Dear Yankee | Taking Stock

I just wanted to tell you how sad it was to read that Ben Hewitt’s column, Life in the Kingdom, was ending!! I always read Yankee from back-to-front so that I can start with Ben’s column. It was always such a great reminder of all that I loved about living in northern Vermont. It is those common-place moments that make up a lifetime, and he wrote about them so eloquently. He will be missed!

Karen Alderman, Connecticut

A note of thanks to you and your publications for the many years of enjoyment and education that I have received over these my lifetime. Looking back over my 72 years, I think back to the early days of my childhood both in Laconia, New Hampshire, and later growing up in the Western Massachusetts region, and fortunate I am that you have been there for me for most of my life. Thank you for being so good at what you do.

I am also writing today to say how I will miss Ben Hewitt’s series, Life in the Kingdom. Like Edie Clark and so many “personal features” you have had that became “staples” of Yankee over the years, many of us will miss Mr. Hewitt’s writing, insights and perspectives on his life and his family’s farm experiences. It is understood that for him the change was needed, but still such features are one of the many you offer that bring a sense of “home life” that have become a hallmark of your publications. A huge thank you to you and Mr. Hewitt for Life in the Kingdom.

Although you likely will have ideas, perspective candidates and plans for another featured writer that offers this wonderful sense of “home”, in case you didn’t yet I wanted to suggest someone to you that might be of interest. That person is Bill Eville of the Martha’s Vineyard Gazette. Although I don’t know Mr. Eville personally, nor if he would have the time or interest in writing for you, but as a regular subscriber and reader of the Gazette I have come to know his writing a bit. His sense of home and family, along with his writing skills often make me think of your writers and features. “Life on the Island” has a nice ring to it. Just a thought.

Eric Bascom, Massachusetts

I read Ben Hewitt’s last Life in the Kingdom with tears brimming. Sometimes it was the first thing I read each month. Other times I saved it for dessert. But always I loved it. I will miss Kingdom but look forward to his feature stories.

Laura Bousquet, Rhode Island

I am going to miss Ben Hewitt’s monthly column—the first thing I read when every new issue arrives. It has been such a pleasure to get a glimpse into his life, and rural life in Vermont. I hope at some point he will put together a book of his essays, as did Edie Clark and Mel Allen. Thank you for a wonderful publication!

Sarah Rickey, New Hampshire

Just about the time I was getting used to not having Mel Allen regularly in my Yankee magazine, now I learn that I will be losing Ben Hewitt’s column about the Northeast Kingdom. The Kingdom is an area that most of us do not know much about, but over the years Ben has made it interesting. Nothing special, just life in a remote corner of our world. Please express my thanks to Ben for many years of good writing about this unique place. I look forward to reading anything of his that you decide to publish in the future.

Roy Terwilliger, Massachusetts

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