The Scene In and Around Boston . . .
By Hilda M. Morrill
June 4, 2010

Marines from the U.S.S. Constitution will demonstrate musket firing on "Muster Day" at Old Sturbridge Village. (Photo courtesy of Susie Bonta)

Old Sturbridge Village will celebrate an old-fashioned military "Muster Day" on Saturday, June 12, with a special appearance by the 1812 Marines from Boston's U.S.S. Constitution, who will march, drill, and demonstrate field maneuvers alongside the Sturbridge militia.

Active military personnel get a 50-percent admission discount, and members of their party get 25 percent off admission.

Fifers and drummers will play martial music, and children can "join the militia," learn to march and drill, and make a militia hat to wear and take home. Visitors can enjoy early 19th-century "base ball," French & English (tug of war), and crafts demonstrations, and head to the farm to meet the baby oxen, lambs, and piglets and help the farmers with late spring work.

In early New England, the militia was somewhat similar to today's volunteer firefighters, and its ranks were filled by farmers, craftsmen, and other male citizens in town. At least once a year, these folks were "called to muster," and spent a day in training.

"The 1830s were peaceful years in New England," notes OSV curator Tom Kelleher, adding that muster days also offered festive recreation, including a way to skirt the temperance laws banning the sale of alcohol in the 1830s.

Those thirsting for liquor could pay a few cents to enter a tent to see a "striped pig," and also get a "free" shot of rum. Muster Day visitors to Old Sturbridge Village can see a real pig, striped just for the occasion, and get a free glass of lemonade as a stand-in for the rum.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is one of the largest living history museums in the country. The museum is open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and offers free parking and a free return visit within 10 days.

For details and more information, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.

Annual Rose Garden Party Scheduled for Thursday, June 24

Roses will be in full bloom for Boston's annual Rose Garden Party on Thursday, June 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kelleher Rose Garden at the Back Bay Fens.

Hosted by Boston's First Lady, Angela Menino, and Boston Parks Commissioner Antonia M. Pollak, the event, made possible through generous support from Bank of America, benefits ParkARTS, Mayor Menino's initiative presenting a wide variety of cultural offerings and participatory arts workshops in Boston's parks.

Now in its 14th year, the Party is sponsored by a wide variety of local companies and organizations and offers guests an evening of great company, delicious food and refreshments, entertainment and the Hats Galore! contest.

Located directly behind the Museum of Fine Arts in Frederick Law Olmsted's renowned Emerald Necklace park system, the Rose Garden is the largest of its kind in Boston and the ideal location for this summer garden party. More than 250 guests representing Boston's business, political, legal, medical, and arts worlds will converge on the park for this unique event surrounded by 1,000 rose bushes of more than 150 varieties.

ParkARTS is a multi-faceted arts program incorporating the visual, performing, and participatory arts. The 2010 ParkARTS concerts in Boston's neighborhood parks will range from jazz to symphonic music. More than 80 participatory arts programs will be offered including arts and crafts workshops, landscape watercolor painting classes, and photography workshops.

For Rose Garden Party sponsorship and ticket information, call 617-961-3039.

Horticultural Society to Sponsor Wine Festival in September

Looking ahead: Love wine? Love food? Love gardens? Then be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, September 11, when the Massachusetts Horticultural Society will host its first "Wine Festival at Elm Bank" in Wellesley.

It will be a spectacular full day of wine tasting, superb food, a wine auction and garden tours, all held on the grounds of Elm Bank. There will be more than a hundred wines to taste, a Champagne brunch, celebrity chefs and wine experts. A full schedule will be posted to the MassHort Web site soon.

Grand Tasting tickets will include guided garden tours, the Champagne brunch, wine tastings, and entry to the wine auction and sale.

Call 617-933-4995 to register. Why buy your tickets now? We are told that by signing up now, you can save on the price of a per-person or per-couple Grand Tasting ticket. Also, space for the Champagne Brunch will be strictly limited and you don't want to miss out.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.