Harold Parker Talk Kicks off Lecture Series to Large Crowd

Photo credit: Photos by Lillian Martin

Bob Anderson of the Harold Parker State Forest kicked off the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society’s “Our Town” lecture series with a large crowd at the Third Meeting House last Thursday.

Anderson, who is called Ranger Bob by park visitors, gave a talk about the nearly 100-year history of the park. Society member Beth Thomson also spoke about her Thanksgivings with family at Harold Parker.

After the talk, friends and supporters surprised Anderson with a retirement party, including gifts and cake.

The next lecture in the ”Our Town” series is planned for February. Here is the rest of the schedule:

• Thursday, Feb. 5 -- Everyday Life on the Byways and in the Taverns by Don Doyle
• Thursday, March 5 -- The One Room House by Stone Jasie
• Thursday, April 2 -- Tales of North Reading
• Thursday, May 7 -- Barking up Other People’s Trees: A New Approach to Local History by Tom Parker

Note: The remaining lectures will be held at Flint Memorial Library.