The Moses Rice gravesite, which holds the remains of Charlemont's first non-Native American settler, his family, and Phineas Arms, had been unmaintained for many years until the Charlemont Historical Commission became interested its restoration. The land owners, Bruce Lessels and Karen Blom of Zoar Outdoor, agreed to pay to have a professional tree service, J&L Tree Service of Greenfield, come in and removed many large trees (image int.), including several that were either dead, or were leaning dangerously over the historic markers.

Charlemont Road Superintendent Gordy Hathaway, allowed Working Foreman Ken Shippee and staff member Bill Cairns to help with the project by chipping brush with the Town's chipper. In addition, Jared Bellows volunteered his time and his 4 wheel drive tractor to drag the chipper to the site (not an easy task). Thanks should also go to Dennis and Chris Waller for allowing access to the site across their property, given that use of the normal access route would have been even more difficult.

Since the clearing, Norma and Bill Coli have seeded the site, and a work crew from the Franklin County House of Correction helped with brush pickup and further general site cleanup (image int.). Further plans of erecting a wooden post and rail fence (image int.) similar to one that originally protected the stones have been completed. Bruce has also agreed to erect signs indicating the right of way to the site. Thanks to all that helped to make this project a success!