Sudbury Villagers present, Thursday, Nov 7th, History of Companies of Militia and Minute

     The Sudbury Villagers Club will present Dr. Anthony Howes speaking on the History of the Sudbury Companies of Sudbury Militia and Minute at Sudbury's Goodnow Library's Community Room on Nov 11.  The meeting starts at 9:30am with a social followed by a brief business meeting before Tony's talk on the Militia!
     As the beginning of the American Revolutionary War drew nigh, the citizens of Sudbury were preparing for the battles and hardships that lay ahead. Almost all able bodied men took part in learning musket drills and military tactics. They were formed into companies determined by their location and abilities and when war finally broke out, they performed heroically on April 19th, 1775 and beyond.
     After the conclusion of hostilities, militia units were no longer necessary and were, therefore, disbanded.
     In 1963, a group of prominent town citizens decided that the time was right to resurrect the memory of Sudbury’s contribution to American Independence by reforming the Companies of Militia and Minute and re-enact their historic march to Concord’s North Bridge.
     With the support of the Innkeeper of the Wayside Inn, participation grew rapidly and on April 19th 1964 it is estimated that over 100 men armed with muskets, swords and pitchforks joined the re-enactment.
     The event was so successful that the Companies have repeated the march every subsequent year and have extended their activities to include a colonial faire, costume balls and many other re-enactments with other re-enactments with other groups around the country.
     On the occasion of the Company’s 50th Anniversary, we shall look back at many of these events – particularly those involving the bicentennial in 1975 - and get to know some of the highly colorful characters that have graced the Companies with their presence.

Firearms must be left at the door!