SHIRLEY, MA. MAY, 2001 - On Sunday, May 27, 2001 from 10am until 2pm, the Guercio family will celebrate its 55th anniversary as innkeepers with a special Jazz Brunch at the Bull Run Restaurant of Shirley. Reservations are recommended by calling (978) 425-4311. Live jazz will be provided by the Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Dixieland Jazz Band, one of New England's favorite Dixieland Jazz Bands and regular performers at the Bull Run.

Leonardo (Lee) Guercio opened the doors to the Bull Run on Memorial Day 55 years ago, and this historic tavern has been in the family ever since. The Bull Run Restaurant and the Devens Inn and the Devens Conference Center are now operated by Lee's son and daughter-in-law, Chip and Dolores. Lee's widow, 82-year-old Mary Guercio, has lunch at the tavern most days.

Dating back to the 1740's, the history of the Bull Run is peppered with fascinating facts, anecdotes and legends. Paul Revere is believed to have knocked on the door in 1775 to warn that the Redcoats were coming. The imposing mural in Leonardo's Lounge, the 'Drunkard's Progress' was designed by the Temperance Movement in 1846, and the tavern got its current name in the 1860's when the Battle of Bull Run was effectively re-enacted in the Tap Room, leaving just the burly bartender on his feet.

Then there's the Egopantis, a legendary creature that used to terrorize the local woods until it was shot and its head stuffed and mounted over the Tap Room fireplace.

Chip and Dolores' four children all work at the restaurant, and Chip is confident that the family tradition of innkeeping will continue for another 55 years at least.

Serving the tired and thirsty traveler since 1740.

Call Rachel at (978) 392-0890 for more information.