Lately I’ve been thinking about how disappointed Jeff Harris would be to see how we are letting Harvard change. If Harvard had a mayor, Jeff Harris would have been it. Doctor Harris, a longtime resident who practiced out of his home in the 1950s and ’60s, loved this town, and he gave generously of his knowledge, time, and energy. Any newcomer who was game would get “the tour” from Jeff. He would drive them around to all the historical places—town center, Shaker Village, Fruitlands—the conservation lands, the pond. All the while he would spin tales of local history, sharing his belief that anyone living here ought to know what went on here and value the efforts of those who came before us. It was Jeff who tried for years—and finally succeeded—in renaming the elementary school to honor the Hildreth family who had done so much for the town. (What a perfect thing the library did in rededicating its local history room to Jeff!)
In addition to town history, Jeff wanted people to value the tradition of volunteerism in Harvard. He himself served on numerous boards and committees; he was an honorary member of the Bromfield School Council at the time of his death. Jeff believed that if you just wanted a pretty town and a good school system, you should have gone somewhere else. To choose Harvard is to commit to actively participate in the running of the town. He would say you can’t just reside here; you have to really be here, a part of things, making a contribution to the direction of the town.
I’m thinking “Mayor” Jeff Harris would want each of us to love Harvard as he did, by cherishing its unique history and being active in guiding its present and future.
Carlene Phillips
Oak Hill Road
