June 23, 2025 By 2025 Parade Committee
In a town known for its history, its harbor, and its heartfelt traditions, few have personified the spirit of Hingham like George Ford — this year’s Fourth of July parade grand marshal.
For 17 years, South Shore residents of all ages lined the streets every Fourth of July to see a familiar figure in red, white, and blue lead Hingham’s cherished parade. George Ford—donning the timeworn Uncle Sam costume, topped by a regal hat dating back to 1895—was not just a character. He was Uncle Sam.
But his role in Hingham’s story stretches far beyond the parade route. At 87 years old, George Ford’s contributions to this town span decades, shaped by civic duty, legal acumen, and a deep affection for community.
A Life of Service, Anchored in Hingham
Born in 1938 at Weymouth Hospital, George was educated at Archbishop Williams High School, Holy Cross (Class of 1960), and Boston College Law School. After serving in the Navy, including active duty as a destroyer Gunnery Officer, he returned to Massachusetts and built a six-decade legal career culminating as Of Counsel at Conn Kavanaugh in Boston.
Yet it was his service to Hingham—as town counsel from 1972 to 1988, as chairman of the Advisory Committee, and as a fixture on the Fourth of July Parade Committee since 2008 – that left an enduring mark. He chaired historic district commissions, served on master plan committees, and worked tirelessly for local nonprofits serving developmentally disabled citizens, with special mention to Road to Responsibility.
Becoming “Uncle Sam”
George’s dream of portraying Uncle Sam began as a boy watching the parade, marveling at Frances “Frannie” Wright, who held the role for 29 years beginning in 1946. When asked by town leaders what role he might like next after his early civic duties, George’s answer was instant: “Uncle Sam.”
“I was told I had to wait until I had grandchildren and gray hair,” he laughed. And so he did. When the opportunity arose in 2008, he stepped in and never looked back.
His 17-year run as Uncle Sam is second only to Wright, and during that time, George became a beloved figure. Everyone wants to pose for a picture with Uncle Sam – he is a magnet once he arrives on the 4th of July! Children rush to shake his hand. The rest of the year, locals greet him around town not as George or Mr. Ford, but simply, warmly—“Uncle Sam.”
Traditions, Memories, and the Heart of Hingham
During his final meeting with the Fourth of July Parade Committee in 2025, George shared memories of years past—including the delight he felt as a younger man the year a small elephant walked in the parade.
He recalled being greeted by families at the base of Pear Tree Hill and being offered a cold drink by Elizabeth Eldredge in a Waterford crystal glass, reviving a tradition once extended to Uncle Sams of decades past.
His favorite moments weren’t about spectacle, but connection. “The best part,” he said, “was shaking hands with the kids, and sharing a smile with those who needed one most.”
George also played a major role behind the scenes—securing performers, negotiating contracts and payments, and preserving Hingham’s ability to compete with neighboring towns for talent. As every committee member informs the astonished public every year, “Yes, we have to pay the performers to march in our parade.”
A Well-Fitting Successor
As George stepped down from the role in 2024, he did so with joy, knowing it would be taken up by close friend Paul Callahan. With the right build for the costume—and his own natural beard—Paul was, in George’s words, “literally a perfect fit.” George is even giving Paul his white, naval shoes from the early 1960’s!
The two still enjoy early morning walks together, sharing stories and laughter, a quiet handoff of tradition that captures what Hingham is all about.
Still Marching, In Spirit
Though he no longer leads the parade, George remains a towering figure in town. Sharp as ever, his heart is still with the parade, the people, and the promise of Hingham.
In his own words: “The Fourth of July Parade is as ‘All American’ as you can get… It is the essence of Hingham.”
So this year, when the music plays and the floats roll by, look for George Ford not leading the parade as Uncle Sam, but in an antique Mustang convertible, waving to his friends as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Hingham 4th of July Parade. After marching each 4th of July for 17 years, he deserves a nice ride. Knowing George, if it’s a very hot day, he may still look for a glass of water at the base of Pear Tree Hill!