Ray and Muriel Larson, 2009

The Attleboro Land Trust mourns the passing of Ray Larson on February 9.  Larson Woodland was donated to the land trust by Ray in 1997 and formally dedicated at a ceremony held on October 31, 1999, with Congressman Jim McGovern in attendance.

The dedication read as follows:

“The gift of Larson Woodland comes from a man with deep roots in Attleboro and a faith in our city’s future.  Ray Larson has made this neighborhood home for his entire life.  By preserving this precious piece of landscape, Ray and his wife Muriel have ensured that all future visitors to this area will be able to experience the same sense of place, the same sense of continuity which they have known.

“This property is dedicated to all of the children who have trod its riverbanks on the way to school at Willett and St. John’s, to all the workers who have passed this way enroute to the Watson mill buildings, and to all the residents who have lived in the shadow of these tall trees.

“In this place where the power of the Ten Mile River was once harnessed to sustain industry, a member of the city’s industrial community has made a gift that will help us to sustain the river.  May all who come here appreciate this gift, enjoy this place, and help to take care of it.”

Congressman Jim McGovern with Muriel and Ray Larson at the dedication of Larson Woodland.

ALT members and friends at the Larson Woodland dedication in 1999.