From left, Fred Moses, executive director of the Student Activity Association and general manager of Stony Acres, Charlie Eyer, nephew of Helen Brown, and ESU President, Dr. Robert J. Dillman

MARSHALLS CREEK -  A commemorative tree planting ceremony at East Stroudsburg University’s Stony Acres Student Recreation area in Marshalls Creek was recently held in remembrance of the late Helen G. Brown, who died in 2008 at the age of 92.  Brown was the leading force behind the purchase of Stony Acres in 1962. 

An ESU professor and administrator she was an alumna of East Stroudsburg State Teachers College (which is now ESU), class of ’37, a respected local author, and a former assistant dean of women at ESU and community leader.      

Prior to her retirement in 1975, Brown was the school’s director of recreation and the coordinator of outdoor education.  She remained active in many community initiatives until the time of her passing.

Prior to her passing, Ms. Brown had requested maple trees be planted in her memory instead of flowers.  A grove of five sugar maples were planted in her memory. Those attending the event included ESU alumni who graduated in 1962, the first year Stony Acres was open.  Also in attendance were community leaders, friends, relatives of Brown, and current ESU students, faculty, and administrators.

In addition to Brown’s contributions to ESU, she served in the Women’s Army Corps. in World War II.  She also earned a master’s degree at Stanford University in California.  She was listed in the book, Women Who Made History in Monroe County. She is best known for her passion for the great outdoors and her dedication to Stony Acres and her students at ESU.  Brown authored 10 books in the last 14 years of her life.

Stony Acres is a 119 acre wildlife sanctuary and recreational facility owned and operated by the students of ESU.  The tree planting ceremony was organized by Madeline Constantine, program director of Stony Acres, along with the board members of Stony Acres.