A couple years ago the Hebron Historic Properties Commission oversaw the moving and restoration of the World War II Civilian Aircraft Observation Post which had been built on Post Hill, Columbia, and moved to Hebron after the war. The “Listening Post” had been manned 24/7 during the war by residents from both towns. This last-of-its-kind structure can now be visited at Hebron’s Town Office Building complex.

Near the end of the restoration project, the HPC also organized a “WW II Homefront” oral history event which included residents from both Hebron and Columbia. Over the two shootings of the history, Hebron’s participants were: Alberta Hilding, Mary & Doug Porter, Bea Stokes, Dottie Taggart, Marie Billard, Jean Raymond, and Joe & Rena Zachmann. Columbia’s participants included: Jean Peters, Olive Shea, Merton Wolff, Norma Gingras, Belle Robinson, and Dorothy Sihvonen. Hebron Town Clerk, Carla Pomprowicz, moderated the program.

On Memorial Day 2012 the dedication of the "Listening Post" was held with Columbia’s Belle Robinson providing the history of "Freeman #52", and Hebron’s Mary Porter recalling World War II Homefront Preparedness. Also participating in the dedication were Rep. Tim Ackert, Sen. Edith Prague and Cong. Joe Courtney who presented citations from the CT General Assembly, the Governor, and Congress.

The videos of both activities are finally ready to view! They will be aired on the Community Voice Channel according to the schedule found on http://www.cvcct.org/ by scrolling down to the April Program Guide. The Observation Post Dedication and WW II Homefront Oral History are in different segments. Be sure to watch both programs.