Archive for April 19th, 2012

April 19th, 2012

Cape Cod National Seashore Honor for Tip O’Neill’s Centennial?

by Marie

 Salt Pond Visitor Center – Cape Cod National Seashore

If he were still with us Congressman and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill would be celebratintg his 100th birthday on December 9, 2012! To celebrate this milestone, the Massachusetts delegation wants the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center at the Cape Cod National Seashore named in his honor. Congressman Ed Markey is leading this effort in the House along with Senator John Kerry in the Senate. From a Markey press release:

In honor of this milestone and his instrumental role in protecting the pristine beauty of the Cape Cod seashore, all twelve members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, joined by current Democratic Leader of the House Nancy Pelosi, have co-sponsored legislation introduced today in the House by dean of the Massachusetts delegation Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) and in the Senate by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.). The legislation renames the Cape Cod National Seashore’s main visitor center The Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Salt Pond Visitor Center.

Read the full press release here and a follow-up story here in today’s Boston Globe “Political Intelligence” section on-line.

From 6th District Congressman John Tierney:

“This effort to rename the Salt Pond Visitor Center at Cape Cod National Seashore as the Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Salt Pond Visitor Center, is a great tribute to the former Speaker of the House’s fierce advocacy for the Cape Cod Seashore,” said Rep. John Tierney. “Tip O’Neill was a strong champion for families and communities across our state and this recognition is well deserved.”

Of local interest, former Lowell National Historical Park Deputy Superintendent George Price is now the Superintendent in charge of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Last year the country’s first oceanfront national park turned 50. Because of the bill President John F. Kennedy signed on August 7, 1961, 44,000 acres of land is preserved and put out of the reach of developers and other interests.

Superintendent George Price noted last summer that he “is thankful the Cape Cod National Seashore came to be.”  He’s a believer in the power of nature. “This might sound corny, but it’s life-changing,” he said. ”And I think that’s very similar to a lot of other units of the national park system nationwide.  These are our country’s most special places.”

Happy Birthday Mr. Speaker. Let’s see this legislation passed.  H.R. 4400

 

 

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April 19th, 2012

“Concord Hymn” ~ Remembered

by Marie

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Concord Hymn” in 1836 for the dedication of the Obelisk, a battle monument in Concord, Massachusetts that commemorates the men that gave their lives at the Battle of Concord fought on April 19, 1775. It was the first battle of the American Revolution. Emerson’s poem became the most-remembered aspect of the dedication of the monument; it was widely republished in newspaper accounts of the day. Written at the request of the Battle Monument Committee, it was also part of Concord’s Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1837, the poem was read first – then sung as a hymn by a local choir using the then-familiar tune “Old Hundredth.”

             Concord Hymn

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those spirits dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

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April 19th, 2012

April 19 – 1775 and 1861

by DickH

In one of those coincidences of timing that make history such a fascinating topic, volunteer soldiers from Middlesex County who just days before were farmers and mill workers were the first to be killed by enemy fire in the American Revolution (on Lexington Green on April 19, 1775) and in the American Civil War (on Pratt Street in Baltimore on April 19, 1861).

The plaque that accompanies the mural of the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry fighting in Baltimore (shown below) that hangs in the Massachusetts State House, emphasizes this connection:

Marching through Baltimore in 1861 on the Historic 19th of April, true to the tradition of their own Lexington and Concord, defending the Constitution and the Union and carrying freedom to all who live beneath the stars and stripes.

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April 19th, 2012

Tony Sampas exhibition of Civil War photos

by DickH

This past Sunday, a collection of photos taken by Tony Sampas of Lowell Civil War monuments and scenes opened at the Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center at 40 French Street in Lowell. Information about the Mogan Center is here and the exhibit may be viewed during the operating hours of the UMass Lowell Center for Lowell History (9 to 5, Monday thru Friday).

Here’s a link to a slideshow of the photographs in the exhibit.

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April 19th, 2012

Paul Revere Alarm Map

by Tony

Around 10PM on the evening of April 18, 1775 Paul Revere and Williams Dawes set out on horse to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that  British troops were moving on Concord. On April 19, positioned on Lexington Green rebel farmers fired “the shot heard around the world”. Paul Revere became the more famous of the two riders that evening…

His route began in Boston. He sailed across Charlestown Neck and avoid the British warship, Somerset. Once across he was redirected due to British sentries patrolling the area. He was redirected to Medford. Once in Medford he triggered Dr. Martin Herrick and other riders. Revere then rode though Menotomy and alarmed the town, triggering other couriers as well. From there he went to Lexington and met up with John Hancock, Samuel Adams (http://thehistoryjunkie.com)

Route Traveled by Revere and Dawes

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