Oct. 19, 6 pm, Masonic Lodge, 3 Bedford St. Lexington. Tickets: $125, tables of 8 $1,000.
By Craig Sandler
As the Great War ended a century ago, Lexington shared the world’s sense of relief, hope and joy – and the Lexington Historical Society plans to bring that same spirit to an October gala celebrating the centennial.
The Society’s Armistice Day Poppy Gala, Oct. 19 at the Masonic Lodge on the Green, will take place in the middle of a series of programs and observances to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The fundraiser is a major source of the revenue the Historical Society must raise to carry out its mission of historical stewardship and preservation, education, and community events.
The poppy theme comes from the central symbol of the “War to End Wars.” The poppies a young wounded soldier observed on the graves of combat casualties in Flanders Field, Belgium, capture both the mournfulness and resilient spirit that attended the signing of the Armistice, Nov. 11, 1918.
That autumn, as soldiers came marching home to Lexington and across the nation, it was thought the war had opened a new era of peace. That hope proved false, but the war did give the nation a sense of mission as a global force for democracy and freedom. And the fall of 1918 was a time of optimism.
That spirit of joy will be nurtured at the Gala, a plated, sit-down dinner, with a series of musicians performing songs that capture the mood of the time in melody. The acclaimed Lexington High School jazz band will play popular music of the day, followed by Elizabeth and Allie Whitfield, a mother-daughter singing duet. Pianist Barbara Hutchinson will provide the mood music during dinner.
“We hope to commemorate the centennial from a post-war perspective,” said Erica McAvoy, the Society’s executive director. It’s not going to be somber. We want the spirit to be bright, happy and jovial, and we’re hoping people are going to come in, hear the jazz band and catch the tone of celebration.”
At the same time, the Gala is an opportunity for Lexington’s and other local history lovers to support the unique programs and crucial preservation mission of the Historical Society. Besides dinners tickets ($125), attendees and fans of the Society can buy space in the program book, and messages honoring loved ones and family members who’ve served in the armed forces are welcome. Sponsorships are also available and will directly help the Society fulfill its mission. Contact Erica McAvoy at (781) 862-1703 or director@lexingtonhistory.org. Besides music and dining, the Gala will feature a silent auction, including airfare for two anywhere in the U.S. and a Portsmouth, N.H., getaway.
Oct. 19, 6 pm, Masonic Lodge, 3 Bedford St. Lexington. Tickets: $125, tables of 8 $1,000.
