Cleanup and Historic Walk Planned at Blackinton Cemetery10:22AM / Monday, August 25, 2008
NORTH ADAMS — The Blackinton Neighbors have organized a Blackinton Cemetery clean up and walk for Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 to 2:30.
This historic cemetery includes Haigh, Mumford, Domin, Hughes, Pincombe, Davis, Pilot, Lorenz, Rondeau, Gavett, Rudman, Kinsey, Stewart, Jones, Ashton, Pratt, Benoit and other families.
The group is seeking volunteers to help and spruce up the historic site beginning at 10. Light refreshments will be available. Local historian Paul W. Marino will present a new cemetery walking tour beginning at 1.
For the cleanup or tour, meet at the cemetery drive on Massachusetts Avenue, just East of Galvin Road. Parking is very limited; park at Galvin Road or on the south side of Massachusetts Avenue.
Originally known as Centerville, Blackinton Village was renamed for Sanford Blackinton, owner of the mills around which the village was centered. Like the other mill villages that would make up North Adams, it had housing, a store, a school and a church, all built by Blackinton for his workers.
But unlike the other villages, Blackinton was unique, having its own railroad depot, library, Police station, Odd Fellows Lodge, opera house and cemetery. Blackinton Village is the only one of the city's boroughs to retain its cultural identity into modern times. In his walk, Marino will explore the history of the village, its buildings, its people and its culture.
Marino has been a local historian for more than 15 years. He conducts his walks with showmanship, a sense of humor and an eye toward historic accuracy, backing up what he says with photos, drawings and maps. As with all his walks, he greatly encourages having children in attendance.
"Local history is the stories of where we come from as a community, and it's important that these stories be known and remembered," said Marino. "It's interesting to adults, but essential to children. To be good citizens later in life, they need to know where their community came from."
Those planning to attend are advised to dress for the weather, to wear a good pair of walking shoes, sun block and a hat with a wide brim. A canteen or bottle of water is also suggested. |
