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Editor's Note: Stockbridge Updates has a policy that it does not post letters without attribution. The following is a one-time exception. The reason is the number of people who felt strongly and wrote clearly about the demolition of the Daniel Chester French Garden Pavilion but did not want to be identified. SU is posting unattributed comments to highlight two problems — loss of an historic structure and the unfortunate condition that any of us is uncomfortable speaking out. I hope we address both issues sometime soon. SU respects and thanks all those who do speak out.

Carole - Your editorial moved me. The town should have declared it a preservation monument. It could have been moved to town land...I'm angry, but Happy New Year to you.

Carole,

Your editorial is very good, and I completely concur. Stockbridge is desired because of its refusal to change or destroy its history and natural beauty. Daniel Chester French's work, any of it, must be preserved. TA [Town Administrator] needs to get the answer why the pavilion was destroyed. PS. Stay healthy, the town needs you.

Carole

If Baldwin authorized its demolition, he should be fired immediately. If he didn't and the owners did it without checking for Bylaw requirements, they should be fined (if possible) or the very least be ostracized socially from the community.

Carole

I'm truly outraged at what occurred at 22 Prospect Hill. Like you, I drive by almost daily and wonder WTF is going on...and now this. I'm ashamed that I didn't notice it.

If there are hearings, etc. wherein these folks will be asked to comment or defend their actions I would like to know about it.

Shame on them. Shame on them. Carole, Thanks for all you do.

To Whom it may concern:

As a lifelong citizen of Town, I was very concerned about the demolition of the French structure on Prospect Hill. Did the homeowner or contractor contact Ned to get a permit to remove it?

This is another example of why each department, including the con com needs to publish brochures for homeowners and new buyers outlining what regulations exist in town. I think it should be simple bullet points. I also think that contractors need to sign off that they have read the conditions placed on projects by our various boards and committees.

To [blank]:

I spoke with Ned this morning. He had no idea. I also spoke with Margaret Cherin - the new Chesterwood director - who did know that the pergola was to be removed (for grading apparently). Chesterwood made the new owners aware that this was a significant historic structure. Anyway, it's a fiasco. Publicity is good — there will be others down the road.

Editor's note: On another subject. For many the Talbot Center was an important part of then Town and they miss it. Following one Stocbridge resident and daughter of a very important engineer offers a solution.

Dear Carole,

Little did I know until I went down to the Dump today that opening the Talbot Center could be so easy!

All that has to be done is to remove the existing ramp and put a new one in parallel to the existing one but going to the 2nd door. There is enough room for a ramp with the proper grade; that was the entrance that was always used previously.

If the building needs to be replaced a new one can be placed in the same location.

Best wishes Shirley Miller

Dear Carole,

Thank you for this [Stockbridge Updates].

I went to school up here and bought my first home on North Church Street in 1979. I am grateful for responsible people who keep others informed. If you think I could help you in some way, please let me know. Many thanks and Happy New Year!

Rachel Fletcher H. Kinney

Photo: Xavier Letteron