Town meetings are sometimes contentious. Someone new to town couldn’t escape the palpable discord in the air and might be a little confused at the simultaneous handshakes and hugs that accompany the tension, relationships often superseding differences of opinion.
What might also be confusing is the nomination of the moderator. Who would opt to preside over such a factious affair? A newcomer to town meetings might expect someone sterner, gruffer, more formidable than the humble person who takes the podium on unanimous approval — a woman with the warmest smile and mildest disposition imaginable. Yet it is exactly her presence that is appreciated, and respected, at the most antagonistic of times.
Susan Hochstetter brings to the podium respect, a knowledge of the rules, neutrality, an understanding of the town, fairness, a sense of calm, and all the qualities required to moderate, in every sense of the word, small town politics. A model of decorum, she brings these traits to all of her community commitments.
As a charter member, and president of the Antiquarian and Historical Society for nearly twenty years, Sue has been responsible for several initiatives that have educated and entertained us. During her tenure, residents have learned of the “Pirates of Hampton” and the “Witches of Connecticut”, of trains and of toile, and of the “Notable and Notorious” of the Last Green Valley. The Society has entertained us with work songs of the world, Civil War songs, and old-fashioned favorites, hosted the State Historian and the State Archeologist, distributed old documents, sponsored appraisers for residents’ antiques, and provided a demonstration on “How to Sit in a Hoop Skirt”. Sue has also secured grants for the Society and has started work on the restoration of the museum’s shed.
An integral component of our town, the Society has always contributed to community celebrations. On Memorial Day, its members have marched as the “Spirit of ‘76” in the parade, and the Burnham-Hibbard Museum has been open with displays such as old flags. On Mother’s Day, they’ve served us a Victorian Tea. They’ve been a presence at the Fall Festival, this year with old tools to identify. For Walktober, they’ve sponsored tours of the North Cemetery, Main Street, and our mill streams. During the holidays, the Society’s Burnham-Hibbard Open House has provided traditional refreshments, special displays, such as nutcrackers and antique toys, and a visit from Santa Claus. And during the recent referendum, a tri-fold mural in the corridor displaying all the entries in the Historical Society’s annual contest asked residents to vote for their favorite decorated door prior to casting their ballots, lending levity and a touch of festiveness to Town Hall.
“Sue Hochstetter took the helm following President Leila Ostby. The feisty matriarch of Popover Hill was a tough act to follow, but Sue kept our ship on an even keel, overseeing the many facets of the Historical Society,” says member Dave Goodrich. “It’s hard to believe that almost twenty years have passed with her at the top! It’s nearly as difficult to grasp that she’ll be stepping down this year. It seems there was one other time during her reign (meant positively) that she said it was time to have her tenure end; fortunately for me — as Vice President — she had a change of heart! The Board of Directors no doubt breathed a sigh of relief.”
It is Sue’s intention to step down as president this year, a void which will be difficult to fill.
“Memories float in of Historical Society programs,” Dave continues. “All received Sue’s steadfast support. Our road ahead may seem a bit eerie without Sue to guide and encourage us. She has been there through thick and thin, calming nerves during structural and financial problems. Life goes on — but it won’t be the same without her.”
“Sue has been both a steadying and steering force for the Historical Society,” says member June Pawlikowki. “She keeps the Society’s vision focused in its current venues, while encouraging exploration of new opportunities or revisiting of existing options whose times may have finally come. With her years as Society President her influence, knowledge and expertise is monumental, yet for all this she remains personable, approachable, enjoyable and just plain fun. Three cheers for Susan Hochstetter, 2020 Hampton Citizen of the Year!”
The Historical Society is not the only organization that has reaped the rewards of Sue’s dedication. A current member of the Board of Directors, Sue has served as a volunteer at Fletcher Memorial Library for decades and was instrumental in initiating the “Friends of the Library” in 2000. Their goals were to “encourage awareness and use of the library, maintain a comfortable reading environment, continue extended hours, and foster growth of the library and its programs.” Before the library board assumed a more expansive role, the Friends raised funds for the library through the Annual Book and Bake Sale, sponsored programs such as a children’s story hour, authors’ readings and book signings, a book club, and decorated the library for all holidays.
“When I think of Sue, other than her incredibly warm smile, her deep sense of fairness comes to mind, says library board chairman Anne Christie. “As a Library Board colleague, I have often appreciated her evenhandedness, and asked for her thoughts on matters numerous times because I knew she would give careful consideration before responding. It is an admirable trait to have.”
“A great selection!” says member Janice Trecker. “Sue has been a mainstay of the Historical Society for decades, as well as a key library volunteer and board member. She is there with a smile whenever planning and hard work needs to be done.”
Jean Wierzbinski, who has worked with Sue for both the Library and the Historical Society, has this to say: “Kneeling on the floor going through boxes of donated books for the Friends of the Library book sale. Searching through drawers and closets in the Burnham-Hibbard House to find just the right things for displays. Walking through Hampton’s cemeteries, forests and old foundation sites to plan events. Visiting the Dodd Center to examine Hampton ephemera. These are among the favorite memories I have of Sue while serving with her on both the Historical Society Board and Friends of the Library. I have come to know Sue over the years as a rare person whose heart is sincere and deep, whose generosity of time and spirit appear unlimited. She is unfailingly kind and patient and an attentive and nonjudgmental listener. Through my contact with her in her profession as a nurse I found her to be quietly compassionate, concerned about the dignity and worries of those in her care. It goes without saying that she is committed, organized and dedicated to everything she takes on. She does nothing half-way. If a job needs doing, she does it. In short, she is one of a kind.”
Sue also served as President of the Republican Town Committee and continues as a public official on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Elected in 2013, she has served every year since then and was just re-elected this November for another five years.
“Sue is a proponent of Hampton’s rural character and ardent defender of Hampton’s rich history,” says Chairman Kevin Grindle. “She’s always prepared to add insight into a thought provoking discussion and never shy with her opinions. Always willing to put in the added effort, dig into the research and come prepared for the discussion, Sue is a valuable member of Hampton’s Planning and Zoning Commission who all in Town should be proud to call our neighbor.
Born and raised in Hampton, from a family who’s lived here generationally, Sue’s love for the town has fueled her dedication to it, and her respect for the people who live here is apparent in all of her community engagements. Her ability to listen to folks never falters – in public forums and in private conversations, when her decision making process consistently includes the question – “what do you think?”
For your extraordinary efforts to preserve the history of our town, its historic and rural character, our treasures, the Burnham-Hibbard Museum and the Fletcher Memorial Library, and our neighborliness, we thank you, Sue!