On the morning of Wednesday, September 20, Milton High School’s journalism class traveled to Pope’s Pond for what was supposed to be a fun-filled excursion. However, the trek did not go as expected, revealing the pond’s icey past and chilling present. 

Pope’s Pond, a staple of the Milton community since the mid-19th century, has developed far beyond its commercial beginnings. According to the Milton Times and the Patriot Ledger, during the 1800s, Jacob A. Turner, a Milton selectman, revolutionized the town through the introduction of ice harvesting. Before the advent of the refrigerator, ice was the only means to keep foods and drinks cool and was consequently rather lucrative. 

John Meyers, a local businessman, was inspired by Turner’s profession and began to harvest ice at a local meadow. He was surpassed by J. Frank Pope, from whom the pond received its name. 

Pope’s Pond is considered to be, as Elaine Cushman Carroll of the Milton Times stated, “the wilder sibling of Turner’s Pond.” This sentiment is reflected by the current state of the grounds, which, to the students’ surprise, are more than just scenic views.

Mr. Young’s journalism class began their trek peacefully, surrounded by a chorus of chirping birds and humming crickets.

A few minutes into the trip, however, as they crossed Pope’s Pond bridge, the students were immediately greeted by the sight of a dead owl laying in the pond, caught in a fishing wire.

As they stood on the bridge, the class theorized the species of the bird and sympathized with the torture it had undergone. 

Ray Shield, a friend of Young and a biology and environmental science teacher at Norton High School, identified the bird as a barred owl. “These birds are ghosts of the forest, with a haunting call and feathers which are evolved to make no sound in flight,” Shield said, “But, if you do get a glimpse of a Barred Owl, the eyes look through you.” 

The tragic circumstances demonstrated the dire effects we have on the environment, exemplifying our ability to cause harm and our duty to make a difference. As freshman journalist Maddie Allen said, “People need to clean up after themselves in the outdoors, especially something like fishing lines.”