Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2013.95.8 |
Object Name |
Proclamation |
Scope & Content |
Proclamation for Ethel Doris "Granny D" Haddock on February 7, 2006. The proclamation was singed by Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti. The proclamation reads: Whereas: it is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize a powerful voice of conscience who has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership, fortitude, determination and patriotism in service to the American people; and Whereas: On January 24, 1910, Ethel Doris Haddock was born the beautiful daughter of a hardworking family in Laconia, N.H., and immediately began making plans to become one of our nation's "Most Unforgettable Characters": and Whereas: Educated in New Hampshire schools, Doris later went on attend the prestigious Emerson College in Boston, MA. Leaving after just 3 years and to everyone's great surprise, and to James Haddock's great delight, as she married him and began a 50 year odyssey full of hiking, deep friendship, political activism, two beautiful children, and sixteen great-grand children: and Whereas: With her husband Jim, Doris worked hard to raise her family during the Great Depression, working in a shoe factory in Manchester for twenty years while finding the time to drive across the country in a crowded Volkswagen to Alaska to help stop the planned use of hydrogen bombs in 1960, saving an Inuit fishing village at Point Hope, and Whereas: Jim and Doris retired to Dublin, N.H. in 1972, where Doris served on the planning board and was active in civic life and after 62 wonderful years together, Doris nursed Jim through 10 difficult years of Alzheimer's disease, and Whereas: In 1998, she decided to walk across the United States to demonstrate her conviction for national political reform by getting in shape for the nation-wide trek that began on Jan. 1, 1999, at the remarkable age of 89. "Granny D" began walking 10 miles per day in Pasadena, California, hospitalized once, with dehydration, blisters, and pneumonia, she never went without 3 meals a day, a bed or the generosity and kindness of friends she met along the way: and Whereas: Her route spanned the nation and her hardest miles where climbing the Appalachian range during blizzard conditions, when snow between Cumberland, MD. And Washington D.C. threatened to delay her arrival in February of 2000. She cross-country skied 100 miles along the Old C&O Canal tow path. (Yes, she is a lifelong skier.) In all, she walked for 14 months, ultimately arriving in Washington D.C. on February 29, 2000, walking an amazing 3,200 miles; and Whereas: Granny D's incredible example in word and deed, has set a standard for civic involvement and her lasting contributions, advocacy and support for democracy have fostered a stronger sense of community, cooperation, and optimism: and Whereas: This remarkable woman, deeply cared for by those who have come to know her, as forged a legacy of service to others that will stand as an enduring reminder of her pilgrimage for a greater America and she will undoubtedly be remembered with great affection & gratitude; and Now Therefore: By the authority vested in my as mayor, I hereby present this official citation of appreciation to "Granny D" in Peabody, Massachusetts and urge others to join me in extending thanks and appreciation to "Granny D" in recognition of the tremendous contributions she has made to the future of our great democracy. Be it resolved, that a copy of this citation be presented to the honorable Peabody City Council to be read into the permanent record of the City. In witness whereof, I have hereunto, set my hand and caused to be affixed to great seal of the City of Peabody, Massachusetts, this 7th Day of February 2006. [ Signed ] Michael J. Bonfanti, Mayor City of Peabody |
Access Conditions |
Restricted to use in Sutton Room or Research area. |
Physical characteristics |
paper/plastic |
Creator |
Michael J. Bonfanti, Mayor -- City of Peabody |
Title |
Proclamation for Ethel Doris "Granny D" Haddock |
Level of description |
Item |
Copyrights |
All copyrights belong to the Peabody Institute Library, Peabody, MA |
Collection |
Local History Resource Center |
Subjects |
Bonfanti, Michael J. (1944- ). Granny D Haddock, Ethel Doris (Granny D) (1910-2010). Peabody (Mass.) Peabody (Mass.)--Centennial celebrations, etc. Peabody (Mass.)--History Peabody (Mass.)--History - Politics and government |
Parent ObjectID |
2015.7.1 |