Rena's Cave

Hikers gather along the trail

About fifteen to twenty participants met at scenic Lawton Hill to learn about the proposed “Quiet Reflections” garden, take a hike, and finish with a picnic lunch. Before the hike, Donna Baldwin explained “Quiet Reflections.” This is a work in progress and will provide a lasting tribute to a loved one, as well as a quiet area for reflection. It will be a garden located in the center of Williamsburg behind the Grange Hall building.

Led by Williamsburg Woodland Trails Comittee members Gwen Blodgett and Kathy Emerson, the hike began at the Turner Pavilion near the private residence of Deb and Bill Turner, continued through their backyard fields, then into the woods. Here, the route went past and then through a 127 acre town-owned parcel called descriptively, "The Town Lot", over Town Lot Brook, and through several other parcels before looping back.

Local historian Ralmon Black then met the hikers and interpreted some interesting historic features. This included a cellar hole which was once the boyhood home of Stephen Meekins. This is the same Meekins who later donated money to build the library in Williamsburg. “Rena’s Cave” was also explored. This cave is a formation of rocks where one can walk through to the other side. It was named after Rena who was Stephen Meekins’ sister. The story says that Rena often retreated to this cave to grieve and wail because she was denied her marriage.

The two hour hike concluded with a picnic lunch at the Turner Pavilion which has a lovely view of the surrounding hills. More than one hundred dollars was donated by the participants toward the “Quiet Reflections” garden. Many thanks go out to Deb and Bill Turner for sharing their property and facilities.

(Photos courtesy of Gwen Blodgett)