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By Kyle Alspach
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
The
Wachusett Reservoir, the Old Stone Church, the Beaman Oak -- these are the
dominant symbols of the town of West Boylston.
Creative
West Boylston residents recently invoked these images in a contest to design the
town's 2008 bicentennial celebration logo.
``We've
been looking for a logo that captures the unique spirit of the town,'' said Town
Clerk Kim D. Hopewell. ``It's a nice way to get the community involved in the
early stages of the celebration.''
Last
night, Bicentennial Committee members chose the winner. The winner will remain a
secret until a November dinner dance at the Wachusett Country Club.
There,
the announcement will be made through the unveiling of a gigantic replica of the
winning logo. The grand prize is a $100 U.S. savings bond.
The town asked for submissions from residents of all ages. The winning logo will
appear on mugs, pins, shirts and other memorabilia to be sold as a fund-raiser
for the celebration.
The contest received 11 entries. The artist's names were not released.
An entry to the Seniors category recalls the original formation of West Boylston
in 1808.
Sections
of Shrewsbury, Boylston, Lancaster, Sterling and Holden were granted to area
settlers who wanted their own town, creating West Boylston. The logo includes a
puzzle outline of the five different sections, with the Old Stone Church
superimposed over it.
In
the Citizens/Local Business category, one contestant noted on the entry form
that the entry ``intends to exemplify the past, present and future of the
town.''
Depicted
on the logo is the Wachusett Reservoir, which caused the destruction of many of
the town's mills and farms from 1896 to 1905, when it was created to serve
Boston.
The
Beaman Oak bends and helps form the logo's circular shape. The tree was a
beloved part of town founder Ezra Beaman's farm before it was destroyed by the
reservoir.
Upon
one of its leaves sits the Old Stone Church, the last remnant of pre-reservoir
West Boylston.
Two
acorns are also shown growing off the tree, simultaneously representing the
town's 200 years and ``the promise of tomorrow.''
Entries
to the Middle School/High School category all picture the Old Stone Church. One
of the logos is an abstract, computer-generated version of the building.
An
entry to the Elementary category shows the Beaman Memorial Public Library and
the Beaman Trough.
The
Bicentennial Committee will also name winners in each of the four categories.
Each winner will receive a $25 U.S. savings bond.
Ms.
Hopewell explained that contestants were not provided with information on the
town's history.
``Everyone
had to do their own research,'' she said.
The
bicentennial celebration in 2008 will consist of events throughout the year,
according to Charles E. Hudson, Bicentennial Committee chairman.
``It'll
be a major celebration,'' he said. ``We'll be working until 2008 on this.''
Mr.
Hudson noted that the planning is just in its infancy, and anyone with ideas for
events is encouraged to get involved.
Kyle
Alspach can be reached at kalspach@telegram.com
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