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Malden celebrates its own precursor to the Declaration of Independence — 250 years ago Wednesday
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Before you start looking ahead to The WBUR Festival this weekend (do you have your tickets yet?!), let's look back. Two hundred fifty years back, to be exact.
Malden 250? You may not think "Malden" when you think about the "birthplace of independence." But the city has made some early contributions to the country's Revolutionary history and is celebrating them today. In May of 1776, the Massachusetts House of Representatives asked its towns to weigh in on whether to declare independence from Great Britain. And on May 27 — 250 years ago today — Malden became the first to respond. The community's residents were also unanimous in their support and particularly eloquent, Malden Historical Society President Linda Thorson told WBUR's Amy Sokolow.
- Rebels with a cause: City officials now describe the so-called "Malden Town Instructions" were a precursor to the Declaration of Independence (which wasn't written until July 1776). The "instructions" read, in part, "if they should declare America to be a free and independent republic, your constituents will support and defend the measure, to the last drop of their blood, and the last farthing of their treasure." Thorson said the language resonated because it showed Malden was "all in." "They could have been hung for treason if this had not gone the right way," she said. "But they were really willing to put everything on the line."
- How they're celebrating: Malden is unveiling a statue today at Bell Rock Park, emblazoned with the historic fiery text. The restored bell is a tribute to the one that was used for a century to summon town residents. A local historian also plans to perform the city's annual reading of the instructions.
The case for concrete: Love it or hate it, the newly renovated Copley Square Park is getting an official ribbon-cutting today. While much of the site has been open for more than a year following a nearly $19 million renovation, the swap of green space for concrete pavers certainly is still receiving some strong reactions. But Boston Parks and Recreation senior project manager B Chatfield says the change was necessary to accommodate large gatherings that regularly take place at Copley. Chatfield also said there is still green space, just in a different spot.
- ICYMI: Jeff Speck, a prominent urban planner from Brookline who was not involved in the renovation, previously explained to WBUR's Tiziana Dearing why he likes the new setup. He cited better stormwater absorption and space for a proposed beer garden and stage for live music.
End of an era: After 17 years in business, Clover Food Labs plans to shut down for good. The chain announced in an email to customers last night that its final day of restaurant service and meal box delivery will be this Thursday. The decision comes after the chain went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 and warned earlier this spring that a closure would be imminent without a buyer.
- Why? The chain primarily cited rising costs. "Across the board, our ingredients cost 30-50% more today than they did just 2 years ago," the email said, adding "we’ve raised prices some, of course, but there is a limit." Clover said around 170 employees across its 11 remaining restaurants will be laid off.
The rumors were true — sorta: You can now sip on a Julius at Faneuil Hall. The popular Tree House Brewing Company announced its new summer beer garden at the historic marketplace yesterday, after a soft opening over the weekend. It'll be open seven days a week — check the hours and draft list here.
- FYI: The brewery said on Instagram that "there are no plans beyond the beer garden," rebutting earlier reports they were looking to build a permanent brewery at Faneuil Hall.
Any day now: Gov. Maura Healey said yesterday that the state has "received assurances" that FIFA plans to hand out crucial public viewing licenses soon so that communities across Massachusetts can hold World Cup watch parties. With the games less than a month away, The Boston Globe recently reported that only four of the 17 communities and organizations that got state grants to hold watch parties had actually got a license. But Healey said she expects it to happen "in the next day or so."
P.S.— You're probably familiar with the full English breakfast. But what would a "full Boston" plate look like? It turns out that you get to decide. Beginning this week, you can vote in our bracket of the region's most well-known foods in four categories to see what would make up the ultimate Boston meal. The first round of voting runs through June 3.
