To the editor:

I am asking the Town of Tiverton why I can't just be left alone. I've been here for 300 years, and have had generations of families living here and raising their children. 

My original owner (I think - it was 300 years ago, mind you) was Samuel Hart. His son Jonathan was living here when he sold it to Peleg Simmons in 1750. Both Peleg and his sons fought in the American Revolution. Indeed, all three are buried here; Joseph's stone is the only one that's engraved, though, relating his part in the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778 where he died. 

Hicks was the next family I had, but they were only here for about 13 years when the Harts took over again for about a century of raising families and farming here. 

Horatio turned me over to another famous (or infamous?) Tivertonian, Herb Cavaca, a rum-runner. Now there was another exciting experience for me. Tunnels being dug, fake walls being built, a runway for his plane created in the middle of the cornfield, lots of activity at night . . . and I can't forget the shootouts! My attic is still bearing the scars and bullets from those encounters. After he left, there were a couple more families in here, working the farm again. It's been nice and quiet once more.

But now I hear they want to get rid of me - where I've been standing for three centuries. I don't understand why. If they can't have anybody living in me, why can't they just shut off the water, put anti-freeze in the pipes, and leave me alone? 

I hear that, instead of the cornfield, there are going to be solar panels ... which aren't anywhere near where I am. If they're going to mow and maintain the vegetation anyway (including the cemetery which hasn't been done for a long time), why can't they just check on my structure when they're here? I'll be quiet - I promise. I hear those panels will only be good for about 20-30 years - that's not long. What's two or three decades when you've been around as long as I have?

I wish I could have families around again - and hear the sounds of the sowing and harvesting I've heard for 300 years. I hope I can after these solar panels expire . . . I hope I'm still here to witness that.

Sue Anderson

Tiverton