Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the US this year, we are launching a “Memory Library” project this summer. We We held our first Memory Library session on Wednesday, July 9, 2026 about Newington Town Reports 1979-1981 and learned so much from participants Jack O’Reilly and Jeanne Haskins. One 1979 item in the report was “another major shopping mall in the general business district” that “required a change in the zoning ordinance.” Jack and Jeanne confirmed that would have been the Mall at Fox Run—which is being demolished now, in 2026. The reports also mentioned recreation van excursions to events and places like the New England Aquarium, Ogunquit Playhouse, Quincy Market and more, and Jack and Jeanne both remembered how a resident could just sign out the van, grab the keys and set off with a group! This practice eventually stopped due to liability concerns but fond memories of the events remain. These days, the Recreation Committee focuses on connecting people here in Newington at Town Hall, such as Line Dancing which had been taking place at the Mall before it closed, or collaborating with the Library on events like our Summer Reading Kick-Off and annual Outdoor Movie Night. In 1980 and 1981, the reports detailed the purchase of the Fox Point recreation area from the Mott family, and the proposed usage as trails and view of the Bay. Jeanne remembered the Mott home before it became town property and, later, being at Fox Point with Ted Connors, Jack Hoyt and others who took friends out on their boats once the dock was installed. The kids in grades 7 to 12 were listed in the 1980 report and a number of names were familiar and still live in town, including Frank Burovac in the Highway Department, who just yesterday gave the Library a dozen pots of sunflower seedlings to give out at our “Plant a Seed, Read” StoryWalk story time at Fox Point, because the story we set up there this year “The Bad Seed” by Jory John is about a sunflower seed!
Our next Memory Library program will be on Wednesday, July 22 at *NEW TIME* 5 PM and will be discussing the 1958-1960 town reports, including memories of attending the Stone School and transitioning to the new one. If you haven’t yet, please fill out this survey regarding what topics you would like to share, or hear about from others.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/iFeOgyl/memorylibrarysurvey2026
Happy Summer! See you at the library!