BURRILLVILLE – A woman who has dedicated much of her life to preserving and sharing the history not just of her hometown of Burrillville but also the larger Blackstone Valley recently turned 90 years old, a milestone celebrated with a citation, along with expressed gratitude and praise from members of the Town Council.
Town Historian Patricia Mehrtens was acknowledged for the landmark birthday with a proclamation listing her many achievements and contributions to the community.
A lifelong resident of Burrillville, Mehrtens graduated with honors from Burrillville High School, and then Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. She married Donald Mehrtens in 1955 and the couple would go on to have three children: Donna, John and Thomas. She was employed at GMAC in Providence and worked for many years for her father at Delma Press. She also ran Pat’s Antiques in Pascoag for seven years.
A citation read by Council President Donald Fox noted that Mehrtens, “has been a beloved and esteemed member of our community for many decades, embodying the highest standards of integrity, kindness and community spirit.”
“Throughout her life, Pat has exemplified a commitment to excellence,” Fox said.
Mehrtens also authored several books including Images of America: Burrillville and 100 years ago in Burrillville Rhode Island, and created Burrillvillehistory.net. She has been a charter member of the Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society since 1970, and was commissioner of the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor for 15 years.
“Pat has played a vital role in preserving the history and heritage of Burrillville,” said Fox.
Mehrtens has also contributed to civic life in town, serving two terms on the Burrillville Town Council in 1982 and 1984, as well as a stint as interim town clerk. She served as vice chairperson of the Burrillville Historic District Commission, contributed to the St. Patrick’s Church 150th year anniversary and co-chaired the Burrillville Bicentennial Committee.
The General Assembly also passed a resolution honoring Mehrtens sponsored by Rep. David Place, noting that when she was born on June 21, 1934, a loaf of bread cost 8 cents and gas was 10 cents a gallon.
“She has impacted the lives of so many people with her service and knowledge of the community, and all who have been lucky enough to be part of her extraordinary life are happy to call her a dear friend,” notes the resolution, passed in the House on Thursday, June 6.
The council citation noted that the milestone birthday, “marks not only a celebration of her long and fruitful life, but also an opportunity for the town to express its deep appreciation and admiration for her contributions and legacy.”
Councilor Jeremy Bailey recalled working with Mehrtens on a history project on the town when he was a student at BHS.
“Pat was instrumental in putting that together. She had so much information that it made very light work on my project,” said Bailey. “I just want to thank Pat for all the work she’s done for the town.”
Following the acknowledgement at the council meeting on Wednesday, July 10, Mehrtens had just one comment.
“I have a motto that I say,” said Mehrtens. “The only way to preserve history is to share it.”
