In recent geological terms, around 22,000 years ago, ice covered all of New England and extended south to Long Island, NY. The ice sheet was up to 2 miles thick, much of the Ocean’s water was taken up by the massive sheets of ice which caused sea level to fall by at least 400 feet. When the ice retreated Laurel Hill, Ice Glen and surrounding features emerged into watery sun light.

Greetings Laurel Hill Associates and friends of Stockbridge. The big day has arrived. I am humbled and honored to be standing at this historic rostrum to share some remarks that will connect me both to the illustrious history of all those famous speakers who have gone before. I will also attempt to tie these remarks to the time and place on this Earth within which we find ourselves today!

For the past 170 years local Stockbridge residents and other friends have gathered in front of a rock outcropping in Laurel Hill park located behind the Stockbridge Town Offices. This year the keynote address will be delivered by Starling (Star) Childs.

This August, Laurel Hill Association will present special programs celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, the founder of American landscape architecture. Beginning in the late 1800's, Olmsted's firm designed parks and scenic settings throughout the United States and in the Berkshires.