In the four years we have published this ezine, we have presented hundreds of articles about Concord's past, present and future. Many were about issues and topics involving the entire town and all her inhabitants. Others focus on one single geographic section of Concord.

But surprisingly little has been published specifically about West Concord. It has simply been given short shrift -- a fact I have bemoaned since our first issue in 1998.

I spent my first eight years in Concord living on Warner's Pond in West Concord; that's where I first fell in love with this town. I regret there has been such meager coverage of this marvelous, vital, and fascinating part of Concord. But despite my nearly begging for articles featuring West Concord subjects, we have been offered but few. What's an editor to do?

People have been much more interested in writing on other topics. After all: West Concord boasts no internationally-sexy topics like the North Bridge and Concord Fight, Walden Pond, or the homes of Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau and the Alcotts. West Concord's story is a reflection of our nation's history, not the maker of it.

But West Concord has a plenty of positives to compensate. "For both better and for worse, there has historically been less emphasis on planning in the development of West Concord," says Carrie Flood, Director of the Concord Chamber of Commerce and a West Concord resident. "As a result, it developed in a more diverse way with a stronger mix of housing and business coexisting happily." Another helpful feature which contributes to this harmonious blend is that its small-scale manufacturing businesses are both conveniently located yet are invisible except along the railroad tracks. She reports that Concord's Planning and Land Management Department considers these advantages something to replicate in areas like Thoreau Street.

"It was also a great place to grow up 40 years ago -- as it is today as I raise my own family," Flood continues. "Shopping, the library, playgrounds, and churches are all nearby. And the smaller lots closer to the center mean a stronger sense of neighborhood than in many other parts of town."

"But aren't we all just one town?" I can hear some readers begin to wail just about now. "Isn't this sort of talk divisive? Doesn't discussing such prejudice and classism simply sustain it?"

Yes, West Concord is part of Concord. And no, actually, I think NOT talking about these attitudes is more divisive and has contributed to the longevity of these outdated sentiments. Remaining silent doesn't help us to honestly examine our biases, but it does allow the status quo to persist unchallenged.

But we need your help. Do you love West Concord? Do you value her for her distinctive history, culture, businesses, or people? Please contact us with your story ideas, and especially if you have artwork, photography, or articles you'd like to contribute. We publish both new and seasoned writers and artists' work, so don't be shy. See our writer's guidelines for more information.

Photo Top: Warner's Pond frozen over in Winter. ©2002 Rich Stevenson.
Artwork: Pat's Web Graphics.