First Meeting (from Ashfield News, Feb 2006)

Some in town may already be aware that in December the Select Board appointed a group of people to manage and oversee the research for and the writing and publication of a third history of the Town of Ashfield. Now it’s official; the newly dubbed Editorial Board of the Ashfield Town History, Vol.III met on January 7, and set up some preliminary rules and guidelines for moving forward.

The first Ashfield History chronicled the years between the founding of the town in 1742, and 1910. The second volume covered the half century from 1910 to 1960 and was published in 1965. The vision for the new book will encompass the next 50 years, ending in 2010 to be published, hopefully, in 2015, which will also mark the 250th anniversary of the town.

The idea took root last spring when a few people began to talk about doing another history. Soon an “exploratory” committee was formed under the leadership of Susan Todd to ascertain the feasibility of such a project. The committee identified and enumerated many of the resources – human and historical - and the procedures to guide them that would be necessary to fulfill this ambitious venture. A substantial packet of proposals on many topics was assembled and presented to the Select Board. It was very well received.

The new Editorial Board (largely drawn from members of the earlier Exploratory Committee) consists of Eleanor Ward, Stuart Harris, Alden Gray, Tom Carter and Grace Lesure with Don Robinson and Phyllis Kirkpatrick serving as co-chairs.
From the very beginning of discussions surrounding this undertaking, there has been a clear and unanimous objective that this book, in addition to being accurate and fair, will be truly inclusive, representing the lives and viewpoints of all our citizens. There are many ways for people to participate. The more involvement we can attain in this book, the richer it will be. Any commitment may be as large or small as is comfortable. The Board will keep the public informed about what there is to do and what help is needed.

Anyone having an idea about how he or she might contribute or who is interested in finding out more, should call Phyllis at 625-9328 or Don at 628-3361. Other members of the Editorial Board are available as well; their numbers are listed in the Ashfield phone book.

by Phyllis Kirkpatrick