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Gen. William F. Draper Statue Celebrates its 100th Anniversary

Milford residents and officials gathered in September to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the General Draper statue.

What happens when a notable work of public art turns 100? In Milford, this was cause for celebration. The Milford Historical Commission organized a big party to mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Gen. William F. Draper statue, which sits at center of what is now Draper Memorial Park. It features Gen. William F. Draper, who commanded the Massachusetts 25th Regiment in the Civil War, through a series of southern campaigns. The statue, in bronze, sits on a base of granite from a Milford quarry. It was given 100 years ago to the town of Milford as a gift, from his wife, Susan Preston Draper. Daniel Chester French, an American sculptor (1850-1931), created the statue. French is among the most notable American sculptors. He also…

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Happy Birthday, General Draper

The town will be throwing a party this month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Draper statue.

Sept. 23 is going to be a special day in Milford. A celebration will be held to note that the General Draper statue was presented to the town 100 years ago. The Milford Historical Commission, Board of Selectmen and Park Department invite everyone to attend a patriotic event in Draper Memorial Park at 2 p.m. The statue was created by Daniel Chester French. Patriotic music will be provided by a fife & drum corps, bagpipes, the MHS band, the Greater Milford Community Chorus, and will include speeches about General Draper, sculptor Daniel Chester French, and monument architect Henry Bacon.  Visitors will be welcomed to Memorial Hall for refreshments and to view the museum after the event.

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David Nolta

9:48 am on Friday, September 14, 2012

This statue by Daniel Chester French is one of the GREAT things about Milford!   more ›

Peaceful Vigil for Matthew Denice [Video]

Young and old came to Draper Memorial Park Friday for a candlelight vigil to honor Matthew Denice, the motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run collision Aug. 20.

A diverse crowd of young and old, strangers and friends to Matthew Denice, descended on Draper Memorial Park Friday, in a peaceful, silent candlelight tribute. The vigil lasted about an hour. People talked quietly among themselves about Denice, and what brought them to the event. Many in the crowd of more than 1,000 people said they never met the 23-year-old, but had been moved to attend the vigil by the circumstances of his death. The event drew young parents, holding infants, and elderly residents, who brought chairs. More than 150 motorcyclists showed up, too, riding through town in a tribute to a fellow rider. Denice was struck and killed while riding his motorcycle Aug. 20, by a pickup truck driver who police said dragged him a …

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David Nolta

2:26 pm on Monday, August 29, 2011

Jim Rizoli, I don't think you're the problem. And I think there are a lot of problems, not just one. And I think that many of the problems are very complicated. Now what do you mean by "people like me"? I'm unique, thank you very much.   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 11

Another town is seeking support for a "Scratch Ticket Bill," something that would resemble the bottle bill, only for discarded scratch tickets.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Milford Selectmen meet Monday at 7 in Town Hall. The agenda is crowded with items, including an update on federal Community Development Block Grant funds and approval of new business licenses. 2. Tucked among the agenda items: An offer by the Elm Research Institute of Keene, N.H., for a free American Liberty Elm, the state tree of Massachusetts. If Milford agrees, the institute will provide a 14-foot tree as a gift. 3. Milford Selectmen have received a copy of a proposal by the Oxford Board of Selectmen for a "Scratch Ticket Bill." Oxford wants legislation that …

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