boston trivia

A State Polka?

Sorry, incorrect. Learn more about this strange tale below.

You've heard of the "Pennsylvania Polka", but how about "Say Hello To Someone In Massachusetts", the official polka of the commonwealth (see Mass. General Laws Chapter 2 Section 44). For the lyrics and a downloadable wave recording of "Say Hello To Someone In Massachusetts", visit Gomulka's website www.chicagopush.com.

"Say Hello" was one of the most recent additions to the list of official state emblems, a list that includes "All Hail to Massachusetts", the song of the commonwealth. Bay Staters (the official designation of citizens of the commonwealth, see MGL Chap. 2 Sec. 35) are a musical lot judging by the range of state songs. We have an official ceremonial march, "The Road to Boston"; an official patriotic song, "Massachusetts (Because of You Our Land Is Free)"; and an official glee club song, "The Great State of Massachusetts."

Our official state folk song, "Massachusetts", was written by Arlo Guthrie. Remember Guthrie? That's OK, no one but a few National Public Radio-type wimps remember him. They like to remind us that he was a very controversial person due to his beliefs in unpopular causes such as peace and justice. Bonus points to anyone who knows the tune and words to even one of these official songs. Oh, we are also dancers, the square dance being the official folk dance of Massachusetts.

Bay Staters, when making merry with music, also like to eat and drink.

With our cod, the official fish emblem and symbol of the commonwealth, we eat corn muffins (official muffin) and baked navy beans (official bean). We finish the meal with Boston cream pie (official dessert) or with cookies, chocolate chip being the official variety. Wild turkey is not, I discovered, the official amber-colored liquid, served on rocks with a splash. It is, in fact, our official state game bird, served with our official berry.

The cranberry, by the way, is doubly honored--in its berry state, and as the official beverage of the commonwealth. But what about apple juice? After all, Johnny Appleseed is the official folk hero of the commonwealth. He joins Deborah Samson, who fought in the War of Independence, and who is the official heroine of the state.

Official Beverage indeed! What about Moxie? Or Sam Adams! Pass me a cold one. And while your at it, put on the "Beer Barrel Polka."

Learn more about Boston and the Boston Real Estate market by contacting Laurel Acker at laurel@laurelacker.com or 617.796.6126.

Want more trivia? Try our Summer 2002 Quiz.