The Reading Post accepts Letters to the Editor. All letters must be signed. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or not publish any letters received. Letters do not represent the views or opinions of the Post. editor@thereadingpost.com
In an article relating his experience as a METCO student attending Reading schools, Philmore Phillip stated that he first attended the Josiah Eaton school then went to the Nathanial Parker middle school and that Nathanial Parker was a slave owner. I strongly feel he is incorrect; the school was built in 1927 and named in honor of Walter S. Parker.
Walter S. Parker at the age of 18 enlisted to serve in the civil war, after a brief four years after he graduated from Dartmouth, he spent over SO years in various Headmaster positions he also was the Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. He served the Town of Reading as a member of the school committee for 46 years. He was a founding member of Post 194 of The Grand Army of the Republic. He also served as a State Representative and a director of two banks.
Walter S. Parker is interred in Laural Hill Cemetery and each year when we gather on Memorial Day the band stands on his grave.
Given this misinformation by Mr. Phillip, it brings to question the rest of his information.
William C. Brown
28 Martin Rd
781 944 2807
