There was once a Szawlowski potato farm down in the Mmeadows of Northampton, on land now known as Sheldon Field.
I grew up on Day Avenue on the route from Bates Street over the dry bridge where the young “towheads” drove the tractors on the farm. They were born to work and work they did. Day in and day out. Later I met John, Chet and Frank during high school. I did not know Stanley.
Now, I live on Elm Street in Hatfield and deja vu, tractors and “towheads” enter the scene, perhaps grandchildren of this diligent, hardworking family.
It was told to me by one of John’s classmates that he was awarded a full college football scholarship (circa 1953). His mother requested he stay home to help with the farm. John honored his mom’s request and worked on the farm his entire life.
Whatever the outcome of their personal family dispute, they deserve our respect, understanding and support.
Judith “Jude” Smith
Hatfield