It could be said that the last time the Town of Chestertown and Washington College partnered in any real strategic way was when the community-founded liberal arts college was created in 1782.
While the intellectual foundation of Washington College was no doubt the work of its first president, William Smith, it is sometimes lost to history that the reason this institution came into existence was because the community formed a task force-like entity of educators and civic leaders who concluded that the town required a liberal arts college to continue to thrive.
Since that golden moment some 240 years ago, the town and college relationship might be best described as amiable neighbors who don’t socialize much with each other.
For the most part, this somewhat distant, but generally respectful relationship has served both institutions well. In fact, in comparison with most “town gown” dynamics found in university towns, there has been a surprisingly limited number of flare ups.
Nonetheless, it is also true that long term strategic planning has been institutionally segregated. Until now.
The formation of the joint Chestertown-Washington College Revitalization Task Force is an extraordinary departure from the “good fences make good neighbors” mindset that increasingly was seen as the status quo, even just a few years ago.
This change of heart by town and college leaders is not only an example of wiser heads understanding that the fates of both institutions are permanently intertwined, but also aware of the endless possibilities for funding, economic renewal, and stronger commerce that could result from a tactical alliance.
If properly calibrated for Chestertown’s long term needs, a final master plan from this committee might have the potential of identifying $50 million or more in capital and infrastructure support through a variety of public and private funding sources. How this might positively impact Chestertown in terms of jobs, the recruitment of talented students for the college, and a larger base of tourism for the town is extraordinary.
The primary purpose of the joint town-college task force is to think big and creatively (just as they did in the 18th Century) to ensure the best possible recommendations for Chestertown’s Town Council and the Board of Visitors and Governors of Washington College to approve or reject the committee’s final report.
This will require some patience and trust on the part of the community. While second-guessing and speculation are popular pastimes enjoyed by all in both small colleges and small towns, it is far too early to praise or condemn the task force’s suggestions, which are not expected to be made public until September.
One can only imagine the rumor mill in 19th century Chestertown when a small number of town fathers gathered at the White Swan Tavern to discuss plans to create a college out of thin air. To demonstrate their ability to think big and out of the box, the town approved plans that eventually would require housing for two hundred students at a time when Harvard College had less than one hundred and fifty in dormitories. That was big thinking.
But it was also a plan that turned into a reality with Washington College’s charter in 1782. And it remains today a remarkable symbol of what a community can do when it does think big.
Hopefully the Town of Chestertown-Washington College Revitalization Task Force will be equal to the task at hand.
Fletcher R. Hall says
Congratulations on a well reasoned and expressed editorial Combining history and current times and events is a masterful stroke. After al,l it was a college that build a town and a college which can significantly help revitalize that town which is in insignificant need of revitalization History can repeat itself.
WC and C-T together should make it happen. Let ‘s hope so
Fletcher R. Hall
WC ’63
Chestertown
Debbi Anceravage says
Congratulations on seeing the need for and acting to once again make a positive change for this beautiful town. I see great potential for this town if they could keep the graduates of WAC and have them help the town once again grow and prosper while maintaining the beautiful historic homes and atmosphere.
Holly Geddes says
This collaboration is a fabulous start. The town government will do well to cooperate with Washington College and others like the business community, civic organizations and others. This is one of my main “umbrella” positions for my campaign. The other two main ideas form my campaign are to be more supportive of all businesses, not just the shops and to encourage full time residency in the downtown.
This collaboration is essential to a vital town. I hope their ideas are grand and well planned.
Candidate for Mayor, Holly Geddes
eliott bruce says
Who is missing is county. Asking county to forgo taxes as non profits would have entire water front plus key to future is Stepley farm as it is also owned by college
b douglas megargee says
As an alumni of the WAC and having lived in the county now for thirty plus years it has always been my opinion that Chestertown has a College but it’s not a College Town. Both parties are at fault here and neither really realizes the importance of the other. It is my hope that a good well planned collaboration between both parties can only mutually benefit both parties and subsequently the residents of the town ,the county, and the student body. This place is so well positioned for business developement that would bring good, well paying jobs and services, especially if there is more cooperation between local government and the College.
We will also need to break down the political barriers that are taxing Maryland out of the market and do nothing to attract said business. Wouldn’t it be great if our kids didn’t have to leave Kent County to find attractive well paying jobs because someone actually did something in this County to try to attract business. It is easy to protect the beauty that is Kent County and promote business opportunity as well, it just takes an open mind. John Moag is an alumni of the College who now has established residence in the countyas the leader of the joint committee it is my hope that he can bring the necessary parties together as he has in his past efforts. Heres wishing us all well and hoping for open minds…..
Ron Moore says
I think the partnership is alive and well. Bill Ingersoll gets a cushy professor gig, and the president’s award, and Mitchell Reese gets dirt cheap prime real estate. Sounds copacetic to me.
mr Les says
Good point…….how much of our local real estate is owned by the college………and do they pay real estate taxes on it??
gerry Maynes says
HI, Oh Great a bunch of Liberal Professors are going to ride to the rescue of Chestertown. Yipee! Now lets get serious, find your self some real live folks
who live in the real world and who understand business, and then you have something. Gerry