Carol Britton Meyer is a freelance multimedia journalist with a passion for community news. After covering the Hingham Journal news beat for many years, Carol has recently joined the Hingham Anchor team as a regular news contributor. Carol has two grown sons -- Marc and Chris -- who were both raised in Hingham. Carol is also anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild, a girl, who is expected to arrive very soon! As a grandmother, she is excited to be called "Nan"-- an ageless name that matches her ageless personality. Carol is also a reporter for the Hull Times, a freelance journalist and a blogger for Harbor Media.
How long have you lived in Hingham?
My family has lived in Hingham for more than 30 years.
What do you love most about Hingham?
I love the ocean, the "townies" who grew up in Hingham and stayed in town and who care deeply for this wonderful community, the parks and other open space, downtown Hingham, and the town's rich history and historic homes.
How long were you a reporter for the Hingham Journal?
About 20 years! Hard to believe, but I loved covering all aspects of the town, from news to features to my Meet Your Local Merchant column. Hingham citizens were very supportive of the Journal, and I stayed so long because as the town grew and changed there were more challenging issues to cover. I started taking photos and videos and doing social media posts -- so the job continued to be challenging up until my last day!
How did you get interested/involved in journalism?
Well, when I was a child I started "The Britton Gazette" -- typed on a manual typewriter with carbon paper. It included "news" and cartoons and was distributed free to family members. Later I worked for the Christian Science Monitor -- layout, editing the Children's Page, writing, book reviews -- a little of everything. I was inspired by it's philosophy, "to injure no man but to bless all mankind" -- giving both sides of every story and looking for the good side whenever there is one when covering a particular issue. I did some freelancing for the Hingham Journal and then accepted a job as its local reporter.
Favorite local spots?
The Hingham Bathing Beach -- reading quietly, enjoying beautiful sunsets, walking my sister's dog, Benji, along the boardwalk; the Hingham Farmers Market, where you run into friends and neighbors you haven't seen for awhile and have an abundant choice of fresh produce and bakery, flowers and plants, and artisan wares; Hingham Public Library -- its friendly atmosphere, great customer service with a smile, and the seemingly endless variety of books, CDs, DVDs, research materials, many special events and activities, and much more.
Favorite date night/night out spot?
Loring Hall Theatre and the monthly Coffeehouse off the Square in the Old Ship Parish Hall.
Do you have a favorite house in Hingham?
Yes, the former Lehner house on South Pleasant Street with the portico. When we first moved to town, we drove past that beautiful house. The owner was on top of the portico putting up a beautiful Christmas tree, saw us, and waved with a friendly smile. That was such a warm welcome and remains a fond memory.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
A novelist. That could still happen!
What is one thing on your wish list?
Further travel -- to the Grand Canyon with family, a return trip to London, and many more visits to Warren and Bristol, Rhode Island -- beautiful views of the ocean all along the stretch between the two towns and their artistic flair.
What is a favorite place you have traveled to and why?
New Orleans is my absolute favorite -- My family and I love its rich culture, music, free spirit, architecture, and its friendly, diverse residents. We also enjoy Truro and Provincetown.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I wish! Still to be discovered.
When you’re not reporting on Hingham news, what do you love to do?
Reading, taking walks, listening to jazz and folk music, and spending time with family and friends.
What's one thing people may not know about you?
I used to play the accordion! We also have TWO beautiful Maine coon cats -- Osupa and Miso -- who keep each other in and out of trouble and love to cuddle with us.
When presented with two choices, when did you make a decision that changed the course of your life?
When I recently decided to leave the Hingham Journal, a job I loved, and move on to new opportunities. Once I did that and kept an open mind, many doors opened -- including joining the Hingham Anchor team!
Carolina-Please call me…I’m in harbor rehab…THANX!!!
Dave Sargent
Carol, Good Day. How are you? Hope all is well. Very interesting interview. Especially touching was reading about philosophy behind Christian Science Monitor writing: To injure no one, but to Bless all mankind-to present both sides of each and every story and to focus on the good side of each and every story. Beautiful
Also touching was reflection you offered surrounding moving to Hingham many years ago and experiencing being welcomed here by man who was putting up a Christmas tree on top of Lehner house portico.
Am near completing 13 year long memoir writing project. Clearly I can not write as quickly as you(ha-ha)
Am seeking an editor who can aide me preparing this manuscript for publication. Can you refer anyone?
Good wishes,
Mary