Located above the “stone quarry” is a parcel of land that was developed as a learning tool for high school students over the years and has largely been forgotten by many. Conversations with individuals have resulted in the statements that they would like to have this park project revitalized, both by the schools and perhaps private individuals and organizations. On Sept. 24, 1953 through the successful efforts of both the faculty and students of Norwich High School, the Hillcrest Conservation Park was formally dedicated. On the above date Reverend William Crandall, a local historian at that time, related stories of the early days of the area as at one time the property was owned by his father, he having purchased it one hundred years ago.
Students were lauded by Nick Drahos of the New York State Conservation Department for their pioneer efforts in the field of conservation education. At that time, he gave three reasons for why conservation education was essential: prime motive for teaching of conservation, jobs in numerous fields which depend directly on plentiful natural resources and finally conservation is a large business ranking second only to manufacturing. If one speaks to anyone in this 21st century that is in that field, they will relate the still importance of these three reasons.
At the dedication ceremony, the late Stanford Gibson credited the success of the park’s establishment to the Board of Education, the administration, and high school and grade faculties with special thanks to E. Vail Sheldon, a long term educator in the Norwich High School. The dedication ceremony climaxed in the unveiling of a monument by the then-president of the Board of Education, Cyrus M. Higley.
The above early photos give the readers of today an indication of the stamina, fortitude, and energy that the students of that time put forth for this project. What mushroomed from a dream was fulfilled with the establishment of Hillcrest Conservation Park in 1954. Originally scheduled for May as a culmination of three years of labor by all involved, the dedication was canceled as Mother Nature decided that wet, soggy ground was the menu for that day. This event was eventually rescheduled for Sept. 28, 1954.
That date’s festivities were to include fly casting by Russell Hogue, bait casting at the muskrat marsh by a Mr. George, wild animals took the spotlight (rabbits, raccoons, turkeys, skunks, etc.). Additionally explanations of poison ivy and poison oak were on tap. Mr. Gibson (then rifle coach) and Gary Stewart gave a demonstration of the proper use of firearms. Also, Everett Wells was scheduled for an exhibition of outdoor archery demonstration. A special event of this day would be an all weather camp exhibit; a demonstration of the techniques of building a fir and the uses of wood tools as well as all other outdoor equipment. A demonstration of cutting trees with a chain saw and hand saw completed the first part of this Conservation Day Program.
All work and no play makes for dull boys and girls and gaming activities such as tree climbing, wood splits, bronco busting, three legged races and a rolling pin toss were sure to attract many participants.
This first Conservation Day program was credited to Patricia Martin, Mr. Gibson, John King, Mrs. Russell Tice, Vail Sheldon and students Harry Winter, Luana Crawford and Joan Hewitt. All of these individuals worked long and hard planning the day’s activities as a learning tool for all who attended the festivities.
Returning to the beginning of the Park, the land was purchased by the Board of Education in June of 1952 from John Mundy for $250. This same year, roads to the park were cleared, trails in and around were marked and a few game shelters erected. Continuing in 1952 would see the planting of trees and shrubs as well as establishing a picnic area. Harry Winter was responsible for the establishment of Hillcrest Park Service, with the services of David Meyers and Luana Crawford aiding in this newest endeavor of the park.
Continuing again to 1953, the Soil and Conservation Department stepped in and constructed a muskrat marsh and with school funding a fish pond was developed. Reforestation activities were continued and in October of 1953, the park received official dedication as related previously. Plans for the future development included wood duck houses, toilet facilities, and reforestation programs with the trees being harvested in 1958 and all proceeded to be donated to the Student Loan Fund.
Through the ensuing years, Hillcrest Conservation Park still exists with the School District still the proprietor. However activities have become almost non-existent. With the many changes in the education system in this state, conservation and agriculture have more or less taken a back seat. In a conversation with the retired superintendent of schools Robert Cleveland, this writer asked what had happened to the park. His memory recalled that a resolution had been passed by the Board of Education to keep the park “forever wild” and that would be the extent of their involvement with the area.
In closing, I believe would be of great educational advantage if renewed interest were to be stimulated in re-opening the park, maintaining it as a place of learning and peaceful settings for all who visited there.