Trashing History And Memories

To the Editor:

Parents, do you know where your son or daughter was on Good Friday, April 2, 2010? I know where they were. Once again, they were vandalizing my property on Hundred Acres Road. It is hard to believe that you don’t see them leave with spray paint cans, crow bars, and bolt cutters or return smelling of paint.

This is not the first time that these young people have chosen to damage a homestead that has been around since the 1840s. Arson, graffiti, window breakage is only a part of the damage that I have experienced since March of 2009. The last of my family died in 2007 and I have been trying to keep this bit of Newtown history up, but with the lack of respect that a few youths have displayed the original windows of the 1800s, doors, etc, have all but been demolished. The interior has been ransacked and walls spray painted.

In addition to the cost to repair all the damage, the damage that has been done to all my childhood memories of visiting my grandparents and aunts is profound. Seeing all the buildings spray painted with vulgar language and windows totally destroyed is forever imbedded in my mind. The newest is a threat that they will be back to continue what they determine to be “fun.”

I have notified the police that a reward will be given by me for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who are involved in this senseless destruction. Parents, please speak with your children and explain that this sort of “fun” has long range and lasting affects if a conviction results. Please notify the Detective Division at 203- 426-5841 or phone me at 413-348-3875.

Melanie Leibold

Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                                      April 6, 2010