It’s CHARTER DAY!
Charter Day is the day we celebrate Reading’s actual birthday. On May 29, 1644, the upper house of the Mass. Bay Colony legislature (known, then, as the Court of Assistants) voted that “Lynn Village, at the request of the inhabitants thereof, shall be called Reading.” A couple of weeks later, on June 10th, the lower house (then known as the House of Deputies) concurred, making it official. Therefore, June 10th is the actual birth date of Reading. If you take a close look at the Reading 375 logo, you’ll notice the time on our logo clock makes a subliminal reference to it.
Please join us TODAY for a special celebration of our history.
Reading Speaks: Voices from the Past and Present
The Residence at Pearl Street
75 Pearl Street, Reading
Monday, June 10
Doors Open at 7, Event begins at 7:30
Free and open to the public
Join thirty people with a strong connection to Reading – elected officials, statewide representatives, and notable residents – as they provide thirty quick snapshots into Reading’s history, from 1630 – today. This 45-minute oral history is an entertaining way to learn about our town’s past and present. Light refreshments and live music are included. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Charter Day. Wearing something purple is encouraged, but not required. Reading Speaks ends as all birthday celebrations should – with birthday cake generously provided by the Residence at Pearl Street.
Since the May 31 kick-off of Reading 375, hundreds of residents have become students of our local history. More than 200 Reading residents have signed on to play Roaming Reading –they are headed all around town trying to find answers to historic Reading facts and locations. This weekend our town’s most historic building, Parker Tavern, was host to hundreds more residents who flocked to three signature Reading 375 events – Tavern at the Tavern, Clubhouse at the Tavern, and Revelry at the Tavern.
And in case you are wondering why purple is the color of Reading 375, well the answer to that is historic too. Using purple for Reading anniversary celebration goes back to 1894, when “The Bank Building was adorned in purple felt bunting” to celebrate Reading’s 250th anniversary. For this reason, purple was picked as the signature color for the Reading 350th celebration in 1994 and again this year for Reading 375.
So wear your purple with pride today Reading. Our town has a vibrant history and today we celebrate it. If you’d like to really get in the spirit, Commemorative Reading 375 t-shirts are still available for $20 at Reading Trophy and Shirt and RCTV Studios. Limited edition Reading 375 pins are available at Whitelam Books, Reading Cooperative Bank, The Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, and RCTV Studios for $3.75.
Mark your calendars – the next Reading 375 Event is this Wednesday, June 12 beginning at 6 PM at the RMHS Field House. It’s Reading Rotary’s 8th annual Taste of Metro North and you won’t want to miss it! If you purchase your tickets ahead of time, they cost $25 for an individual/ $60 for a family. Tickets are also available at the door ($30 for an individual/$70 for a family). For event details and to purchase tickets, head to tasteofmetronorth.com.
(Spoiler alert – if you’ve been staring at the Reading 375 logo and can’t figure it out…The time displayed is 6:10. 6/10 is June 10 on a calendar – Charter Day!)
About Reading 375: Reading 375 is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization whose goal is to bring our community together to celebrate Reading’s 375th anniversary in 2019. Events will occur over a two-week period, from May 31 – June 15, and will include local artists and musicians, architecture unique to Reading, and fun community gatherings. The Reading 375 Steering Committee hopes to create a town-wide celebration of Reading’s rich history and exciting future. To learn more and stay informed, like and follow Reading 375 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and check out reading375.com.
