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Newspaper
The Winthrop Review
Location
Winthrop, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Dec 28, 1939
Page
6
The Open Forum letter urges residents to defeat the 510 Bill, warn of higher rents and taxes, and proposes eminent domain so the Winthrop Branch is town‑run. It cites 8000 daily riders and $800 revenue, and requests weekly space to publish a history narrative for Winthrop schools.
The passage notes that histories in libraries and monuments in Chelsea East Boston and Revere understate Colonel John Stark in recounting the Battle of Chelsea Creek. It suggests the story will later give fuller details about Stark and his role.
The first armed offensive action of the American Revolution began as a deliberate provincial enterprise. The Battle of Chelsea Creek occurred on May 27 1775, following the Lexington and Concord fight forty days earlier as a result of British initiative.
The British aim at Lexington and Concord to seize colonial war supplies was not to fire a world altering shot. The Cambridge expedition to seize cattle on Noddie and Hog Islands sought only disruption of British food and transport, yet catalyzed provincial resolve at Bunker Hill and helped force the British evacuation of Boston on March 17.
The Battle of Chelsea Creek stands as the colonists first armed offensive in the revolution. It surpassed Lexington and Concord in numbers engaged and marks several other key particulars.
The Chelsea Creek battle established the first instance of practical armed cooperation for the revolution, forged by the men of the community in support of their cause.
The text describes volunteers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and others joining at Chelsea Creek for a night of battle readiness. It notes a Connecticut commissioned general earning distinction and marks May 27, 1775, as establishing long‑term unity in arms for liberty and early cooperation among the colonies.
The Chelsea engagement marks the capture and destruction in pitched battle of the first British warship taken by American forces during the American Revolution.
The Chelsea Creek engagement marks the first recorded use of trench fighting. Provincials sheltered in marsh ditches on Noddle Island repelled British regulars who fought from higher ground aided by a short range cannon from an armed schooner.
The Battle of Chelsea Creek marks the first deployment of cannon in the revolutionary war and the first instance of hostile forces using artillery in Massachusetts and New England.
The report notes the expedition accomplished its aim of removing cattle hay and other property valuable to the British. Provincials held Chelsea and Noddie Island, cutting that supply source off from the British garrison in Boston.
On Noddle Island Henry Howell Williams fed British needs by selling cattle sheep and hay to Boston garrison. His farmhouse served as a British cantonment while authorities moved to seize livestock from Noddle, Hog, Snake Islands and Chelsea coast and drive it to local committees with militia support.
The Methodist Church School held a full Christmas program with carols led by Elmer Vazquez and Frank Bauer, readings by Mrs. Marion Buttrick, and a pageant The Gift of Love directed by Bewah Folmsbee. Younger children enjoyed gifts and candy as part of festive events hosted by Mrs. Isabel R. Brown and helpers. HARVEY E. SLEEPER.
Alexander Shirley of Chelsea owned a house and contents on Noddle Island destroyed by patriotic forces. He claimed seventy pounds in damages and received payment in full. Isaiah Tay, a Noddle Island resident, testified that Shirley’s goods were destroyed and valued higher than the claimed amount.
Oliver Wendell of Kingston and Jonathan Jackson own cattle on Hog Island. Their agent William Harris, Chelsea landowner, reports army buyers frequenting the island. May 12 letter says Harris fears for safety if he resists. May 14 order prompts removal into the interior, with armed force used on Hog and Noddle Islands. owners had refused.
Dr. Thomas E. Snyder of New Orleans, a government entomologist, says termites annually damage woodwork in homes nationwide to about 40 million dollars. He urges insulation between wood and soil and chemical soil treatments, plus injecting poison into masonry to block termite transit and moisture access. Snyder notes that soil contact enables easy termite access unless foundations are protected.
The article traces the origins of Thanksgiving from ancient harvest feasts to its American evolution under colonial and presidential proclamations. It notes key dates and figures such as Washington Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, and surveys legally observed holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with regional exceptions.
On Friday December 22 thirteen Auxiliary members and four Mattapan Unit members gathered at Fort Banks Hospital for the annual Christmas party. Gifts were given to patients and high school students directed by Mr. Dockham led carols. The Winthrop and Mattapan Unit lists follow. The next party is set for Thursday December 28.
Oslo, Norway offers private beaches on islets and noon to midnight bathing at Ingier strand, Bygdøy, Bygdøynes and Hvalstrand. Tourists frequent the capital for its long hours and varied beach facilities.
Danish Americans have long hosted American independence celebrations at Rebild National Park in Denmark. The events occur in the Heather Bowl with ceremonial proceedings reflecting shared heritage and patriotism.
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