Project: Mill Creek Park
The Bicentennial Boulder Gets a New Home & Facelift
​The Story Behind the Story
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In May of 2025, town workers moved what is known as the "Bicentennial Boulder" from the Deacon Eldred House--once town-owned, but now private property--to Mill Creek Park.
The commemorative memorial was donated by Alvan Crocker in 1976. It is inscribed:
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And how did this change come about?
Sandwich citizen Candy Thomson had the foresight to prompt the town to move the Bicentennial Boulder to a more appropriate location.
Always thinking, Candy then contacted the Sandwich Garden Club to ask how she might get some plantings added around the Bicentennial Boulder so that it would look nice in time for this year's 4th of July celebrations.
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Boom! Club president Jeanne Nichols jumped right in.
The first step was pulling together club volunteers, who responded in spades. With the power of teamwork, they designed a new garden, amended the soil, purchased plants, and got their hands in the dirt to get the job done. All in less than two weeks.
Many thanks to Candy and to all the Sandwich Garden Club volunteers for helping to keep our village a lovely place to live, work, and visit.
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The photo timeline is displayed in reverse so that the lovely finished product is toward the top of the page!
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Now we have to keep those new plants healthy. So please, if you are able to help with maintenance, please go here and sign up for a time slot.
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Club volunteers Carol Dubay, Jeanne Nichols, Nancy Crossman, Jean Blake, Sandi Mirtl, and Linda Bedard
Side view of the Bicentennial Boulder after planting
Club president Jeanne Nichols waters in the new plants as Candy Thomson looks on.
Linda Fox, Sandy Mirtl, Linda Bedard, Jean Blake, and Nancy Crossman with Candy Thomson.
The people of Sandwich dedicate this memorial to the spirit and sacrifices of 1776. The Declaration of Independence. The birth of this nation. The Constitution of the United States of America—long may it endure.
Design team Jeanne Nichols, Nancy Crossman, and Linda Bedard.
DPW employees moving the Bicentennial Boulder to its new home. COURTESY CANDY THOMSON
Club volunteers hard at work.