Introduction

Stockbridge Updates Statement of Purpose

To inform without opinions or pressure and give you the facts you need to make your own decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

by Carole Owens, Editor

Editorial

Wear a Mask to Protect Yourself and Others

In May 2020, Governor Charles Baker issued an order that required wearing masks “in public places.”

The National Football League issued a mask mandate. Recently the NFL fined each coach who violated the mandate $100,000, and any team that violated it $250,000. Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly implored the public to wear masks. Recently he predicted that 90-100,000 lives could be spared if 95% of Americans wore masks.

Local restaurants and stores ask customers to wear masks. Those hosting local events require attendees wear masks, and on election day, polling places require masks.

Wearing a mask seems a clear requirement. And yet, there are complicating factors. Even the Governor’s order adds a caveat, “where social distancing is not possible.” It appears that creates a choice — wear a mask or stand 6 feet away. Some feel to wear a mask or not to wear a mask is a political statement.

Therefore, some are genuinely confused about best practices. Perhaps it would be helpful if the town issued an unambiguous order — “wear a mask in public” and posted it. Perhaps the town could require all town employees to wear masks in public.

Such a clear simple order may be helpful as we navigate conflicting information during Covid.

by Carole Owens

News

Vote 2020

October 17: Early in-person voting begins
October 24: Last day to register to vote November 3, 2020
October 28: Last day to request a mail-in ballot
October 30: Last day for early in-person voting
November 3: Election Day

Voting in person at Town Hall from 7 A.M. – 8 P.M. Wear a mask and practice social distancing.

More information is available at: www.stockbridge-ma.gov and from Town Clerk Terri Iemolini at clerk@stockbridge-ma.gov or 298-4170 extension 251.

by Carole Owens

News

Town News: September 30

Notes from the Select Board Meeting

The Massachusetts Shared Streets and Spaces Program was designed to “boost commerce by creating safe and functional environments for curbside or sidewalk retail, dining, and civic programming”. The funds were available through September, but recently it was announced that additional funding was available. These funds can also be used for repurposed parking areas – on- and off-street – for walking, recreation, outdoor seating, retail and/or dining. Some restaurants are encouraging the town to apply for a grant for outdoor propane heaters.

At the September 24, 2020 Zoom meeting, on the Select Board agenda was a request to remove and replace a garage at 9 Main Street. The garage would have a roof deck and porch. Abutters expressed concerns about privacy and loss of trees. The matter was continued.

Notes from the Planning Board

The Planning Board met September 22, 2020 via Zoom. They voted to pay $3200 for a presentation by Randall Arendt. According to “Moving Forward”, a document presented by the Planning Board, Arendt is a landscape planner, site designer, author and advocate of conservation planning and creative development. Arendt’s planning and zoning design is in line with the Open Space Residential Development protocol. You can read the Planning Board’s “Moving Forward” at:

https://stockbridge-ma.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Moving-Forward-Doc.pdf

In addition to the expenditure of $3,200, Stockbridge spent $25,000 for a planning document called a Diagnostic Report. Prepared by Joel Russell, the full Russell Diagnostic Report is available at: https://stockbridge-ma.gov/

Russell is a nationally known land use attorney and planning consultant who has consulted with municipalities across the country. Russell was asked to review the Stockbridge Zoning Bylaws with attention to the Cottage Era Bylaw. He was asked to diagnose the current Stockbridge Bylaws and make recommendations.

At the February 11, 2020 meeting of the Planning Board, Russell expressed his opinion that the Open Space Residential Development is not appropriate for Stockbridge due to its unique character and small population. His comments were pre-Zoom but were recorded and are available at CTSB (Community Television for the Southern Berkshires, 243-8211).

Instead, Russell recommended Natural Resources Protection Zoning. Documents explaining this approach are available at:

https://masswoods.org/sites/masswoods.net/files/pdf-doc-ppt/natural_resources_protection_zoning.pdf

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/smart-growth-smart-energy-toolkit-modules-open-space-design-osdnatural-resource

Russell concluded that the two approaches – Open Space Residential Development and Natural Resources Protection Zoning— are different and therefore would impact Stockbridge differently.

Zoning Board of Appeals

After the site visits recommended at the last Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, both the Tom Sharpe and the Terry Wise applications were approved.

by Carole Owens

News

The Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA)

For the second time, SBA is suing the Town of Stockbridge. The caption for the filing reads: Stockbridge Bowl Association Inc. v. Town of Stockbridge Conservation Commission and its members Ron Brouker, Joseph H. DeGiorgis, John Hart. Patrick White, Jay Rhind, Charlotte Underwood Miller, and Jamie Minacci.

The claim reads in part: “The Honorable John A. Agostini of this court previously ordered the Commission to approve the SBA’s proposed project to treat Eurasian Milfoil in Stockbridge Bowl.” The suit claims that Stockbridge is in contempt of court for willingly ignoring a judge’s order.

As reported in the first issue of Stockbridge Updates, Thomas W. Coote, PhD, the Director of the Berkshire Environmental Research Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, was hired by the town to find and catalog Eurasian Watermilfoil. Coote found a very small amount of milfoil.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce

Baker Lifts Restrictions

Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that most Massachusetts communities can relax coronavirus restrictions next week, allowing indoor performance venues to reopen and gyms, museums, and libraries to increase capacity. Starting Monday, communities regarded as lower risk will be permitted to open indoor performance venues with 50 percent capacity and a maximum of 250 people; increase the outdoor venue capacity to 50 percent with the same 250-person ceiling; Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores; Gyms, museums and libraries will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%; and the limit of people in outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people.

Step 2 of Phase III to Begin October 5th

The Administration today announced that effective Monday, October 5th, lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Phase III, Step 1.

Click here for more information on Step 2 of Phase III.

Town of Stockbridge Extends Lifting of Outdoor Seating Restrictions

On Thursday, Sept. 24th, the Stockbridge Selectmen agreed that during the state of emergency, and while the weather allows, to extend outdoor dining for restaurants past Columbus Day which was the original deadline date.

by by Barbara Zanetti, Executive Director

Events

Socially-Responsible Events, October 2020

Opening and Closing in the Time of Covid

The following in-person, socially responsible events are taking place during October:

1. The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show

The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show is back with 1500 pumpkins, more chrysanthemums, and an expanded schedule. It opens on Friday, October 2, 2020, 4-9PM

Location: 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262
Cost: Member Child: $5; Nonmember Child: $10;
Adults: Wednesday-Thursday nonmember $20/member $15, Friday-Sunday $25/$20
Advance purchase of timed tickets is required. Tickets will not be sold on site.

To order: email aduquette@thetrustees.org

COVID Safety Protocols:

• Masks are required while on property grounds (and having a good time is mandatory!)
• Guests will experience the Pumpkin Show on a one-way path through the property, and will only be allowed to walk through the show once
• Capacity is limited this year to ensure social distancing
• Parking will be on site at Naumkeag (5 Prospect Hill Road Stockbridge MA 01262). There will be no shuttle bus this year.

2. Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival

The traditional October Harvest Festival is getting a boost. It is now a month-long celebration and will include events designed to appeal to people of all ages. There will have children’s activities, a botanical barnyard, workshops, classes, LIVE music and a Halloween gathering. Events start on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Location: The Berkshire Botanical Garden, at the junction of Routes 102 and 183.
Cost: Free for BBG Members and children 12 and under; $7.50 for non-members which also includes access to all “family friendly fun” events.
Pre-order timed admission tickets at www.berkshirebotanical.org

Covid Safety Protocols: You MUST wear a mask and proper social distancing guidelines will be strictly enforced.

3. Senior Center

The Senior Center on the ground floor of the Town Offices Building is re-opening. Details and dates to follow.

4. Schantz Gallery

Schantz Gallery will present the work of photographer, Lionel Delevingne at the Stockbridge Train Station, October 9 – 25. Delevingne is a current member of the Stockbridge Cultural Council and former photographer for the New York Times. The show will feature recent work focused on an intimate relationship with nature.

by Carole Owens

Perspective

Reader to Reader

Found in the Lawn from Kate Fletcher

Following up on Tom Farley’s suggestion to “lose the lawn,” here are some pictures from the lost lawn front. It so happens that my lost lawn started unintentionally, but when I realized that asters are good for pollinators and provide winter seed for birds, there was no going back. Right now, there is a soothing humming from all the bees and wasps working the aster blooms. This Pickerel frog and its froglets are hanging out behind the asters.

Editor’s note: Three beautiful photographs taken by Kate.

by Kate Fletcher

Insight

Ox Roast Archaeology, Part 2

Ox Roast Archaeology, Part 2

Serendipity, General George Washington, an 1100-pound Ox, Stockbridge Mohican Sachem Solomon Uhhaunnuhwaunnuhmut, Seeking a Needle in a Haystack Part 2

Editor’s note: have you wondered about the Great Stockbridge archeological dig? Here is the back story by Rick Wilcox, former Stockbridge Chief of Police and current Stockbridge historian.

Fortuitously Field’s description contained information that was not found in any other history, to include the weight of the ox at 1100 pounds, Native custom of “men first and then women, according to custom”, the presence of the Rev. John Sergeant, Jr. and possibly most important a Mr. Deane. [James Dean] Additionally the Continental Congress had appointed Timothy Edwards, Volkert P. Douw of Albany and General Philip Schuyler Indian agents of the Northern Department, providing a second reason why Edwards would be chosen by Washington to deliver the message and deliver the ox.

James Dean became an Indian Agent in New York, was involved in land speculation, acquired a judgeship and later founded the town of Westmoreland, New York. His work in New York brought him in contact with the Stockbridge Indians at New Stockbridge, New York. 1783 was a time of transition for the Stockbridge people and Dean may well have been involved in their resettlement. In addition, Dean’s sister Esther Colver (Culver) and her husband Nathaniel moved to Stockbridge, where four of their children were born.

Field also stated that the feast took place near the residence of King Solomon, alias Solomon Uhhaunauwauaunmut, who replaced King Benjamin Kohkewenaunant to become the tribal sachem around 1771. Solomon was given the rank of Captain during the Revolutionary War and participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill leading a company of Mohican volunteers. Solomon died in 1777, at age 50, some six years before the end of the war. Given his leadership role in the tribe during the war it would seem fitting that a celebration would take place on his home site. Finally, there was a need to establish that an ox roast was a common form of celebration c. 1783. Two ox roasts in which Washington was a participant were uncovered and information about numerous other ox roasts indicated it was a common practice during the Revolutionary War era.

Stockbridge resident and New York Times map maker Vaughn Gray placed a footnote at the bottom of some of his 20th century Stockbridge maps that read: “Drawn somewhat by conjecture.” That would most certainly apply to the difficulty in trying to locate on a map either the ox roast or Solomon’s home site. Indian Town when created in 1737 was six miles square or 36 square miles or 23,040 acres making up present day Stockbridge and West Stockbridge. Finding the remains of an 1100-pound ox and items related to its roasting might be something akin to finding a needle in a haystack. However, locating the home site of Solomon Uhhaunauwauaunmut, it turns out, was more like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, albeit one of many pieces.

Some of pieces of the puzzle, it turns out, were already available, as several years ago I had spent a number of months gathering approximately 250 Stockbridge Mohican deeds from the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds in Pittsfield and the 18th century handwriting encouraged me to transcribe them for ease of reading. Common practice in deed research would be to start with a current owner and trace back in time until reaching a Mohican property owner. That practice, however, can take many hours and require looking at hundreds of deeds for single plot of land. A more practical approach in this case was to create a jigsaw puzzle of deeds from the 18th century. To add to the difficulty, those deeds did not create a snapshot of a moment in time but could cover a spread of 20 or more years. Fortunately most of the Mohican deeds gave sufficient description of current and previous owners allowing the puzzle pieces to fit.

Because of his standing in the tribal hierarchy, Solomon Uhhaunauwaunmut had been granted a large number of parcels of land containing hundreds of acres, so the key was to find a reference to his home lot. Fortunately, there were a number of references to his home lot in historical literature and primary source documents. That resulted in locating his home lot of about four acres of land on the Town of Stockbridge Ice Glen property. Primary source documents mention Solomon having a house, suggesting an English style home as opposed to a wigwam. The pieces of the puzzle having been assembled, now the search would begin with the archaeologist seeking the proverbial needle in the haystack

by Rick Wilcox