In the 1930's through 1950's, the railroad yard in town was a major part of the local economy, and trains were the most common form of transportation throughout the Northeast. "Hopping a freight train" (and thus avoiding paying any fare) was an expected part of adolescence for many young men of that time. Although trains are much less important today, the railroad yard in West Springfield remains one of the largest and busiest in New England. With all the growth and development that has taken place around it, most people who travel through town (indeed, even many new residents, as well) are not even aware of its existence.
In the background of this photo you can see some of the office buildings in Springfield, which is on the other side of the Connecticut River. Springfield and West Springfield have been completely separate communities since 1775, when West Springfield was first chartered as a town and was granted permission to construct its own church/meeting house. There was no separation of church and state in those days, but that's a history lesson for another photo.
P.S. I have to say that it was much colder than this photo would suggest: 27 degrees F, with a brisk wind bringing it down at least 10 more degrees. Believe me, I did not wander too far from my warm car.