Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund, known for his bold and satirical style, recently made waves by renaming Hingham Bay to the “Gulf of Weymouth.” In a tongue-in-cheek executive order shared on Facebook, Hedlund humorously pointed out supposed geographical oversights and historical discrepancies between the two neighboring communities. The move, reminiscent of political antics seen in the Trump administration, sparked a playful and somewhat contentious back-and-forth between Weymouth and Hingham residents, showcasing the rich history and local pride of the area.
A Historical Joust: Weymouth vs. Hingham
Mayor Hedlund’s decision to rename Hingham Bay was not made lightly, as he cited historical facts and territorial claims as the basis for his executive order. By highlighting the settlement of Weymouth prior to Hingham and the cultural appropriation of historical events, such as The Battle of Grape Island, Hedlund portrayed the renaming as a matter of correcting the record and asserting Weymouth’s rightful ownership of the bay.
In response, Hingham residents, led by Select Board Chair Joe Fisher, quickly mobilized to defend their claim to Hingham Bay. Fisher’s symbolic act of planting a town flag at the Bathing Beach and reactivating the Hingham Militia Company demonstrated a strong sense of community pride and historical significance attached to the bay. The playful rivalry between the two towns escalated as Hingham retaliated by renaming the Weymouth Back River after their own town, in a tit-for-tat exchange of symbolic gestures.
A Playful Exchange of Banter and Parody
The renaming of Hingham Bay to the Gulf of Weymouth sparked a wave of humor and camaraderie among residents from both towns. Social media platforms buzzed with jokes, parodies, and playful banter, as locals engaged in a lighthearted battle of wits and creativity. From reports by the “North Weymouth Binocular Brigade” to the spirited defense plans of the “North Weymouth Navy,” the community embraced the whimsical nature of the situation with enthusiasm and good humor.
Mayor Hedlund’s Gulf of Weymouth-themed video montage, set to the iconic Pat Benatar song “Invincible,” added a touch of flair and creativity to the ongoing saga. Drawing inspiration from other politicians who had playfully renamed geographic features, Hedlund’s actions highlighted the power of humor and satire in engaging the community and sparking conversations about local history and identity.
As the banter continued and the debate over the renaming of Hingham Bay persisted, residents from both towns found common ground in celebrating their shared heritage and local pride. While the Gulf of Weymouth may only exist in name, the sense of community spirit and camaraderie fostered by this playful exchange will endure as a testament to the vibrant and engaging nature of the Weymouth and Hingham communities.
Abby Patkin, a seasoned news reporter with a knack for capturing the essence of local stories, expertly navigates the complexities of this whimsical tale of territorial disputes and historical rivalries. Her keen eye for detail and ability to weave together the threads of humor, history, and community spirit create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. By delving into the nuances of this light-hearted saga, Patkin sheds light on the power of humor and storytelling in bridging divides and fostering connections within local communities.
