Posted on: July 2, 2024 - 9:28am

"This pocket park was made possible by a grant from the National Association of Realtors, additional funding from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, the generosity of the former owners of Medway Block, Richard Berry, the owner of Berry's Greenhouses, a Medway business, the Medway Department of Public Works, the Medway Select Board, the Medway Planning and Economic Development Office, the Medway Historical Commission, the Medway Historical Society, Swenson Granite and Patriot Real Estate, Inc.

Think about the Massachusetts Colony in 1776. At age 35, Ishmael Coffee was no youngster; he was a husband and father of many children with his wife, Hannah Gay. He left his family and went to war with other Medway residents, white and of color, including his son Thomas.

While the bench is dedicated in his honor, this story, accessible via the bench's QR code, is really about Ishameal, Hannah, his children, and our community.

A historical sign will be installed in about two months, along with some additional information about Ishmael.

I am honored that so many of us made this project possible." - Paul Yorkis

In addition to Paul Yorkis's words above, Select Board Chair Frank Rossi, as well as a few of Ishmael and Hannah's relatives, shared their thoughts and insights during the ceremony.