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To the Editors:

My name is Mary Ritch Wood. Like Ruth Emily Bray Hilliard, I grew up in Boston Township. I read with interest her comments in Your Community News.

My mother was Emily Fisher Ritch. Marion Bray (Ruth Emily`s mother) and my mom were best friends. They grew up together in Boston.

Amy Anderson was right. Mrs. Bray was an institution. At Boston Elementary School you didn`t go to sixth grade, you went to Mrs. Bray`s class.

When Mrs. Bray passed, Mom mourned her life-long friend. When the Park demolished the Bray home Mom`s heart was broken again. She knew all the hard work and love that went into that house.

As for me, I have many memories of all the time spent at Bray`s. I would love to see if the log frame for a "camp" we built still exists. Terry Montaquilla gave us the tar paper for the roof and sides (long gone). He took pity on the five girls (led by Ruth Emily) who pooled their money to buy it from him.

When the actual demolition took place my Dad and Ben Lahoski walked down the hill from Morris Drive and across Riverview Road to observe the action. Dad salvaged a brick from the house for Mom.

That brick along with a few pieces of sandstone from Deep Lock Quarry (Grandpa Ritch worked there) is in my home now. They remind me of a wonderful time in my life.

It also reminds me of what the Park has destroyed; homes built with love and filled with the warmth and respect of strong families. Not only the Bray`s but many others.

The Boston Township where I and many others my age grew up is no longer there. What was kept is not recognizable. But, one thing is certain, the Park cannot take away or destroy my memories.

Ruth Emily, my family would absolutely, positively, 110% vote with yours.