Elisabeth “Ebie” Wood
Last week, our community lost a local legend named Ebie Wood. We, at the Pound Ridge Historical Society, lost a former President, a valuable mentor, and a close friend. Ebie moved to Pound Ridge in 1945 when she was six years old. “I came to town 80 years ago” she recently remarked “my husband was born here, so he still considers me a newcomer.”
Ebie’s contributions to our community were numerous. She was instrumental in starting the town’s first recycling program in 1971. Initially a project for the Community Church, the effort was enthusiastically embraced and went on to become a national model. She named the program “One Small Step” and received the Good Neighbor Award for the endeavor in 1973. The program is thought to be the first of its kind in Westchester County. She was the longtime Manager of Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate in Pound Ridge and South Salem so was well-known to both new arrivals and older residents. She was an energetic leader that was involved in a variety of local organizations including the Pound Ridge Business Association, the Pound Ridge Garden Club, and the Pound Ridge Historical Society. Ebie was the 24th recipient of the Margery Fay Sachs Award, presented by the Pound Ridge Garden Club to a member of the community for their outstanding service and continuous contribution to the community and Club. As President of the Pound Ridge Historical Society, Ebie worked tirelessly to preserve our town’s history, grow its archives, and present educational programs for our elementary school children. She was a key architect of multiple museum exhibits, including the Society’s Time Capsule Project.
For those that knew Ebie, or knew of her, she was a Pound Ridge icon. She was always quick with a good story, sage advice, or a warm smile. She was a woman who wove her way into the fabric of our small town and into the hearts of those she touched. Ebie will forever remain a part of Pound Ridge and its history. We will miss her dearly.