Responses Sought to “Shoes and Soul” Community Survey 

      The fourteen giant shoes on display around the city this summer give the “Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration” a decidedly whimsical slant. Judging by the broad and enthusiastic response to the July 5th stadium exhibit and the Guinness Book postcard challenge, our city was ready for some positive and creative fun. Nevertheless, this project has several serious aims, including economic development, increased synergy among the city’s artistic and cultural assets, and generating support for local nonprofits.

      One important aim of the Shoe-la-bration is to stimulate civic reflection, not only about Haverhill’s past but also about its future. The whole story of the local shoe industry—its rise, flourishing and demise—helped to shape the character and outlook of the city we live in today, in both positive and negative ways. This legacy affects even new residents who have no personal memory of our shoe history, for when a dominant industry disappears, it still leaves behind its physical and spiritual imprint. Without honest and thoughtful reflection about this aspect of our past, Haverhill may easily remain stuck in nostalgia, cynicism, or both.

      To spur useful reflection, Team Haverhill is conducting a “Shoes and Soul” Community Survey, and is also sponsoring informal community dialogues based on the same questions. The next live conversations will take place this Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 2 pm at Wicked Big Café, 19 Essex Street (978- 556-5656); and on Saturday, August 15 at 11 am, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 471 Main Street (RSVP requested to 978-372-2843). Local church, community and educational groups can arrange a dialogue at their own location by sending a request to info@teamhaverhill.org. A series of Gazette articles is planned this fall with results of both the dialogues and the survey.

      Even if you can’t attend an in-person dialogue, you can respond to the community survey at www.teamhaverhill.org/survey.html. Or you can complete the survey in person at the Haverhill Farmers’ Market on July 25 (8 am to 1 pm).