The little park at the corner of Moody and High Streets has a bit of Waltham history behind it that many are not aware of. I was surprised to find that many younger and many newer residents to Waltham had no idea why there was large rock in the middle of the park. I would tell people about Jim Fahey and his book, Pacific War Diary 1942-1945 and how it became a best seller and how Jim donated all the proceeds from the sale of his book to a Catholic priest in the South of India so that he could build a church for the thousands of worshipers.
The rock had been inscribed and placed there years ago by a group of Waltham WWII Veterans and late city councilor Tony Mandile and , although it had never officially been dedicated, I call the parcel Fahey Park.
Since my little shop is across the street, I often times see many people enjoying their lunch or reading a book (see photo) which I think is wonderful since it was Jim's book that earned him recognition and fame. He had met several U.S. Presidents and each signed his copy of the book with Jim's own pen which he proudly used. He visited the Whitehouse several times and was a collector of magazines and news articles about the man he most admired, President John F. Kennedy. Jim's collection was donated to the JFK Library in Boston.
So my question out to you all is, do you think or would you like to see the little park at Moody and High Streets officially dedicated to the late James Fahey?
