ARLINGTON HONOR AWARDS PROGRAM
THE ROBBINS AWARD
This award honors the members of the Robbins family, citizens, and benefactors of the Town of Arlington from 1785 until 1949. The Robbins’ were progressive, far-seeing, enterprising, world traveler, patrons of the arts. Their interest and generosity to Arlington stands as an unparallel example of unselfish service for the good of the public.
The Town Hall, the Robbins Library, the Robbins House, and Town Gardens were gifts to the town from the Robbins Family. In addition to service on various committees and boards, family members left endowments to Arlington schools library, churches, and Symmes Hospital thus enriching this community beyond measure.
Eligibility criteria for the Robbins Award would include outstanding and significant contributions of service and leadership in the areas of social, cultural, educational, political, or religious activities as well as benevolent and philanthropic actions for the common good.
THE CYRUS E.DALLIN AWARD
This award honors Cyrus and Vittoria Dallin. As citizens of Arlington they made significant contributions to the civic and cultural life of the community. Cyrus Dallin, an internationally recognized sculptor who immortalized the American Indian, designed the bronze statue of The Hunter, often called the Menotomy Indian, which stands in the Winfield Robbins Memorial Park. Among his other works are the “Appeal to the Great Spirit,” at the entrance of the Museum of Fine Arts, and Paul Revere on the mall in Boston’s North End.
Vittoria Dallin was a founding member of the Arlington Friend of the Drama. She let cause to have an Arlington Heights branch of the Library – a 30 year effort that succeeded in the mid-1930’s.
Cyrus and Vittoria Dallin both gave generously of their time and talents to this community. This award is intended to honor them and the citizens who have made similar contributions in the same spirit.
Eligibility criteria for the Dallin Award would include any person or group who has given meritorious service to the community in areas of community beautification, education, artistic, cultural, humanistic, or philanthropic contributions, meeting human needs particularly needs of youth.
THE SAMUEL A. WILSON AWARD
This award honors Samuel A. Wilson, progenitor of Uncle Sam, who was born in Menotomy, September 13, 1766. Until his 14th year, Sam Wilson lived in a house that stood in the area of the triangle at Mystic Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Russell Street.
The legend that made Samuel A. Wilson – Uncle Sam, began in Troy, N.Y. where his business was the shipping of provisions to the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. The legend spread rapidly and Uncle Sam was later adopted as a symbol by an act of Congress. The image of Uncle Sam denotes strength and determination of a Nation dedicated to freedom and equality for its citizens and it reminds those citizens of their responsibilities of living in a free society.
This award honors Samuel A. Wilson and those persons or group of persons who make a contribution to society in the areas of patriotism, business, and government. It should be a valued award equal to the Dallin Award.
Eligibility criteria for the Wilson Award would include any person or group who has made important and meaningful contributions to the community. Their effort should be considerable, exceptional, and notable.
THE JOSEPH P. GREELEY OUTSTANDING TOWN EMPLOYEE AWARD
This award is named after Joseph P. Greeley who was raised and educated in Arlington, served in the Navy during World War II and served on the Board of Public Works for 2 years and then the Board of Selectmen for 19 years. Joe Greeley and his wife Betty raised 5 children in Arlington. At the time this award was recommended by Selectmen Frank Hurd, Joe Greeley had been the longest serving Selectman in the history of Arlington. Nominations for this award should reflect long-time, continuous and excellent service to the town. Any past or present town employee or group is eligible to receive this award.
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