Rebels to Return to Mystic this Weekend

The Following was submitted by Ryan Hayward on behalf of Rebels at Mystic Riverbend Park:

What happens when you combine taxation, politics and unrest together? Citizens’ revolt! This Fall, the Revolution returns to Medford! No I don’t mean political revolution, or even our local soccer players. This year, the second annual First Patriots: Rebels at Mystic Riverbend Park returns, bigger and better!

On the weekend of October 1, Medford will welcome back reenactors from area minuteman companies who will set up an authentic 18^th century military camp at beautiful Mystic Riverbend Park. This two day event is a brilliant educational opportunity for all ages. Not only will there be music to hear, crafts to watch and trades to learn about, the boom of the muskets, and the chance to participate with the minutemen, and their families, will be a hands on experience like no other. Don’t miss out!

The Stow Minuteman Company, along with the Charlestown and Woburn Militia Companies will together present this family oriented program. The Siege of Boston, April 19, 1775 through March 17, 1776, was a particularly turbulent time for this area. Throughout the weekend, the militia companies will teach visitors about how life was, and how it quickly it changed from a peaceful collection of villages, to the opening days of our struggle for independence and defense of our liberties. Musket demonstrations will be performed roughly every hour, accompanied by period fife and drum music. Watch the skill of the artisans as they make everyday goods like toys, candles, pewter and tin. Finally, come learn of the professions, such as doctors or joyners, and learn how their skills were the backbone of America.

This year, stop by our numerous community tables on Saturday. In addition to the Historical Society, Royall House, and Books Estate, The First Patriots Event Committee welcomes the Mystic River Watershed, Beads by Beardslee, Author James Nelson and Big Bear Trading Post. CACHE, as part of their month long celebration to the arts, will be on hand to kick off their celebration with a bang and finally, visit the Harvest Your Energy Festival under the wind turbine!

This event would not be possible without the generous donations of both public and private community organizations and businesses. Through their support, they have allowed The First Patriots Event Committee to continue to educate all ages in our community’s exciting heritage, in a fun and interactive way. We would like to sincerely thank the Medford Arts Council for their generous grant this year. In addition, we would like to thank all our community sponsors whom we have partnered with: Tufts University, Friends of the Medford Public Library, Medford Historical Society, Royall House Association, Andrews Middle School PTO, The Preservation Collaborative, The History Connection, and ERA Realty. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Ryan Hayward or visit our welcome table the day of our event!

Remembering our Heritage

Medford is rich in history. Our quaint village did so much more than just be a bystander; residents were seriously involved in making the Revolution happen. From the end of the French and Indian War, right through to the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Medford residents answered the call in the name of liberty and defense of their rights.

As early as 1764, colonists saw taxes levied against them in response to growing British debt from the French and Indian War. The Sugar and Stamp Acts were two such legislations which were targeted to hit colonists the hardest, to raise the most revenue. They were not taken lightly, causing a wildfire of political debates that flooded local newspapers. They were later repealed, only to be followed by the Townshend Acts, and finally the Tea Act, which led to the Boston Tea Party. England closed the Port of Boston in 1774 in response to this destruction of the tea and for a while, the region stood still; New England became a powder keg.

It only takes one spark to ignite black powder and that’s exactly what happened on April 19^th, 1775. British troops left Boston in search of Colonial arms in Concord. They found nothing, but faced resistance in an armed confrontation 14 miles long. Since 1772, area towns formed minuteman companies, ready to respond to defend civil liberties in a moment’s notice. Everyone 16 through 60 was required to serve in the town militia, but these were an elite group, paid to be prepared.  Medford Minutemen were present that April day, and fought the entire length.

Once the British returned to Boston, they remained there until March 17, 1776.  During their occupation, there were some major skirmishes. In addition to Bunker Hill and Dorchester Heights which we all know, there were at least a dozen confrontations up and down the coast of New England from Kennybunkport and Portsmouth, to nearby Marblehead and Chelsea.

We had our share of characters in town. Tories, commonly known as loyalists, were vastly outnumbered and relatively silent.  Isaac Royall and Joseph Thompson were both found on the wrong side of the argument.  Political and personal pressured caused them to leave be absent at a most critical time of scrutiny by all neighbors. They were branded Loyalists and their estates were confiscated, used to raise much needed funds for the newly established government. Patriots were abundant. From the future Governor Jonathan Brooks right through to the entire Hall Family, Medford’s wealthiest merchants lot and makers of the colonies finest rum. Stories of their bravery and generosity still echo in town. From saving  a deserting British soldier from a search party, to stashing two brass cannons confiscated from Fort Ticonderoga and later used to win the Siege, Medford residents helped the cause in all ways possible.

Once the British left, on what is today known as Evacuation Day, Medford residents followed the battle, enlisting in the new Continental Army. Some joined the Continental Army, others served in private militia companies. Regardless of where they went, most served right though to the end in 1781, when the British surrendered.

We can remember many of our fallen and passed heroes today. Many of them are buried at the Salem Street Cemetery, which recently saw a facelift and much needed restoration. A plaque commemorating the 59 Medford Minutemen rests on a boulder, feet from the library. Finally, some of their homes stand among us, silent witnesses to times now past.

Schedule of Events

Open 10-5 Daily. We will be open late on Saturday evening until sunset (approximately 7PM).

Saturday Schedule:

11:00 am Fife and drum music

11:30 am Medford in the Revolution

12:00 pm "Nooning" (lunch)

1:15pm Battle of Chelsea Creek Tatical Display

2:00 pm Honorary Salute

2:10 pm Parade of Units

2:30 pm Recruiting/Drill: For Liberty!!

3:00 pm School in Colonial Massachusetts

3:15 pm Musket firing

4:00 pm Fife and drum music

4:15 pm Musket firing

5:00 pm Dinner

Sunday Schedule:

11:00 am Fife and drum music

11:15 am Musket firing

12:00 pm "Nooning" (lunch)

1:15 pm Colonial School

2:00 pm Fife and drum music

2:15 pm Recruiting/Drill: For Liberty!!

3:00 pm Fife and drum music

3:15 pm Musket firing

4:00 pm Fife and drum music

4:15 pm Musket firing