By John Beacco

Introduction: Barney Edmonds pointed out a short piece from The Stockbridge Story published in 1989 on the 250th anniversary of the town. John Beacco, then Chair of the Select Board, was asked to write an answer to the question: what will Stockbridge be like in the 21st century? Well, here we are in the 21st Century, how did Chairman Beacco do?

Beacco wrote: There are more reasons for optimism than for despair as we approach the year 2000. First, we are blessed with an enlightened and involved citizenry committed to preserving our residential village. It is ever vigilant to any attempt to alter the direction and ambiance charted for us so very long ago. This communal attitude manifests itself in the carefully constructed, strict bylaws which reflect our values and future. Not only is it in place, but it is consistently re-evaluated to eliminate areas of weakness that could be exploited. But a bylaw is useless without leadership confident and courageous enough to implement it. Over the years, Stockbridge has been very fortunate to have selectmen, planning boards, conservation committees, and zoning boards of appeal willing to make difficult, altruistic decisions.

What did Beacco treasure and what did he say would preserve and protect us?

Altruism: caring for Stockbridge not a preoccupation with self

Courage: to do the right thing

Respect: for those who came before us and the exceptional job they did

Tradition: the thing that guides us when we are unsure or lost or in conflict with one another.