FLORENCE SAWYER,
THE WOMAN
On Wednesday, August 27, 1997 Bolton's children attended their first day at the town's new K-8 school, named to honor Florence Sawyer. Just who was she, and what did she do?
For years, Florence Sawyer was known to be a guiding beacon for many of the town's children. She was a friend, a mentor, and a companion to Bolton's children, and she headed up many organizations for children.
Florence Sawyer moved to Bolton from Berlin with her husband, Perley, and became so involved in the town that a 1971 Worcester Telegram and Gazette article reported she was often called Bolton's first lady. Sawyer, who died in 1973 at the age of 89, was involved in many town activities, from the Federated Church to several 4-H clubs. But what Sawyer is most remembered for is her unmistakable influence on the town's children, so much so that more than 20 years after her death, a majority of residents who voted on the new school's name chose Florence Sawyer School.
Sawyer spent hours and hours reading to, teaching, and watching over Bolton's children. By many accounts, she was the backbone of Bolton 4-H. For more than 40 years, Sawyer led many home-focused and nature-focused 4-H groups. According to About Bolton, the 1988 Bolton history written by the late Esther K. Whitcomb, Sawyer received many 4-H awards, including recognition as having had the longest service of any 4-H leader in Massachusetts. Eventually, she received the Ruby Clover, a national 4-H award for leadership.
Her generosity extended throughout the community. In 1969 Sawyer donated her home to the Bolton Historical Society, of which she was a charter member. The Historical Society now uses the home at 676 Main Street as its headquarters and museum. Sawyer donated 16 acres of land behind the property to the town. Part of the Sawyer Gift, as the land is known, is slated to become the site of Bolton's housing project for senior citizens.
Florence Sawyer's name is rarely uttered without mention of her love of children and her no-nonsense attitude. Florence and husband Perley, who was a distant relation of hers, had no children of their own, but their house was full of youngsters much of the time. She once led the "Hop to It 4-H" group, which celebrated the life of frogs. In honor of her teachings, Sawyer's pupils showered her with a collection of frog figurines, hundreds of which are on display at the Historical Society.
About Bolton also mentions Sawyer was the permanent chairwoman of the work committee at the Women's Society of the Federated Church and was known to carry a basket of various sewing items to the meetings to keep busy. She also served as a trustee of the church and taught Sunday school classes. She was involved in Bolton's Federated Church from the time it was formed in 1931 in conjunction with Unitarians, Baptists, and Quakers.
She was chairwoman of the Bolton Public Health Committee for nearly 40 years and was involved in myriad groups including the March of Dimes and Heart Fund drives and the D.O.N. Edes American Legion Auxiliary Unit 258. And in keeping with her concern for children, she was a founding member of the Recreation Club in town, which created summertime activities for children.