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In Memoriam

 

Rose Sherman

1937-2024

She was born November 26, 1937 and resided in Worthington her entire life. Rose graduated from Northampton High School where she enjoyed playing basketball.
She married Ralph B. Sherman on January 29th, 1960. They lived on their family farm in Worthington where they raised their 3 children.
Rose had several jobs throughout the years Pro Brush, Albert Farms, drove School Bus, Ashmere Nursing Home, Swift River Academy.
Rose grew up loving horses – loved competing in local gymkhanas & horse shows at the local fairs.
Her happiest times were fair season where she participated in any way she was needed, especially announcing for the Horse & Ox draws at the local fairs.
Rose was involved with the Cummington Fair for 42 years, first as secretary starting in 1982 and later as a Fair Director. In November 2014 Rose was inducted to the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association 2014 Hall of Fame.
She is predeceased by her late husband Ralph B. Sherman, her mother Mary E. Brooks and sister Ginger Donovan & her faithful dog and companion of 15 years Chloe.
She is survived by her three children Terry R. Malloy, Wendy S. Sherman (Terry Corbett), Dale L. Sherman (Mary Bourdon) & grandson Joshua Culver and her sisters Elizabeth Parish & Deen Nugent and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration Of Rose’s Life will be held in the spring at the Cummington Fairgrounds on May 18th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Donations in her memory may be made to: Hillside Agricultural Scholarship Sandy Lilly P.O. Box 3004, Ashfield, MA 01030.

 

George A. Dole obituary, 1942-2023, Shelburne, MA
 

George A. Dole
 August 3, 1942-November 1, 2023

George and his younger brother Bucky established Dole Brothers General Contractors in 1964. Together with the many who have been on their crew over the years, the Dole Brothers have constructed numerous structures (homes, dairy barns and other farm buildings, houses of worship, municipal buildings like fire stations, schools, and highway garages, and so many more) that stand as a legacy to the brothers’ partnership. Throughout their lives the Dole Brothers (George and Bucky) were in constant communication about various projects and activities, including snow plowing and sugaring, and they lived near each other. Bucky died this spring and George missed him so much.

George married Nancy L. Dole in 1965 and together they had three children: Lynn (Jane), George, and Helen (Alex). George has six grandchildren: Wiley (Monika), Bryan, Tristan, Eliza, Leo, and Sophie, and one great-grandchild, August, whom he met the day before he died. In 2004 he married Sylvia Dole.

George was a lifelong sports fan, particularly of the Boston Red Sox. He had the rare distinction of seeing both Ted Williams’ last home run as well as Carl Yastrzemski’s 400th home run. As a first-year student in September of 1960 at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston; he attended a Red Sox game with a classmate whose father worked as an usher at Fenway, and they were able to get in for free after the third inning. Ted Williams hit his final home run in the eighth inning in his last at bat. In July 1979 George and his brother Bucky witnessed Yaz’s 400th home run at Fenway.

George enjoyed sports throughout his life, including as pitcher on the Massamont team of the Shelburne Falls Men’s Softball Team at Cricket Field in the 1970s, bowling on teams at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley for many years, and golfing with friends at the Ashfield Community Golf Course in his later years. When his daughter Helen was in high school he attended many Mohawk cross-country and track meets and basketball games, driving a distinctively beaten-up pickup truck. For many years, his beloved dog Tyler was by his side in that truck and everywhere he went.

George gave his time, insights, and attention to many, serving on town boards like the Finance Committee, volunteering in numerous ways, including the many years he set up the finish line apparatus for the Bridge of Flowers Road Race, and as a member of Kiwanis for 35 years. At the time of his death he was President of the Kiwanis Club in Shelburne Falls, an office he had held several times over the years. As a member of the Class of 1960 Arms Academy Reunion Committee, he maintained lifelong friendships with several classmates, including his good friend, Frank LaBelle.

Of all George’s many interests, Cummington Fair was most important to him. His parents, Mary O. Dole and Stevens F. Dole, had met at the fair. George was involved with the fair throughout his life, first as an exhibitor, then as Cattle Superintendent beginning in 1962 (at age 20), and he served as President of the fair for thirty years, from 1989-2018. During his long tenure, George and his brother Bucky made many structural improvements to the fairgrounds. A 2018 dedication in the fair book states, “There is not a building on the grounds, or the hill, that doesn’t have the touch of George Dole making upgrades or repairs and always taking into consideration Cummington Fair when doing all of these improvements. His main goal has always been to keep the look of the fairgrounds with a country atmosphere.” The community of people who serve on the board of the Cummington Fair have been George’s extended family.

 

 

Bucky Dole obituary, 1944-2023, Shelburne, MA

Bucky Dole

10/9/1944 -3/10/2023

Shelburne, MA – Son of Mary O. Dole and Stevens F. Dole, Stevens A. Dole was always known as Buck or Bucky. Except for his service in the National Guard in the early 1960s, Buck lived on Anderson Farm in Shelburne Center throughout his life, where he raised Hampshire sheep and maintained the Anderson Herd of Milking Shorthorn cattle, and knew the land like no other. Bucky’s commitment to forest and land management at Anderson Farm assured that the family households always had well-stocked and well-seasoned woodpiles to keep them warm through the winter.
A 1963 graduate of Arms Academy, Buck was center on the football team and was active in 4-H and the FFA. He was on the national judging team and went to the national Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention in Kansas City, Kansas by train. For years Bucky, his brother George, and Tony York did many a mile shearing sheep at farms throughout New England and New York, sleeping in the barn if it was a large flock that required a two day job, earning a dollar a head.
In 1964 Buck and his brother George established Dole Brothers General Contractors and every day (literally, since weekends didn’t matter much to Bucky) the two brothers would have multiple conversations about the business. Anyone who has ever seen the Dole Brothers (George and Buck) communicating with each other knows that the word “conversation” doesn’t do justice to these interactions. Buck operated heavy equipment masterfully and he had practical wisdom like no one else. Together with the many who have been on their crew over the years, the Dole Brothers have constructed numerous structures (homes, dairy barns and other farm buildings, houses of worship, municipal buildings like fire stations, schools, and highway garages, and so many more) that stand as a legacy to the brothers’ partnership and Bucky’s hard work and pragmatic expertise. The Dole Brothers made many improvements to the Cummington Fairgrounds, including the outdoor arena for the demolition derby that Bucky sculpted out of the hillside.
A shy person, Bucky had a great sense of humor and anyone who ever worked with him (on the crew, haying, sugaring, getting in wood, and other projects) knows that he had high standards for working that we all strived to meet. Bucky’s friendship and cooperation with his neighbor Larry Gould was very important to him, and the members of the Dole Brothers crew who worked with him over the years, especially Billy, Dale, Jimmy, Mike, Brent, and Carl, were some of his closest relationships.
Many people have Bucky Dole stories and we’d love to hear them. 
Bucky is sorely missed by his brother and business partner, George, and his nieces and nephew: Lynn, George, and Helen, and grandnephews and nieces: Wiley, Bryan, Tristan, Eliza, Leo, and Sophie.

 

Alfred “Al” George

September 10, 1937-June 3, 2023

Alfred “Al” George was the owner of George Propane in Goshen. Al retired spending his days at his beloved September Farm where he passed away peacefully in June at the age of 85.

Al looked forward to the Cummington Fair every summer. Al loved his corner booth and spent the duration of the fair talking to friends and customers, new and old. Al always spent the week leading up to the fair making sure tanks were full and ready for the food booths and any other vendors at the fair that needed a propane tank.

When Al “retired”, his day to spend at the fair was Sunday, visiting friends and making sure he had a seat for the turkey dinner that was served.

Al leaves behind his sons and grandsons to carry on the family business. Just as importantly they carry on his love for his customers, good conversation and the Cummington Fair.

 

 

         Hugh Ferry              

April 3, 1931-March 16, 2023

               Hugh was the son of Amos and Helen Ferry of Windsor, MA. Hugh was a life long member of the Hillside Agricultural Society (Cummingotn Fair) having various different jobs. He was a member and a leader of the 4H for over 20 years, he was president of the 4H Fair. Also was a member of the Berkshire Holstein Association. He was a volunteer Firefighter for the Windsor Fire Department for 60 years some being Chief. While working for Crane & Co for 35 years he took care of the family farm. He enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, polka dancing and watching a good Red Sox or Patriots game. He would help his wife Peggy in the Summer with her plants in the garden, but come fair time he would spend all his time in Cummington at the fairgrounds doing what was needed. He spent a lot of time in the drawing ring or in the barns. Hugh would be at the fair with his kids when they were younger showing their animals. Hugh married for 67 years before Peggy’s death in 2018. He leaves a daughter Helen of Colorado and a son Eric and his wife Chris of Windsor, 2 grandsons Gregory and Joshua of Windsor. Hugh Will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

 

Peggy H. Ferry           June 10, 1931 -June 16, 2018
Peggy H. Ferry of Windsor, MA was the youngest daughter of Milton and Gertrude
Howes of Cummington, MA. As a lifelong member of the Hillside Agricultural Society,
she served as Treasurer and kitchen volunteer. Peg also was an active member of the
Windsor Congregational Church, the Hilltop Grange and the Windsor Volunteer Fire
Department Womens Auxiliary. She was a 4H leader and chaperone. In Windsor,
she worked in the Post Office and in the former Estes General Store.
Peggy enjoyed snowmobiling with her family and friends in addition to bowling,
square dancing, polka dancing and card games. Summertime saw Peg beautifying
her flower beds, keeping an avid eye on her hummingbirds and on her Red Sox. In
the fall, she canned and froze the garden harvest. During the holidays, there was
always plenty of baked treats in Peggys kitchen.
Peggy leaves her beloved husband of 67 years, Hugh. She also leaves a daughter,
Helen, of Colorado as well as a son, Eric, and his wife, Christine, of Windsor. She
leaves two grandsons, Gregory Ferry of Windsor and Joshua Ferry of Cummington.
Peg was predeceased by her sister, Thelma Morin, and leaves 4 nieces, 2 nephews
and many great nieces and nephews. Peggy leaves many friends who also continue
to miss her generosity and smile

Irene Parkinson
On September 16th of 2018, Irene Parkinson passed away. She was well
known to the fair as the mother of long-time Director and Gate Superintendent
Sue Parkinson. You could see Irene, her sister Honey, and nephew Ricky roaming
the fair grounds on Sundays then heading to the Grandstand to watch the horse
pulls. This was her favorite fair.
She leaves behind her sons Gary and Todd (Tamara), Darlene (Edward), and
daughter Susan. She also leaves six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren
and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her family

Nancy Searle            November 12, 1945 February 25, 2019
Nancy Searle loved animals and to teach people. She was able to combine
these two passions through 4-H. She was in 4-H for over 40 years and worked
for the extension office for 27 of these years.
Nancy taught young children the importance of sportsmanship, responsibility
and giving to their local communities. She believed in fairness. She would treat
everyone equal. What she did for one person she did for everyone. The rules
applied to everyone.
Nancy Searle helped make many young adults become better people, through
her caring ability and through her teachings. She led by example. She will be
missed by everyone. A true 4-Her

Alan R. Streeter       May 14, 1968- May 9, 2018
Alan was born in Cummington to Linda and Almond Streeter. He never
left Cummington or Cummington Fair. His first visit to the Fair is recorded on
the Hillside Agricultural Fair Film – he is the baby in the baby carriage. Alan
only missed two Fairs in his whole life. He showed dairy cattle and competed
in judging contests when he was a boy. He also had numerous exhibits in the
Youth Building and later in the Adult Hall.
Alan was one of the Police Officers patrolling the Fair for several years. And,
he was a Target for the Cummington Softball Teams Dunk Booth.
Alan brought his classic Cadillac to the car show, and he helped with the
engine show. In the Tractor Parade, he would drive the Streeter Farm FarmAll
M while his Dad drove the H.
Alan knew everyone and you could hear his laughter all over the fairgrounds.
His greatest love was his daughter Hannah. When she was young, she would be
carried on his back. And when she was older, they had a tradition of having a
father/daughter ride on the SkiBobs and sharing Fried Dough, French Fries
and Lemonade.

Joyce Antoinette West           August 8, 1947- April 1, 2019
Joyce Antoinette West (Jacque) passed away April 1, 2019. Born August 8,
1947, Joyce grew up on Mill Valley Farm of Amherst and later married Arthur
West with whom she operated Hartsbrook Farm of Hadley.
Joyce began competing her familys Jersey cows in 4-H at the Cummington
Fair at the age of 10. She later helped her husband and 4 children compete with
their registered Holsteins. She spent 45 years working as a dairy 4-H leader.
Joyce worked in the banking industry and later spent over 20 years working
as a dental assistant. She was most proud to be a lifelong dairy farmer and to
pass her values on to her children and grandchildren who continue to participate
in 4-H dairy

Thomas C. “T” Bisbee April 2, 1999 — Sept. 14, 2016

In loving memory of Thomas “T” Bisbee, who was taken from us at young age of 17, from an unknown heart condition. Raised in Goshen, Thomas was a senior at Hampshire Regional High School and employed by George Propane. Thomas had a great love for the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Thomas’s biggest passion in life of was Archery. He competed in multiple competitions around the area. A month before his passing, Thomas competed in IBO World Archery competition where he finished in the top 25 of class. Thomas never missed Cummington Fair. You could always find him at the 4H youth exhibit hall helping his great grandmother before her passing (Annie Thomas) his grandmother Evelyn Culver or his mom Jennifer Bisbee in some way or another. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and especially by

Samuel C. Davis October 30, 1932 — May 26, 2016

Samuel Churchill Davis age 83 went to be with the Lord with his family at his side. Born in Pittsfield, NH, he was the eldest son of Leroy A. and Freedith Davis. The family moved to Castle Hill, ME, in the fall of 1941 in search of better fields for growing potatoes. In 1952, Sam worked in Homestead, FL on a big potato farm. After one season he struck out on his own in the potato business. He rented 120 acres in Magnolia Springs, AL from a farmer named George Lipscomb, who laid out the ground rules of the farm, and then introduced him to his daughter Alice. Sam and Alice were married April 22, 1953 and began raising a family while growing his business, Mister Potato. Sam was inducted into the army January 1, 1954, excelled, and received an honorable discharge in January 1956, along with 3 medals. Longing for the cooler North East, he contacted Perry potato farms in Savoy and started working for them. In 1964, he bought a farm in Chesterfield, MA, stayed 5 years, moved to Cummington for a quick year, then to Plainfield, where in 1971, he had found his ideal farm. Sam plowed, planted potatoes, cucumbers, and made the most of the fields. Sam took notice that when he was the busiest, someone would show up asking about tires (there was no tire shop in Plainfield). Eventually, Sam added Mister Tire to the farm’s daily chore list. Sam and his crew all pitched in rotating responsibilities to keep both potatoes and tires flowing out of Plainfield. In 1976, he opened a second tire shop in North Adams MA. With his new Kubota 9580 D/T and his sidekick, Fritzie the dog, Sam decided to seed everything to hay and give up on potatoes. This gave him more time to collect and complete his Farmall collection – 15 tractors were restored by Sam and his son Bruce. A true farmer at heart, Sam bought the old Perry potato farm on Loop Road in Savoy. On the same farm that he worked right out of the army, he remodeled the house, completely rebuilt the potato barn (from the foundation up) and used the fields for hay. Sam rebuilt Grandview Farm along with a mega hay operation between Plainfield and Savoy. Sam was hard working and exceptional at whatever he put his hands on. He wrote his memoir’s in 2004. Survivors include his loving wife Alice (Lipscomb) Davis, daughter Edith Davis Newton of Linn Grove, IN, 3 sons, Larry Davis, wife Carla of Savoy, Ken Davis, wife Bonnie of Woodville AL, Bruce Davis, wife Heather of Plainfield, 11 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 2 on the way, 2 step great grandchildren, 1 brother Ed Davis of Sheffield MA, 2 sisters, Adele Benson of Summerdale, AL, and Wilma Davis of Hatfield MA, many nieces and nephews.

 

Champ Dickinson 1928 — 2016

Champ Dickinson of North Hatfield passed away,  September 27, 2016, at the age of 88. Champ is survived by his  two children, Joanne of Whately and Rick of West Hatfield. His hobbies included music. Champ was a lifelong guitar player and kept playing even when health issues made it difficult. He played in many country-western bands (square dancing), and for the last 20 years he played with the Falltown String Band. His last gig was August 27, 2016 at the Cummington Fair. In earlier years he restored antique cars, including a 1915 Model T Ford. There were many parades showcasing that Model T. Champ enjoyed chauffering the seniors during the annual “Antique Car Parade” at the Cummington Fair.

Clark Joyner August 13, 1933 — November 1, 2016

 Clark passed away at home after a courageous battle with heart failure. He was born in Cummington to parents Grace and Leslie Knapp and raised on the “hill,” helping his parents with their poultry business along with the rest of the farm chores. He lived his life for agriculture, owning and operating Joyner Dairy Farm in Cummington with his wife, Cynthia, for 60 years. He actively worked alongside his son, Wyn, until the last 2 months of his life. Clark was an avid Fair supporter and participated in “work-bees” alongside his uncle, Charles J. Thayer, and later with Herbert Mongue, preparing the fairgrounds for the season. Clark worked during the Fair, assisting wherever he was needed and then with the Fair clean-up. He loved the Ox Draw and as young man would assist his future wife as she hooked her teams to the stone boat. Later he loved watching his children participate in the 4-H dairy competition. In recent years he looked forward to watching his granddaughter, Briana, show her sheep and most recently her dairy animals. Clark’s love of agriculture was undeniable. He would proudly and competitively display his hay, rowan, silage corn, and corn stalks as well as produce from the garden. Clark enjoyed his fair fries, soft serve cones, the fair dinners, attending the annual fair meetings and sharing his enthusiasm for the fair with his family and friends. In his memory, a trophy will be given to the 4-H dairy “Best of Show” exhibitor beginning this year and for many years to come.

Veronica Russin Nash June 12, 1944  — May 20, 2016

Veronica was a member of the former Cummington Grange #56, of Chesterfield Grange #83 and of the MA State Grange Deaf Awareness Committee. She also was a Sixth Degree and Seventh Degree Member of the Grange. She has been buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband Arthur Nash. She leaves a cousin, Mary Lynn Chesh in PA, and her significant other Richard Darrow of Lanesborough. Veronica was Assistant Superintendent with Carol Malone, and then with Lillian Bisbee, in the upstairs hall for many years.

Arlin V. Stevens, Sr. April 1, 1927 — January 4, 2017

 On January 4th of this year we lost an important fixture of  Cummington Fair. Arlin “Stub” Stevens was the electrician at the fairgrounds for many years, repairing and upgrading the buildings. Arlin married Mildred Morin on February 9, 1950, and lived in West Cummington for over 65 years. They were married for 67 years and were the proud winners of the most great-grandchildren (11) for three years in a row. Arlin was a community servant being: the Assistant Chief and EMT with the Cummington Vol. Fire Dept. for 26 years, a founding member of the Hilltown Choral Society, a church Deacon and choir member, a member of the Board of Directors at the Hilltown Community Health Center, co-treasurer of the Country Cousins Square Dance Club, and was the electrical inspector for over 50 years for the Town of Cummington, and a longtime member of the Hillside Agricultural Society. He leaves behind his wife, Millie, and four children, Martha, Arlin Jr., Danine, and Lonelle, four grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

My Dad Bill Streeter

 My Dad’s beloved Cummington was nearest and dearest to his heart with only his family to come before it. For as long as I can remember, in my mind’s eye, I can see my Dad writing at his desk the history of the town, long into the night and up early in the morning before he left for work. In the evenings, I can see him organizing the museum with all its delicate artifacts that I found so fascinating as a child, and on the phone at all hours of the day and night, the long phone cord reaching all the way to our dinner table, discussing cellar holes and old pieces of Cummington antiquity suitable for the museum. Yes, my childhood was filled with my Dad’s love and devotion to Cummington. I will cherish those times with my Dad forever. His lesson to me: dedication to a project that you love can result in something that will last long after you are gone from this earth. Julie Streeter Wysk Youngest daughter of William Streeter.