Working over a half a century is a long time! And working for one particular city all those years is exactly what Shanna Edwards, of Harrisville City, did. Throughout her career, she demonstrated several roles and abilities beginning in 1962. Now, she will channel her focus in a new direction: retirement. But first, we’d like to share some interesting and fun background information on this very talented and hard-working lady!
Shanna Edwards and her husband, Lynn, will soon celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Congratulations! They have raised 5 children: Lee, Rona, Erin, Kaelyn and Evan. In her early years working for the City, Shanna would go to meetings in the evenings but did most of the work from home to be there for her children.
Harrisville has always been home to Shanna with the exception of only a couple of years in her marriage. In fact, her ancestors, Pleasant Green and Sarah Jane Marler Lake Taylor were early founders. And her Great, Great-Grandfather, David Crowther, was also an early settler. Thereafter, her grandparents and parents decided to continue to reside in Harrisville, as well.
Shanna received her start as an employee with Harrisville City back in 1962 when Harrisville citizens came together and petitioned for incorporation. Her father, Lorin Crowther, was on the first planning commission at the time. They needed a secretary and he asked Shanna to volunteer. This began a life-long journey of dedicated service to Harrisville City. Along with this position of secretary, Shanna served as Adjustment Board Secretary. According to Shanna, “In the beginning most volunteered their time, services, and even equipment. Until 1965, meetings were held on a rotating basis in the homes of commissioners. Dessert was served afterwards.”
After a few years, Shanna began to receive a monthly salary of $10 which eventually grew to $15. In the 1980’s Shanna began working a few more hours, part time, at the City offices. As time went by, she continued to serve in various ways within the City including: Court Clerk in the Municipal Court and Land Use and Development Coordinator (which entailed many different jobs).
Shanna has also volunteered many years as the City Historian. In 2004, Harrisville Horizons, a history of Harrisville, was published by Shanna, Joyce Larsson and Joanne Christensen. Later, these ladies also produced a pamphlet, free to the public, which included an historical walking tour of the City.
Shanna commented that the main highlights over the years involve the people with whom she has worked. “Challenges for me have been going from the era of typewriter and carbon copies to computers with continual updating of computer programs. However, I have loved that challenge because it has been a great continual learning process.”
When asked, what makes Harrisville a great city to live in, Shanna says, “Definitely the people. Also, the City has tried to maintain areas that are somewhat rural and it has a great atmosphere. Harrisville is a wonderful place to raise families.”
After retirement, Shanna has in mind what she would like to do. “I began my career volunteering for the City and will continue volunteering as City Historian. However, I hope to spend more time at our Bear Lake house with my family and I look forward to new adventures.”
Shanna would like to express sincere THANKS to her family and co-workers. She said, “Love them!”
An Open House will be held in Shanna Edwards’s honor on Monday, January 30, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. at the Harrisville City Cabin located at 725 W. Harrisville Rd.
You may also wish her well at sedwards@cityofharrisville.com
