Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy 194th Birthday, Westbrook!

On this day, most people celebrate some holiday that involves candy, flowers, and creative marriage proposals. We here at Westbrook Diarist headquarters, however, celebrate something entirely different on February 14: The anniversary of Westbrook's birth.

On this date in 1814, Massachusetts (sometimes you've just gotta endure the father you've been dealt) gave its blessings regarding the incorporation of, um, Stroudwater. However, the residents of the newly-incorporated Stroudwater had twenty-first century angst in them even during the nineteenth-century, so they quickly re-named the town Westbrook, in honor of Col. Thomas Westbrook. And, voila, here we are.

So when you're toasting your love (or drowning your sorrows) tonight, do sneak in a little toast for the 'ol Paper City. After all, it is actually the real reason February 14 was picked as the day for lovers.

Okay, maybe not.

- John C.L. Morgan

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