Memories of Lee Ford Swanson

In memory of

Lee Ford Swanson

Sudbury, MA

May 26, 1938 - January 22, 2022

May 26, 1938 - Jan 22, 2022

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Carol Steinfeld

1989, Stow, MA, USA

I knew Lee as a housemate of his in an eclectic rented house in Stow around 1989. It was like a treehouse inside with interesting open spaces; I literally lived in a balcony there and loved it. Lee really knew how to create a magical space--from the indoor glass trickling German fountain he kept on for white noise, to the many tall plants with twinkle lights, vintage furniture, and what he called Swedish Christmas decor. He had a great organic style. (I so wish I was saying that to him now.) I learned a lot from him and his great aesthetic sense. I still recall his stories about his family and the Minutemen, his father and the days of the store at the Wayside Inn. The garage was packed to the door with his collections of whimsy, inventions that failed to take on, ephemera, chairs. His Colonial-era garb was always an inspiration. He insisted on sewing it all himself. Stow was a magical place then, and Lee truly added to that. I'm glad to learn that he did the same in Sudbury and was appreciated for that.

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YON - Jan C. Hardenbergh

2004, Hosmer House Holiday Party

YON - Jan C. Hardenbergh

1990

Painting of Lee

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YON - Jan C. Hardenbergh

Wayside Inn

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Charlene Shelton

I was devastated when I heard the news. Lee was my neighbor and friend. He was so kind and had a heart of gold. A few years back I was going through some bad things and Lee was there for me with an encouraging word. I will never forget him. He was such a fighter for the underdog and he literally fought for his life these last 6 months. He was a leader in our community and will be truly missed. I love you, Lee and will never forget you. Charlene

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YON - Jan C. Hardenbergh

2022, Nobscot Hill, Framingham, MA, USA

The view of Boston from Tantamous's Table, aka, Jethro's Table or Tantamount Lookout

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Comments:

YON - Jan C. Hardenbergh

I have three strong memories of a healthy Lee Swanson. Let me tell you about one corner of Sudbury that really made Lee come alive - Nobscot. The specific sites were covered in the article, Preserving Nobscot’s History, in the Sudbury Town Crier in 2008. The image above with Lee's arms open wide was taken for that article. This is the grinding bowl where native Nipmucs would grind corn and nuts. Lee would point out other stones with less pronounced bowls, but still likely spots for grinding when the need arose. And the many, many rocks with a bit of a lean and still black faces holding native memories. He would make his way through the woods picking his paths with confidence or mischievousness depending on the day and his audience. He had stories for each path, for example, 30 Rod Road was 30 rods wide. He would have just turned 70 when he led the large group walks to support the Town's purchase of the Nobscot development rights in 2008. Still spry enough then to get up to Tantamous's cave, which is right below Tantamount Lookout, just below the summit of Nobscot Hill. The awesome viewpoint on Boston is also know as Jethro's Table, which is the flat rock at the entrance to Tantamous's cave. Another spot Lee loved to visit is General John Nixon's cellar hole a bit farther into the woods. And if you keep going, you get to Ford's Folly. It is a 30 foot dam that does not hold water and sits in the middle of the woods. Next on the tour is the Smallpox burial ground and cellars for the pest houses. And then Tippling Rock, which he said may have been used as a telegraph by the Nipmuc peoples. I made a map showing the sites that you can find at jch.com/tipplingrock/NobscotHistory.html

I have three strong memories of a healthy Lee Swanson. Let me tell you about one corner of Sudbury that really... Read more I have three strong memories of a healthy Lee Swanson. Let me tell you about one corner of Sudbury that really made Lee come alive... Read more I have three strong memories of a healthy Lee Swanson.... Read more

Mara Huston

I really appreciate how Lee helped the kids in Sudbury understand their history. When my kids were younger and involved in the cub scout program, he welcomed a den of cub scouts in to learn about Sudbury history. He used historical maps of Sudbury to show the kids how the town had grown. The kids were able to see when their street was created. He brought Sudbury history to life for these kids. RIP in Lee. You were always friendly and welcoming in all interactions.

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