By Dan Kemp, Wayland Post Contributor
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Wayland is planning a fire hydrant painting public art program. The program echoes a similar initiative from the national Bicentennial.
In 1967, to mark the nation’s 200th anniversary, fire hydrants across the country were painted in bright, festive colors. While some designs were abstract, most featured patriotic themes. The typical hydrant shape encouraged representation of people, such as Uncle Sam or revolutionary war soldiers in uniform. Some hydrants resembled red, white and blue bunting or American flags. Some included dogs, a few cats and even the Grinch. You find photographs of these hydrants by searching online for “bicentennial fire hydrants.”
Now, 50 years later, the town invites individuals, families or other groups to adopt a hydrant to paint. Sponsors choose a hydrant, which should be in a readily-visible public space. The painted hydrant should display bright, vibrant colors to maintain the hydrant’s visibility. No text, logos, promotional, political, obscene or derogatory material should be included. Themes should relate to the nation’s 250th anniversary and may reflect American patriotism, freedoms, values, or key historical events.
To adopt and paint a hydrant, email Select Board Member Tom Fay (tfay@wayland.ma.us) to request a copy of the guidelines and sponsor’s agreement. Prior experience is not required. However, sponsors may partner with an artist or art organization assistance withdesign or execution. Fay can provide suggested sources of artistic help.
Painting can start at any time, but must be completed by Nov. 1, 2025.
The hydrant painting initiative is one of many Wayland250 projects and events planned in the lead-up to the nation’s 250th anniversary. For more information on the hydrant program and other Wayland250 activities, visit www.wayland.ma.us and select “Wayland250” from the green menu bar at the top of the page.
