3 February, 2015
Many Gathered for the opening ceremony to celebrate Hopkinton's 300th anniversary. Their were many speakers during the evening including Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito who praised Hopkinton for many different things including the school system and the Boston Marathon. "You have many things to be proud of, just simple things that take a whole lot of thought and concentration in making sure that your schools are great. You have made the mark and we are very proud as officials here to celebrate the great learning you provide to the students who come through the halls of these schools... When you think of the Boston Marathon and what a tradition that has become here in our commonwealth, despite the tragic day that occurred. We are united, we are strong, Boston Strong, Hopkinton Strong, Commonwealth Strong and forever strong and resilient in the face of adversity." Karyn Polito credited the great tradition of the Marathon in Hopkinton and the turnout in Hopkinton each year for the Marathon.
Board of Selectmen chair Todd Cestari talked a bit about Hopkinton's past. "Our past includes governors and congressmen, entrepreneurs and industrialists, athletes and war heroes. Some may be surprised Edward Hopkins, the name for which our town was named after, was never actually living here. In-fact the land that later became Hopkinton was purchased with money he left for Harvard upon his death. In honor of his gift, the trustees later named the town after him." Cestari talked about how the economy in Hopkinton has been funded through industrialism, tourism and agriculture. "At one point people came from around the world for the mineral springs, to experience the natural healing powers of our mineral springs... highlights of our industrial past included being the leading boot and shoe manufacturer in the middle of the 19th century... Hopkinton was also home to the nations second cotton mill."
Senator Karen Spilka praised Hopkinton for their progress in technology and for the environmental friendliness of the town. "Hopkinton has a long history of economic innovation." Spilka explained Hopkinton as a "World Class Technology Hub" and praised the growth as well as the energy sufficiency of the town.
State Representative Carolyn Dykema was one of many to praise Hopkintons oldest resident, 103 year old Sterling Hager. Dykema talked about how the many stories that Mr. Hager has throughout his time our important to acknowledge. Dykema presented a citation from the house of representatives to Sterling Hager. Mr. Hager was also presented with citations from Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Senator Karen Spilka.
Mr Hager spoke after being honored. "If your like I am you do get discouraged with the news that we get from all around the world of things that are not pleasant but I want to tell you that I have seen so many good things happen in this country. If you live as long as I do you will see some good things happen, I can assure you."
Chair of the 300th Anniversary Committee Jean Bertschmann presented Sterling Hager with the Boston Post Cane Award. "The Boston Post Cane award is a tradition dating back to 1909 and it was started as a publicity campaign by the Boston Post Newspaper. At one time considered the nations leading standard sized newspaper in circulation, the Boston post eventually went out of business in 1957 however in many of the 700 towns that receive the canes, the tradition has survived."
To see more from the 300th Anniversary Kickoff Ceremony, check out the videos.
