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.
