My time celebrating and commemorating America!
Since I was only 13-turning-14years-old in 1975 (and 14-turning-15 in 1976), I wasn't able to do near as much to celebrate America's Bicentennial as I would've liked. My celebrations were limited to whatever historical programming they showed on TV (I loved Bicentennial Minutes!) and whatever special history blurbs and sections that were in magazines (such as my Dad's Newsweek) or in our local newspapers.
Oh---and the 4th of July foreworks were a literal blast.
No, during the Bicentennial we did not go on any vacations to any of the cool historical places such as Boston, Colonial Williamsburg, or Philadelphia. In fact, we didn't even visit Greenfield Village, which is local! My poor father was a hard working man - a meat cutter/butcher - and he would often work weekends (at least one weekend day) and evening shifts, so he was pretty beat on his days off; the last thing he wanted to do was to fight off crowds. We did have a family cottage only an hour away on the banks of Lake Huron near the small town of - get this - Lexington, Michigan that we would visit every chance we could get. But I couldn't drive yet and had no friends that could, so I pretty much remained home, reading my history books and the like. And, if I could squeeze an allowance...beg my parents for money...I would sometimes spend it on Bicentennial souvenirs, if they were cheap enough. Or record albums.
No, this is not a "woe is me," rant, for I am planning to make up for my Bicentennial losses here in 2025 (and 2026) during America's Semiquincentennial - our 250th. In fact, I've already begun. And this ain't the final posting I will be writing on The Battles of Lexington & Concord! But it covers my 250th celebratory commemorations here in 2025 (so far) centered mostly on the recent weekend
of April 18th and 19th.
 |
| Two Lights For Tomorrow~ There's more on this coming up later in this post - - keep reading...~~~ |
......:::.....
For me personally, the biggest difference between the Bicentennial and the Semiquincentennial is...well...now I'm doing something...I'm participating.
But, first things first - let's start at the beginning...
 |
We're going back to 2014 for this shot, taken on my first-ever coming out while wearing colonial clothing - April 18, 2014 |
My debut as a colonial...as a patriot...occurred on April 18 (of all dates) in 2014. And, I must admit, it was a day much needed for me, for it was only 12 days earlier, April 6, 2014, that I lost my brother to an aortic aneurysm. It was the most heartwrenching shock I have ever experienced. So I needed this particular day; it was my first time out in public dressed in colonial clothing, in my knee breeches, buckled shoes, cocked/tricorn hat - period clothing I had purchased a month earlier from the Kalamazoo Living History Show.
And where did I go for my first time out dressed in this manner all those years ago?
To Greenfield Village.
To Greenfield Village.
It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience, spending the day there with a few others dressed in the same era fashions as I. One of my favorite parts of this day happened shortly before leaving the Village when a young boy, probably around the age of nine or ten, asked me why I was dressed in this manner. Since the date just happened to be April 18, I explained to him its significance, and how "239 years ago tonight, Paul Revere made his famous ride, warning the countryside that the regulars were out, and they were coming this way!"
Yes, I also explained that Mr. Revere was not alone in this venture.
This young man was thrilled to hear this and immediately ran to his mother, shouting, "Mom! Do you know what happened 239 years ago tonight?!?"
Only a few minutes later I saw this same young man pretending his mother's umbrella was a musket and 'shooting' the Redcoats, shouting "The British are coming!"
I corrected him to yell, "the regulars are coming," which he did, and then explained that "tomorrow, April 19, would be the 239th anniversary of the beginning of the war for our nation's Independence - the American Revolution."
He loved it.
How exciting for him to hear of our nation's history in this manner.
How exciting for me to teach him some of our wonderful American history - it was an awesome first time out as a colonial for me.
So here I am, 11 years later, almost to the day, and I just so happened to spend this April 19 back at Greenfield Village. Only, for me personally, there was more of an air of specialness on this date this year than in previous years, due to it being the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington & Concord.
 |
| The historical weekend is here! |
But before we get to that...
Over the years, I've become associated (proudly, by the way) with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
"The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country."
Unfortunately, at this time, I have no patriot ancestor---I am not, as far as I know, directly descended from someone who fought in the Revolutionary War, on either side. That's the big prerequisite of becoming a member - having an American patriot. Now, I did have ancestors in this country who came over in 1710, but they were all Quakers and did not believe in violence of any kind, including war. But I have not researched all of my lines---that's something I plan to do perhaps this coming winter---so there is still a pretty good chance.
We'll see.
 |
SAR: "We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, not just on the Fourth of July in 2026, but throughout the Decade of Revolution, which began last year with the Boston Tea Party and ends in 2033 with the Paris Peace Accord." - Brooks Lyles As it should be, though I'd go back to the Boston Massacre... |
My first encounter with the SAR was back in 2017 at the Cass River Colonial Encampment, which took place up in Frankenmuth, Michigan. I spoke with the members there for a bit and got to know them.
 |
| 2017 - Frankenmuth This was my first encounter with the Sons of the American Revolution. |
The following summer - 2018 - I hooked up with the SAR for a second time, only this time at Detroit's Historic Fort Wayne.
8 |
| 2018 - Detroit's Historic Fort Wayne It was an honor for us to play our small role in helping an inductee into this exclusive organization. Naming of the period dressed living historians who helped out (from left): Ken Roberts of the Massachusetts Militia, followed by the head of the DMC of the SAR. Next to him is the new member, and then we have Bob Jones as George Washington, with Len Steinberg from the Pennsylvania Militia, and lastly myself portraying a Minuteman. I am glad we could help. This was a very special honor for us. |
"Today, I had the honor of presenting the SAR Flag Certificate to the Giorlando family of Eastpointe, Michigan. Ken and his family are living historians, presenting and teaching various periods of American history all over the midwest. On any given day, you may find one or more of the Early American flags on display at their home. Ken is a good friend of the Detroit Metro Chapter."
 |
In 2019 my family and I were recipients of the wonderful flag commemoration from the SAR you see me holding up. I began collecting historic flags nearly two decades ago and have been purchasing them ever since. I fly them at my house frequently, which garners great conversations from passersby, and I especially love to fly them at our historical reenactments, which also is a great teaching opportunity. It was such an honor. |
And then, in 2022, I was presented with the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal.
This was a total shock!
From Detroit Metro Chapter SAR President Chris White: "The Bronze Good Citizenship Medal is designed to recognize an individual who has made an important contribution to the community. Ken Giorlando has been a living historian for almost 20 years. (He) actively writes multiple history-based blogs including Passion for the Past...and Greenfield Village Open-Air Museum. He also maintains the Friends of Greenfield Village Facebook page.
Throughout the year you may run into Ken at Greenfield Village, Mill Race Village, Historic Fort Wayne, Cass River Encampment in Frankenmuth, Colonial Kensington, or many other places around the Midwest.
We first met Ken at Colonial Days at Historic Fort Wayne back in 2018 and have been following his exploits around the Midwest since then. Along with Larissa Fleishman, they hone their first-person skills as 18th century farmers. Their Year in the Life of a Colonial Farm (presentation) was the highlight of our 2019 annual meeting, and we look forward to their presentation today along with Bob Stark.
In recognition of Ken's ongoing efforts to keep history alive in our community, the Detroit Metro Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is very pleased and honored to present him with the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal."
I then was presented with the Bronze Medal along with the certificate.
 |
Chris White and I. I am dressed period for this due to the fact that Larissa Fleishman, Bob Stark, and I were going to present our Patriots presentation. This surpise for me occurred just before we went on. |
 |
I was asked to do the unveiling~ I've never done anything like this before, so, for me, it was a true honor. Just think - I did this for a Revolutionary War soldier! |
In 2024, I had been asked by the Sons of the American Revolution to participate in the dedication ceremony for the historical marker honoring Revolutionary War Patriot Maxwell Thompson. Not just me, though, but other members of the Citizens of the American Colonies were welcome to come as well.
Who is Thompson Maxwell?
In 1820 at the age of 78, Thompson Maxwell rode his horse more than 1,600 miles from Detroit to New England and back. He did it to revisit some of the most important sites of the American Revolution. After all, he’d fought at most of them:
~on April 18, 1775, Thompson Maxwell drove his team of horses to Boston and went on to Bedford to stay with his sister and brother-in-law. That’s how he ended up at the Battle of Concord, said to be the only New Hampshire soldier there.
Afterward, it seems he may have went back to Amherst to join his company as a second lieutenant. The company then marched to Boston to fight the Battle of Bunker Hill / Breeds Hill. Thompson described how he drove stakes to reinforce the hill and stuffed hay between fence rails. During the battle, the British shot his brother Hugh in the right arm, but Thompson got through it unscathed.
Thompson Maxwell remembered George Washington arriving to take command of the Continental Army. He fought with John Sullivan at the Battle of Trenton on the day after Christmas, and he marched on to capture Princeton. He saw action at the Battle of Bennington, which defeated General John Burgoyne’s forces.
 |
So here we were, with The Detroit Metro Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a few "Friends" of the SAR in 2024, paying tribute to the man who is buried at Wallaceville Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan: (l to r) Ken Giorlando - me! (Friend), (my wife) Patty Giorlando (Daughter of the American Revolution), Geoffrey Hickok, Joe Williams, Ted Wade, Chris White, Larry Carr, Greg Winters, Mike Jones, Charlotte Bauer (Friend), and Norman Gerring (Friend) at the grave of Major Thompson Maxwell during a special dedication in the summer of 2024. |
Oh---and did I mention he was a part of the Boston Tea Party?
My wife Patty's patriot ancestor, Hugh Logan, served under George Rogers Clark as a private in the Western Army of the Revolutionary War. In 1776, he served as Captain and was sent to Donnelly’s Fort in what is now Greenbriar County in West Virginia. Hence, she being in the DAR.
On April 12 here in 2025, we had another encounter with the Sons of the American Revolution, which called for another celebration:
Due to Patty’s lineage to a Revolutionary War patriot, our male offspring:
sons Tommy, Robbie, Miles
and our grandsons Ben, Liam, and Elijah
were inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution – of course, joining the Detroit Metro Chapter.
 |
| This was a very cool poster/sign set up at the hall~ |
 |
| Sons of the American Revolution~ The American Flag The Michigan Flag The Grand Union Flag The Gadsden Flag The Moultrie Flag (thanks Chris!) and The SAR Flag. |
 |
| All of my male descendents: My three sons in the back and two of my three grandsons in front (my third grandson wasn't feeling well - two years old). In this photo, they were receiving their pin and their certificate. |
Then, as a complete surprise to me, I was given the “Bronze 250th Anniversary American Revolution Medal” and certificate!
I am not eligible (so far) to join such an organization, but this – my third honor from the SAR – makes me feel better than having a college degree! I cannot tell you what it means to me to be recognized by the Sons of the American Revolution for my living history.
Thank you to Chris White and the Sons of the American Revolution – Detroit Metro Chapter.
 |
| Holding up my SAR treasures - - - I was brought to tears...it means so much to me... |
 |
| The medals I received - I love that they're all about America's 250th! |
 |
| The Red White and Blue truly does proudly flow through our veins! (Chris White took this photo~) |
In my honest opinion, being honored by the Sons of the American Revolution means so much more to me than any college piece of paper that would say I completed a course in history. The medals and certificates were given to me by my historical peers, not because I passed some test given by a college professor. And to have my male children and grandchildren inducted...well...I was beaming with pride!
Not long after, grandson Liam asked about it (he is seven years old) and so I explained to him that Hugh Logan was a man who fought in the Revolutionary War against the Redcoats---the British. Liam wondered what wars were like in the old days, so I showed him (and my other grands) a battle scene clip from the movie "The Patriot." Yeah, the movie itself is not necessarily historically accurate, but the battle scenes are very well done (though not historically accurate to any one particular battle).
 |
My boys and grandsons are now in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), of which I am very pleased and happy for them. Now, if there was a group for Descendants of American Colonials, I could get into that, but as of now I haven't found any ancestors who fought in the Revolution in my family tree - I'll keep on searching. In the meantime, I am considered a "Friend of the SAR" because I've done numerous things with them, and also because of my promotion of American history - research, living history, my Passion for the Past blog - so that's pretty cool)~ Anyhow, because our son, Miles, lives with us, we get this pretty awesome magazine in the mail. Oh! And my sons and grandsons were officially inducted on April 12! It was perfect timing for America250 - - time to celebrate like it's 1976! |
One of the commemorations I participated in didn't involve any sort of traveling or battle reenactments. Two Lights for Tomorrow was a "nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of multi-state collaboration at A Common Cause to All in Williamsburg and uses the imagery of that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow.
At its heart it is a call across the country, in private homes, local communities, and statehouses alike, for two lights to be displayed to remind us all of the importance to come together to form a more perfect union.
Everyone can participate! All you have to do is display two lights in your homes, at your visitor centers, your cultural, historical, and community sites, and in your government buildings in April 2025 to raise awareness and draw attention to and commemorate the beginning of our constant endeavor as a nation to work together for a better tomorrow!"
 |
| I posted this on many historically-oriented pages throughout Facebook, including my own page and numerous Greenfield Village pages. A few folks I know did take part, but, sadly, most did not. |
From the White House:
Yes, the White House participated, which I think is very cool (no, there is nothing political in this statement---I would have stated the same no matter who the sitting president was)~
 |
From the White House Facebook page: "On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere set out on a midnight ride that would help ignite the American Revolution. Two hundred and fifty years later, we remember his courage— and the enduring spirit of liberty that defines our nation." |
Sadly, no news sites seemed to write about this 250 year celebration, and that's a shame. But I posted it on my Facebook page, and the word spread a little:
From Kimberly Elder:
 |
| "The photos are my Grandparents and 3 of them are Descendants of the American Revolution: both of my Grandfathers, George Arthur Elder Jr. and Paul Hallett Drury, and my Maternal Grandmother Marion Lee (Everett) Drury. My Paternal Grandmother Lilly (Arnold) Elder was born in Bradford, England!" Thanks for the historic info Kimberly! |
I am so happy and, yes, proud of those who took part! And I truly thank them for doing so! I mean, since word had not spread about this as it should have, ir was sort of a last minute thing for most people really---one had to find two lights and then look where to place them. I was asked by one person for times to shine the lights even.
All of this together - all who participated and even raised questions - showed care, and I appreciate it.
From Laura Zizka-Wright:
 |
| Thank you, Laura, for taking part in America 250. You mentioned that your candles were two close together, but, as you can see when I enlarged your photo, each of the two candles can plainly be seen. This looks great! |
Jennifer Wallace Goff:
 |
| "Thank you for letting us know about this Ken!" You are very welcome, Jennifer. And thank you for participating! It means a lot~ |
Beth Beley & Kevin Amos:
 |
| "I was just going to take photos of our garage lanterns, then remembered I had 2 old candles. Such an important night in our countries history." Thanks to you both, Beth & Kevin! |
Beth's friend, Stephanie Phillips:
 |
| "I turned my front porch lights to the brightest they could be… normally they are different colors!" This looks great, Stephanie! |
I collected this next photo from Stacy Rinner of Iowa a little later, but she, too, participated and deserves to be recognized!
 |
| "Yup! I put my lanterns out last weekend. What an amazing couple of days, even for those of us not there in Massachusetts." |
I absolutely love knowing that there were people who took part in the commemorations - what I have here are but a few who did.
I did, too:
Then my brain began working on how and what of the evening's celebration:
Guess what other building celebrated the 250th anniversary?
Yup---the Old North Chutch itself:
 |
| During the daytime of April 18th, I flew a couple of my historical flags: The "Betsy Ross" flag (though this is from late May or early June 1776), and the "Pine Tree" flag (also known as "An Appeal to Heaven,") has been in use since the 16th century to represent New England, particularly Massachusetts, during the colonial period and the American Revolution. While the pine tree symbol itself dates back to the colonial era, the specific flag design, often featuring the phrase "An Appeal to Heaven," was adopted in late 1775, so technically neither flag would have been at Lexington & Concord. So why'd I fly 'em? The Betsy Ross for familiarity to the public, and the Pine Tree flag for the "Appeal To Heaven" -- being Good Friday and all. |
 |
The two lanterns I chose from my collection to be lit for this occasion. On the left is a replicated 18th century tin lantern, one I've used often during reenactments. On the right is a replication of one of the two lanterns that were lit in the Old North Church steeple on the night of April 18, 1775 (see its story HERE). This replica was made by the Concord Historical Commission for the Bicentennial. I wish I had two of the Old North Chuch lanterns, but, alas, they are quite expensive. At least I had one (and another that has a similar look & feel). These are the two I chose for this momentous occasion. |
It's kind of cool to be able to say, "These are the two lanterns that shined their light on America's 250th!"
I live in a bungalow, so I decided to place the two lanterns in a second floor window, which so happens to be my son's room. He didn't mind me doing this, as long as I didn't take up his whole night, for the lanterns would be candle lit (by homemade hand-dipped pure beeswax candles that we made!) and needed a constant watching - can't be too careful.
 |
| The two lanterns lit for America's 250th from inside my son's room~ |
 |
My wife, Patty, was right---I shoulda shut off my porch light. But you can still see the two lanterns lit up in Miles' bedroom window. |
 |
| Just think...250 years ago this very night... |
When General Gage, the Commander of British forces in North America and a parishioner at the Old North Church (known at the time as Christ Church), decided to seize the weapons and ammunition at Concord, he didn’t want to risk another humiliating failure, so he devised a secret plan. On the evening of April 18th, 1775, he would order his British soldiers cross the Charles River and march the remaining 15 miles to Lexington under the cover of darkness, arrive at sunrise to collect the armaments and return to Boston before the townspeople could organize their resistance.
However, someone found out about General Gage's secret plan—some believe, with good reason, it was his own American-born wife, Margaret Kimball Gage, who informed the leaders of the Sons of Liberty that the troops were on the move by way of the shorter water route across the inner harbor.
 |
| It was really something to ommemorate in this manner the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and dozens of others... |
The Sons of Liberty would send their two best riders ahead of the British army, William Dawes and Paul Revere. Dawes and Revere were not to ride all the way to Concord, where the British were headed, but to stop halfway in the town of Lexington, for Samuel Adams and John Hancock were thought to be the objects of the expedition, and this informer reported that the plan was to seize the two men and burn the stores at Concord.
Paul Revere and others from the Sons of Liberty had prepared for this troop movement and set about to alert their fellow countrymen that the British Regulars (the British soldiers, sometimes referred to as Redcoats) were heading their way. Revere's mission, however, was not solely to alert the countryside of the British taking the armaments of Concord; part of his purpose was to specifically warn Adams and Hancock of their probable arrest.
 |
| And this was a sight to see! I can only imagine seeing them shine on 1775. |
Paul Revere and William Dawes were just two men, and the fear of being caught was great. With military occupation of Boston came military curfews, which restricted when people could leave their homes. So Paul Revere devised a backup plan to make sure his message would leave Boston even if he could not.
Revere enlisted the help of over thirty additional riders. He placed them across the river in Charlestown and ordered the militia leaders to look to the steeple of Old North Church every night for signal lanterns, the number of which indicating when the British army was leaving Boston and by which route. One lit lantern meant the British would march over the Boston Neck, a narrow strip of land and the only road connecting the town to the mainland, which would take a considerable amount of time. Two lit lanterns in the steeple meant the British would take a shortcut by rowing boats across the Charles River into Cambridge, cutting valuable time off their journey. That’s where we get the famous line from Longfellow’s poem, “One if by land, two if by sea.”
Revere asked Robert Newman, the Old North Church sexton (caretaker) if he would send the back-up signal to warn the patriots in Charlestown, just in case Revere himself was captured on his ride before he could spread the alarm that the Regulars were on the move.
 |
| I think the photos I took turned out fairly decent, considering it was dark and I have no tripod. But I do have a steady hand! |
Newman was a friend of Revere's and agreed to help. So about 10:00 pm that evening, he entered through the front doors of the church. Captain Pulling was the other person who actually climbed the 154 stairs with Newman to get to the ladder to take them up into the steeple, all this with the lanterns hung around their necks by leather thongs. When you think about it, this took nerves of steel and great courage to do, for Newman had to creep out of an upstairs window of his home across the road from his church. British officers were quartered downstairs at the time and he had to sneak over without being seen. He then went up the stairs to the balcony and slipped through the doorway that is now behind the organ. From there he climbed the 14-story steeple in complete darkness. When he reached the very top, he lit and briefly held up two lanterns in the steeple window.
Although Newman hung the lanterns for probably less than a minute, it was long enough to be seen not only by the patriots, but also by the British troops. As Newman was coming down the stairs, British soldiers were at the front doors, trying to break in to investigate.
To escape arrest, Newman came down the center aisle, and escaped through the window to the right of the altar. It is now called the “Newman” window in his memory. Above the window is the replica of Newman’s lantern that was lit by President Gerald Ford on April 18, 1975, to begin our nation’s Bicentennial Celebration.
Yup---the Old North Chutch itself:
 |
| I was told this was taken on the anniversary. |
So while it remains what it has always been---a commonplace 18th century lantern---the one remaining original that was lit at the Old North Church on the night of April 18, 1775 has become one of America's greatest historical treasures, and now belongs to the Concord Antiquarian Society. Robert Newman must have had a strong personal interest in preserving the lanterns, probably because he was put in jail on suspicion of lighting them.
I am very thankful to the Concord Antiquarian Society for making the replications back in 1975. And I am also thankful to have one of those replications that I could light on such a night!
I must admit, after I learned about Two Lights For Tomorrow, I was a bit disappointed with The Henry Ford (Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village) for their lack of any sort of acknowledgement on the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride and the Battles of Lexington & Concord. In fact, I wrote them a note stating the very same. I did get a response:
"Good morning Ken,
Thank you for contacting us and sharing the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” information. It sounds like a meaningful initiative, but unfortunately we were unaware of it until now. I have shared the information with our Media team and appreciate you taking the time to pass it on.
Though we aren't able to participate in this particular event, please know that we have a number of activities currently being planned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nations independence. We look forward to announcing them as the time draws near and hope you will be able to join us."So, I'm looking forward to their plans, and you can bet when I hear of what they have in store, I will be posting about it. Still, I have to admit, it would have been awesome if the print shop would have done a cool print of a colonial rider on a horse...or two lanterns in a steeple...
But...I am happy to say that these two lanterns that I used - especially the replicated Old North Church lantern - will (hopefully) stay in our family and be passed down, and my grandkids, great grandkids, and so on can show and tell their kids (and grandkids) that these two lanterns "shewn" in the night on the 250th anniversary of the Midnight Riders of April 18, 1775!
(Yeah...I'm such a history nerd---but I don't care!)
Now, up next is another commemoration I did on my own for this special anniversary, for the very next day - the next morning, in fact - which so happened to be April 19th---I went to Greenfield Village specifically to visit the Plympton House.
Since I live in the Midwestern state of Michigan, not in the New England state of Massachusetts, to have anything Revolutionary War locally at hand can be tough. Oh, Detroit did play a part in that war, albeit a small part. Detroit was not directly involved in the American Revolution in the strictest sense; it was, instead, a strategic stronghold for the British in North America, housing American prisoners of war (click HERE). In fact, Daniel Boone was held prisoner at Detroit by the British in 1778. He was captured by Native Americans and taken to Detroit, where he was held as a prisoner of war.
There is one building in metro-Detroit, however, that played a direct part in our nation's war for Independence, though it is not native to Michigan soil---it's a transplant from Sudbury, Massachusetts to historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan: The Plympton House.
 |
| The Revolutionary Plympton House~ I know, I know...those of you in New England are laughing at me for this because you are surrounded by Rev War history. Just understand this sort of thing is so rare around these parts! (photo taken April 11) |
And it's at this house where I spent a part of the morning of April 19th here in 2025 --- the 250th anniversary to the date of the Battles of Lexington & Concord.
 |
| I'm here at the Plympton House about 9:45 am on the morning of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington & Concord - April 19th. |
Dr Samuel Prescott was one of the unknown (or little known) Revolutionary War Patriots. He was in Lexington, Massachusetts, on the night of April 18, 1775, courting Lydia Mulliken. It was there he met Paul Revere and William Dawes, who were racing through the countryside to warn the citizenry that a force of British regulars were on the march. Prescott, a High Son of Liberty, joined them for their ride to Concord. Along the way, a patrol of British soldiers attempted to stop them. Revere was captured, and Dawes was thrown by his horse and ended up walking back to Lexington. Prescott, familiar with the landscape, made his escape by taking his horse off of the road, and brought the vital news to his sleeping brother, Abel, in Concord.
From historian David Hackett Fischer in his acclaimed book, Paul Revere's Ride (p. 147):
While Doctor Samuel Prescott was alarming the towns west of Concord his brother Abel Prescott traveled south to Sudbury and Framingham. He went to Thomas Plympton, the leading Whig in Sudbury, and the town's alarm bell began to ring about 3:30 or 4 o'clock in the morning. Warning guns were fired to summon militia companies on the west side of the Sudbury River and also in East Sudbury, now the green country town of Wayland. Within thirty-five minutes the entire town of Sudbury had been awakened.
Yes, by sunrise the greatest part of the inhabitants were notified. And soon they found themselves in the town of Concord:Later in the Revolutionary War, Samuel Prescott joined the crew of a privateer, but was captured by the British and taken to a prison camp in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the State Archives of Halifax, Dr. Samuel Prescott is listed on a prison roster as a prisoner from 1776-1777. He became ill and never recovered. Samuel, along with other deceased prisoners, are all buried in unmarked graves outside the walls of the prison at Ft. Ticonderoga.
As for his younger brother, Abel Prescott:
Abel Jr. Prescott was another unknown Revolutionary War Patriot. After Samuel made it to Concord in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, he woke his brother, Abel, and told him about the Regulars coming. And, as was just said, Abel then rode south to warn the towns of Sudbury, Natick, Framingham. He was fired upon by the British and was wounded in his side. He managed to escape to the home of Mrs. Heywood. Sadly, Abel Prescott died of dysentery later that year, in September 1775.
Abel Jr. Prescott was another unknown Revolutionary War Patriot. After Samuel made it to Concord in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, he woke his brother, Abel, and told him about the Regulars coming. And, as was just said, Abel then rode south to warn the towns of Sudbury, Natick, Framingham. He was fired upon by the British and was wounded in his side. He managed to escape to the home of Mrs. Heywood. Sadly, Abel Prescott died of dysentery later that year, in September 1775.
 |
| I am paying homage here for Miss Kimberly Elder of Massachusetts. This is her ancestral home - Thomas Plympton was her 6th great grandfather. I very much feel that The Henry Ford should have posted someone - even a volunteer - to stand at this house on this day to tell the story of what happened here. I mean, I would have volunteered to spend the day! Heck yeah! |
The Revolutionary history of this house was something I learned by doing deeper research. You see, it was while I was scouring the campus library - Benson Ford Research Center - that I first learned the deeper history of The Plympton House (Box E1 186 GV BLDGS, Plympton House, History - top of page 2). That was my starting point; I then dug deeper into its history and found three books in my personal collection that also speaks of Thomas Plympton, and how he received the news on that April morning filled with fate.
 |
| In the wee morning hours of April 19, Abel Prescott pounded upon this door (if this is the original door - I think it is) to warn Thomas Plympton to alert the militia. |
Here are a few more Thomas Plympton entries from my personal collection:
From the book The Battle of April 19, 1775 by Frank Warren Coburn (published 1912):
Sudbury, eighteen miles westerly from Boston, received its first news by a messenger from Concord, eight miles away, who reported to Thomas Plympton, a member of the Provincial Congress. Captain Nixon was aroused by a messenger, who shouted:
"Up, up! the red-coats are up as far as Concord."
Captain Nixon started off at once on horseback.
Thomas Plympton himself also went to Concord on that April day, and, though he was not physically wounded, he did have a bullet hole in his coat, according to The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts by Alfred Hudson (published 1889): On this eventful morning an express From Concord to Thomas Plympton Esquire who was then a Member of the Provincial Congress (stated) that the British were on their way to Concord: In 85 Minites between 4 and 5 oclock in the Morning, the Sexton was Immadelly (sic) Called on, the bell Ringing and the Discharge of Musket which was to give the alarm. By sunrise the greatest part of the inhabitants were Notified."
Again, from The History of Sudbury, Massachusetts by Alfred Hudson:
Every Countenance appeared to Discover the importance of the event. Sudbury Companies were but a short distance From the North Bridge, when the first opposition was made to the Haughty Enemy.
Lieut. Elisha Wheeler, whose horse was shot under him, and Thomas Plympton, Esq., who had a bullet put through the fold of his coat, were both volunteers on horseback.
After the fight, the soldiers showed no undue haste to return, but some of them lingered from three days to a month to repel attack or serve their country in whatever way it might require; and, when at length they returned to their homes, it was only, in the case of some of them, to bid the loved ones goodbye, and then go away again to engage the foe.
Thomas Plympton had a son, Ebenezer. Like his own father, Ebenezer Plympton was also involved in the Revolutionary War. In fact, he is listed on the muster roll as a private in Captain Aaron Haynes' Company of Militia (North Militia 1775) which was part of an Alarm Company that marched to Cambridge by Concord during the Lexington Alarm on the nineteenth of April, 1775. He was also part of Captain Asahel Wheeler's company in 1777.
After the fight, the soldiers showed no undue haste to return, but some of them lingered from three days to a month to repel attack or serve their country in whatever way it might require; and, when at length they returned to their homes, it was only, in the case of some of them, to bid the loved ones goodbye, and then go away again to engage the foe.
Thomas Plympton had a son, Ebenezer. Like his own father, Ebenezer Plympton was also involved in the Revolutionary War. In fact, he is listed on the muster roll as a private in Captain Aaron Haynes' Company of Militia (North Militia 1775) which was part of an Alarm Company that marched to Cambridge by Concord during the Lexington Alarm on the nineteenth of April, 1775. He was also part of Captain Asahel Wheeler's company in 1777.
Other information, according to author Hudson, is that Sudbury, during the start of the Revolutionary War, had a population of about 2100 people. Of these 2100, around 500 went off to fight at Concord, all because of the warning rider, Abel Prescott, who came to this home.
It's great to know that this little red Plympton House sitting inside Greenfield Village has strong direct connections to not only the Revolutionary War itself, but to the very beginnings of it: the battle that took place in Concord, as well as a more distant connection to Paul Revere.
It's great to know that this little red Plympton House sitting inside Greenfield Village has strong direct connections to not only the Revolutionary War itself, but to the very beginnings of it: the battle that took place in Concord, as well as a more distant connection to Paul Revere.
It truly is a special part of American history!
 |
| The main body of this photo was taken by Loretta Tester in 2022. That's my wife in the doorway there. I blended two photos together, as if Thomas Plympton was leaving for Concord while his wife, Ruth, sees him off - - excepting Ruth died fifteen years earlier - back in 1760... I do like how this photo looks, however... |
And this was why I was there...on my own...dressed in my 18th century clothing...on that anniversary date of April 19.
Paying homage on my own.
Sadly, too many vistors stroll past without realizing its importance.
-------
It was in 2015 that the initial spark hit me about having a reenactment of the Battles of Lexington & Concord. Frankly, I was a bit surprised no other units were doing it. So I made phone calls and wrote letters with my thoughts and ideas laid out. Only one historic park took me up on it: Mill Race Village in Northville.
And now, here we are...paying tribute in the best way we know how to those who were there at the Battles of Lexington & Concord.
We even made the local nespaper:
 |
| Our Michigan version of Patriot's Day made our local paper! |
I want to get the most out of the Semiquincentennial. I think I got a good start.
You may be wondering why that, now that I can drive (lol), why didn't my wife & I take the trip back east to see (and maybe even take part in) all of the celebrations and commemorations?
We are planning to visit sometime in the not-too-distant future, when it's a bit more quiet and I can take it all in.
By the way, did you notice the fact that the news reported more on the 250th than on the Boston Marathon? As it should!
What a long, historic trip it's been...
Until next time, see you in time.
If you would like to get more of a first-hand account on all of the action of the events of the Revolution's first battles, I believe you might enjoy a post I wrote called "April 18th & 19th, 1775 - The Battle of Lexington & Concord: As Seen Through the Eyes of Those Who Were There". Just click HERE to check that one out.
American history movie reviews - click HERE
My Bicentennial Post 2022
My Bicentennial Post 2023
My Bicentennial Post 2024
Books used for this post:
The Battle of April 19, 1775
The Battle of April 19, 1775
and there is also information which came From The Collection of the Henry Ford: Benson Ford Research Center located on the same campus as The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
 |
| Visit the Paul Revere House! |
||||- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\\\\
