There are many organizations in the Berkshires devoted to maintaining its physical beauty. The oldest among them is the Laurel Hill Association established in 1853 in Stockbridge. And for those who like statistics, it is the oldest village improvement association in America. Its mission since 1853 has been “to do such things as shall improve the quality of life and of the environment in the town of Stockbridge.” And so it has.
When the Laurel Hill Association was founded, Stockbridge was almost completely bereft of trees. Denuding the landscape began in 1810 when merino sheep were brought into Stockbridge. By 1840 the forested part of the county went from 85 percent to 35 percent, a result of wool processing industry. But by the time of the Civil War, the whole industry crashed and moved to Ohio. Thus, one of the first orders of business for the new organization was to plant trees. In their first year, 400 trees were planted, and that was just the beginning.
The organization’s founder was Mary Hopkins Goodrich, great granddaughter of John Sargent, the first missionary in the colony who founded Stockbridge. Native Indians had asked for a mission to be built there, and knowing that the Indians would offer protection, the mission was founded.
The impetus to establish the Laurel Hill Association began when Mary Hopkins Goodrich was going through the cemetery to see her grandparents’ grave and was appalled at the messy condition of the cemetery. Her grandparents’ graves were a mess. The cemetery was a mess. Indeed, the whole town was a mess. So it was she who got everybody to congregate on Laurel Hill for the first meeting called to do something about cleaning up the town. And that’s the short story of how the Laurel Hill Association began. And it has been meeting ever since. Today, the meetings are held on a Saturday in August on Laurel Hill itself. As testimony to the distinguished nature of its early supporters, local resident and nationally known sculptor Daniel Chester French designed the rostrum at which the meetings are held.
The Laurel Hill Association’s efforts were geared to both civic and environmental improvement. They planted a huge number of trees in their efforts to beautify the entrances into town. The Association continues its tree care and planting efforts to this day. “As soon as you get to the outskirts of Stockbridge, you see these cool green trees,” says Shelby Marshall, president of the Association.
The Association installed streetlights, initiated trash removal, and put in sidewalks along the town’s Main Street. It was so successful that it became a model for civic beautification organizations all over the country after the Civil War. Gradually, though, these activities became municipal functions, demonstrating that the Laurel Hill Association was far ahead of its time.
As local governments took over these activities, Laurel Hill turned its attention to the environment and beautification. They landscaped around the civic monuments and in front of the post office. During the 1870s they created the first “village beautiful” organization in the country, which became the model for others around the country.
Today, the Association owns 460 acres of land in town, spread across several dozen properties. Some of the properties have been purchased, but most are donated or bequeathed. The Association’s current focus is preserving the approaches into Stockbridge. “We’re trying to strategically connect open land to maintain natural corridors for wildlife and hiking trails,” says Marshall. They are working with Berkshire Natural Resources Council on the Yokum Ridge to extend a trail to Lenox.
Laurel Hill is a membership organization to which about 130 individuals and families belong. There are 20 members on its board of trustees. There is no membership fee per se, as a donation of any amount guarantees membership.
The Association’s largest property is the one on which Laura’s Tower sits. Their newest trail, named in honor of Mary Flynn, was dedicated on the organization’s 150th anniversary. In keeping with contemporary mores, it is handicapped accessible with a modified bridge so there are no steps.
Three major trails are found at the end of Park Street, by the footpath across the river. And while the Association does not own Ice Glen (it is owned by the town), they do maintain it.
Laurel Hill Day is the organization’s biggest event. Speakers in recent years have included Lila Berle, Mary Flynn, Will Conklin of Greenagers, and Rene Wendell of the Trustees of Reservations.
Membership is important for it helps to keeps the properties in good shape. Right now the board is looking for people to clear trails. Getting rid of invasives — bittersweet, knotweed, euonymus — has become very important in the last few years.
Like any membership organization without a full-time staff, the Laurel Hill Association has adapted itself to the natural change in the town’s population and circumstances. Over its many years, the Association has provided walks, primarily of its properties. Now they need people to help clear trails. “Most of our energies are spent maintaining our properties,” says Pat Flinn, recording secretary of the organization.
“Our board is really volunteer, so we focus on work that’s core to the mission of maintaining our properties,” says Marshall. The second homeowner population of Stockbridge has reached 50 percent, so the organization believes it needs to make special efforts to attract newcomers. “For example, nobody knows that we plant and maintain the Cat and Dog Fountain and the little garden beds at the center of town,” says Marshall.
Tree removal and general maintenance of their properties are the Laurel Hill Association’s two big issues. Traditionally, they had an endowment for these purposes, and thus were not dependent on solicitations. But as their resources have been used to acquire properties, income has become more important. Luckily, the Association has a good partnership with the Stockbridge Land Trust.
The Laurel Hill Association is not a “money board.” It solicits members who care enough to do trail work, manage their scholarship program, create publicity, and manage their beautification projects. “These days the board is a mix of natives, old timers, and newcomers,” says Marshall.
For some years the Association has given a college scholarship to a South County student who is studying one of the fields relevant to their mission. If you or someone you know is interested, check out their website for the application, which is due no later than the end of April.
Currently, the Association is holding its first annual photo contest. There will be five winners, and each will have their photograph grace a greeting card. Those interested in participating in the contest should check Laurel Hill’s website for directions. And don’t dilly dally — the contest closes on March 31.
If the unseasonable weather holds, one might want to check out the walking and hiking trails in Stockbridge, or just stroll down its iconic Main Street to see how sensible town planning can create an idyllic environment.
