Governor Deval Patrick has declared this April “Swift River Valley Communities Month,” in remembrance of the four Valley hilltowns (Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott) that were flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir 75 years ago this month.

“These towns and communities were discontinued by the Commonwealth to allow for the creation of a major source of clean water for what now comprises nearly one-half the population of the Commonwealth,” Gov. Patrick’s proclamation reads. “The Commonwealth is mindful of the sacrifice made by the residents of these communities; and … recognizes its commitment that this disruption in the lives of few for the benefit of many shall not be forgotten in the annals of history.”

A Remembrance Ball will be hosted by the Friends of Quabbin on Saturday, April 27, to commemorate the 75thanniversary of the decommissioning and subsequent flooding of these four towns, which now lie at the bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir, and to honor the 2,500 residents who once lived there. The ball will be held at the Ware Town Hall.

“We’re excited about this location for its nostalgic value and similarity to the Enfield Town Hall, where the Farewell Ball was held on Wednesday evening, April 27, 1938,” President Gene H. Theroux writes in this spring’s Friends of Quabbin Newsletter. “We’re hoping to have some special guests in attendance: ‘former residents’ of the Swift River Valley towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott.”

For more info, visit Friends of Quabbin at foquabbin.org.•