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Community Members Reflect on Arriving and Living in Waldo County at Panel Event

  • Writer: Kyle Hadyniak
    Kyle Hadyniak
  • May 3
  • 1 min read

The Old Town Meeting House in Freedom was the site of reflection and storytelling as the Freedom Community Historical Society (FCHS) hosted “Coming Back to the Land in Waldo County in the 1970s,” a chance for community members to reflect on how they arrived in Waldo County during a time when waves of idealistic newcomers came to the region.



The panelists were: 


  1. Phyllis Hill

  2. Susan Stoddard (also moderator)

  3. Tim Biggs

  4. Deb Lasky 

  5. Verne LeCount

  6. Camilla Beale

  7. David Smith


After this group told brief stories about their lives, the audience was invited to share their experiences living in the area. Attendees generally noted how living in Waldo County is rewarding, with an important sense of community they had been lacking elsewhere. 


Poem written by Pam Burr Smith, titled "Self Sufficient, A Song of Us."

Notably, community member Pam Burr Smith read a poem written by her that encapsulates what the panel was about. “Self Sufficient, A Song of Us” (pictured) serves as both a personal manifesto and a collective history of a generation that intentionally chose to drop out of mainstream society.


This event was recorded and can be watched on the Freedom Community Historical Society’s YouTube channel. 


Thanks to the panelists for sharing their stories, and for the audience for participating in this wonderful community event. 


Follow the FCHS on Facebook! 


 
 
 

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