Now entering Glass Square

The somewhat disorienting 5 way intersection at the top of Center St. in downtown Middleboro has been known locally as Everett Square is due to be designed in 2020, but before that, Everett Square had to be renamed, or better yet, re established, as John F. Glass, Jr Square, as it was always supposed to be.

That happened with little or no resistance from those partial to the name "Everett Square", which in all likehood was named for its proximity to Everett Street, one of the 5 intersecting streets.

So now, John Glass Square is again, and as it has been since it was decided in 1929, John Glass Square. The 2020 redesign got an early start last Thursday with the unveiling and dedication of a new sign recognizing John F. Glass Square, and for Bob Lessard, current Commander of American Legion Post 64 in Middleboro, it's a small gesture that will go a long way in correcting a bit of local history and acknowleding, for all time, a Middleboro soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country.

PFC Glass was the last serviceman from Middleboro to be killed in action in World War I. He was killed on October 26th and the war ended November 11th. At the time of his death, he was serving with Yankee Divisions 101st Infantry, Co D. He is buried in the Muese-Argonne American cemetery in France.

American Legion Post 64 membership petitioned to have the square memorialized and took the name of John F. Glass Square on May 30th, Memorial Day, 1929, and later thst year, on June 18th, the request was made official and was approved by the Town Meeting voters. A sign was placed across the street but it's a small sign and as you exit Everett St., you can't see it since you have to be careful entering the intersection.

Earlier this year, Cdr Lessard and a group of veterans took their concerns to the Middleboro Board of Selectmen, and after many years, the Selectmen came on board. After some planning and work by Town Manger Robert Nunes, DPW Director Chris Peck and DPW member Dave Blanton, a new sign was designed and installed. The dediction was attended by Bpb Lessard and local veterans on January 10th.