The Ancient Order of Essex Weeders is a group of men who take care of the islands at the intersection of Routes 154 and 153, the entry way to the center of Essex Village from Rte. 9 and from Westbook on Rte 153. Our "Lead Weed" is Sam Rogers, pictured at the far left of the front row.
We are on duty every Thursday morning, April to October, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. After working during the off-season, we relax at a local shop for coffee, sweets, and conversation. We begin the season by replacing any shrubs that have died off over the winter. The Essex Garden Club provides perennials to be planted. The beds are mulched and the shrubs fertilized and trimmed. And there is aways weeding to be done. In addition to the islands, we plant and maintain the flowers around the silent policeman at the head of Main Street.
The Town provides us with traffic cones and safety vests. Private donations and funds from service clubs and individuals are used to pay for replacement plantings and fertilizer. Bombaci provides mulch to help maintain the gardens.
Robert Swain started the group in 1981. The islands were originally gravel and Swain convinced the State Highway Commission to make the islands suitable for planting. He approached the town's VFW post to ask if the members would be willing to help with the islands upkeep. Our group now relies on local residents for its members. Erl Nord was a cofounder and "Lead Weed" for many years until 2007. Erl was very active with many groups. In recognition of Erl's significant volunteerism, he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Essex. Erl passed in March, 2014 and is sorely missed.
What started as a work group is now also a social organization. In addition to Thursday morning coffees, we celebrate together each year with our companions at a summer fest and a holiday party. A "sub-group" participates in our Weeders Readers Book Club monthly discussions.
Anyone with an interest in helping to maintain the beauty of Essex and enjoy the comaraderie of Thursday morning coffee klatches and other social events is welcome to join. You use the contact form on this website or contact any of our members directly.
Members of the Ancient Order of Essex Weeders
lRichard Baird Ed Hamway John Pfarr Carlton Barlow Bill Hawke Bill lReichenbach Peter Bierrie Michael Haze Sam Rogers Roy Black Kevin Healy Ed Strait Tony Carrano Bob Johnson Jeff Sund Bill Chatman Richard Levene Ray Coyle Rod Lucas Thom Crosby Donald Miller Cynthia Field Ellen Pfarr