Apr. 4 -- Ridgefield Democrats, joined by Republicans and the Patriot Weekend Committee, are sponsoring a reenactment of the historic 1775 Town Meeting at which Ridgefielders debated whether to stay loyal to the King of England or to join the Revolution. The reenactment, scheduled just before the reenactment of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield, will be held at St. Stephens Church on Wed., Apr. 24 at 7:30 PM. Everyone is encouraged to attend - bring friends and family for a fascinating evening. About 30 Ridgefielders, including Ridgefield High School AP History students, Democrats, Republicans, and interested townspeople will play the part of 18th Centruy townspeople in a passionate debate over Ridgefield's stand in the upcoming Revolutionary War. Attendees at the reenacted Town Meeting will vote at the end on a resolution for the Town to join the call of the Continental Congress to boycott British goods, and in effect, join the revolution. First Selectman Rudy Marconi, (photo, left), trying on his Patriot Weekend wig as Barbara Manners looks on, will play the part of 1775 First Selectman William Forrester at the Town Meeting Wednesday night.
Patriot Weekend Committee Chair Keith Jones, who will introduce the reenacted Town Meeting, said “There is a historical record of how the 1775 Town Meeting turned out. But, for this event, we’re going to give everyone who attends a chance to vote their mind. If our Loyalist players present the best argument, perhaps Ridgefield will stay British. As today, the majority will decide the Town’s direction.”
The modern-day Board of Selectmen will participate in the reenactment, playing the roles of Ridgefield’s 1775 Selectmen. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said “This reenactment is a terrific reminder of the central role that Town Meetings play in making all the big decisions about our Town. In 2002, we debate taxes, schools, and open space. In 1775, Town Meetings decided whether Ridgefielders would literally go to war. Town Meetings continue to be the people’s form of government.”
The event, being held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, is co-sponsored by the Democratic and Republican Town Committees. “Ridgefield High School history students will join Democratic and Republican volunteers, and other interested townspeople to play the roles of 18th Century Ridgefielders,” said Dave Nichols, Democratic Party event coordinator.
John Katz, Republican Party coordinator, added that, “This debate, which divided the town in 1775, is a prime example of the importance of the political process in issues that really matter. It also shows how central the Town Meeting is to Ridgefield’s way of governing itself.”
Admission to the April 24 event at St. Stephen’s will be free, first-come, first-served.
The minutes of the actual Jan. 30, 1775 Ridgefield Town Meeting (photo, right) read: " The Meeting then proceeded to take into Consideration the said Resolutions, and after mature Deliberation in said meeting the question was put, Whether this Town will adopt and Conform to the Resolves contained in ye association of the Continental Congress or not, Resolved in the Negative. 9 Desent.
Second, Resolved N.C.D.* That we do acknowledge his most Sacred Majesty King George the 3rd to be our rightfull Sovereign and do publickly avow our allegiance to him & his Lawfull successors, And that we will do to the utmost of our power, Support his throne & Dignity against Every Combination in the Universe.
Third, Resolved N.C.D. That we do acknowledge that the three branches of ye Legislation (to wit) the King, the House of Lords and the House of Commons Convening and acting together have a constitutional Right of Government over the whole and Every part of the British Empire."
*N. C. D. -Nemine contra dicente. No one speaking in opposition.
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