The memorial to Ken Newcomb was made possible by financial contributions from many of his friends and family and by the unstinting volunteers who conceived and designed and transported the stone bench.
To all of these thoughtful people, too numerous to list, the Friends extend their deepest gratitude.
The Friends sited Ken’s memorial bench at Artists’ Point, a location that Ken loved and about which he wrote in his Walking Tour of Hemlock Gorge.
We hope that many generations of visitors will sit on Ken’s bench and savor the view that he cherished so much and sought so hard to preserve.
The Celebration at which we dedicated dedicate Ken’s memorial was held as part of the Friends’ Annual summer picnic. A celebration of his publications was held in 1998.
There was a large attendance, including many members of the Friends, four generations of Ken’s family, and City and State officials.
Brian Yates, President of the Friends and Alderman of Newton, presided over the festivities.
There was much reminiscence and praise of Ken for his many years of dedicated work.
The Friends extend sincere thanks to the work crew whose hard work made placement of the Memorial at Artists’ Point possible. Special thanks go to Newton Memorial Arts, who designed the stone, and to the crew who moved it to its permanent location under the direction of site supervisor Kevin Hollenbeck.
Dedication Gallery
Lee Fisher and Vaunita Schnell after the dedication
Webmaster John Mordes and Brian Yates after the dedication in the Stone Building
After the dedication
Hank and Bobbi, without whose efforts the memorial and dedication could not have taken place.
Bobbi hard at work helping serve after the dedication
Four generations of the Newcomb family attended the dedication
After the dedication
After the dedication
After the dedication
The dedication dessert!
Bobbi Demers with the Dedication Cake
The close of the dedication ceremony
Brian has everyone’s attention. Brian and Ken were friends for many years.
Friends’ President, Alderman Brian Yates speaking at the dedication ceremony
Speaking at the ceremony
A moment of silent prayer
Ken’s family and friends
Hank Lysaght speaking at the ceremony
The director of the Jackson Homestead speaking at the dedication ceremony
At the dedication ceremony.
At the dedication ceremony.
After the picnic main course, we proceeded to the memorial for the dedication.
Hank, Brian, and Kevin
Bobbi Demers at the event. Bobbi was instrumental in getting everything organized, as here
Kevin Hollenbeck did yeoman’s service installing the memorial bench, making picnic arrangements, and serving as chef extraordinaire!
Soon Cho and Sarah Hannah at the picnic
At the picnic
Brian, Rep. Pietsch, and guests.
Friends’ past president
At the picnic
Brian Yates and Rep. Alice Pietsch
Friends’ secretary Hanna Raffa and her husband
Ken’s son (right)
Our picnic took place by the Stone Building, which The Friends are slowly renovating.
More than 30 Friends and members of the Newcomb family attended