MERIAM’S CORNER OBSERVANCE-- MINUTE MAN NATIONAL PARK
CONCORD, MASS., SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012—YOU’RE INVITED!
New location—New coordinators—New options

For the past 15 years, members of the Mer(r)iam family from across North America have been meeting each spring to renew friendships, celebrate the family’s role in history, and undertake a campaign to rehabilitate the historic house at Meriam’s Corner, which will be (about) 307 years old in 2012. Meriam’s Corner is one of the oldest surviving structures the family built after immigrating from England to America, and dates to circa 1705, with the foundations of an even older family house on the grounds, newly outlined with marker stones purchased thanks to your generosity. On the 19th of April 1775, it was the scene of the first heavy fighting on the British retreat back to Boston after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord. In recognition of its historical significance, the National Park Service purchased the Corner to be part of Minute Man National Historical Park and the western anchor of the Battle Road Trail, a 5-mile interpretive trail along which the landscape is being restored to its 18th century appearance.

Although the house was structurally sound, when the project began the exterior finish and the interior were badly deteriorated. In the year 2000, we officially launched a fundraising campaign, the Campaign for Meriam’s Corner, to rehabilitate it and to support interpretive programs and its ongoing maintenance. A Meriam’s Corner fund has been established with the nonprofit Friends of Minute Man National Park, which supports the work of the Park, so that donations can be tax-deductible.

This is a public-private partnership. The Park won a $1.7 million grant supporting rehabilitation of the exterior of Meriam’s Corner and six other historic houses within the Park. The Campaign, now in its twelfth year, has asked family and friends for donations to continue that work to refinish the interior. Our success is now finally visible. With funds raised so far, the Campaign made donations to the Park in 2003 for exterior and in 2005 for interior rehabilitation, window treatments, and carpeting; and in 2008-09 the site of the even earlier (ca. 1663) Josiah Meriam house on the grounds was delineated with an engraved marker and corner stones. During the past year extensive further interior work and refinishing has been done. For the past two summers and early autumns, the Corner has been opened to visitors each weekend—a milestone in our effort.

Every April, the Town of Concord organizes a Meriam’s Corner Observance and parade, with marchers in Revolutionary costumes, as part of Concord’s and the Park’s observance of the battle. This year, the date is Saturday, April 7th, one week before Patriot’s Day weekend. This year the Observance falls on (western) Easter weekend, as happens every few years. Family members and Park representatives will meet to discuss the Campaign and socialize over lunch, and we plan to offer house tours. All Merriams and Meriams are invited to the Observance at 1:00 pm. (The parade forms up at 12:30 pm, and you are invited to march! It’s about half a mile, and Colonial attire is not required.) After the day’s festivities there will be a dinner at the historic Brooks Tavern, which also saw the events of 1775.

Please join us! Events are listed on the next page. We have arranged group rates at several area lodgings, including the Colonial Inn, on Monument Square, the green in the center of town—see the reservation sheet for details. If you fly into Boston without a car, there are several transport options (Google “BOS to Concord, Massachusetts.” Family members will gladly offer rides around Concord and Lexington to the Saturday events.

Spread the word to any family we haven’t reached, and plan to come! The gathering of Merriams from around the world sends a strong signal to the Park that there is a constituency and support for the Corner, and encourages and thanks them in their commitment to this work. For more information, please contact Dwight Merriam (dmerriam@rc.com) or George Merriam, PO Box 39596, Lakewood, Washington 98496 (grmerriam@q.com) ; our family genealogy website www.merriamfamilytree.org ; or join the family email list: Merriam-Descendants-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com. See you in April!
A PART OF AMERICAN HISTORY—A PART OF YOUR HISTORY!

Meriam’s Corner Gathering, Saturday, April 7, 2012, Concord Massachusetts

Morning—Take a look at the progress at Meriam’s Corner. We expect the House to be open small-group tours of the interior again this year. If you’re interested, check the box on the signup form. The Battle Road Trail starts at Meriam’s Corner and extends 8 Km/5 mi. east to Lexington, with other historic houses and landscapes being returned to their 1775 appearance. If weather permits, take a walk down the Trail and imagine yourself in the 18th century. Concord Bike Tours (www.concordbiketours.com) offers guided tours with rental bikes and helmets, and if there is enough interest today or on Sunday we can organize a family bike trip to Mer(r)iam sites and the Trail. A Park map can be printed from www,nps.gov/mima.

10 am—Meriam’s Corner Campaign meeting, Noah Brooks Tavern, Route 2A about 1.5 Km east of the Corner. Come discuss progress and make plans for the coming year.

11:00 am—Lunch at the Brooks Tavern. We know it’s early, but necessarily so because of the time of the Observance.

12:15 pm—Adjourn to the Observance. Cars may be parked at the NPS Willow Pond parking area east of the Corner on Route 2A, or for those marching in the Parade, at the Ripley School site on Meriam Street, about ½ Km/¼ mile north of the Corner on Old Bedford Road; or carpool from Park HQ. This event draws a large turnout even in iffy weather; so arrive early if you wish to park at the Willow Pond site. Handicap parking just across from the house can be arranged; let us know. The parade forms up at Ripley around 12:30 pm and steps off at 12:45 for the walk to the Corner.

1:00 pm— Meriam’s Corner Observance. Participants include representatives of the Town of Concord, the National Park Service, local marching bands, and historical re-enactment groups including the Concord Militia and the Bedford Regiment. The family marches in a specially designated section of the parade behind a Mer(r)iam family banner. Period costumes are welcome, but 21st century attire is, too. We may again be joined by 18th century Mer(r)iams at home at the Corner; see one or be one!

3:00 pm— Paul Revere Ceremony of Remembrance, Revere capture site, Rte 2A, Lincoln.

pm: Weather permitting, the ever-popular tour of Mer(r)iam gravestones in the historic cemeteries. If enough interest, bike tour to this site, to an even older Meriam house (not open to the public), and down the Battle Road Trail. Let us know if you are interested, and we may be able to organize a group with Concord Bike Tours.

6:30 pm—Drinks, sit-down dinner at the Brooks Tavern; RSVP! Group overnight room rates available at two Concord hotels Friday and Saturday nights (see form). Cutoff date for special room rates: March 3.

All Day—Even if you come every year, Lexington and Concord always have something new to offer. Visit North Bridge and the Minute Man statue, the two NPS visitor centers, the historic towns, the Concord Museum, Alcott House, the Wayside, and Thoreau’s Walden Pond. Walk the Battle Road Trail. For some Easter Sunday service options, please see list of “Faith communities in Concord,” appended.

Weather—Anything is possible. In years past we have enjoyed warm sun, rain, and snow—sometimes all on the same day! If you are coming from a distance, check the forecast before setting out, and be prepared. We have generally had good weather luck over the past several years, but events take place rain or shine.

Spread the Word! We try, but mailing lists are never complete or up-to-date. Please make copies for members of your branch of the family tree whose names have changed by marriage, or who have unlisted phone numbers. Can’t attend this year? Please complete the form here or by email to stay in touch.
And please, make a donation. Contributions of any amount are welcome, and show the Park that we care about Meriam’s Corner. Use the form to send your donation to the Friends of Minute Man National Park, a tax-exempt 501(c)3 charity. Thank you!




CAMPAIGN FOR MERIAM’S CORNER—CONTRIBUTION FORM
There are TWO forms—one to register for the Observance and sign up for meals, the other to make a contribution to the Campaign. Government rules require keeping these separate. They go to two different addresses, and checks should be made out to different groups. Thanks for understanding.

( ) I am enclosing a check for $_________ as a contribution to the Meriam’s Corner Fund. Make checks payable to: Friends of Minute Man NP, with “Meriam’s Corner Fund” on the memo line.

Name (please be complete; many Mer(r)iams have similar names!

________________________________________________________________Phone_________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________

City, state/province. Zip/post code, country_________________________________________________

PLEASE SEND DONATION CHECKS AND THIS FORM DIRECTLY TO:
Friends of Minute Man National Park, 174 Liberty Street, Concord, Mass. 01742



LUNCH/DINNER RESERVATION FORM (DEADLINE: MARCH 30 2012)
There are TWO forms—this one to register for the Observance and sign up for meals, the other to make a contribution to the Campaign. They go to two different addresses, and checks should be made out to different groups. Thanks for understanding.

11 AM: Group lunch at the Noah Brooks Tavern (note new location and lower price!) or bring your own.
6:30 PM: Dinner at the Brooks Tavern. Dress casual. Cost includes wine and beer. Other drinks at honor bar.
One check to Campaign for Meriam’s Corner per group will do, but please list the names, and for dinner the age category for each person. If your group includes a gathering of people from different addresses, please make extra copies of the form and use a separate one for each address so we can contact everyone if there are questions.
Number: Total Cost: Guest Names:
( ) Lunch only $5 ( ) ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ( ) Lunch and dinner $30 ( ) ________________________
________________________
________________________
( ) 4 & under free ________________________

A vegetarian option will be offered.

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ( )

LODGINGS: RESERVE DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL
Best Western, 740 Elm St., Concord: $99 per night including cont breakfast. 978-369-6100. Mention “Merriam Family” room block. Deadline: 3 March.
Concord’s Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Sq., Concord: $129 per night. 978-369-9200 or 800-370-9200. Mention “Merriam Family” when making reservations. Deadline: 3 March. Reserve early for the Inn’s lavish Easter Brunch, usually a sell-out.
Aloft and Element are two new Starwood hotels on the site of the former Sheraton Lexington (near Minute Man Visitor Center); phones 781-761-1700 and -1750, respectively. Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington also have many B&B’s.

Your Name:_______________________________________________ Phone: _______
Address:________________________________________________________________
City, State/Province. Country, Post/Zip Code:___________________________________
E-Mail:____________________________________Fax__________________________
( ) I cannot attend, but please keep me on the mailing list.
( ) I plan to attend. ( ) I need handicap parking or other accommodation.
( ) I am interested in a house tour at the Corner ( ) in an afternoon cemetery walk
( ) in a bicycle tour ( ) preferred time/day. Have your own bike Y/N? ( )
( ) I am making a $_________contribution to the Campaign. Please make out a separate check to Friends of Minute Man NP, Meriam’s Corner Fund, and send it to them with the form enclosed! Thank you to all who have contributed, in any amount!
Return this form to Dwight Merriam, Esq., Robinson &Cole, LLP, 280 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103-3597 ( or dmerriam@rc.com) . Please register even if you aren’t ordering lunch or dinner, so we can send updates if any details change.


Concord Faith Communities 2012

Acton-Concord Friends Meeting – (Quaker) - Minuteman ARC, 130 Baker Ave. Ext., Concord, 978 263 8660: Sunday Worship and Christian religious education at 10:00 AM.

Concord Baha’i Faith – For general information about the Baha’i Faith and local meeting times, call Mr. Rich Yarmatino at 978 369 1275. International Web Site: www.Bahai.org

Congregation Kerem Shalom – 659 Elm St., Concord, Rabbi Michael Luckens;
For information concerning services, programs and events please contact the synagogue. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 978 369 1223, Web Site: www.keremshalom.org; E-mail: ksadmin@ keremshalom.org.

Duvall Chapel at Newbury Court (The New England Deaconess Association) 80 Deaconess Road, Concord. The Rev, Lilian Warner, Chaplin. Sunday services at 11:00 AM. Their principal contacts: Telephone 978 369 5151.

First Church of Christ, Scientist – 7 Lowell Road, Monument Square, Concord. Sunday service and Sunday School at 10:15 AM.: Reading Room at 20 Main Street, Concord: Open Monday through Saturday 9:30 am to 5pm. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 978369 2033, E-Mail: concordrr@verizon.net, Web Site: www.csconcordma.org.

First Parish in Concord, Unitarian Universalist – 20 Lexington Road, Concord. The Rev. Dr. Elaine Beth Peresluha and Rev. Jenny Rankin; Sunday worship at 9:00 and 11 am. Religious education offered at both services. Handicap access available. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 978 369 9602, E-mail: fpcontact@firstparish.org, Web Site: www.firstparish.org

Holy Family Parish – Catholic – The Rev. Austin H. Fleming, Pastor. 62 Monument Square, Concord: Regular Mass schedule: Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 978 369 7442, E-mail: holyfamily@holyfamilyconcord.org: Web Site: www.holyfamilyconcord.org

Liberty Christian Family Church –Concord Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord. Pastors Paul and Susan Hansen. Sunday service at 10:00 am. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 978 369 1919, E-Mail: info@LCFCConcord.org.

The Lutheran Church of the Savior – Lutheran – 426 Davis Road, Bedford (On the Concord Bedford Town Line) Rev Martin Teske. Their principal contacts: Telephone: 781 275 6013, E-Mail: church@lcsavior.org; Web Site: www.lcsavior.org

The New Church of Concord – 53 Church Street, Concord. The Rev. Matthew Genzlinger, Pastor. Principal contacts: Tel: 978 369 0543: E-Mail: Pastor@ newchurchconcord. org.






The New Life Community Church – Emerson Umbrella, 40 Stow Street, Concord: The Rev. David K. McAdam. Sunday worship at 10:30 am, Sunday School and child care available. Principal Contacts: Telephone: 978 369 0061, E-mail: info@newlife.org, Web Site: www.newlife.org

Redeemer Presbyterian Church – Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street, Concord. Sunday worship at 11:00 am. Sunday Bible classes for all ages at 9:30 am. Child care available. Principal Contacts: 978 369 4512, Web Site: www.redeemerma.org

Trinitarian Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 54 Walden Street, Concord.
The Rev. Dr. John Lombard and the Rev Robert Brown. Sunday worship service 10:00 am. Child care provided. Handicap accessible. Principal Contacts: Telephone: 978 369 4837, E-mail: triconchurch@aol.com, Website: www.triconchurch.org

Trinity Episcopal Church, Episcopal, 81 Elm Street, Concord. Sunday Services: 8:00 am – Holy Eucharist in the Chapel with healing prayer. 10:00 am – Holy Eucharist with choral and congregational singing and healing prayer in the main church. Adult Forums at 9:00 am. Children’s education meets for the beginning of the 10:00 Service and joins the congregation for the Eucharist. Handicap accessible. Principal Contacts: Telephone: 978 369 3715, E mail: trinity@trinityconcord.org, Web Site: www.trinityconcord.org

West Concord Union Church, United Church of Christ, 1317 Main Street, Concord. The Rev. Hannah Brown, Pastor. Sunday worship and church school at 9:45 am. Fully accessible. Principal Contacts: Telephone: 978 369 6309, E mail: wcuc.office@gmail.com
Web site: www.westconcordunionchurch.org


(list courtesy of Rick Wheeler)