In the News: Coverage of the 1925 Sesquicentennial
President Coolidge's Potential Visit
Uncertainty about President Calvin Coolidge's attendance at both the Concord and Lexington 150th anniversary celebrations persisted for several months leading up to April 19th. Local newspapers kept the community abreast of each update provided by Concord and Lexington's respective planning committees. Ultimately, Coolidge was unable to attend any of the April 19th celebrations and sent Vice President Charles Dawes in his place. Many other state and local dignitaries were also in attendance.
Possible local reprint of an article from the Washington Herald, February 7, 1925.
Clipping of an article from the Boston Evening Traveller, February 19, 1925.
Clipping of an article from the Boston Evening Traveller, March 6, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Evening Transcript, March 11, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Evening Traveller, March 11, 1925.
One if by Land, Two if by Blimp
President Coolidge was not the only visitor with a busy schedule considered by the Sesquicentennial Committee. Initially, the Committee was in talks with the US Navy to send the USS Shenandoah, an airship, to fly over Concord and Lexington. Ultimately, the Shenandoah was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but the USS Los Angeles, another airship, did make the journey. The Los Angeles followed Paul Revere's route and passed over both Lexington and Concord.
A news clipping from the Boston Evening Transcript, April 15, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston American, April 19, 1925.
Stamp Mania
Following tradition, the US Postal Service produced a commemorative stamp for the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The issue, or release, of the stamp was highly anticipated by collectors and covered extensively by local news sources. The stamp received a midnight release, and Boston's main post office opened six additional service windows to accommodate the sheer volume of buyers. Commemorative stamps have continued to be produced in honor of these anniversaries, including one for the 2025 Semiquincentennial.
A news clipping from an unknown source, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Post, April 2, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Post, April 5, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Post, April 5, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Evening Traveller, April 3, 1925.
A news clipping from an unknown source, April, 1925.
The commemorative stamp released by the US Postal Service in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington, 1925.
Traffic Jam
In 1925, car ownership was increasing exponentially. Local railroads had a history of providing special trains and increased service for major Concord Fight anniversaries, and out-of-town visitors were highly encouraged to take the train to Concord, rather than drive. Newspapers published information about the increased train schdules and encouraged people to use public transit rather than cause excessive traffic. Some, but not all, took this advice.
A news clipping from the Boston Globe, April 16, 1925.
A news clipping from an unknown source, April, 1925.
A news clipping from the Boston Globe, April, 2025.