While renovations are taking place at the Upton Town Hall, buried history is being uncovered. In a series of posts you will be able to view photos of what has been uncovered to date.
Today’s post includes discoveries from the basement and from under the balcony.
Wall paintings were exposed during demolition and are from a time when the basement was used for teen dances and other activities decades ago. “Go Rat Go” is painted on the wall with two teens dancing. After several googling attempts this phrase was not found, if you know when this phrase was popular or what it means be sure to comment on the post.
In the balcony a 1913 Graduation Program was found. Several essays were read by the graduates at the ceremony on issues of the day including woman’s suffrage, immigration, and the future of war. The class colors were blue and white. The class flower was the Bachelor Button, which later was worn by veterans in France after WWI (1914-1919).
Another item in the balcony is a program from the Upton’s Players Guild for their 1961 production of Arsenic and Old Lace, a mixed up black comedy involving a drama critic whose life is turned upside down when he discovers his two beloved Aunts are poisoning their gentlemen visitors. Do you recognize any names in the program?
Thank you Upton Town Hall Renovation Committee for sharing the images with Upton Daily readers. All historical items found in the Upton Town Hall will be given to the Upton Historical Society.
UPTON DAILY 
Go rat go = go cat go. 50’s to early 60’s.
“Go Rat Go” was this a quote from The Grapes of Wrath? How about a local teen of that day who lived in Upton with that nickname? They called hot rods rats back then? I hope an Upton resident comes up with the answer!
My parents said there used to be a teen dance club in the basement where they would all hang out.
Amazing! Wow the graduation speeches from 1913 including mention of the women’s suffrage movement. maybe the Upton’s Women’s club should hold on to that one. Truly a part of history!