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Celebration planning has begun for town's 225th birthday

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW The town has been called by some "the daughter of the Commonwealth" because of its status as the first town incorporated into the state at the end of the American Revolution. Members of the Longmeadow Historical Commission, the Longmeadow Historical Society and history-minded residents are working together to celebrate the town's unique history on its 225th birthday.

Oct. 17 marks the two-and-a-quarter century anniversary of Longmeadow's incorporation as a town and a group known as the Birthday Steering Committee are planning a week-long celebration of this momentous occasion.

Susan Hall, chair of the committee, is a member of the Historical Commission as well as the owner of one of the town's oldest homes.

"I appreciate Longmeadow's rich historical heritage and want to do whatever I can to raise awareness of and appreciation for our town's historic past," she told Reminder Publications.

When asked why she thought it was important for the town to recognize its history with a week-long celebration, Hall said, "Everyone loves a party! It is our hope that by holding a series of festive and informational events over the course of a week that we will be able to attract both school children and adults to the Green to learn more about life in early Longmeadow."

Crawford Lincoln, a member of the steering committee and president of the town's historical society, said right now the committee is brainstorming events that may be possible to take place during this "remarkable" anniversary of the town of Longmeadow.

"Two hundred twenty-five is a good round number," Lincoln said. The last big birthday event the town celebrated was its 150th birthday in 1933, according to Hall. The weekend long celebration that year boasted an Anniversary Costume Ball, a Dance for Young People and a "pageantry" by the school children of the town performing "The Redeemed Captive and the Unredeemed," an original play about the life of Stephen Williams, the first minister of the First Church, who was also the boy captive of Deerfield.

Children's involvement in celebrating the history of the town is important, according to Hall.

"I've just recently retired after 30 plus years working with primary school children," she said. "As a teacher, my first love is kids so it seems a natural fit that I develop programs to involve children in the 225th celebration."

While no plans have been solidified yet, the committee is considering a "Kids History Saturday," which would include a series of local history presentations, perhaps a visit from a Longmeadow Minuteman and a storytelling program about Longmeadow native Johnny Appleseed.

"Of course this is a birthday party, so we hope to be able to enjoy cupcakes as we sing a chorus of 'Happy Birthday Longmeadow,'" Hall said.

"There are a lot of ideas in the air," Lincoln added. "We're in the process of looking into one that can be translated into reality."

The committee is looking to speak with State Rep. Mary Rogeness to see if she can procure a proclamation from Gov. Deval Patrick for the event, Lincoln said.

One event that has already been officially scheduled is the Antiques Appraisal Day for Oct. 18 and the awarding of Historic Preservation Awards to various groups or individuals "for their exemplary efforts to preserve a piece of Longmeadow's past," Hall stated. Skinner Inc. of Boston -- and of PBS' "Antiques Roadshow" fame will be providing the antiques appraisal.

To put together a full celebration, however, volunteers are needed. "We welcome volunteers of all ages [and] no prior knowledge or experience is required," Hall said. "If you have a love of history and want to get involved in an educational, rewarding and fun celebration of Longmeadow history, here is your chance. To volunteer, or just to learn more, leave a message with the Longmeadow Historical Society at 567-3600."

"Our group is looking to celebrate the rather interesting and distinctive history of the town," Lincoln added.

The town's Web site (www.longmeadow.org) may soon have updates on a special 225th birthday celebration page as well, Hall said.