Remembering Franklin Ripley

With condolences to his family.

Remembering George Wislocki

Jay sent this lovey photograph of George and his daughter Julia with a note: “We are heartbroken at the loss of our dear friend George Wislocki. George did so much in preserving so much of our beautiful land. He will be greatly missed. Please include this photo taken years ago in SU…I love Julia’s expression! Thank you. Jay”

Gould Meadows is a Stockbridge treasure: 95 acres of conserved land on Route 183 with a well-blazed hiking trail, 1100 feet of water frontage, and a connection to the Bullard Woods trails.

George Wislocki, George “Gige” Darey, and Mary Flynn saved the property from being developed in 1981. I met George at Mary’s tea table in 1981. They were working to save Gould Meadow from developers who planned to divide the 95 acres into 60 lots and build 60 mega mansions.

Darey was a member of the Lenox Select Board, Mary was on the Stockbridge Select Board, and George was the Executive Director of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. It was a different time — they worked without fanfare making quiet and constructive connections with donors, state representatives, and state agencies. Stockbridge purchased the land. No entity has more control over the disposition of property than the owner. 

As owners, the Town conserved the 95 acres. As open space, the public roams free and enjoys it. A wonderful troop of Stockbridge volunteers with money from the Community Preservation Fund improves and protects it. 

Thank you to George, Gige, and Mary for the gem that is Gould Meadow and for so much more.

There is an old saying: live a good life and let your memory be a blessing. George, Gige, and Mary — the memory of your lives is a blessing.