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TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
December 7, 1961
The Committee met at the Town Offices at 8600
p.m. Present weres Mrs Fox, Mrs Litchfield, and
Messrs Cobb, Douglass, Gaughan, Poplawski and Howard
Present also were Messrs Gustin, Cole, Cronin, Hunt,
Fitzgerald, Guiler and Benoit
Films of the past 2 years ' parades were shown, APRIL 19
after which a discussion on this year's event was held
by Mr Howard.
Mr Gustin stressed the significance of the
early morning parade to the town itself and suggested
focusing on this as a tradition, with efforts to define
rules and regulations for the afternoon floats in an
effort to improve this aspect. He presented everyone
a copy of the "Bill of Rights" laminated in plastic as
a "memento of a memory" to impress upon us the fact that
the town should be aware of the significance of the town
and the day Mr Gustin feels that the parade alone is
not enough and that a broad spirit of participation
should be encouraged
Mr Cole favors high school and military bands
and keeping the make-up of the parade the same He
agrees with Mr Gustin's suggestions and says that the
idea among the Selectmen of the gimmick aspect no
longer. exists
Mr Cronin would like to preserve the dignity of
the morning parade, leaving it as it is, for the people
of Lexington He feels that 5 divisions are enough in
the aftarrnnq_n parte$_,_ and s-ug-gcs-ted-a meeti-rrg-o-f di-vis-
ion commanders prior to the parade in an effort to keep
the continuity and unity of the afternoon events One
other suggestion from Mr Cronin referred to broadening
the base in Middlesex County towns by inviting other
towns here (e g. , Concord runs historical seminars,
starting in December, prior to April 19)
Mr Bongiorno suggested holding an April 19
Ball (with an exception this year because of holy
week) He also suggested inviting the Bedford High
School band
The problem of different cadences among high
school and military bands has been somewhat of a prob-
lem There is a feeling that all the first division
bands are the best Also, different cadences cause
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gaps and difficulty in marching It was suggested
that the high schools can be requested to march at a
120 cadence instead of their usual Military bands
cannot be moved from the First Division, according to
protocol The Legion or the VFW could get their own
band in the Second Division to solve this problem.
Donn Cobb will speak to Mr Gillespie about our high
school cadence.
Other suggestions included :
1 Using the high school or junior high school as a
source for the theme of the parade, with a prize as an
incentive (The Committee would decide which is best)
2. Putting a float in the Fifth Division, between the
last band and the sirens of the fire engines ;
3 Trying to obtain "Smoky" again;
4. Uncovering any antique fire engines
The Chief Marshall will be appointed by January
2, 1962.
Possible handouts might be a postage stamp,
insurance policy, or tri-corn hat
At this point, all invited guests left and the
committee proceeded with their usual meeting
Mrs Litchfield will invite all special guests
by January 1 This group includes the Governor, Sena-
tors, elected state officials
Mr Poplawski suggested getting the Colonial
Old Guards, from Fort Lee, Va , and will find out de-
tails on such an invitation He also suggested re-
serving an area along the parade route for older
people for. chairs
Mr Douglass reported that the service organiza-
tions are now in charge of the Drum and Bugle Corps
Competition, which is still up in the air and will
evidently be decided, of necessity, by next month If
it is not presented this year, it is a strong pos-
sibility for 1963
The Coast Guard will let us know after December
20, if they will be able to attend We still need Fort
Devens
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As it now stands, the following have accepted 250TH
positions on this committee: Len Foster, Hazel La
Porte, Charles Parks, Bentley Hutchins Unfortunately,
Doris Pullen and Bert Custin must refuse for personal
reasons Ed Worthen. Jr , will let us know Therefore,
Mr Howard will ask the following. in the following
order: Becky Nussdorfer, Ann Fisher, Rowena Robinson
for the women, and Neil Cronin, Leon Burke , and Ray
Lewis for the men
Mr & Mrs. Howard will hold a reception for RECEPTION
former members at their home on December l4, at which FOR FORMER
time we will present Mrs Williams, Mr Cronin, and Mr. MEMBERS
Bongiorno with silver Revere bowls Mrs Litchfield
will purchase these and. have them engraved, if possible
Next meeting will be January 4
Linda Fernberger,
Recording Secretary
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