With the 300th Anniversary impending we look back fifty years

It was a year long celebration of epic proportions. Preparations were made well in advance of this once in a lifetime venue which featured Holliston’s past, present and future. While the Holliston Minutemen disbanded back in 1819, it wasn’t until January 21, 1973 that recruiting began to form three companies of minutemen reenactors for historical purposes.
An up to date history of the town was written by Dorothy Rees, and the town had its own 250th gift shop in lower town hall managed by Irene and David Taylor. Red white and blue bunting adorned homes and businesses, while newly minted circa signs were placed on homes depicting the year they were built.
Marge Picchi designed a commemorative seal which was used to cast coins for the celebration. The local American Legion printed wooden nickels for the occasion.
vents kicked off in February with a fashion show followed by a political rally sponsored by the new minted minutemen giving those running for office in May to state their positions. In March there was a 13 mile marathon, and a barn dance followed by a hymn festival at the 1st Congregational Church.
A variety show capped off a busy March. May brought the Industrial Show at the high school, a horse show at Wheeler Farm and a tour of colonial homes by the Holliston Garden Club.
June 2nd was ransom day for the local Brothers of the Brush. Combining the Strawberry Festival on the green at the 1st Congregational Church with the Brothers beard judging contest, the brothers were dressed in Disney costumes as part of a ransom to retrieve their beloved razor dug up by Walpole Brothers of the Brush, The big parade on June 9th featured 6 divisions and 144 units. The three and a half mile route from the top of Phipp’s Hill to East Holliston and back to the schools on Woodland Street came on one of the hotttest days of the year with may marchers dropping out due to the heat. Honorary Marshals for the day included Wally Watts, Louis Maeder, Forrest Clark Sr. and Ernest Olmstead. The parade included the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

A huge fireman’s muster and parade was held on July 27th. The parade featuring 13 hand tubs alone and numerous motorized vehicles from surrounding towns as well as bands and marching units made its way from Lowland Street via Central to Hollis Street and the high school where the muster was held.
There would be a tennis tournament at Chamberlain Pines, a Day at the Lake, Field Day at the high school and Golf tournament in August. A Grand Gala Ball was held at Glen Ellen Country Club in December to cap off the year.
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Click either link to go to the Holliston Hub -hcat- 250th Anniversary playlist to watch the reels.
https://www.hcattv.org/search?q=250th
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUTx3THWPjuf0QZ2xCX2mQ0pJOSeeGaw8
Oh what memories! Jackie Dellicker
Fabulous! And we invite everyone to check out the ever growing calendar of events and activities for the 300th!!!
Start planning your year now and if your group has an event for the 300th, let us know!!
http://www.celebrateholliston.com/300th-calendar.html
So much fun, in spite of the heat!