David and Grace Hoag believed that volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life. Staying true to their beliefs and their desire to enrich the community they so lovingly raised their five children in, the Town of Medway was recently notified of a generous donation from the Hoag Estate. A gift of over $200,000 will be distributed amongst the Medway Historical Society, the Medway Library, the Friends of the Medway Senior Center, and the Medway Cultural Council.

This donation comes full circle as the Hoags were avid volunteers in the Town of Medway since they moved to Town in 1952. Believing in connecting to people while pursuing his interest in conservation, native plants and the environment, David was a charter member of the Medway Open Space Committee for which he compiled the original catalog of open spaces. He was also a board member of the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust, Inc. He was a Medway conservationist, environmentalist, and scientist, and an early proponent of Medway’s open spaces. His hard work and vision were recognized in 2017 when the long boardwalk on the Chicken Brook boardwalk trail was dedicated in his name.

Grace was an enthusiastic volunteer, appreciator of people (especially children), and lover of both adventure and tradition. She volunteered as the school librarian at what was then known as the North School (now the McGovern Elementary school), a cub scout leader and numerous committees including the Medway Historical Commission, the Medway Historical Society, the Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Medway Library, and the Medway Cultural Council. In addition, she co-authored the book “Images of America Medway” along with Priscilla Howker. 

“Both of my parents were very involved in the Town of Medway. It was a wonderful place to bring up their family and they wanted to help improve these Town agencies that offer so much enrichment to the community” says their daughter and Medway resident Becky Hoag Atwood.

Passionate about enriching the lives of others, Dave and Grace donated 15.9 acres of their land to the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust. The land behind their home on Winthrop Street will be conserved and stay undeveloped and available for quiet hikes in the future. 

In addition, the estate will donate to the Hill for Literacy Foundation with funds directed to the Medway district.

“The Town of Medway will forever be grateful to the Hoag Family for their gifts both in time and contribution. Their generosity will significantly impact generations to come”. said Dennis Crowley, Select Board Chair