Community rallies to honor local historian with unmarked grave

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around honoring the legacy of a local figure, Jesse Salisbury, who contributed significantly to the community's heritage through his writings and role as a weatherman. The proposal, put forth by David Blanca, aims to mark the unmarked grave of this individual, who was buried at the town's expense after passing away without means.

Blanca emphasized the importance of recognizing the man's contributions to Milford culture, particularly his extensive writings on local history and lore. He suggested that a fitting tribute would be to etch a commemorative message directly onto the gravestone, which currently only displays the names of the deceased's parents. The idea is to ensure that the grave reflects the individual's significance to the community.

Salisbury's self-education and prolific writing—amounting to thousands of articles—were highlighted as key aspects of his legacy. Blanca noted that the local library housed a significant collection of books donated by Salisbury, although much of it has been redistributed to other libraries.

To move forward with the tribute, Blanca has initiated a legal notice process, with plans to publish an article in the local newspaper to raise awareness and gather community input. He expressed a desire to involve the public in deciding the wording for the gravestone inscription, aiming to encapsulate the appreciation the community holds for Salisbury's contributions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further assess the project's impact and costs, with Blanca indicating that fundraising efforts would be organized if necessary. The initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve local history and honor those who have shaped the community's identity.