May 2014 – MASSAR

The 2014 SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution

May 26, 2014
admin
Events

During a period of significant disruptions in daily life and changed expectations of what a woman’s place in a marriage, the household, and the community “ought” to be, women assumed multiple roles. They displayed patriotism by supporting boycotts of British goods and encouraging manufacturing at home; they raised funds to feed and clothe the troops; they supported the family by managing the farm or family business while a husband fought. Some followed the armies in supporting roles; and some were soldiers.

Digital Committee of Correspondence begins June 1st

May 26, 2014
admin
Local History

Today, the Worcester Revolution of 1774 announced that their launch of their 'Digital Committee of Correspondence' begins June 1st. Since their mention of it in the fall, they created a way to spread the moments of this dramatic time through the lens of the computer and mobile phone. In fact, their focus on a

Open Rebellion: Town Meeting Defying the Tyranny of the Intolerable Acts in Grafton

May 25, 2014
admin
Local History

Remarkably, the document not only shows a key step in separation between the Crown and the colony, but also shows the chain of action; county and town. The Worcester resolve is followed by a record of the Grafton town meeting held to consider those measures. It's a fascinating look at the grassroots nature of independence, uniting citizens of the smaller towns to take over their own governmental functions. This pivotal step helps explain why the towns were ready to send militia the day they received word of the Lexington alarm.

On September 5, 1774, Captain Luke Drury moderated a Grafton town meeting held to consider the resolves. By a unanimous vote, the townspeople agreed.

A Historical Day in Grafton

May 18, 2014
admin
Events

On May 10, 2014, MASSAR's Continental Color Guard participated in Grafton History Day at the invitation of the Grafton Historical Society. Each year they choose a different period in our history. This year was the American Revolution. We were well represented by several Guardsmen: Jack Cunningham (Commander), Steve Perkins (State Secretary & First VP), Wesley H. Wratchford (President – Col. Wm Henshaw Chapter). Allan Van Wert (MASSAR & Col. Wm Henshaw Chapter Safety Officer), Charles Kingsbury (Color Guard Treasurer) and Verne Thayer (Past President – Col. Wm Henshaw Chapter).

Worcester Revolution’s County-wide Read Underway

May 10, 2014
admin
Events

Twelve Worcester County Libraries have joined in the celebration of the Worcester Revolution of 1774 to bring a county-wide read of Ray Raphael's First American Revolution: Beyond Lexington and Concord to the region. The county-wide read is being done as a part The Spirit of '74 County-Wide Read to recognize the 4,622 militiamen from 37 towns of Worcester County who marched down Main Street in Worcester, shut down the Crown-controlled county courthouse and, for the first time ever in the American colonies, effectively overthrew British authority to become independent. The date was September 6, 1774. Not a shot was fired.

Committee of Correspondence: The Revolution in Provincial Politics

May 4, 2014
admin
History

This revolutionary assumption of authority outside the bounds of the traditional structure began in Berkshire County, a region where previously there had been relatively little participation in the politics of opposition. In early July sixty "deputies of the several towns" met at Stockbridge "to consult and advise what was necessary and prudent to be done." ² Their unanimous resolutions combining a declaration of rights with a nonconsumption covenant and a pledge to maintain constitutional local government, set a pattern which other counties subsequently followed. One month later Worcester, the second county to convene, expanded the role of the county convention even further. Together these first two conventions demonstrated the breadth and depth of the provincial desire to repel invasions against the constitutional rights of Massachusetts.