The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

Person fatally struck by train in Lincoln

A person was struck and killed by an MBTA train in Lincoln on the night ​​of August 22 in an apparent suicide that resulted in major delays on the Fitchburg commuter rail line the following morning when the body was discovered.

Asked how it happened, Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said that “the person decided — they went in front of the train.” He would not release the victim’s name, home town, or any other information.

Kennedy said the body was found around 5 a.m. on August 23 adjacent to the tracks between the Route 117 and Lincoln Road crossings, though it was later determined that the collision occurred at about 9 p.m. the night before. It was not immediately reported because the conductor “was not aware that the train had hit something,” Kennedy said. “In talking to the MBTA police, it’s not all that uncommon.”

The MBTA commuter rail’s Twitter feed that morning contained several posts alerting commuters to the delay. The first in the series noted that the 402 inbound service (5:25 a.m. from Wachusett) “remains stopped after Lincoln and is approximately two hours late due to police activity on the right of way.” At 7:55 a.m., they tweeted that service was suspended between Waltham and Wachusett and “trains in the area are holding.” One track was eventually reopened and normal service resumed around 10 a.m.

MBTA police referred questions to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office.

“As this death is not considered suspicious, our office cannot release any additional information regarding this incident,” a spokesperson from the DA’s office said on August 30.

Property sales in July 2023

15 Oak Meadow Rd. — Sean Crovetti to Taylor Ortiz and Veronica Lei for $1,407,500 (July 31)

5 Red Maple Lane — John P. Neri Trust to Xida Sun and Yuan Zhao for $895,000 (July 26)

11 Sunnyside Lane — Chung Yao Chao to Brett Cramp and Maria Obolensky for $961,000 (July 25)

154 Chestnut Circle — Christine McElvenny to Jonathan Wolfson for $810,000 (July 25)

4 Farrar Rd. — Mary Steedly to Thomas Martin and Martha Davis for $1,200,000 (July 17)

93 Tower Rd. — Seppo Rinne to Charles Libby and Lindsay Lawrence for $1,370,000 (July 14)

140 Lincoln Rd. — Esther Kalisky Trust to Jeffrey Exelrod and Sharon Milinsky for $540,800 (July 7)

News acorns

Garden Club social for prospective members

The Lincoln Garden Club invites anyone interested in joining the club to come to a wine and cheese party on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. to meet members and socialize. Committee chairs will be there to answer questions about what the club does. Please email belinda.gingrich@gmail.com to RSVP and get the location. To learn more about the club’s activities, visit www.lincolngardenclub.org.

Celebration of the life of Homer Eckhardt

Homer Eckhardt

The family of Homer Eckhardt (1924-2023) invites community members to join family, friends, and neighbors to help celebrate his life on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 2–4 p.m. in Bemis Hall. A founding member of the historic Brown’s Woods neighborhood, Homer continued to be an active participant in the Lincoln community during the 67 years he lived in town, through activities as varied as helping to found the Codman Community Farms, volunteering in science classes in the Lincoln Public Schools, and enjoying fellowship at the Men’s Coffee Group.

Show about Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Join us for a show performed by Sheryl Faye that brings American justice icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg to life on Friday, Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The show is the inspiring story of how RBG changed her life — and ours. Sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA & Friends of the Lincoln Library.

Tour and presentation about Lincoln Woods

In connection with the town’s discussion of multi-family housing at the September 30 State of the Town meeting, Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln invites residents on a tour of Lincoln Woods on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 3–6 p.m. “Celebrating Lincoln Woods: Our History of Building Community” presents the design elements in architecture, landscape architecture, and town planning that have made Lincoln Woods an accessible, inclusive community, providing housing for a diverse range of ages and needs for 50 years. 

The event begins at 3 p.m. with Lincoln architect Woodie Arthur speaking about the architecture and history of the community. A tour of the property and three dwellings will follow the presentation. The event is free to all. Share refreshments and community in our reception tent after the tour. Please visit the FoMA web page at www.fomalincoln.org/outreach to reserve your place.

My Turn: “adaptive reuse” is a good starting point for community center

By Lynne Smith

At the August 16 Community Center Building Committee meeting, ICON Architecture presented options for the proposed community center. These options will be sent to an estimator for refined costs. In this article, I will focus on Option 3, Adaptive Reuse, estimated to cost up to $12.5 million.

As Lincoln has found in the Town Offices building and in parts of the new Lincoln school, “adaptive reuse” can be beautiful and functional as well as sustainable. The problem with the proposed plan is that ICON has tried to turn three separate buildings into one, responding to the committee’s focus on a single new building. But to accommodate the various stakeholders — COA&HS, PRD, LEAP, and school maintenance — in this low-cost option, adaptive reuse of the separate existing pods makes more sense.

The ICON proposal calls for 6,185 square feet of new construction, including a large lobby and about 4,645 square feet of corridors connecting all three buildings. The lobby, labeled Lincoln Community Room, seems to substitute for a requested activity room. In fact, it appears to be a high-ceilinged architectural statement, similar to the commons room at the new school: beautiful but less functional than simpler activity rooms. The connecting corridors are lower cost than the lobby area per square foot but are still a significant expense. This is a creative architectural effort to turn three buildings into a semblance of one.

I think Option 3, the one that many would vote for, needs more work by ICON and the committee. The committee could allow ICON to develop good adaptive reuse designs for each of the separate buildings (the pods) while committee members further investigate the use of existing spaces in the Lincoln School, the Hartwell building, the First Parish’s stone church, Bemis Hall, and the Pierce House.

To free up about 1,500 square feet in the existing buildings and reduce cost, the school maintenance workshop (shown in Pod A) and the kitchen (shown in Pod B) could be housed separately. Maintenance could be placed in the Hartwell Building (an alternative in all design options). The COA could continue to use the kitchen and dining area of stone church for the Friday senior lunches and for preparation of Meals on Wheels.*

Reducing the proposed building size at the Hartwell campus and focusing on adaptive reuse rather than new construction might actually bring the cost below $12.5 million, allowing funds to be delegated for needed work at Bemis Hall (HVAC) and Pierce House (accessible bathroom).

I urge everyone to find a quiet hour to review the design options, especially Option 3, Adaptive Reuse. I hope there will be improvements to this option prior to the State of the Town meeting on September 30.

*Meals on Wheels is a Minuteman Services function requiring a Minuteman employee to chill, heat, and plate 30-50 meals per day for home delivery. The preparation can easily remain in the stone church kitchen, though a new refrigerator is required there. As for the congregant senior Friday lunches, there are rarely more than 30 people seated in the great hall, which can host many more for special functions. I have attended many of these lunches and enjoyed the beauty of this spacious room.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Police log for August 13–20, 2023

August 13

Gerard’s Farm Stand, Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:46 a.m.) — Officers checked on an occupied vehicle parked after hours. The operator was advised the business was closed and they could not remain parked.

Old Sudbury Road (8:30 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing a bat in their tree. They were advised to contact Animal Control.

Lincoln School (9:48 a.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle that had been idling at the school for an extended period of time. An officer checked on the vehicle, which belonged to an employee of the school.

Bedford Road (1:12 p.m._ — A resident received a call from an individual posing as a Verizon representative. An attempt to gain access to financial information was avoided.

Wells Road (11:53 p.m.) — A caller reported an individual acting suspiciously next to a dumpster. Police checked the area but were unable to locate anyone.

August 14

Old Concord Road (4:22 p.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding possible identity theft.

Sandy Pond Road (4:34 p.m.) — A caller asked to speak to an officer regarding possible harassment.

August 15

Scott Circle, Hanscom AFB (11:33 a.m.) — An officer responded to assist a resident with a civil matter.

August 16

Nothing of note.

August 17

Lincoln Road (11:10 a.m.) — Multiple 911 calls were received reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a car and a motorcycle. Fire and police units were dispatched to the scene. The operator of the motorcycle was transported to Lahey Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash is under investigation.

Lexington Road (12:29 p.m.) — A resident reported someone had left an object hanging from their mailbox.

North Great Road (12:57 p.m.) — State police reported a two-vehicle crash with unknown injuries. They subsequently advised there were no injuries, cancelling a Lincoln police and fire response.

Harvest Circle (1:52 p.m.) — A caller reported a “grandchild-in-need” scam attempt. The caller identified the scam early on and wanted to report the incident to the police.

August 18

Indian Camp Lane (1:17 a.m.) — A caller reported a family member had been the victim of a scam involving Snapchat.

South Great Road (10:19 a.m.) — An officer responded to South Great Road by Lincoln Road for a report of a female walking in the middle of the roadway. An officer located the individual and was able to transport them to Donelan’s.

Lexington Road (10:44 am.) — A resident reported seeing a cat in their yard that appeared ill. The resident was given contact information for Animal Control.

Bath, Maine (12:26 p.m.) — An officer from Bath, Maine called requesting information about a Lincoln resident who had lost their wallet in Maine.

Lewis Street (12:46 p.m.) — An individual reported an encounter with a dog. Animal Control was notified.

Lexington Road (5:32 p.m.) — A resident reported a suspicious individual at their front door. Police were notified and are investigating further.

Autumn Lane (7:42 p.m.) — A caller reported a delivery driver struck an object on their property. Officers responded to the scene.

Bedford Lane (10:29 p.m.) — A caller reported a suspicious circumstance involving a residential open door. Officers responded and spoke to the caller.

Wells Road (11:32 p.m.) — A caller reported an individual who appeared suspicious. The caller was advised that the individual was working on the property.

August 19

Donelan’s Supermarket (11:36 a.m.) — Police were notified of an unsupervised dog in the parking lot. The Animal Control officer was advised.

Conant Road (3:10 p.m.) — Police were dispatched to a residence to assist an individual with malfunctioning equipment in their home.

August 20

Twin Pond Lane (7:18 a.m.) — A resident reported receiving unwanted calls late in the evening. An officer responded and assisted the resident.

South Great Road (8:37 am.) — A caller reported losing a pair of glasses.

Mary’s Way (9:13 a.m.) — A resident asked to speak with an officer about being the victim of a possible fraud.

Hanscom Drive (11:33 a.m.) — Lincoln police assisted Hanscom Air Force Security Forces with an individual attempting to gain access to the base.

Hanscom Drive (12:06 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department assisted the Massport Fire Department with an individual injured at the airport.

Blackburnian Road (8:53 a.m.) — A caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked on the street near their residence. An officer checked the area but the vehicle was gone.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (10:02 p.m.) — An officer checked on several vehicles that were parked and unattended.

Corrections

The August 20 article headlined “Architects zero in on three design options for community center” had several errors:

  • The cost estimates given for the three schemes were the target costs (i.e., the maximum as stipulated by the November 2022 Town Meeting vote). The actual cost estimates are  $22.75 million for scheme 1, $18.7 million for scheme 2, and $12.05 million for scheme 3.
  • The square footage of scheme 1 was also listed incorrectly; it should have said 20,500 square feet. 
  • The description for scheme 1 mistakenly said that locating the maintenance facility in the main Hartwell building would add $850,000 to the cost. In fact it would save $850,000. 

The article has been updated to reflect these corrections.

Architects zero in on three design options for community center

(Editor’s note: this article was updated on August 22 to reflect corrections in the square footage of scheme 1 and the three estimated projects costs.)

ICON Architecture presented three design options to the Community Center Building Committee on August 16 and will forward them to the company’s cost estimator to get firmer price tags before the State of the Town charette on September 30.

The proposed square footage for programming and layout sketches can be seen on the indicated page numbers of the August 16 slide deck:

  1. Option 1, the courtyard scheme – page 17 (current estimate: $22.75 million)
    • Demolish all three pods and build a new 20,500-square-foot, one-story building
    • Total program space: 20,500 square feet
    • Incorporates 1,000 square feet for maintenance area (or relocate to main Hartwell building for a cost savings of $850,000)
  1. Option 2, the compact scheme – page 25 (current estimate:$18.7 million)
    • Demolish pods A and B; renovate pod C
    • 13,400 square feet of new construction in a two-story building and 4,965 square feet of renovation for total program space of 18,365 square feet
    • Incorporates 1,000 square feet for either maintenance or activity space (relocate maintenance in main Hartwell building for an additional $300,000)
  1. Option 3, the adaptive reuse scheme – page 33 (current estimate:$12.05 million)
    • Renovate pods A and B (9,885 square feet)
    • 6,185 square feet of new construction (connectors between pods all three)
    • Total program space: 16,000 square feet
    • Incorporates 1,000 square feet for either maintenance or activity space (relocate maintenance in main Hartwell building for an additional $300,000)
    • Optional: renovate pod C for an additional $3 million

The comparison table on page 11 shows the variables among the three options that center around programming space, the fate of Pod C (e.g., whether LEAP’s space will be renovated or not) and the level of site development. For example, option 3 (unlike the other two) does not include funds for a pedestrian bridge over the stream to the Brooks parking area and a raised Ballfield Road crosswalk, remediation of the former Strat’s playground to allow for a new playground or other use, or restorative landscaping.

At the State of the Town meeting in September, residents will have the chance to review the options in detail, ask questions, and express opinions. A preferred option with a specific dollar amount will be presented for a vote at a Special Town Meeting in November.

News acorns

Information session on private jet travel

Mothers Out Front invite everyone to participate in a statewide climate action call to learn about the high environmental cost and low societal benefit of expanding private jet travel on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at from 12-12:45 p.m. The issue is front and center because the state is considering a proposal to enlarge hangar space at Hanscom Field. Register here for this informational meeting. Sponsored by MOF chapters in Acton, Bedford, Concord, East Boston, Lincoln, and Winthrop — members of the Coalition to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere.

The Lincoln Cultural Council wants to hear from you

The Lincoln Cultural Council (LCC) manages grants supporting arts and culture in and around Lincoln. Members take the opinions and priorities of the residents of Lincoln into consideration when deciding on the grants to be awarded each year. To help inform priorities, they conduct a survey of town residents every three years. These priorities are then listed on the Lincoln section of the Mass Cultural Council’s website for prospective applicants to respond to. Please answer the questions in this very short survey by August 29 to help the Lincoln Cultural Council determine the arts and cultural priorities of Lincoln residents.

Library launches revamped website

The Lincoln Public Library’s redesigned website launched on August 4 offers a simplified navigation menu, dedicated pages for library’s Ongoing Events and Library of Things collection, and better website searching. The library worked with Compete Now to design the new website with a color palette to matches the library’s logo designed by staff member Tory Black.

Lincoln Open-Mic Night returns in September

The Beantown Buckaroos Trio

Lincoln Open-Mic Night (LOMA) returns on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 7–10 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Perform or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The featured performers that night are the Beantown Buckaroos Trio, a subset of the full band with Art Schatz on fiddle, Kevin Lynch on guitar, and Neil Helme on bass. They cook up classic western swing and country music with a dash of gumbo. Watch their cover of the Shelton Brothers’ classic, “Just Because.”

For a slot at this monthly event, performers should email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mic day) or (space permitting) sign up at the event. Names of those who are signed up by 7 p.m. will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Later this fall at LOMA:

Police log for August 1–12, 2023

August 1

Brooks Hill Road (1:28 a.m.) — An officer came upon an unsecured garage door. The homeowner was notified.

Airport Road (3:50 p.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding fraudulent banking activity.

Old Sudbury Road (5:26 p.m.) — A motorist struck a deer while traveling on Old Sudbury Road. The vehicle sustained minor damage. The DPW was called to remove the deceased animal.

Weston Road (6:23 p.m.) — A resident reported being the victim of an unemployment benefits scam.

Drumlin Farm (9:19 p.m.) — A motorist needed automotive assistance while parked at Drumlin Farm. A family member was on the way to help.

August 2

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:09 a.m.) —An individual operating a motorcycle in excess of 120mph passed an officer conducting a traffic assignment. The motorcycle failed to stop for the officer. Area towns and the Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Tower Road (1:02 a.m.) — An officer responded to a residence for a breaking and entering. It appears as though nothing was removed from the residence. The investigation is ongoing.

Lincoln Road (5:07 p.m.) — A 911 caller reported a minor motor vehicle crash on Lincoln Road. The parties were able to exchange information and drive from the scene.

August 3

Lincoln Road (5:00 p.m.) — An officer assisted the Waltham Police and Massachusetts State Police with the creation of a forensic sketch.

Ridge Road (5:09 p.m.) — An officer responded to a residence for the report of a dog barking.

Robbins Road, Hanscom AFB (6:12 p.m.) — An officer responded to Hanscom Air Force Base to assist a resident with a fraud incident.

Lexington Road (7:55 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence for a dispute involving two males. One of the individuals was transported to the hospital via family members. After an investigation was conducted and both parties were interviewed, a criminal complaint for assault and battery was filed against one of the males (as of August 16, the complaint hearing had not taken place so the person’s name is not yet public).

Wells Road (4:10 p.m.) — An officer delivered court paperwork to an individual.

August 4

South Great Road (3:56 p.m.) — A resident reported their dog was missing. A short time later, a resident from an adjacent street located the dog and notified the owner.

Sunnyside Lane (4:15 p.m.) — A resident returned home and found a deceased raccoon on their property. They were given the number for Animal Control.

Wells Road (5:35 p.m.) — A resident requested to speak to an officer regarding an ongoing matter.

North Great Road (8:58 p.m.) — A motorist called to report an injured deer on the side of the road. The deer was severely injured and was put down by a responding officer.

August 5

Tower Road (6:42 a.m.) — A resident called to report suspicious activity in the area of the gas pipe installation on Tower Road. The individuals were contractors with the company performing the installation.

Windingwood Lane (10:12 a.m.) — A caller requested to speak with an officer regarding fraudulent bank activity.

Concord Road (3:38 p.m.) — An officer issued a parking citation to an illegally parked vehicle.

Garland Road (4:05 p.m.) — A caller requested to speak with an officer regarding fraudulent bank activity.

Freedom Circle, Hanscom AFB (4:31 p.m.) — A caller asked to speak with an officer regarding an unauthorized sale of an item occurring in Florida. The caller was advised to contact the law enforcement agency where the sale was made.

Conant Road (4:46 p.m.) — An officer responded to the residence and spoke with an individual about an issue with their vehicle.

Concord Road (6:44 p.m.) — Police and fire units responded to a one-vehicle crash. The operator reported swerved to avoid a collision with a deer, struck a utility pole, and had to be towed from the scene.

Silver Birch Lane (8:16 p.m.) — A resident reported a neighbor’s dog was continuously barking. An officer responded and monitored the area for approximately 20 minutes. No noise was detected.

August 6

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (4:44 p.m.) — The Fire Department helped a resident get into their residence.

August 7

Winter Street (10:00 p.m.) — Officers assisted Waltham Police with contacting an individual regarding an incident occurring in Waltham.

Tower Road (12:00 p.m.) — A resident reported that a friendly dog had followed them home. The Animal Control Officer was notified and the dog and owner were reunited shortly thereafter.

August 8

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (7:56 a.m.) — A caller reported that a vehicle had left the roadway and gone into the woods. The Lincoln Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police responded.

Airport Road (8:03 a.m.) — Hanscom Air Force Base Law Enforcement contacted the Lincoln Police for an individual attempting to gain access to the base with an active arrest warrant. Francis Cloutier, 24, of Townsend was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued by Leominster District Court. He was booked and transported to Concord District Court.

Mill Street (10:41 a.m.) — A resident reported water in their basement. The Fire Department responded.

Beaver Pond Road (11:29 a.m.) — A resident reported a fraud incident involving their cell phone. An officer spoke to the resident and completed a report.

Birchwood Lane (2:06 p.m. and 4:48 p.m.) — An officer attempted to serve court paperwork and was successful on the second attempt.

Sandy Pond Road (7:23 p.m.) — Several individuals were advised not to fish at Sandy Pond before being sent on their way.

Wells Road (8:38 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence to assist the occupants with a civil matter.

August 9

Mount Misery parking lot (2:55 a.m.) — An officer came upon an occupied vehicle in the lot. The operator was sleeping before continuing on their way.

Concord Road (12:30 p.m.) — Officers responded to Concord Road for a two-vehicle crash. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Ridge Road (3:30 p.m.) — A resident reported water in their basement. The Fire Department responded to assist.

Southfield Circle, Concord (5:15 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded to the town of Concord for a mutual aid response.

Trapelo Road (5:22 p.m.) — A caller reported a woman walking on the side of the road who appeared in distress. Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate anyone.

August 10

Hanscom Drive (9:31 a.m.) — Hanscom Air Force Base Law Enforcement contacted Lincoln police for an individual attempting to gain access to the base with an active arrest warrant. Tyler Barlow, 26, from Worcester was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was booked and transported to Concord District Court.

North Great Road (10:36 a.m.) — A minor two-vehicle crash. One of the vehicles required a tow due to leaking fluids.

Round Hill Road (6:06 p.m.) — A resident reported seeing a dog run across their lawn. The resident was given the phone number for Animal Control.

August 11

Paul Revere lot, North Great Road (1:32 a.m.) — An officer checked on an unoccupied motor vehicle.

Sandy Pond Road (8:12 a.m.) — An officer responded to Sandy Pond Road for an illegally parked motor vehicle. The officer was then diverted to a crash call and the vehicle was gone once the officer returned.

North Great Road (8:20 a.m.) — A three-vehicle crash was reported at the intersection of Route 2A and Hanscom Drive. Police and fire units responded. A vehicle was turning left onto Hanscom Drive and failed to yield to a westbound vehicle. The subsequent crash caused one of the vehicles to strike a third vehicle. All occupants were transported to area hospitals for injuries sustained in the crash. The operator of the vehicle turning left was issued a written warning for failing to yield.

Wells Road (4:03 p.m.) — An officer was called to the commuter lot to check on a vehicle.

MMNHP Visitor Center parking lot, North Great Road (9:03 p.m.) — An officer checked on an occupied vehicle. The operator was advised the lot was closed and was sent on their way.

August 12

Moccasin Hill (10:36 a.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer about an ongoing incident.

Lincoln Road (2:39 p.m.) — A cyclist fell from their bicycle and suffered a knee injury. They were transported to the hospital via the Lincoln ambulance.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (6:16 p.m.) — Lincoln police assisted Massachusetts State Police with an incident on the off-ramp from I-95 in Lexington.

Longtime publication Lincoln Review is now on line

Here’s what the Lincoln Review looks like online. You can make the pages larger with the plus and minus buttons at the bottom right. The broken-square button lets you toggle back and forth from full screen to partial screen. Use the arrow keys on your computer to turn the pages. Click image to enlarge or click here to go directly to the online Lincoln Review. The first issue starts on page 6 of 752.

The Lincoln Review ceased publication in 2019 after more than 40 years — but now all of its back issues are available on the web where anyone can search and browse them.

The Lincoln Review was founded in 1977 by Ruth Hapgood, Nancy Bower, and Margaret Marsh “to provide residents and friends of the town of Lincoln with a small magazine or newsletter which will contain material of informational, educational, and literary interest.” Among its goals: “to bring back the history of the town to public awareness,” “to further literary ends by publishing good writing and by reviewing books; and in general, to provide a generally available means of public communication to further the cultural life of the town.”

Over the years, the Lincoln Review published thousands of news stories, artwork, poetry, historical articles, letters to the editor, and more. It was supported by advertising and subscriptions and was also sold at the Old Town Hall Exchange and Donelan’s. The last editors were longtime Lincoln residents Betty and Harold Smith.

After Harold’s death in 2019, Betty handed over the Lincoln Review’s reins to Lincoln Squirrel editor Alice Waugh, who reinvented it in digital-only form as the Lincoln Chipmunk with the help of donations and a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council — but also wondered if there was a way to digitize the back issues stored at the Lincoln Public Library. Barbara Myles, then the library’s director, submitted a request in 2021 to Digital Commonwealth, a free service that scans documents and images that are important to Massachusetts cultural heritage and uploads them to the web.

There was a backlog due to technical issues and the pandemic, but Myles learned in February 2023 that Digital Commonwealth was back in full swing. After being told that the Lincoln Public Library would “move up the list significantly” if someone brought the issues to the Boston Public Library rather than waiting for pickup, Myles did so in March. Then came the day in July that Melissa Roderick, who recently succeeded Myles as library director, got word that the job was done.

The online collection of Lincoln Reviews can be viewed at archive.org/details/lincolnreview14linc. The link is also on the library’s website under Archives & Local History >> Research the Collection (scroll down to “Online Collections”). The library still has the paper issues as well, though you’ll need an appointment to access them.

In the early years, the publication had copy typed on a manual typewriter and hand-made ads. The first issue in March 1977 opens with piece by Conservation Commission member Bob Lemire (still a Lincoln resident) about Lincoln’s open space plan (other founding members who are still with us include Janet Boynton, Beverly Eckhardt, and Rhoda Taschiaglou). Later in the issue are pieces by people running for town office and the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, which would feature a measure asking residents to buy the town’s first ambulance. In contrast to ambulances of the time that resembled station wagons, “the vehicle would have to be one of those big van-type machines.”

Also in that issue: ads for Lincoln institutions like Doherty’s and the Clark Gallery as well as bygone businesses such as the Broken Bridle Leather Shop on Lewis Street, the Richardson Drug Company in the long red building in next to the railroad tracks, the Country Squire restaurant in the gray building directly across the tracks, and the Inside-Outside Home Decorating Studio (an early mall tenant).

The Lincoln Chipmunk publishes writing and artwork by anyone with a Lincoln connection. The next deadline is September 1; click here for submission details.