Louise Gaskins

Louise (Cutchins) Gaskins was born on June 2, 1930, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Louise graduated with a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University in 1951. Her major was in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.

She and her husband, Leonard Gaskins, met in Chicago in 1951 and married in 1953. They have three children: Eric G. Gaskins, Pamela E. Gaskins, and Donna E. Gaskins.

Before settling into Groton, in 1966, they had moved around military bases stateside and in Germany. In her own words, “She, Leonard, and the kids grew up together.”

Louise was a teacher, a guidance counselor, and principal at Ayer Public School for 26 years, from 1965 to 1991. She has been active in the League of Women Voters, Democratic Town Committee, Massachusetts Teacher Association, Red Cross, Groton Neighbors, Groton Center, Unitarian Church, elections, etc.

Louise recalled many significant events in this interview. For example, the Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954; the secret integrated basketball game between North Carolina Central University and Duke University in 1944; attending her college reunion; her behind-the-scenes approach to handling racism; and finally, the need of supporting diversity in Groton.

Louise Gaskins lived at 35 Boston Rd, Groton, MA., from 1966 to 2021. She currently lives in the RiverCourt Residences, Groton, MA.