HOPKINTON MA

HOPKINTON MA

VETERANS' MEMORIAL GAZEBO

VETERANS PARK

BUILT - 1988

Not only has the name Hopkinton become so well known since 1924 as the starting point for the world-class Boston Marathon, but few realize that stone from an old quarry in Hopkinton was used in the building of Illinois' State House, the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City and many other famous buildings in the United States. Also Buffalo Bill Cody's great, great grandfather's farm is on the land where the Hopkinton High School stands and where the runners all meet in preparation for the marathon. Hopkinton also was once known as the largest boot and shoe manufacturing town in the country.

A few blocks down from downtown Hopkinton, in Veterans Park, stands the town's beautiful Veteran's Memorial Gazebo which can be seen across the country on television on Patriot's Day prior to the annual running of the marathon where many runners gather prior to their 26-mile jaunt.

The bandstand was completed in 1988 for about $15,000 in funds from donations made to the War Memorial Building Fund and other sponsors and has been used extensively since for summer concerts, weddings, Memorial and Veteran's Day celebrations and during the holiday season in December.

Issues of sites, materials, budgets, and overcoming rugged ledge where it was finally proposed to be built on, were obstacles to be met along with citizens of the town scrutinizing each move in the building of the structure which caused problems and delays but finally on May 30th of 1988, the Veteran's Memorial Gazebo was finally dedicated.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Marge Wright, Secretary

Town of Hopkinton