Licking County will illuminate two large lanterns on the facade of the Licking County Administration Building in downtown Newark on April 18 to commemorate Paul Revere's 1775 ride. This event is part of the upcoming celebration of the United States' 250th birthday.
According to a Licking County news release, the county will participate in the national initiative "Two Lights for Tomorrow." Light displays will be visible on public buildings and private homes on the night of April 18. In addition to the administration building, county commissioners have directed a display of red, white, and blue lights on the historic Licking County Courthouse, built in 1876. This display will occur on April 18 and 19. Two spotlights will also shine skyward at Dawes Arboretum, located south of Newark on State Route 13, honoring William Dawes, a shopkeeper and patriot who rode with Revere that night. Dawes was the great-great-grandfather of Beaman Dawes, who established the arboretum and founded Pure Oil Co., serving two terms in Congress.
The news release states that Paul Revere's ride took place overnight on April 18-19. Two lanterns hung in the steeple of the Old North Church signaled that British Regulars were coming. The signal was "one if by land and two if by sea." William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott joined Revere to deliver warnings that the British were advancing into Massachusetts Bay province to capture weapons, gunpowder, and supplies. In response, Minutemen armed themselves and headed for the town green.
Ohio will celebrate this "Two Lights" event with a program at Ohio Statehouse Plaza in downtown Columbus at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 18. Individuals are encouraged to participate by displaying two lights in their homes or at visitor centers, cultural sites, historical locations, and community sites.
