On July 10, 1939, Wareham celebrated its two-hundredth anniversary of Incorporation as a town. Did you know that the four day event included a costume ball, water sports and an Old Timers’ ball game, a Grand Parade, clambake, historical pageant, band concert and fireworks?  According to the Wareham Courier at the time, “many thousands of visitors thronged the streets” where citizens paraded in “ancient costumes” and the stores were “gaily decorated.”

In July, 1989, the town celebrated its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. George C. Decas served as the General Chairman for the celebration. Events began on July 1 with an all-day fair in Onset and a fireworks display. Among a variety of other events over the next few days was a square dance at Town Hall, an antiques fair in Center Park, a Gateman baseball game, the Anniversary Ball under a tent at Town Hall, a re-enactment of the British Invasion of Wareham during the War of 1812, a birthday party at Town Hall, and the largest parade in Wareham’s history. The Town’s own Geena Davis served as the Grand Marshall leading 21 parade units, 28 floats and 10 bands.

This week, Wareham is celebrating its two hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of its incorporation. The Wareham Summer of Celebration 2014 Committee members invite everyone to celebrate with them on this historic occasion. Visit www.wareham2014 for details.

NOTE: This is the last posting on the history of Wareham from the Summer of Celebration Committee. The weekly posts began August 2013.