lenox Design & Resources, 85 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-3556

We hope you have enjoyed our historic tour, and we thank you for your interest in our business and our services. Please feel free to explore the rest of our web site to see what else we have to offer you.

Contact our Customer Service Department if you have any questions about our business.