Breakfast at Fitch Tavern ~ An April Tradition

Fitch Tavern is quite possibly Bedford’s most illustrious residence.

Twenty-five of Bedford’s 77-man militia gathered in its taproom before heading to Concord on April 19, 1775, after a collation of cold gruel and warm beer. Tradition has it that Captain Jonathan Willson said, “It’s a cold breakfast, boys, but we’ll give the British a hot dinner. We’ll have every dog of them before night.”

Capt. Willson was among the Colonists’ fatalities that morning; Willson Park is named in his honor.

The Keep family outside Fitch Tavern ~ Image, JMcCT (c) 2022 all rights reserved ~ Click each image to see it at full size.

Over time Minutemen have gathered in the taproom, but not recently: the 2020 pandemic lockdown and a new family arrived at the same time.

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This year, Stephanie and Robert Keep invited dignitaries to gather before Pole Capping on April 9. Several members of the Bedford Minuteman Company returned for a very early morning breakfast on their way to lead the Concord parade on April 18.

The modern Minutemen marched off to Concord after a more nutritious breakfast.

Pole Capping

April 18, 2022

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