Don speaking at a PHS event, circa 2015.
Donald Carl Hallenbeck, “Don” to everyone who knew him.
January 25, 1957 – October 12, 2021
Donald C. Hallenbeck was the son of George and Hazel Hallenbeck. He passed away on October 12, 2021 at the Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield. He was 64 years old.
Don was the town historian, curator, and an active member of the Pittsfield Historical Society (PHS). He was a friend to many people. The PHS group enjoyed his presence at our meetings. He was always willing to give a helping hand. He is sadly missed by all who knew him!
Comments about Don from those who knew him:
Some memories about Don:
“I met Don when I was doing research about my Dodge and Rollins relatives at the Pittsfield Public Library. He was very kind and helpful. He showed me how to find past history through newspapers and fiche.”
“Three years ago, I joined the Pittsfield Historical Society meetings and Don attended these meetings. He cared about Pittsfield’s history and enjoyed the PHS meetings.” – Lori M. Beaucage
Here is information that I found about Don’s last name:
The name Hollenbeck is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in Hallam, a place name found in Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
In Yorkshire, Hallam is found in the South Riding. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old Scandinavian word hall, or from the Old English word hall, both of which meant “stony.” The place name meant “the stony place, the place at the rocks.” (2]
This is taken from the following source: https://www.houseofnames.com/hollenbeck-family-crest
—Jane Woodruff
Don contributed much information and inspiration to this website. Parts of this website he began or contributed to include the Dates of Note page, the Past Businesses page, the History of the Egg Festival, A Brief History of the Depot, and numerous other items that appear throughout this site. Many of us remember Don always referring to this group as the “Pittsfield Hysterical Society”.
From the Pittsfield Public Library’s Facebook page: Presenting our newly dedicated chair! A group of caring community members wanted a memorial to Don Hallenbeck and thought that the library would be a wonderful place to have one. A community member created and installed this plaque on one of our MCI chairs! Please stop in to check it out!
Don Hallenbeck, Kathy Palmer, Tom Brown in 2002.
