by Margaret Ingraham and Alec Ingraham
Warren H. Manning was a direct lineal descendant of Samuel Manning, the early settler who many believe built the Manning Manse in North Billerica (1696). Mr. Manning was instrumental in saving the Manning Manse from collapse in 1900, forming the Manning Family Association to ensure its preservation.
Warren Manning became a nationally acclaimed self-taught landscape architect. He was an associate of Frederick Law Olmsted and after Mr. Olmsted's death Mr. Manning was acknowledged to be artistically one of the best representatives of the Olmstedian style of landscape gardening.
He was a principal designer or advisor in the planning of many college grounds in all parts of the country, one of which was the Massachusetts Agricultural College in Amherst, MA. He had a special interest in the development of Massachusetts public parks, reservations, road systems and state institutions.
In Billerica Mr. Manning shared his expertise with the town in many betterment efforts, two of which resulted in the creation of the Manning State Forest and preservation of Gilson Hill as open space. The attractive Talbot Oval in North Billerica also resulted from his plans.
This article was extracted from the Spring 2000 edition of The Yankee Doodle Times, newsletter of the Billerica Historical Society.

by Margaret Ingraham and Alec Ingraham

Charles H. Kohlrausch, although born in Lowell, became a true son of Billerica and one of the town's most loved and respected citizens. His 1903 memoir on growing up in North Billerica has preserved valuable history which would have otherwise been lost.
For many years Mr. Kohlrausch was president of Talbot Dyewood and Chemical Works and manager of the plant in North Billerica. He was the founder and a charter member of the Thomas Talbot Lodge.
Charles Kohlrausch served Billerica in various capacities acting on practically every important town committee at some time during his life. Though serving the town in numerous positions, he was best known in the capacity of moderator of the town meetings. During the fifteen years Mr. Kohlrausch held this position he gained the reputation of being one of the best parliamentarians in the county of Middlesex.
In addition to the North Billerica playground which was a gift to the town by his wife, he is memorialized by the fine clock in the Selectmen's meeting room and by the fountain on the River Street Common.
"In the death of Charles H. Kohlrausch, the town of Billerica has lost one of its foremost and most valued citizens, a man of high ideals, whose good traits and qualities will live long and be remembered for years to come by those who knew him." Quote from April 1912 Obituary Article.
This article was extracted from the Spring 2000 edition of The Yankee Doodle Times, newsletter of the Billerica Historical Society.