Images Associated with the 1799 Town Incorporation Celebration

On a cold, blustery, snowy day 220 years ago, many residents of the newly Incorporated town of Burlington ( app. population 534) gathered in the John Woods' Tavern and Social Hall to celebrate, with a great feast, and 16 toasts with (rum, beer and hard cider). The Tavern was razed in 1959 and Burlington's Fire Station was built on the site.

The host for the event was Captain John Wood, who fought in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. His Tavern was chosen as the gathering site for its' central location and the ballroom that occupied the whole second floor.

Madam Abigail Jones, a most remarkable woman, probably supervised the serving of the "sumptuous"dinner (according to Marretts' diary). Spare-rib, a young pig, goose and turkey were all on the menu. Abagail Jones, a widow, ran her family farm, and hosted John Hancock, Samuel Adams and company, on April 19, 1775. She lived to age 92.

The Rev. John Marrett, the third minister of the Second Parish Church (todays U.C.C.) was the "toastmaster" for the occasion. He was a Harvard graduate, highly educated and held a very important position, that of pastor of the only church in town. Marrett kept a diary recording most of the important events of his day. He reported that sixteen toasts were given on that day, including tributes to the town of Woburn, the "Inhabitants of Burlington", and the U.S.A.