NEW SALEM — These days it might take five or six workers to accumulate a century of combined service to a single employer. But in New Salem, you need only one household.
Glen and Rose Mary Lyman were recently presented with a citation from the Massachusetts Senate to commend them on 100 years of combined service to their town. Glen, 80, started by working for the New Salem Highway and Cemetery departments in 1960 before retiring from highway work in 2000. Rose Mary worked for the Cemetery Department for 40 years before both retired from municipal service in July. However, Rose Mary is still employed as a school bus driver — a job she has had for 41 years.
“It was a total surprise and I’m just overwhelmed,” Rose Mary said of the citation. “It was really nice of them.”
Glen mentioned he also still operates a farm and sells hay and wood.
“We keep pretty busy,” he said. The couple has been married 53 years, having met because Rose Mary was best friends with Glen’s sister.
Rose Mary, 71, said she started working as a trimmer for the Cemetery Department and eventually handled all the mowing. She also put American flags on veterans’ graves.
“I kind of miss it. … I got a lot of thinking done on the ride-on mower out there,” she said, adding that she took a great deal of pride in her work. “It meant a lot to me.”
Glen said he had some good bosses over the past six decades, but that it was time to retire.
“I figured that after 60 years, it’s probably enough,” he said. Of his Highway Department position, he added, “It was a good job. It was two miles away (from my house) and every day was different.”
Selectboard Chair Randy Gordon said it is important to recognize the Lymans for their years of service.
“I have nothing but positive things to say,” he said, adding that Rose Mary was his children’s school bus driver. “They loved her.”
Selectboard member Wayne Hachey said the Lymans’ service has been tremendous.
“They’ve actually been incredible,” Hachey said. “I know the Lymans absolutely love the town.”
Born in Newburyport, Rose Mary lived in Maine until she was 8, at which time her family moved to New Salem for work opportunities and to be closer to family. Glen was born in Athol and his family moved to New Salem in 1946.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.