Last night, the City of Rockville celebrated its 150th anniversary of its incorporation in the Town Square.  Even though the community existed in the 18th century, it wasn’t until March 10, 1860, that it took the big step to pull together and distinguish itself legally from the county.  That move towards independence would continue, most significantly in the 1950s when the State granted “home rule.”

About 100 people gathered in the Town Square last night in the swirl of people passing to the library, heading into stores, or choosing a restaurant for dinner.  The event opened with an invocation and the singing of the National Anthem (thankfully by someone with talent), then about a dozen speeches and presentations came one after the other by various political leaders from the county, state, and federal governments, with a finale performance by The Finest! and the serving of cake and hot chocolate.  It’s hard to make an anniversary exciting except with a concert, parade, or fireworks, but in this tight economy, we’re left with speeches and cake as public spectacles.  Thank goodness the weather cooperated and it wasn’t too cold and it didn’t rain as predicted.  It’ll be broadcast on Rockville’s Channel 11 but in the meantime, here are some pics in case you missed it:

This Sunday night is the next 150th event, with an illustrated lecture on the history of Rockville by Eileen McGuckian at the Fitzgerald Theater (Glenview Park) at 7 pm.