First Watch Miscommunication Marks Bumpy Start to Friday’s Paul Revere Tribute Ride
LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — What was intended to be a symbolic and celebratory start to a day-long tribute to Paul Revere’s ride hit a brief snag Friday morning, due to a miscommunication at the first scheduled stop.
Brent Carson, a beloved historian and retired schoolteacher, kicked off his 25-stop journey across Delaware County in honor of the 250th anniversary of Revere’s historic ride. The first location on his schedule: First Watch Restaurant in Lewis Center—chosen specifically as a tongue-in-cheek nod to Revere’s “first watch” status during his midnight mission.
However, when Carson and his team arrived at 6:55 a.m., they were informed by the manager on duty that the presentation—planned to include a reading of a proclamation and a recitation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem—could not proceed.
In response to an inquiry from DelawareO.com, a First Watch spokesperson provided the following statement:
“The situation that occurred this morning was a misunderstanding. The manager working was not expecting Mr. Carson’s visit. We respect the significance of this historical event and welcome him back anytime.”
Carson, who spent over 31 years teaching history in Delaware City Schools before retiring in 2005, responded graciously to the clarification:
“I appreciate hearing that. I’ll take it as a misunderstanding, and I’m content to move on.”
Despite the early bump in the road, the remainder of the day unfolded without issue. Carson, along with fellow retired educators Ms. Gina Neer and Mrs. Kathy Verne, visited 24 more stops, including fire departments, law enforcement stations, retirement communities, and civic landmarks. Crowds gathered at each site to hear him bring Revolutionary history to life—with his signature blend of showmanship and scholarship.
Watch a video of Mr. Carson’s performance at the Olive Green Fire Department on YouTube:
For a full report on the day’s historic ride and community reactions, visit DelawareO.com.