John Brown Lives! celebrates the extraordinary life of Dana Fast—a neighbor many in Lake Clear knew as a master gardener, but whose story holds profound lessons for freedom and human rights. A recent article in the Adirondack Almanack by Karen Davidson Seward, creator of JBL’s A Memorial Field project, and historian Nancy Sinkoff beautifully chronicles Dana’s remarkable journey. Read it here.
Born Lilka Miron in 1931 Warsaw, Dana’s childhood was shattered by the Nazi invasion. She survived the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto and life in hiding, assuming new identities to escape persecution. After the war, she rebuilt her life in Poland as a chemist, emigrated to Israel, and ultimately to the United States.
In America, Dana faced obstacles as both a woman and a Jew in scientific fields, contributing pioneering research in biochemistry. Later, in the Adirondacks, she poured her energy into community life, becoming a passionate master gardener, environmental advocate, and local educator. Her meticulous garden journals and public workshops inspired many to embrace sustainable living.
Even into her nineties, Dana spoke publicly about her Holocaust experiences, always affirming her faith in humanity’s goodness. Her life reflects courage, resilience, and dedication to community—values central to John Brown Lives!’s mission to connect the past’s lessons with social justice work today.
We are grateful for Dana’s “many Chopin preludes,” and for the inspiration she leaves behind.