In this Issue
June 2005

CITIZEN KANE
Progress surfaces down by the river
By Tim Kane

Tim Kane

Jim White (left) and ConCom member Ken Cleveland discuss plans to add a patio to White's Landing. Below, Patti White (left) talks with local artist Rebecca Marona about the paintings she has on sale at the store.

We’ve driven over the crumbling bridge traversing Quaboag River beside White’s landing many times. “Newbees” to town think the old red barn sitting there is nothing more than a bait shop for crotchety old fishermen.

Determined to discover the truth, I stopped by White’s Landing after my weekly dump trip one recent Saturday morning and was pleasantly surprised by its diverse offerings. The place is slowly but surely getting a makeover thanks to its co-owners, Jim and Patti White of Holden. Since the last time I stopped in about three years ago, White’s Landing has been transformed into a quaint country store, cafe and boat rental shop. And that’s not nearly the end of this story. Jim says he plans to install an outdoor patio area where you now see a few picnic tables on the back portion of his property. With new landscaping in place, he hopes to market his store as a place at which to hold special functions and events. He even wants to build an atrium room off the back where patrons can sit, enjoy a sandwich and soda, and take in all the beautiful surroundings.

“The Quaboag River and surrounding area hold tremendous natural, historical, environmental, visual and spiritual value,” says Jim through his Web site at www.whiteslanding.com. “Through the success and profitability of our business, our goal as caretakers is to raise awareness of these treasurers, help preserve them and share them with as many appreciative visitors as possible.”

And that awareness could launch his business to even greater heights of success, making it a destination point for visitors and residents of Brookfield alike. And here’s where things get really exciting.

During my tour, Ken Cleveland, a member of the Conservation Commission and unofficial mayor of Brookfield, happened to stop by, and I’m sure glad he did. Both Jim and Cleveland spoke passionately of the historical significance of the area and potential opportunities on the horizon to better promote it. For instance, White’s Landing is located on the Quaboag Plantation, which originated in 1660. Jim and Patti, who are actual descendants of the Mayflower’s White Family, founded the business in 2001. And a few curves downstream boaters can find a memorial to Lucy Stone, 1818–93, who’s the pride of West Brookfield. Stone was a national reformer and leader in the women’s rights movement.

Knowing this brief history, you can begin to understand the huge potential of White’s Landing and this specific stretch of river. So can Cleveland and Jim. Sen. Steve Brewer, D-Barre, and Rep. Ann Gobi, D-Spencer, can too. Our local legislators met recently with the pair to discuss designating 15 miles of Quaboag River as a state recognized canoe trail, running from DPW yard in East Brookfield down to the Lucy Stone marker. And that route would run right past White’s Landing. There’s even talk of applying to become part of the federally funded Quinebaug Shetucket National Rivers Heritage Corridor. Both the state and federal designations would bring big dollars and exposure to our quiet little town. Given our rising taxes, we could certainly use some more investment here.

Despite all the future promise White’s Landing holds for our community, what’s there now is something to be experienced. If you have ever looked at the beautiful sunsets along the river while driving by, then imagine the glare off the waters as you paddle along in a canoe, kayak or sit with a group friends on a pontoon boat. Jim and Patti offer full rentals and tours daily except for Tuesdays. Their country store and gift shop provides the perfect respite after long day on the river, or even 30 minutes. There’s even nice art for sale by local painter Rebecca Marona.

Look out Sturbridge. Dreams are what you make of them, and with the help of Brewer and Gobi, our town has a great opportunity to become a bonifide tourist attraction. All it takes is a little vision and a whole lot of love.

As a volunteer, Tim Kane is co-editor of the Brookfield Citizen.