A Taking from the collection of Erica Berkowitz

A Taking, c. 2021

Archival ink and carving on clayboard surface with 1/8″ hardboard backing

11 x 14 x 0.125 in (27.94 x 35.56 x 0.32 cm)

Framed: 14 x 18 x 1 in (35.56 x 45.72 x 2.54 cm)

$2,000

"A Taking" refers to a government seizing private property for public/governmental use. In this case referring to the creation of the Quabbin reservoir in Western Massachusetts, in which four towns (Enfield, Dana, Prescott, Greenwich) in the Swift River valley were seized and consequently flooded to create a reservoir for the city of Boston. Though few records of the citizens exist, it is believed this area in particular was chosen due to the population of ethnic minorities, largely farmers, which the Massachusetts government at the time believed would have little resistance in displacing (due to the lack of legal representation of such minorities in government). Similar to the situation of the Molasses flood in Boston's North End in 1919. This also follows a trend with other reservoir town floodings across the US. The History of these towns is largely lost to time, besides a collection of photographs by the Mass Metropolitan District Water Supply Commission to keep records of all the buildings in these towns that were to be razed -- showing a rare comprehensive glimpse into a lingering settlement of original New England farms with very distinct vernacular stylings.

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