Turley Publications photos by Ruth M. Lyon

Linda Jean Carpenter receives the Lucy Stone Award from Massachusetts State Rep. Anne Gobi.

Massachusetts State Sen. Stephen Brewer presents the J. Irving England and Jane England Award to a teary-eyed Bill Jankins.

Quaboag Historical Society honors
Linda Jean Carpenter, Bill Jankins

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – The Quaboag Historical Society (QHS) put its best foot and its finest citizens forward in a celebration of the joint histories of the Brookfields, Warren and New Braintree – the six towns celebrating, this year, 350 years of Quaboag Plantation’s history.

This is, however, Quaboag Historical Society’s 115^th year of observing, collecting, and maintaining the individual and joint histories of the towns involved. Since 1895, members have gathered at least once a year to commit to the historic preservation of their communities’ place in time and in the land of the Quaboag Indians, and to pass the historic torch to the younger generations. On Sunday, April 25, approximately 109 members and friends gathered at the Salem Cross Inn to meet and greet friends old and new, to carry on the society’s business and to honor two outstanding members of the community.

Storm clouds cleared in time for summery outfits and sunny smiles at the cocktail hour preceded the luncheon. Society officials Marguerite Geis and Keith Brunham greeted each guest upon arrival, and soon the room buzzed with the conversations of generations of people who share an interest in not just what’s happening in the world as we know it, but what has taken place over 350 years in this bucolic countryside.

Families and friends found seating for lunch, continuing conversation, and the observances and entertainment to follow.

Each year, the society presents two awards. The Lucy Stone Achievement Award is given to a woman in the community who honors the precepts of West Brookfield’s own Lucy Stone, born here in a farmhouse on August 13, 1818. Stone’s history is well known; born in a time when, in her words, women were treated as “non-beings,” she defied her father, local convention, and the law to attend college, speak in public, and to maintain her own name. She became nationally known as the standard bearer for women’s rights, including the right to vote, and her anti-slavery stance.

She ended her final public speech, at age 75, with a plea for each woman listening: “to labor unceasingly…until every woman will possess equal and full justice in all things.”

This year’s honoree is West Brookfield’s Dr. Linda Jean Carpenter, a nationally known author and lawyer. She is the author of several books, and an outstanding proponent of women’s rights. She has worked diligently to gain and establish the rights of female athletes in intercollegiate sports. Additionally, she has and continues to provide legal services without remuneration to those in need. Her work in the fields of law and of athletics is widely recognized and applauded.

Gobi, presenting the award, said, “You honor the people, you honor the community, and you make it more beautiful, civil and livable.”

The J. Irving England and Jane England Award is given to a citizen of West Brookfield who has significantly contributed, through outstanding volunteer service, to the betterment of the community. William (Bill) Jankins was so honored this year. Co-president of the QHS, he is currently serving as Chairman of the Quaboag 350^th Steering Committee, but his history of community service as a lifelong resident of West Brookfield, is a long one. He has served on the school committee, board of health and common and advisory committees. He was a 15-year volunteer E.M.T. with the town rescue squad, a little league baseball coach, and past president of the Rotary Club of the Brookfields.

Brewer, presenting the plaque, with a hug and handshake, said, “I am proud and humbled to make this presentation. Bill Jankins is a remarkable, a great man; I’m proud to call him friend, as I know all of you are. What he has done for this community is beyond description. You see the results of his effort everywhere. He deserves our recognition and our thanks.”

Jankins, teary eyed, responded, “I don’t know why I should be honored for doing something I enjoy.”

Representative Todd M. Smola spoke briefly in recognition of the recipient’s service to the community, saying “It is people such as you who provide leadership and encouragement for the citizens of the future. I salute you.”

West Brookfield selectmen David Eisenthal rose to add his praise of the two recipients, and his appreciation for their contributions to life within the community and elsewhere.

Following the presentations, society co-chair Amy Dugas introduced guest speaker Bill Nelson, Director of the Ipswich Visitor Center. His topic was “Where it began - Ipswich in the mid 1660s.” In his presentation, which included slides of some of the 58 “first period” homes still existing in Ipswich, he explored the connection between his community and West Brookfield. The majority of Quaboag Plantation’s earliest settlers came from Ipswich.

His talk included information about the town of Ipswich and its present attractions, including its famous cuisine. “There are 25 clammers in Ipswich,” he said in closing. “Ipswich restaurants serve only Ipswich clams.”