Now and Then

Rounding a Century and a Globe

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Retired newspaper reporter, columnist, bomber pilot, and world traveler Dick Hammerich of Suffield by the River surely clocked hundreds of thousands of miles on his way to his hundredth birthday.

Now and Then

School Lore

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When Suffield’s economy was primarily agricultural and the top crop was tobacco, there were occasional years when Suffield schools did not open until tobacco was harvested. Children in tobacco-growing families and neighborhoods participated in the harvesting. And school could not start until their work was done. Weather set the opening date of school. Browsing through old town reports, diaries and scrapbooks one finds glimpses into the history of Suffield education.

Now and Then

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day holds a place of great honor in Suffield, in the nation. Many people cherish long memories of the Day: sunny morning parades, marching officials, scouts, leaders, police, fire and rescue departments marching with the high school band, veterans in the honor guard and members of the American Legion waving from open convertibles and timely, respectful attention. Histories abound of Memorial Day as originating after the Civil War to commemorate those who died in the war. Later, Veterans Day was established to honor all veterans who served our country in war and in peace. We think of military deaths that have occurred in recent years.

Now and Then

It’s a Small World

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Attending the fiftieth anniversary in 2009 of John Biggerstaff’s induction with the late William Hinson into Apollo Lodge #59 was an honor. Joining Louise at John’s induction into the West Suffield Congregational Church on April 8, 2018, was also an honor. The Biggerstaff family has been a constant in life. John’s grandmother was the first visitor to my first home. John’s father installed the pump in a later home; he also opened history on local Polish music gatherings having joined them with his mouth organ.

Now and Then

Growing Up at 89

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Ordinarily I bypass the perpendicular pronoun. But wished happiness as I recently celebrated my 89th birthday, I thank in first person all happiness wishers! Their wishes came true! Judging by photo albums, all birthdays have been happy! The 18th was especially so.