Jeanne Hemenway (1922-2013) was a town institution. An independent petite woman, full of wisdom and common sense, with an infinite knowledge of her town past and present, and an unwavering devotion to Burgy, she knew everyone in town, and everyone knew Jeanne, even if they had never met her. Jeanne faithfully served the town for decades, in so many ways. Although she made little of it, her election to the Select Board in 1972 was groundbreaking. She served for 16 and a half years, retiring in 1988. She mentored other town officials, reached out to those who lived in town for decades and those just moving in. She loved her town, saying, “All my interests are here—the area, the town, the people.”
Born on March 23, 1922, Jeanne was the daughter of Almon and Stella (Trask) Everett. Jeanne was a 1940 graduate of Williamsburg High School and married Carl Hemenway. They ran both a dairy farm up on Hemenway Road and a real estate and insurance agency on Main Street in what is now Florence Bank. Jeanne carried on the real estate business after her husband’s death—and the small yellow model house that hung outside her office remains as an icon in the center of town.
The facts, figures, fables, and traditions of the town’s history were at Jeanne’s fingertips. She could answer any obscure question, remember those who had passed, and recall events over the years. Combining her real estate experience and her vast local history knowledge, Jeanne wrote “Tracing Old Homes” about many properties in town in 1996. Come to Meekins and check out a copy.
April 13, 2023, will mark the 10th anniversary of her passing in 2013. Jeanne Hemenway lived her life in this town she loved. There is so much more to add to her story. And many people will remember Jeanne. Share your memories in the comments. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt
Posted to Facebook 3/23/2023
