Treasure Hunt: Maxant Field
Here is a treasure hunt you must do.
Come to Still River and the Harvard Fire Station
number two.
Drive into the lane to the left of the Fire
Station,
Park behind the building, in a safe location.
Be sure you don’t block the cart path or fire
engine door,
‘Ere you begin the “meadow walk”
tour.
March east into the meadow, once Mr. Maxant’s
airfield,
Now the worn path, where Farmer Willard’s hard
work is revealed.
Stride awhile along the stone boundary, eventually
passing the opening in the wall,
Lining the path are stately Spruce trees; some short
and some tall.
Notice to the left, a grove of beach
And the birdhouse here is just out of reach.
Take a right toward the birdhouse along the Frog
Pond,
Clearly of these, Mrs. Maxant had been quite fond!
Walk up the hill toward the house and the flag.
On a windy day you’ll see the New England emblem
give a wag.
En route admire the bee houses, airplane hangar and
soaring Cedar.
Now you know Mr. Maxant’s passions and hobbies,
especially honey from bees and his two-seater!
Mr. Maxant, renowned as beekeeper
extraordinaire,
Orchardist and avid pilot these combined professions
are quite rare.
Mrs. Maxant loved Kingfishers, their home you now
see,
These birds eat fish, but they like to snack on a
bee!
Did you know that Kingfishers eat bees? An interesting family story, no doubt!
West into the apple trees toward Wachusett
you’ll pace,
No more than thirty-five steps, remember it’s
not a race.
Turn south to the left; direction Willard Lane,
It’s relatively flat, beautiful orchard
terrain.
Once you reach the telephone pole,
What else? A fourth birdhouse; you’ve met your
next goal.
Go west walking parallel to the small country
road,
If you’re lucky this edge path has recently been
mowed.
Take a right going north between the two crops,
Look hard and view the old Baptist Church through the
tree tops.
Did you know that the Harvard Historical Society is housed in the Old Baptist Church here in Still River?
Once you arrive at the old stonewall,
Search for the coveted stamp box and hear the
crow’s notorious call.
Return to the parking lot at the white Fire
Station,
We hope you’ve enjoyed the Maxant Field and its
splendid revelation!
