The Perham family was among the founding fathers of Chelmsford in the 17th century. Harold Perham was a lifelong resident of Chelmsford, the tenth generation of Perhams to live in our town.

Harold attended Chelmsford High School and was on the baseball team. Following his graduation with the Class of 1932, he attended Diesel Engineering School. He then went to work for Perham Ford in Arlington MA, starting out as an automobile mechanic, advancing to Shop Foreman, then to Service Manager. During World War II, Harold was employed in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Seven days a week, Harold worked on aircraft carriers and battleships as a mechanic and welder. In 1938, he married Stella Crysler and bought a home in Chelmsford.

His son, Bradford, was born on the Fourth of July 1944 and a year later, daughter Betsey was adopted. Brad graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1962, Betsey in 1964. It was a proud moment for the whole Perham family when Brad was inducted into the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

Following World War II, Fitchburg Ford hired Harold as Service Manager, and he worked there for the next 30 years until it was sold. Harold then worked for Chestnut Hill Ford in Lancaster and Pierce Ford in Tewksbury before he retired in 1981.

Harold’s daughter-in-law and granddaughters were all accomplished field hockey players. He was proud of their accomplishments and this scholarship is a tribute to a man who loved his family, was devoted to the town of Chelmsford and recognizes the family connection to field hockey. It is awarded to a senior who has earned a varsity letter in field hockey.