I am writing about the proposed name change of Turners Falls to Great Falls (“What’s in a name?” July 2). First of all, I would like to thank the petition initiator for bringing the history of the town’s name to the public consciousness at this time of national reckoning.
However, I am also bearing in mind the story which appeared on the previous day’s front page (“Nipmuc Nation spells out position”) about a petition that was launched on behalf of the tribe without the tribal leaders or the tribal council having been consulted. I do not know if the initiator of this latest petition is a member of the Nipmuc Nation, But before signing I would like to hear from the Nation’s representatives first of all.
Could the Gazette offer a follow-up? My own opinion is that “Great Falls” is a rather bland name that fails to honor the indigenous history of our region. I think Nipmuc Falls might be a more inspiring name than Great Falls, but what I mostly think is that the Nipmuc Nation should be consulted (if they have not been already) before any changes are made.
Kathryn Argetsinger
Holyoke