The Bellingham Bulletin June 2009 : Page 1
T Bulletin Visit our website: www.BellinghamBulletin.com Bellingham Bulletin Since 1994 Bellingham’s “Good-Newspaper” for over 15 Years! Volume XV, Issue 9 Bellingham’s “hometown” newspaper since 1994 Early Observance of Memorial Day Enjoyed Bellingham Man Readies for Second Deployment to the Middle East “Vivid”, “colorful” and “mesmerizing” describe the watercolor and oil paintings by father and daughter William and Carol Si- monson that were also on display in the town hall, depicting past and present town sites such as the Keystone Bridge, the Charles River Railroad (1852), the Maple Street Mill in North Bellingham, and the recently renovated North School on Hartford Ave. The parade began at the middle school and ended at the town common, which was adorned with American flags and red ge- raniums hanging at the gazebo. Spectators gathered there for the closing ceremony. Encircling the gazebo were the US Army Color Guard from the Natick Soldier System Center, the Marine Color Guard from Fort Devens, and the 1812 USS Constitution Marine Guard. Perhaps the most unusual sight on the On the float (l–r) are First Sgt. Viriato “Vinny” Sena, parade Grand Marshal Steve Russell and his son, Jason, who served four years in the U.S. Air Force., Despite an overcast chilly day, crowds AIRPORT SPECIAL Logan or Greene Airport $ Round-trip from Bellingham, Hopedale, Mendon, Franklin…Call for details 169 2 mAIN St. • BLACKStONE 508-883-4696 still assembled on the sidewalks of Belling- ham for the annual Memorial Day Parade, a few clouds not dampening their allegiant spirits of celebration. The day had begun with the first-ever self-guided walking tour of Bellingham put together by the Bellingham Historical Com- mission. The route comprised twenty stops, including the Historical Museum (which was originally the town’s public library), the First Baptist Church, North Main Street post office, the old Center School on Mill Street and the newly renovated town hall, to name a few. The memorabilia collection of former Police Chief Euclid Fleuette, who led the department from 1934 to 1967, was on dis- play in the town hall. Items included antique police hats and a uniform. common was a Blackhawk helicopter flown PARADE—continued on page 13 JUne 2009 Beneath two large tents outside the First Monument Dedicated Baptist Church of Bellingham, 147 people gathered recently for the unveiling of a na- tional landmark (pictured below) honoring the late Reverend Noah Alden and his efforts toward establishing religious freedom. In earlier years, the town of Bellingham didn’t have a Baptist church; those who practiced this faith attended the oldest church of that religion which was in Swansea. Even- tually, a Baptist church was established in Bellingham, and Elnathan Wight became the first pastor. In 1766, Noah Alden was asked to preach, and for the next 31 years—until 1797—he led his congregation. He was the great grandson of John and Priscilla Alden, of the Plimoth (Plymouth) pilgrims. A true pioneer, Alden assisted in helping frame a state constitution by representing the town of Bellingham and becoming a member of the Massachusetts Convention MONUMENT—continued on pg. 5 Postal Patron Bellingham, ma 02019 June 2009 ~ Page PRST-STD U.S. Postage P A I D Bellingham BULLETIN Permit No. 107 Bellingham, MA Still FREE! A national landmark honoring Noah Alden was recently dedicated at First Baptist Church EVERY WEDNESDAY!! 5¢ OFF per gallon 1052 S. MaIN ST. (across fm. Bellingham Middle School) • BELLINghaM, Ma 508-883-3710 CHECk OUT OUR CIGARETTE DEALS! ATM COFFEE & TEA CAPPUCCINO SLUSH PUPPIES ■ phone cards ■ wireless New OwNers! New MaNageMeNt! Now Offering MONEY ORDERS WESTERN UNION 1% MILk $2.79 ® COLD BEER & WINE Varieties, local & imported FULLY STOCkED MINI-MART GROCERIES ■ gift cards all Play the MA Lottery! Lukoil Direct-Mailed into Every Home & Business in Bellingham!
