New life for a Saugus landmark: Parson Roby Chapter DAR restores Appleton’s Pulpit Historical Marker and cleans up area

(Editor’s Note: The following story is based on a press release issued this week by the Parson Roby Chapter DAR.)

Situated on Appleton Street is a historical marker known as Appleton’s Pulpit. In 1930 the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission erected a number of historical markers around the state. Appleton’s Pulpit was one of nine sites in Saugus the commission chose to place a marker, which reads:

APPLETON’S PULPIT

IN 1687 MAJOR APPLETON

OF IPSWICH MADE A SPEECH ON

THIS ROCK DENOUNCING THE

TYRANNY OF THE ROYAL GOVERNOR,

SIR EDMUND ANDROS. A WATCH

WAS STATIONED ON THE HILL TO

GIVE WARNING OF ANY APPROACH

OF THE CROWN OFFICERS.

Not only was this marker in need of some TLC, but also the surrounding area, which was overgrown and littered with trash. This spring members of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) located in Saugus restored the marker.

“Historical Preservation is part of the mission of the DAR,” Regent Gail Cassarino said.

Cassarino credited Past Regent Charlotte Line for the vision and Chaplain Jacalyn Bracewell for spearheading the project as well as doing most of the work on the marker. Chaplain Bracewell researched the proper way to restore the marker, spoke with neighbors to let them know there would be a lot of activity and received permission from the town to proceed with the project. She devoted many volunteer hours, along with other chapter members, raking, picking up trash, priming, painting and sealing the marker.

During the restoration, many people from the community stopped to thank the DAR volunteers for cleaning the area and restoring the sign. One woman even offered to make lunch for the group.

“We were surprised to see just how much trash is thrown there, including more than 50 nip bottles,” Cassarino said.

“The Parson Roby Chapter also wants to thank veteran Jack Klecker who came by regularly and hauled off over 25 bags of leaves and trash for us.” Earlier this year, Jack received the “Community Service” award from DAR for all his unselfish volunteer hours helping the community.

If you are in the area, please look at the newly restored marker and take a moment to reflect on those men and women who risked their lives for the cause that eventually led to our Independence.

During the next few years, our country will be honoring and remembering events, places and people in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

As their next historical preservation project, Parson Roby Chapter members are hoping to restore the Hawkes’ marker located on Walnut Street. Stay tuned.

The DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot who either fought or gave aid to the cause of the American Revolution is eligible to join.

Daughters are vibrant, active women who are passionate about community service, preserving history and educating children, as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation. If you or someone you know would like more information on becoming a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, please email us and we would be glad to answer any questions. Remember that France, Spain, Germany, England, Ireland and Mexico along with many people from other countries came to help in the fight for independence so you never know where your ancestry will lead you. Email: parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com