Restore Wright Tavern as public house where Acton can forge new history

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) should support utility upgrades at Wright Tavern. The investment preserves an irreplaceable historic asset and sustains a unique gathering place for Concordians. The noble enterprise of Tom Wilson to create a non-profit replica of Acton’s Public House for Liberty will repair the nose on our village face, inviting tourists by day and residents by night to gather, mingle, and debate the goings on as we did before and after British Regulars stopped for tea in April 1775.

Before newspapers were created around 1704, we were an oral culture without radio, phones, and TV to spread the news. Social media was stopping by your public house to greet neighbors and share your news. In the 18th century with a population around 2000, as town historian Bob Gross will attest, Acton licensed nine public houses like Wright Tavern, five inn holders in the village (Samuel Swan, Joseph Butler, Ephraim Jones, Rebecca Heywood, and Abishai Brown) and four outside (Thomas Davis, Amos Wright, John Green, and William Parkman).

Utilities to support a caterer’s kitchen and basement brewery would meet historic standards of the Department of Interior and enliven the space to meet the rental aspirations of First Parish, even with non-alcoholic Guinness served during church on Sundays.

The business of Acton is sustained by our respect for the past and historic preservation. Wright Tavern’s draw is authenticity, a former village home, licensed inn, tavern, and bakery. It offers five intimate rooms for catered prix fixe dinners where locals can gather their friends to debate in good and changing times. 

As Bob Gross reminds us, Acton has been resisting change since 1775. Our democracy, traditions, and civics are changing. The Middle East is changing. World climate is changing. We have much to discuss. 

Brian Rosborough

Elm Street