WEST STOCKBRIDGE CELEBRATES 250th ANNIVERSARY

By Bob Salerno

 

On a warm sunny Saturday on July 6, 2024, West Stockbridge celebrated 250 years since the town was officially organized in 1774. The day focused on our community and history with our historic buildings and shops in town as a centerpiece.

 

The celebration began with a small fife-and-drum parade on Main Street ending at the Old Town Hall. An opening presentation followed with the Select Board and honors given to Massachusetts State Representative Smitty Pignatelli and Town Moderator Gene Dellea. Morning activities centered around the Old Town Hall, with historic exhibits inside and old farm machinery, a cider press, and classic vehicle displays outside. Librarian Vicky Cooper offer a wonderful family reading upstairs in Vaber Hall, and at lunchtime, Parks & Rec sponsored a barbeque in the upper parking lot.

 

In the afternoon, people circulated through town, visiting the Congregational Church, stores, and historic buildings. Highlights were a History Walk on Main Street and a presentation by mason Vern Tower at TurnPark. There were 12 historic stops for people to visit and get a stamp in the program. Those who got all 12 stamps earned a free ice cream cone at the new Ella May’s Ice Cream shop.

 

Later in the afternoon, for the closing, we all gathered at the Foundry for entertainment by Sarah the Fiddler and a slice of sheet cake decorated with the 250th logo. It was the perfect local West Stockbridge community day!