Getting the Kids Involved

We are currently hatching a plan that we hope will result in Ashfield’s children becoming directly involved in the History Project. We are thinking about students from preschool, through elementary and high school, and perhaps even college-age. We have contacted a number of educators, and interested parents who are keen to explore the possibilities.

Even though we already have a good-sized list of ways our kids can get busy, we want your input as well. Here are some of our ideas, most of which would be with adult support: Taking photographs, filming; being interviewed and helping to interview others; doing a research project with other students; assisting older researchers (organizing, typing, filing, etc.); helping families and individuals sort through the proverbial shoe boxes of letters, photos, mementos; indexing; using computer skills; examining ways school experiences have changed; finding old newspaper articles; reporting on current events at school (perhaps awards for writing;) map making; fund-raising efforts. This is just a start.

Summer is a good time to start getting acquainted. We believe that a strong student effort could make a huge contribution to this project. We plan to hold a meeting at the Library probably within the first or second week of July. When we have the date set, we will post it with the Town Clerk and put notices around town. All are welcome.

I’ve been looking through the large beautifully bound folio given to me by the staff of the ASHFIELD NEWS upon my retirement as Editor in 1983. It contains all the issues of the first seven-plus years of publication. The NEWS was crude in the beginning, heaven knows, but it pulled up its socks pretty quickly and began looking smarter, as it continues to do to this digital age.

I was looking for something as I become increasingly despairing over the effects of our laxity as a nation over global warming and the environment in general. I was remembering that Ashfield, more than 30 years ago, was not asleep and not as lax as was much of the world. I found what I was looking for in the May 1977 issue in news of the recent Town Meeting results. Young Roger Harris (Stuart’s brother) had brought before the Town the idea of establishing an “Energy Commission.” Its defeat was later lamented by former resident Steve Judge in his monthly column “View from Baptist Corner.” Yet scarcely a month after the defeat, Roger was writing a column about energy and conservation - including a gloomy view of the future if nothing was done - under the heading of the “Energy Conservation Committee.” His column, containing all the tips, advice, statistics and warnings that we are now suddenly hearing everyday from every corner, continued for at least another 5 years. I wrote a scathing editorial in the Nov. 1978 issue about the Town’s unwillingness to recycle, Henry Warger, then Dump Master, had his say too. Then it all came together little by little to be what it is today.. “From Dump to Transfer Station” is a great story and would be joy to do.

Our town boasts a fascinating record of environmental awareness and action. This, like, all our stories, needs to be told. But remember, the creation and success of our new history book really does depend on you.

by Phyllis Kirkpatrick