Yes, Olivia, there is a Havenville!

Below is the wonderful response to my daughter's letter to the editor of the Burlington Union. This was written by Chris Warren and appeared in the December 23, 2010 edition of the paper.

Dear Olivia,
      You recently wrote a letter to the Burlington Union regarding your wish to recognize our section of Burlington as Havenville, as it was known at the turn of the twentieth century. According to John E. Fogelberg, who chronicled Burlington's history in his book "Burlington: Part of a Greater Chronicle" it got it's name from the Haven family who lived at the intersection of Bedford Street and Francis Wyman Road. Charles Nathaniel Haven owned four homes and 25 acres of land and his brother Jonas Clark Haven owned a house and barn and 37 acres of land. The two brothers ran a general store until 1920 that was located across from the Old West School (once known as the Havenville School).
       So, what is left of Havenville, physically, in terms of buildings and landmarks? Not much at all. Just the Old West School. Fortunately, a gentleman by the name of Charles Cassassa purchased the school in 1963 and recognizing it's value, led a campaign to restore the 1794 structure. Then he gave the school house to the town of Burlington with the condition that it always be operated as a historical site. Mr Cassassa was a concerned, thoughtful Burlington citizen whose actions allow us and all future Burlington residents the enjoyment of an historic and rare one room school house.
       But, I am writing to let you know the spirit of Havenville is alive and well. Havenville was a village where families and neighbors helped each other out. From Folgelberg's newspaper article "Few will recognize Havenville", he describes an incident in the area. Miss Rindy Reed lived in a small home in Havenville and it burned down in 1880. The neighbors rescued her from the fire and then she moved in with the Nathan Simonds family down the road, where she resided for the rest of her life.
       In our Greenwood Road neighborhood, we are like a village. We've has so many fun times at the annual block party and the Alterisio annual Christmas party is the event of the season. And do you notice how many former neighbors and adults who grew up on Greenwood Road and Pleasant Street still come back to the old neighborhood to enjoy the festivities? Do you remember the time that Mrs. Powers' husband became very ill?  Mrs. Nowell then organized the whole neighborhood to take turns bringing dinner over, one less thing for the Powers' family to worry about. I remember when my husband and I first moved into the neighborhood in 1999 and the Crescios and the Waites warmly welcomed us in an impromptu gathering at the borders of our adjoining back yards.
       Yes, Olivia, there is a Havenville. As long as people care about their families and neighbors, and take the time to get to know each other and become friends, and share life's celebrations and sorrows, this place we live will always be a village called Havenville.
       My understanding is that you would like the new Wildwood Park to be named Havenville Hollow due to it's historical significance. Always hope, always have faith and always dream because our thoughts create our expectations that translate into the lives we lead in the future. It is possible that the new park will be named after Havenville. It is possible that in time we will refer to our section of Burlington as Havenville. When searching the internet for the phrase "Havenville, MA" I was surprised to learn Havenville is still an active term used on maps, similar to the Pinehurst area of Billerica. I believe Mr. Fogelberg and Mr. Cassassa would encourage you to pursue your dream.