The case of the missing plaque: Wareham Minutemen seek lost revolutionary sign
Decas School where the plaque went missing. File photo
A newspaper clipping from when the plaque was erected. Photo source: Howie Smith
Decas School where the plaque went missing. File photo
A newspaper clipping from when the plaque was erected. Photo source: Howie Smith
Beyond busy Main Street traffic and the hum of the GATRA buses sits the rich history of Revolutionary War soldiers and rock without a plaque.
Howie Smith of the Wareham Minutemen and Militia is seeking information about a plaque that's been missing from a stone behind the old Decas School for over 15 years. Erected in 1975, the stone honors those who fought for Wareham almost 250 years ago.
The minutemen is a nonprofit group that can be seen in outfits from the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 in reenactments, parades and educational programs.
What is now used for softball pitches was once a field made for mustering, or the assembly of troops in preparation for battles in the Revolutionary War. Smith said soldiers would meet at the Fearing Tavern, assemble on the town green and march to the field to perform drills on the grassy spot.
"A number of years ago that bronze plaque disappeared and over the last couple of months I've done all kinds of running around here, there and everywhere to figure out what happened to it," Smith said.
From phone calls to extensive searches of the school, Smith hasn't had any luck in finding the old bronze sign. His biggest goal is to identify what was inscribed on the plaque to potentially remake and rededicate it.
"Nobody has any pictures or anything," he said. "The only picture we have is taken far away and from a newspaper so its all black and white dots."
Wherever the plaque may be, with the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up, Smith said it's important to start looking for answers and sign-makers now. His call to the community for answers stems from appreciation for those who laid down their lives for the future of the country.
"These people are the ones that fought the British and gave us what we have today, plain and simple," he said. "It's paying tribute. Wareham, back in the Revolutionary War, had over 200 people who participated over that eight year period."
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the sign, or what was inscribed on it can contact Smith at 508-295-4679.
Contact Name
