September 1997

You live in Rumney Marsh, Ma.

Actually, we really live in Boston.

A great many of us living in Revere probably don't even know the history of this great seaside community, other than the obvious that is was named after an American Patriot, (no, we don't live in Bledsoe, Ma., although that has a nice ring to it!)

According to the Facts & Community Update pages of the 1996-1997 version of the Revere Local Phone Guide, your city has had many metamorphoses in its history. We were first settled in 1626. In 1632, this area joined Boston under the name Rumney Marsh. Never knew this, other than the fact that there is a sign designating it on Route One, going OUT of the city. Our neighbors in Chelsea were our actual family in 1738 & 1739, as those areas split from Beantown and become incorporated as the Town of Chelsea, whether you want to admit it or not-its part of history!

Revere has had more lives than Sybil!

Did you know that in 1846, Revere, (nee Rumney Marsh), again was set apart and became North Chelsea? We had our baptism in 1871, taking on the name we all know and love now-but, first as a town and then established as a city in 1915. And, to further inform you, Winthrop, or at least parts of it, were also joined with us, up until 1852, when it was relinquished by petition.

Can this factual trivia be saved and remembered in a place other than in a back of a telephone book or floating in cyberspace? Yes. And, this is a good time to think about establishing some kind of museum to help preserve our history, and give us a place to go to learn more about where we live. A local building, preferably one with its own special significance here, can be converted into the Revere/Rumney Marsh Historical Museum.

Along with that, and correct me if I am wrong, but is there anywhere in this city a statue of Paul Revere? Placing one in a prominent place can do nothing but help restore a sense of who we are, and what we can become. Lastly, placing a marker or two at various spots with info of what actually happened there in history, including the growth of our area from town to city, will further enhance the signifance of where we came from. At one point, creating the proper marker welcoming all to Revere, the home of the countries oldest beach, and the former Rumney Marsh, can give the city a kindler and more pleasant feel to it. I would wear a t-shirt with this info on it if it were available. It wouldn't take much for the city to place an attractive piece at our most appropriate spots.

Revere is still a young city by comparison.

We do not realize how new we really are. Providing our children and ourselves with the above growth methods, helps educate us and brings the community closer together. Our melting pot has a lot to offer. Let's all get more of a taste of it!