A lack of trees in the High Street was Billericay's major shortcoming 111 years ago, according to a distinguished visitor from the United States.
A newspaper article uncovered by a historian in Billericay's twin town of Billerica, Massachusetts, has been sent to the chairman of the Billericay Mayflower Twinning Association, Hazel Morley.
Memories of a bygone age - Hazel Morley with the cutting she was sent from Billerica, USA Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Mrs Morley, who lives in Laindon Road, received the article in a letter from Margaret Ingraham, a historian in the New England town. The article told of a visit to Billericay in 1892 by Martha Hill Sage.
The archive piece has fascinated Mrs Morley, and other members of the association. She said: "The article gives a wonderfully atmospheric description of Billericay towards the end of the 19th century."
Martha, who stayed at the Red Lion Hotel during her visit, was a seventh generation descendent of Ralph Hill, a former Billericay resident and one of the founders of Billerica.
The full article will be on display at Billericay Library between August 18 and August 30.
Published Thursday, June 26, 2003
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