Historic Blackstone Valley Stagecoach Arrives in Worcester For Thursday Afternoon Ceremonies

Historic Blackstone Valley Stagecoach Ride October 2007

WORCESTER: Worcester businessman Bobby Largess and his replica 19th century Blackstone Valley Stagecoach rode from Providence to Worcester in early October 2007 to create an historic reenactment and introduce residents and visitors to the Footsteps in History events around the Blackstone Valley on Columbus Day weekend.

Believed to be the first stagecoach run from Providence to Worcester in more than 155 years, the journey highlighted history, tourism and transportation throughout the region and in particular, efforts by Mr. Largess and other Worcester Canal District business interests to replicate the hidden Blackstone Canal in Worcester. Largess, an experienced teamster (horseman) completed a four day journey by bringing the replica Blackstone Valley Stagecoach Company team featuring two Belgian draft horses from Whittier Farm in Sutton into Worcester’s Canal District and adjacent downtown area for a series of special events.

Along the Bike Path, Millbury

A Stop at the American Legion, Worcester

Visiting Students at Quinsigamond School

On the Way to Another School and then to Harding Street for ceremonies

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RESTORED STAGECOACH TO MAKE FIRST JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE TO WORCESTER IN 180 YEARS EVENT MARKS KICKOFF OF THIRD ANNUAL FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY WEEKEND PROVIDENCE, R.I., WORCESTER, Mass. (September 20, 2007) - Teamster Robert Largess will drive an 1800's style horse-drawn stagecoach along the Blackstone River Valley National Corridor from East Providence to Worcester to commemorate the third annual Footsteps in History Weekend. His three-day journey will be the first in about 180 years and aims to raise public awareness about the Blackstone Valley's rich history and culture. "Before the railroad and canal boats took over, people used stagecoaches to make the journey between Providence and Worcester," said Robert Largess, a local history enthusiast and business owner. "When people see my stagecoach traveling through their neighborhoods, I want them to reflect on the rich history that makes the Blackstone Valley so special and to come out during the Footsteps in History Columbus Day Weekend to learn about their roots." The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 1, in East Providence at the historical John Hunt House and will stop at locations throughout the valley during its journey. The stagecoach will stop on Wednesday, October 3, at the Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury, Mass. to officially open the Footsteps in History Weekend during a special kickoff event. From there, Largess will continue his ride to nearby Worcester to conclude his journey. On Columbus Day Weekend, October 6-8, the 24 communities of the BlackstoneRiver Valley are opening their doors to their best cultural and historical attractions during the Third Annual Footsteps in History program. Last year, these events attracted over 15,000 visitors to the Blackstone River Valley. More than 100 special tours, open houses and events are currently listed. A full schedule of programs may be found at http://www.FootstepsInHistory.com or by calling 1-800-454-2882 for more information. About Footsteps in History: The Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend "Five Centuries in Three Days" is a celebration of our national heritage in which the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley showcase about 100 cultural and historical attractions for the enjoyment of residents, tourists and their families. Footsteps in History was created by the Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative, which includes the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Footsteps in History is sponsored by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, the Massachusetts Historical Commission with grant funding from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. See http://www.FootstepsInHistory.com for the complete list of events, pick up a brochure at area visitor centers or call 1-800-454-2882 for more information.

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