At Freedom & Glory, we believe in the power of hard work, innovation, and inspiration to nurture the American spirit. Having a lasting impact on your community doesn't always begin with a grand gesture; it can sometimes start with rediscovering the historical roots in your own backyard.

When Jim and Kathy Turner took over a building in downtown Melrose, Massachusetts, they knew they were buying a piece of history but had no idea of the depth of its cultural significance. What started as a restaurant opportunity turned into a once-in-a-lifetime chance to breathe new life into a forgotten chapter of America's fight for independence.

The discovery of the Malden Instructions, the first recorded vote for independence, would send the couple on a journey through time, where a small town proved the power local voices have to make national waves.

The legacy of a once-forgotten tavern called The Rising Eagle sparked a fire in Jim and Kathy to honor the town's role in shaping the nation. In the new episode of the Freedom & Glory Podcast, you'll hear how the couple used a passion for food and history to reconnect a community to its revolutionary roots, reigniting a sense of pride and excitement in its role in America's beginnings.

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How a Simple Business Move Sparked a Revolutionary Concept

Seafood has always been a part of Jim's identity. For over a hundred years, his family has been in the fish business, from his grandfather, who started the Boston Fish Bureau in 1924, and his own company, "Turner Fisheries," to a joint venture with his father called "Turners Seafood Grill and Market."

So, when they were approached with the opportunity to buy the historic building across the street from their restaurant in Melrose, Massachusetts, Jim and Kathy jumped at the chance. Although they didn't know what they'd do with it at the time, they knew they couldn't pass up owning such a beautiful part of history.

As Jim recalls, "The gentleman who owned the restaurant directly across the street from our original restaurant in Melrose came to us telling us that he was selling the business. So we negotiated to buy it, and then we had to go, well, what are we gonna do with it?" They went about researching the property, a decision that would open doors to the past they never imagined.

In the early days of colonial America, businesses that served food or lodging were considered “public houses.” Since many people were illiterate at the time, the houses had to use familiar pictures to advertise what they offered. Although the tavern in the Turners’ building was officially named "Hills Tavern," they chose the symbol of an eagle, inspiring Jim and Kathy to name their restaurant the Rising Eagle Publick House.

Uncovering History: How the Rising Eagle Tavern Shaped History

In the mid-1700s, the Rising Eagle Tavern became known for its strong support of the Rebel cause and as a safe haven for the Sons of Liberty. One notable guest who was seen frequently was none other than John Adams.

It wasn't uncommon for the town of Melrose, then a part of Malden, to see revolutionists at the time, due to its proximity to Cambridge and Harvard University. Kathy explains, "Back then, Harvard was very devoted not only to Renaissance education but to the concept of enlightenment. Part of the philosophy of enlightenment has to do with self-governance."

For colonies tired of the ever-tightening control of an overseas King, the concept of self-rule was an attractive one. As conditions worsened, people like the future president John Adams used public houses to speak about the importance of independence. The Rising Eagle was at the center of it all. For example, one of the horsemen involved in Paul Revere's ride used the Rising Eagle sign as a stop along his journey.

While exciting, the most momentous event in the town was the signing of the Malden Instructions. John Adams was determined to stand up against the British and declare independence, but he knew he needed the support of the citizens. To see if he had enough support behind him, he asked for a vote among the colonists. Malden was the first to return a unanimous vote.

The writings sent with this task are called “The Malden Instructions.” Jim explains, "It's considered amongst the greatest writings in American history. Its final sentence is by far the most quoted. 'This is how it ends. Give them the strongest assurance that if they should declare America to be a free and independent republic, your constituents will support and defend the measure to the last drop of their blood and the last fathering of their treasure.”

Rediscovering History with The Rising Eagle Publick House

Through the Rising Eagle, Jim and Kathy seek to educate on the important role their town played in the fight for American independence. It's quite an honor to say you live in the first town to vote to secede from England, and the pair is determined to keep that legacy alive. But it's not just Melrose and the Rising Eagle that have a story to tell.

"I truly believe that every township of the original colonies should have a public house." Kathy said, "Every single one of them had their own history that they played in our initial fights for freedom." 

The Rising Eagle is an excellent example of what happens when Americans embrace the pillars of disruption, resiliency, personal impact, and legacy. Every American has the power to create change and prove that there are no limitations to the American spirit. You can hear Jim and Kathy's full story on the latest episode of the Freedom & Glory Podcast.

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