On Oct. 6, a group of Still River residents attended a meeting of the Historical Commission. We had seen evidence that they had been discussing a historical district for Still River. Chairman Feist tried to poo-poo our concerns, saying that discussions were very preliminary and that nothing would happen without Still River input, even though he felt it would be good for us—e.g., promising to spare us from 40B development.
However, meeting minutes for 2008 and 2009 record discussions about a historical district, none involving input from Still River. In May, the minutes noted that “we are now in the initial phases of educational outreach,” (Oh, really?). In February, the minutes summarized a meeting with Chris Skelly, director of local government programs at the Mass. Historical Commission. Skelly advised patience, plus partnering with the schools to increase understanding of Harvard history—in other words, plant the seeds in the children and wait for them to influence the parents.
Here is some actual input: Still River does not need, and as far as I can tell, does not want a collection of busy-body neighborhood-nazis [sic] and control freaks running our affairs. We live in our corner of Harvard because it is friendly, relaxed, and mutually trusting. We do not seek exploitation as a historical destination. Harvard’s bogeyman, 40B, is not deterred by a historical district. Do not try to scare us, to patronize us, or to pander to commercial preservationists in the name of Still River.
But do come by some day for some fresh produce, for a swing through our conservation land, or for some conversation in our quaint post office. Come to admire St. Benedict’s Abbey with its view of Mt. Wachusett. Not everything you will see is as preciously pickled as in Williamsburg, but we love it anyway.
Fred Hinchliffe
Still River
