The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) established in 1910 cordially invites the public and the media to join us in celebrating “taking care of the square” for 100 years with a “Centennial Illumination” Ceremony at 4:00 pm. The event takes place at the foot of the ancient oak tree in the middle of Winthrop Park. This ancient oak provided beauty and shade to the first Marketplace in Newtowne established on this site in the early 1630’s and continues today to be one of the most popular meeting places in Harvard Square. We are pleased to celebrate our 100th Anniversary by lighting the ancient oak with 100 Square Lanterns using led lights to illuminate Winthrop Park.
Our ceremony will begin with a rare outdoor performance by the Boston Boy’s Choir, led by John Robinson, Director of Music at St Paul’s Church and Choir School. Following the Boys Choir, the Revels will treat everyone to a performance of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance performed by the Pinewoods Morris Men. The tree will be lit by the youngest member of the Boston Boy’s Choir and will remain lit for years to come.
“For the past 100 years, the Harvard Square Business Association has been a good steward of the public space and has never lost sight of its mission to promote commerce in Harvard Square. We are pleased to share our history,” said Denise Jillson, Executive Director. The HSBA is fortunate that most of its early Mission Statements, Articles of Incorporation and Annual and Monthly Meeting Minutes were thoughtfully preserved.
The HSBA Centennial year began with the “100 Years – 100 Images” Gallery Show in January 2010 and will conclude in January 2011 with the Premiere and celebration of a commissioned Documentary about Harvard Square and the HSBA. “