AIB Judges Tour Holliston by MWRTA Bus

by Paul Saulnier 7/19/12

Mary Greendale carefully planned a morning bus tour to highlight Holliston's beautiful neighborhood gardens and its history. Evelyn Alemanni (above left) from Elfin Forest, California, and Barbara Vincentsen from Westfield, New Jersey, are in town to experience the wonders of Holliston.

With maps and schedules in hand, we set off.

Carl Damigella arranged for a MWRTA bus to take the AIB judges around Holliston.

First stop was a garden on Church Street. The judges were very interested in the innovative septic system which waters this garden as both judges have septic systems at home.

The nine-foot tall squirrel that stands watch over the garden has been doing a lousy job of keeping the rabbits from eating the cone flowers.

Next stop was Mark Ahronian's home on Concord Street for a tour of the ultimate in private landscaping.

The tour continued on many of Holliston's designated scenic roads with their protected stone walls and landscape, like this site on Winter Street.

All work and no play? A 13-minute ride on the diesel train at Waushakum Live Steamers gave the judges a break from checking off "A1" in all categories.

A stop at Balancing Rock gave Mark Ahronian the opportunity to point out the value of a well placed boulder as a landscaping feature when nothing else seems to fit. George Johnson described Holliston's dedication to preserving open space as the bus passed by various properties he helped to secure during his tenure on the Open Space Committee.

Littlefield Tavern looks much like it did when GW stopped by for a little grog. The Historical Society is the proud owner  of the mug he used that day before continuing on his journey through Holliston. Town Historian Joanne Hulbert provided expert testimony on anything that happened more than 100 years ago.

The Metcalf Pump House provided insight for the judges on the state of fire fighting in the 19th century.

Back at Town Hall, Mary Greendale showed the Judges some of the earliest records of town government. HCAT will show a video of the tour on cable soon.

The afternoon was spent walking around downtown. The Mayor took over for Yours Truly. Watch for his insightful report in a future edition of HollistonReporter.com.

Posted in Local Lore, Neighborhood, Comings/Goings.

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