"Walden is a wonderful area to live in," said Elizabeth Akins at the November meeting of the Walden's Ridge Women's Guild as she related interesting tidbits from the town's 34-year history.

The town originated in an area near her home on Forest Park Drive. Walden, beyond the boundaries of the town of Signal Mountain, was incorporated at the time and depended on the county for its governmental services.

In the 70's there were a number of robberies in the area and the neighbors organized their own private policing. In addition for a need for police, the roads were always a problem and there was the threat that Chattanooga would extend its boundaries up the side of the ridge.

The Walden Ridge Civic League had a building for community activities which was owned by the Hamilton County School Board but was given to the community as long as the building was used for civic or community activities.

The Town of Walden met in this building to organize the town and hold meetings there. At a July 9, 1975 meeting the crowd "voted on incorporation and decided to name their town Walden and that they would not have a lot of rules."

They did not have a building, with a mayor and two aldermen and a paid recorder, Mrs. Akins, who operated her office in her home kitchen. "It was a great experiment. We had no money and was based on volunteers. The tax rate was 60 cents."

Some years later the town hall was built. The leaders wanted to buy some property on Anderson Pike that belonged to Martha McCoy, but she refused to sell, telling them they could not afford it, but she did give them the first contribution. The tax rate rose to $1 to pay for the new building on Taft Highway.

The Pumpkin Patch, an entertainment center for children, was established behind the town hall and is popular for groups far beyond the town. By this time Mrs. Akins was Walden's mayor and one of the interesting incidents that happened during the construction was when Mrs. Akins broke her arm while test sliding down one of the slides.

When Bachman Elementary School was closed, the town contracted with the county for the building where Bachman Community Center was established with a full range of classes and activities. In 2001 the town closed its own police department and contracted with the county for policing.

Mrs. Akins and Mrs. McCoy were friends and after refusing to sell property to the town, Mrs. McCoy deeded five acres and her home to the town on her death, along with the provision that the town could buy the remaining 37 acreage after her death. For years the town put aside money to buy the property.

Mrs. McCoy died in May, 2004, and the town paid $400,000 for the property which is now being converted to a community park.

The Walden's Ridge Guild will have its annual Christmas party Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. at the home of Susan Jensen, 2157 E. Brow Rd. Hostesses will be Carolyn Nardo and Susan Jensen. There will be no program, but those attending are to bring a covered dish to share.

For more information, call 886-6388.