Milton Campbell "Mickey" Burton Obituary

Appleton Valedictorian

May 27, 2007

Milton C. Burton

Milton Campbell "Mickey" Burton, 88, of East Haverhill and Redding, Conn., died unexpectedly May 27, 2007, at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville.

He was born in New Ipswich Nov. 30, 1918, the youngest of nine children.

He excelled as a student and athlete, graduating as valedictorian of his class of 1936 at Appleton Academy in New Ipswich.

"Mickey has proved himself capable of about everything," extols his senior yearbook. "If you don't believe that, take a look at his Academy records. At the N.H. State Basketball Tournaments, Mickey was chosen all-state right guard for two successive years, '35, '36. At the Townsend Tournament, '36, he was chosen right guard and captain of an all-star team. If you want to know more about him, ask any Appleton girl - they all know his history!"

Mr. Burton had a velvety pure tenor voice that he displayed to great effect at his Appleton Academy class reunion in 2004. Many female classmates flocked to his table, reminding him he was "the greatest." He and his daughter, Nancy Burton, were making a documentary film of his New Ipswich days for release at the next class reunion in 2009.

Following high school, he served in the Air Force. He was stationed in the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific during World War II and later joined the occupation of Japan.

Mr. Burton was the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. He received his bachelor of arts from Boston University and went on to obtain his master's and Ph.D. in education. A lifelong educator, Mr. Burton taught math and science, served as principal of the Keene Junior High School and went on to become a director of guidance at high schools in Boxford, Mass., and Phoenix, Ariz. He also worked at the Bureau of Cooperative Education Services in Nassau County, N.Y.

He met June K. (True) Burton of East Haverhill while he was a student at Boston University and she was a student nurse at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. They were married in Manchester in 1947 and settled in Keene.

They were devoted travelers and adventurers, traveling widely during their retirement throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia, including a return visit to the Fiji Islands.

Gregarious and friendly, Mr. Burton was an accomplished gardener who inherited his father John's green thumb and his mother Blanche's passion for good cooking using simple ingredients.

Following his wife's death from breast cancer in 2003, Mr. Burton went to live with his daughter Nancy and her husband, William H. Honan, in Redding, Conn. He maintained an active lifestyle, participating in peace vigils and anti-nuclear rallies, and attending concerts, plays and lectures in New York City and throughout New England. Memorably, he spoke at a press conference alongside model Christie Brinkley when he decried the "cancer alley" where he had lived in Waterford, Conn., with his wife, 2 miles downwind of the Millstone Nuclear Power Station.

Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Jackson and Nancy Burton; a son, John Burton; eight grandchildren, Bradley Honan, Daniel Honan, Edith Honan, Jona Burton, Jason Burton, Tama Jackson, Tali Jackson and Meardan Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Haverhill Congregational Church. Rev. David Pendleton and Rev. David Pruitt will officiate.

Mr. Burton's family is setting up a scholarship fund for a graduating senior from Mascenic Regional High School, the successor to Appleton Academy. The memorial scholarship will be awarded annually to a needy varsity basketball player to assist in the pursuit of higher education. To make a memorial donation, write to the Mickey Burton Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 271, Pike 03780.

Thayer Family Photos

The New Ipswich Historical Society has received a gift of photos from the Thayer family which show glimpses of family life in New Ipswich that spans many generations. These grim men in matching suits and unsmiling women in huge dresses are not identified. Isn’t this a great photo?

One Hundred Formulas

George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. I never would suspect Hydrochloric acid would be used in a remedy for sore throat

WARNING: Please don’t try any of these “remedies”, many contain ingredients which have been shown to be harmful.

James Roger diary entry

November 11th 1908 (Tues) - Diphtheria cases

Drizzly misty day, wind E to NE. Some smart showers. David on roads down town all day. Some of the teams laid off tonight. Got pc and letter from Hamish today. His hours are to be 1pm to 11 pm. His lodgings are 45 Matoon St. Mr. Scripture has been very kind in recommending him highly and in every way trying to his best for him. Diphtheria cases in Greenville, Temple 1. W.R.C. have supper and dance downtown Temple. Put fertilizer on Kimball and Miller lots..