In 1892 the City of Woburn, Massachusetts decided to hold celebrations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Woburn's incorporation. Woburn, originally a part of Charlestown known as Charlestown Village, was first settled in 1640. The town was incorporated as Wooburne on October 7, 1642. The Mayor, Edward Everett Thompson, and the Planning Committee began to meet in April of 1892 to plan the festivities. The planners arranged a week of activities starting on Sunday, October 2 and ending on Friday, October 7th. They hoped for a week that would not only be exciting for those living in Woburn but for people who visited from other places as well.
On Sunday, October 2nd commemorative services took place at different churches throughout Woburn and Charlestown. Thursday, October 6th featured athletic sports, literary exercises, children's entertainment, and a reception and ball. The ball was one of the more exciting events with the social cream of the crop attending from Woburn, Boston, and surrounding towns. Dignitaries also attended the ball including Massachusetts Governor William Eustis Russell and his wife, the Governor's staff, state officers, and delegations of civil and military dignitaries.
On the morning of the 250th anniversary, Friday, October 7th, Woburn had a grand parade that included military personnel, civic leaders and tradesmen in the procession. In the afternoon there was a banquet held at the Woburn Armory where many important dignitaries were invited to attend. Included among these dignitaries was the United States Secretary of State, James Foster, who attended on the behalf of President Harrison, a descendant of Woburn. For those people who were not fortunate enough to be able to attend the banquet, a mock battle was put on by the Massachusetts Fifth Regiment. The mock battle was followed by a review and dress parade of the First Corps of Cadets. That evening there were band concerts held in different locations across the city, putting an end to the celebrations.
