1. The Marians of the Immaculate Conception on Prospect Hill Road are building a large residence very close to where the Mission House was built, and where it stood for just under 200 years. The Trustees of Reservations explains, “The Mission House was built c. 1742 by Rev. John Sergeant, as part of his mission work. Originally located on Prospect Hill, this National Historic Landmark was carefully disassembled, moved, and restored by Mabel Choate at its present location on Main Street between 1926 and 1930.” A marker was placed when it was moved.

1855 Map of Mission House on Prospect Hill Road from the Stockbridge Library Museum and Archives

• The new building on the Marian’s property is estimated to cost $34,000,000 and planned to house 40 priests.
  Following is a first-hand account of the connection to Town sewer by the Marians from Bob Jones, current Lee Select Board member and former Tavitian Property Manager.
  
  “I am responding to the SU inquiry about the sewer line that serves the Marian Fathers residence on Prospect Hill Road in Stockbridge. I have considerable knowledge of the history of that line.
  I began work as Property Manager for Aso Tavitian in September of 2001. I remember my first day in particular. While touring his guest house at Yale Court, Aso and I discovered that the Marians sewer line had broken. We notified them of the problem, and they managed the repair. Their sewer line, at the time, was constructed of “Orangeburg” pipe, a clay composite susceptible to breakage.
  Occurrences of this sort happened quite a few times over the next few years. Mr. Tavitian made the decision to replace the sewer line from his guest house on Yale Court to Route 102 (Church St.). He was a generous, forward thinking man, and suggested we use a 6″ modern line to not only accommodate his guest house, but also be able to provide a modern, efficient system that the Marians could hook up to when they upgraded their line and his Property Managers’s house (my residence) on Prospect Hill Rd. It was conceivably possible that other residences on Prospect Hill Road could hook up to the system (and share the expenses), if the larger 6″ pipe was used on the new line.
  When we went to get our permits for the upgrade, we were told by the Select Board that they would not allow a 6″ line, only a 4″ line. The reason expressed by then Select Board Member Steve Shatz was – if the Marians no longer occupied that property, it might open the door for a “casino” or some other commercial venture in the future – given the enhanced capacity of the sewer line. We were limited to a 4″ line. That was what we installed and what serves the aforementioned properties today.
  I should mention that Mr. Tavitian made an accommodation for Naumkeag to hook up as well, should they ever need it.
  I hope this information is helpful. Given the recent news that the Marians may be expanding, I trust that this information may be helpful in determining if the 4″ pipe is adequate.
  Regards, Bob Jones”
  Editor’s Note: If the new building and all the other buildings on the property are not adequately served by a 4″ line and the Marians increase to a 6″ line, then other houses on Prospect Hill Road may be able to connect to the Town sewer. That may be cheaper than replacing a septic system should anyone’s septic fail. (FYI, I live on Prospect Hill Road and potentially could benefit from installation of a 6″ pipe.)

Trustees of Reservations date this photograph in the 19th century long before the house was moved circa 1927. “We’ve found some other photos of the house when it was in much worse condition and overgrown, so we think this was taken much earlier – late 1800s.” Brian Cruey, Regional Vice President Western Hills and the Berkshires.

• Linde Center, April 4, 2025, Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) – Tanglewood Learning Institute (TLI) presented Alfredo Rodriguez. The program was excellent and had the audience on its feet. It is widely rumored that BSO – TLI plans a 12-month schedule at The Linde Center in Stockbridge. The plan has the Tanglewood schedule extended on either end – spring and fall – transitioning indoors over the winter.
  • Andrea Goodman reports: Chime Tower Closed for Renovations
    The Town of Stockbridge is continuing to renovate the tower (in front of the old Town Hall) for the beginning of summer 2025. Workmen are completing the last steps in the restoration of the Children’s Chime Tower for which Stockbridge received a grant.
    Located in front of the old Town Hall and First Congregational Church in Stockbridge, this tall carillon (bell tower), was gifted to the town by David Dudley Field in memory of his grandchildren. His one condition was that the chimes were to be rung every day at 5:30 p.m. between, “apple blossom time and the first frost on the pumpkin”. His intention was that “it will be a memorial of those who are enshrined in my heart, while the ringing of the chimes at sunset I trust will give pleasure to all whose good fortune is to live in this peaceful valley.”
    The Town sponsors the traditional playing of the newly restored Children’s Chimes Bell Tower every day from May 25 to Labor Day at 5:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. The playing will halt due to the restoration and resume at some point later this summer or next summer. Stay tuned!

Editor’s note: In a brief conversation with Town Administrator, Michael Canales, SU learned there is a ray of hope. Canales shared that the work was proceeding more rapidly than expected and there is a possibility that music at the Chime Tower could resume in August 2025.