Community Corner
Happy Birthday Northborough!
Northborough was incorporated on January 24, 1766. Today it turned 250 and was celebrated with history, song, and special cake and coffee.
A little snow and a big New England Patriots game did not stop crowds from attending Northborough’s official 250th birthday celebration on Sunday, January 24, 2016. Northborough was established on this date in 1766. The ceremony was held at First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist of Northborough and is the first of many celebrations to be held throughout the year.
The Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 Color Guard led the flag ceremony while Northborough Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts led guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A recently formed 250th chorus led by Tom Lowe provided music as part of the ceremony including the Star Spangled Banner and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, a song that was composed by a Northborough resident and was released for a show in New York City.
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From Northborough’s first settler John Brigham in 1672 and Hudson Street’s woolen and cotton mills to the development of Northborough Crossing and the commercialization of Route 20, Northborough continues to have a history reflecting important events, political ideas and growth.
Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito spoke about how the partnership between local and state government has always been an important part of Northborough’s history.
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“It’s stronger than ever,” she said. “We look forward to the next 200 years.”
Other distinguished guests in attendance included U.S. Representative James McGovern, MA State Senator Harriet Chandler, MA State Representative Harold Naughton and MA State Representative Danielle Gregoire.
“I have a great appreciation of Northborough and am privileged to be a representative for Northborough,” said McGovern. “It’s a patriotic community; a community that cares for one another.”
Historical Society Director and 250th Committee Member Norm Corbin encourages residents of all ages to explore Northborough’s history this year and to take the dates and events on the town’s timeline and google them for the full story.
Naughton agreed. “Use this year to spend time to go and appreciate the special place this town has become.”
A reception followed the ceremony which included a commemorative cake, a replica of the First Church, made by Food Network’s Cake Boss Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro, who oversees bakery operations in Hoboken, NJ. The reception also featured a special 250th anniversary coffee blend created by Armeno’s Coffee Roasters, Ltd.
The 250th Gala scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2016, is sold out, but a list of all upcoming events commemorating Northborough’s 250th in 2016 can be found at www.northborough250.org. This list includes various Historical Society presentations, a Historical Trolley Tour and a 5K Race.
