USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Newtown > Newtown's bicentennial : an account of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the purchase from the Indians of the land of the town of Newtown, Connecticut, held August fifth, 1905 > Part 1
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Newtown's Bicentennial
1705
1905
Gc 974.602 N47g 1763707
M.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01150 5705
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/newtownsbicenten00geor
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NEWTOWN STREET From the North end.
1705
1905
Neltolun's Birentennial
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CEL- EBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PURCHASE FROM THE INDIANS OF THE LAND OF THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, HELD AUGUST FIFTH, NINE- TEEN HUNDRED AND FIVE
EDITED BY
JAMES HARDIN GEORGE
ALLISON PARISH SMITH
EZRA LEVAN JOHNSON
NEW HAVEN, CONN .: THE TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & TAYLOR COMPANY 1906
Copyright, 1906 JAMES HARDIN GEORGE ALLISON PARISH SMITH EZRA LEVAN JOHNSON
1763707
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 5
PREFACE
7
STORY OF THE CELEBRATION 9
The Preparation
9
The General Committee 12
The Executive Committee I2
The Finance Committee I3
The Entertainment Committee 14
The Historical Committee
14
The Invitation Committee
15
The Music Committee 16
The Parade Committee I6
The Committee on Decorations I6
The Committee on Colonial Ball 17
The Committee on Fireworks I8
The Celebration I8
I9
The Anniversary Day
21
The Parade
21
The Exercises at the Fair Grounds
22
Prayer by Rev. P. Fox 24
Address of Welcome, by Rev. O. W. Barker 26
Address on The Colony, by Rev. Samuel Hart, D.D. .. 33 Address on Pioneer Life in Newtown to the Close of the Revolution, by Mr. E. L. Johnson 40 The Intermission, and Luncheon 108
The Poem, "The Old Home Coming" by Rev. O. O. Wright . III
The Governor's Arrival
The Colonial Ball 19
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PAGE
Address, by His Excellency Henry Roberts, Governor of Connecticut II6
Address by Hon. D. N. Morgan I23
Address by W. C. Wile, M.D. 129
Address by Hon. Charles H. Briscoe I33
Address by Mr. Frederick P. Marble I35
Address by Prof. Geo. E. Beers I39
Address by Rear Admiral Franklin C. Prindle, U. S. N. I45
Address by Mr. Edward C. Beecher I47
Benediction by Rev. Arthur T. Parsons I48
The Historical Exhibit I49
The Band Concert and Fireworks
150
COMMEMORATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST THE SIXTH
152
The Services in the Congregational Church I52
Sermon by Rev. O. W. Barker on "New England Leaven" I53
The Services in Trinity Church
165
Sermon by Rev. J. H. George on "The Transplanted Vine" 166
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
VIEWS :
PAGE
Newtown Street, from the North end Frontispiece
Newtown Street, looking North from the Liberty Pole 85
Newtown Street, looking South from the Liberty Pole 87
The John Beach Memorial Library 53
The Congregational Church 152
Trinity Church 164
St. Rose's Church 90
St. John's Church, Sandy Hook 67
The Methodist Church, Sandy Hook 80
Newtown High School
72
PORTRAITS :
Hon. Henry Roberts, Governor of Connecticut II6
Rev. Samuel Hart, D.D. 33
Mr. Ezra Levan Johnson 40
Rev. James Hardin George
2I
Rev. Otis W. Barker 26
Rev. Patrick Fox 24
Rev. Otis Olney Wright III
Hon. Charles H. Briscoe I33
Hon. Daniel N. Morgan
123
Dr. William C. Wile 129 Mr. Frederick P. Marble I35
Prof. George E. Beers I39
Rear Admiral Franklin C. Prindle 145
Hon. Michael J. Houlihan
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PAGE
Mr. Robert H. Beers
17
Mr. Patrick H. McCarthy
19
Mr. Allison P. Smith
9
Mr. Levi C. Morris
13
Mr. Charles F. Beardsley
109
Mr. Daniel G. Beers
149
Mr. Charles S. Platt
14
Mr. Charles G. Peck 22
Mr. William A. Leonard 150
PREFACE
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In searching the records of the past one is often struck with the fact that his task would have been very much simplified, had those who went before him taken more pains to give in some detail the occurrences which were of. general interest in the community at the time and of special value to those who should follow.
That those who may follow us need be at no loss to learn the particulars of an occasion of special interest to all connected with the town, this book has been compiled.
Because this book in giving an account of an historic occasion embodies addresses which concern the early days of the town, it should be doubly valuable.
With these objects in view, to preserve the early history of the town compiled with so much labor, and that succeed- ing generations might know what the people of to-day thought of its early history, and how they celebrated its beginnings, the Executive Committee of the Bicentennial appointed the undersigned to gather the addresses and the facts of the celebration and to publish them in book form.
The work has had the general supervision of all the members of the committee. In the division of the labor, Mr. Johnson has had charge of the addresses. Mr. George has written the story, with the exception of the account of the Colonial Ball and the Parade. This with the illustrations has been the care of Mr. Smith.
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That this task should have been committed to us was probably due to the sentiment contained in the old adage, "if you want to get anything done, get a busy man to do it." In the midst of many cares this work has been done with no expectation of reward save that of having served the interests of the town. A limited edition is published and the price of the book has been placed so as to cover the cost of the typographical work.
The book lays no claim to special literary merit. We shall be satisfied if it answers its purpose of preserving facts which were of interest to those now living and which will be valued by those who in the future may study the history of Newtown.
JAMES HARDIN GEORGE, ALLISON PARISH SMITH, EZRA LEVAN JOHNSON.
ALLISON PARISH SMITH Editor of the Newtown Bee, Member of the Bicentennial Executive Committee.
THE PREPARATION
Any story of the Celebration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Purchase of the Land of the Town of Newtown from the Indians would be incomplete without some account of the preparations which in the months pre- vious were made and which laid the foundation for its success.
It was in the Men's Literary and Social Club of Newtown that the first movement was made. The character of this club is described by its name. It is composed of about twenty gentlemen, who meet once a month, with one of their number as host, and under the leadership of another mem- ber, who has charge of the literary programme, discuss some subject of interest. These subjects are not wholly of the books or events of the past; but often matters of present interest, and frequently those of local concern. From the Club have originated a number of movements of interest to the community and some public improvements.
It was at the suggestion of Mr. Ezra Levan Johnson, one of its members, that the Club took the initiative in bringing before the community the propriety of marking the bicentennial of this first event in the history of our town. Comparatively few knew of this purchase or realized its great importance, as it preceded by some years the incor- poration of the town by the Legislature, and the later date was generally set down as the beginning of the town's history. Mr. Johnson, however, has always taken a great interest in the history of the town, its legends and landmarks, the graves of its noted inhabitants, and its old records. His age makes him familiar with many traditions of the
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older generation, and in his younger days he had seen the original deed from the Indians, which now unfortunately cannot be found. The deed was recorded, however, and properly attested in the first volume of the town's records. This book contains a mass of other matters of less import- ance and not recorded in chronological order, and being devoid of an index, it required some time to search it out. In a letter written while he was in California in the winter of 1903-4, he called attention to the approaching anniversary, and again in person brought it to the attention of the Club at its first meeting in the fall of the year 1904.
A committee was appointed to consider the practicability of a celebration, and it was finally decided that a call for a public meeting to take up the matter should be issued. It was not the intention of the Club to direct or control the celebration; but having called the attention of the community to the anniversary, to leave it to such meeting to appoint suitable committees to have it in charge, the members doing all in their power as individuals to further it.
A call was accordingly published in the issue of the Newtown Bee of December 8th for a meeting at the Newtown Academy, now occupied by the High School, on Monday evening, December 12th. This place was chosen as being centrally located between the villages of Newtown and Sandy Hook, and equally convenient to all. A severe snow storm prevented a meeting of more than three or four, and it was adjourned to January 16th at the same place.
At this meeting Mr. Johnson made an address, giving the historical facts, and it was resolved to hold a celebration, and a permanent organization was effected by the choice of Mr. E. L. Johnson as Chairman, and Hon. M. J. Houlihan as Secretary. At an adjourned meeting held January 23d at the same place, Mr. Houlihan was chosen Treasurer, and a committee to nominate a general committee to have charge of the celebration was appointed. This committee consisted
HON. MICHAEL J. HOULIHAN Town Clerk,
Secretary and Treasurer of the Bicentennial Executive Committee.
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of Messrs. E. L. Johnson, M. J. Houlihan, R. H. Beers, P. H. McCarthy, Rev. O. W. Barker, Rev. J. H. George, and George F. Taylor.
At this meeting the subject of publishing a new map of the town was brought up, and Mr. D. G. Beers, Rev. J. H. George, and Prof. Ross Jewell were appointed a committee to report on the practicability of the scheme. As it was found that the making and publishing of such a map might involve some financial risk, the whole matter was ultimately turned over to ten gentlemen interested in the subject and willing to be responsible for it as a committee, with the understanding that it should in no way be an expense to the general committee, and that, if there were any profit from it, it should go to the expenses of the celebration. This committee consisted of Messrs. D. G. Beers, Ross Jewell, J. H. George, A. P. Smith, R. H. Beers, S. P. Glover, M. J. Houlihan, O. W. Barker, C. B. Taylor, and W. A. Leonard.
The committee employed Mr. Daniel G. Beers to make a map similar to the old map made in 1854, on a scale of 21/2 inches to a mile, and maps of the villages on a larger scale, showing the names of all persons to whom the various houses belonged. The committee employed Prof. Ross Jewell to take the photographs of the public buildings, and of factories and private residences which were placed about the map, and also to canvass for its sale. The Bicentennial map was a great success. Financially it added to the treasury of the Executive Committee $275. As an historical monument it forms an enduring record of the layout of the roads, the position of public and private buildings, and the owners of real estate at the bicentennial of the town.
At this meeting Messrs. E. L. Johnson, M. J. Houlihan, and John J. Northrop, one of the town's representatives in the Legislature, were appointed a committee to invite His Excellency, Governor Henry Roberts, to attend the celebration.
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The Nominating Committee met and named a committee of fifty persons as a General Committee to have charge of the celebration, and reported to a public meeting of the citizens held at the "Brick Building," so called, where the town records are kept, on Monday evening, March 6th. The nominations were endorsed by the meeting. The names of the gentlemen constituting this Committee follow :
E. L. Johnson, M. J. Houlihan, R. H. Beers, P. H. Mc- Carthy, Rev. O. W. Barker, Rev. J. H. George, Geo. F. Taylor, Rev. P. Fox, Rev. O. O. Wright, Frank Wright, Smith P. Glover, William B. Sniffen, Daniel G. Beers, Charles S. Platt, Eli B. Beers, Charles E. Beers, C. B. Taylor, Walter S. Bradley, David C. Peck, S. A. Blackman, Charles G. Morris, C. D. Stillson, Henry G. Curtis, Theron E. Platt, A. B. Blakeman, P. C. Crowe, Edward W. Troy, John J. Northrop, M. F. Houlihan, Charles H. Northrop, William J. Beecher, William A. Leonard, Levi C. Morris, Thomas J. Bradley, George F. Duncombe, Robert A. Clark, Edgar C. Page, Thomas J. Corbett, John B. Wheeler, Edward Taylor, Ralph N. Betts, Allison P. Smith, Philo Nichols, Amos T. Camp, Minott Augur, Albert W. Peck, William E. Hawley, William N. Northrop, J. B. Fairchild, Norman Northrop.
This Committee chose an Executive Committee to have entire charge of the celebration, as follows :
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. EZRA LEVAN JOHNSON, Chairman.
MICHAEL J. HOULIHAN, Secretary and Treasurer.
JAMES H. GEORGE, PATRICK H. MCCARTHY,
OTIS W. BARKER,
ROBERT H. BEERS,
ALLISON P. SMITH.
A rather full account has been given of these preliminary meetings showing the early stages of the movement, not
LEVI C. MORRIS
Chairman of the Finance Committee.
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less to indicate the entirely free and open manner of its organization than to give an encouragement to those who in the future may have in hand such an undertaking. It was found that, though no great general interest character- ized its early stages, the public grew up to a thorough appreciation of its importance as it progressed, and to enthusiasm when the work culminated in the Celebration.
The work of the Executive Committee now began, and for the next five months meetings were held on an average of once a week to perfect the plans for carrying out the cele- bration.
An important part of their duty lay in dividing up the work and appointing capable sub-committees to carry it into effect.
The financial problem was one of the most important, and for this they selected gentlemen partly with reference to their ability to collect funds and partly with reference to locality, that all parts of the town might be represented. Following is
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. LEVI C. MORRIS, Chairman,
ARTHUR J. SMITH, E. C. PLATT,
GEORGE F. TAYLOR,
CHARLES G. MORRIS,
JOHN J. NORTHROP,
HENRY G. CURTIS,
SMITH P. GLOVER,
PHILO PLATT,
P. F. CROWE,
C. D. STILLSON,
A. B. BLAKEMAN,
ARTHUR D. FAIRCHILD.
By a canvass of the town and from unsolicited sub- scriptions from former residents about $700 was raised, giving the Executive Committee funds with which to carry on the work in a suitable manner.
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Next in importance was the problem of feeding the large numbers who would be expected on such an occasion. The suggestion that the affair should be of a picnic character, those coming to bring a basket lunch, was soon dismissed as not in accord with the known hospitality of the people of the town. How to feed a large multitude estimated to run up into the thousands was a problem involving many practical difficulties ; but it was thought capable of solution under good generalship. Following are the names of the gentlemen who constituted what was called
THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE. CHARLES F. BEARDSLEY, Chairman,
W. P. TOMLIN,
GEORGE A. NORTHROP.
CHARLES H. GAY,
W. M. REYNOLDS,
Under Mr. Beardsley's energetic leadership the town was thoroughly canvassed and preparations made to feed 4,000 people.
An historical occasion called for a collection and exhibi- tion of relics of the old days, and the following were chosen as
THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE. DANIEL G. BEERS, Chairman,
MRS. GEORGE F. TAYLOR, MISS ANN E. BLACKMAN,
THERON E. PLATT, MRS. S. GRACE GLOVER,
ARTHUR T. NETTLETON.
These were all possessors of valuable relics, and with knowledge of others to make visible to this generation the customs and manner of life of the early settlers of the town.
As the most suitable persons to trace out former residents and others interested in the town's history the following were chosen :
CHARLES S. PLATT
Chairman of the Music Committee.
.
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THE COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS. E. L. JOHNSON, Chairman,
WILLIAM J. BEECHER, CHARLES H. NORTHROP,
REV. OTIS O. WRIGHT,
CHARLES G. MORRIS.
It was not the purpose of the committee to send personal invitations to the present residents, as they were to be the hosts on this occasion; nor to the residents of near-by towns, as a general invitation would reach them through the press ; but only to invite former residents living at a distance and such men of distinction living in the state as would naturally be interested in the celebration.
As time went by, the particulars of the celebration itself developed in the minds of the Executive Committee. The chief feature, of course, should be an historical address giving an account of the event commemorated and of the early days of the settlement. For the speaker it was evident that none was so well qualified as Mr. Ezra Levan Johnson, and he was accordingly chosen to deliver the principal historical address.
That the early history of the town might have a proper introduction and foundation, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Hart, President of the Connecticut Historical Society, was requested to deliver an historical address on the Colony of which the first settlers of the town were a part.
The Governor of the State, who had accepted the invita- tion to be present, was also requested to make an address; and a number of others, former residents or closely connected with the town, were invited to make short speeches.
The next thing which grew out of the plan for a public meeting with addresses was the singing which should accompany them. The committee to have this matter in charge, to select suitable music, and gather and train a chorus was headed by the capable organist of Trinity church
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assisted by others skilled in music in other churches in the town.
Following are the names of
THE MUSIC COMMITTEE. PROFESSOR CHARLES S. PLATT, Chairman,
ARTHUR J. SMITH, REV. O. O. WRIGHT,
EZRA J. HALL.
It seemed fitting that with the Governor and other distin- guished guests present, who would in any case be escorted to the place of assembling, there should be a parade through the two larger villages of the town preceding the exercises, and the following gentlemen were chosen
THE PARADE COMMITTEE. CHARLES G. PECK, Chairman,
PATRICK GANNON, JAMES B. NICHOLS,
PROF. Ross JEWELL,
SAMUEL W. LASHER,
CHARLES E. HAWLEY, HENRY M. SMITH,
CHARLES B. JOHNSON.
That it was worked out to be a most important feature of the celebration was due to the interest of the Chairman and the diligent work of the other members of his committee.
The most convenient place for holding the exercises was the grounds of the Newtown Agricultural Association, with its covered grand stand, and its buildings, which could be utilized for various purposes. The large space about the race track also offered abundant room for the vehicles of those who drove from a distance. The grounds were generously loaned for the occasion, and under the direction of Messrs. A. P. Smith, P. H. McCarthy, and Rev. O. O. Wright, a large stand for the speakers and the chorus was erected on the race track in front of the grand stand.
ROBERT H. BEERS
Chairman of the Committee on Decorations,
Member of the Bicentennial Executive Committee.
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To give the whole a festival appearance it was decided to have a decorator adorn the entrance and grand stand with bunting. This was done under the direction of Mr. R. H. Beers, a member of the Executive Committee. The illuminated sign over the entrance, "Newtown's Bicenten- nial," 1705-1905, was the work and gift of Mr. C. W. Canfield. The presence of the decorator and the beautiful effect of his work begun a few days before the celebration created a desire in private individuals to adorn their houses, and the contagion spread until all the dwellings in the village street, the places of business, the town buildings, and the John Beach Memorial Library, as well as all the buildings on the proposed line of march were decorated, all in excel- lent taste and some most elaborately. To give a final touch to the general decorations the Executive Committee had the decorator extend ropes from far up on the liberty pole, which stands at the crossing of the roads in the middle of the village, to the buildings at the four corners and also from corner to corner, forming a square, and these ropes filled with flags and streamers of various colors.
The work of the Historical Committee in making an exhibit of old furniture, documents, and other relics of the past suggested the bringing out of old costumes in a Colonial ball the evening before the celebration. This was taken up not less heartily by the young people than by their elders and accordingly the following persons were appointed to make suitable preparations for this function as
THE COMMITTEE ON COLONIAL BALL. PATRICK H. MCCARTHY, Chairman,
MRS. S. GRACE GLOVER,
MRS. CHARLES S. PLATT,
MRS. F. S. ANDREWS,
ELI B. BEERS,
S. AMBROSE BLACKMAN,
HANFORD C. PLUMB.
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Finally, that the day might close in a blaze of glory and triumph the Executive Committee arranged for a band concert, and also appointed the following gentlemen as
THE COMMITTEE ON FIREWORKS.
WILLIAM A. LEONARD, Chairman,
WILLIAM HONAN,
FRANK BLACKMAN,
BIRDSEY SNIFFEN,
GUSTAVUS BETTS,
OSCAR CARLSON,
W. WALTER FINCH,
HERBERT FLANSBURG.
These were the principal sub-committees, which enabled the Executive Committee to carry out the plans for the celebration. Of the numerous committees of their own number appointed from time to time to attend to various matters it does not need here to speak. The work of these chief committees was constantly and regularly reported to the Executive Committee, which gave them all the help which they called for and encouraged them to go forward to make a success of each department which they repre- sented.
It was five months full of hard work, but most interesting, and brought the members of the Committee into most inti- mate and cordial relations.
PATRICK H. MC CARTHY
Chairman of Committee on Colonial Ball,
Member of the Bicentennial Executive Committee.
THE CELEBRATION
All arrangements had been perfected, and there was nothing to be desired but fine weather to make the cele- bration a success. From the beginning of the work of the Executive Committee the question had continually been raised as to what should be done in case of stormy weather. The more hopeful ones had claimed that there could not be any but fair weather on such an occasion, and the matter had been staved off from week to week ; but as the time drew near they yielded to making of plans for such an emergency, and Trinity Church was offered for the exercises, in such a contingency, the plan being in that case to have the luncheon in the large hall in the basement of the church. But Friday evening came with perfect summer weather and promise of a beautiful day to follow.
His Excellency Governor Roberts came from New Haven on the train arriving at six o'clock, Friday evening, and was met by Mr. E. L. Johnson, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Rev. James H. George, President of the day. As he rode up the hill he was greeted with a Governor's salute of seventeen guns, and was driven to the Grand Central Hotel, where he was met by the Executive Com- mittee. After a short drive through the Street to see the decorations he was taken to Trinity Rectory, where he was entertained during his stay in town. The Rectory, in addition to other decorations, had the Connecticut State flag flying over the door, to indicate the Governor's head- quarters. An informal dinner in his honor was served early in the evening, at which Rev. Dr. Hart, who was also a
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guest at the Rectory, Mr. E. L. Johnson, and Rev. J. Francis George, a friend of the Governor in college days, were present.
THE COLONIAL BALL.
The Bicentennial celebration was ushered in on Friday evening, August 4, by a Colonial ball at the Town Hall, the most elaborate function of its kind ever held in the history of the town. The interior of the town hall had been transformed into a vision of loveliness, the prevailing colors being light blue, yellow and white. The occasion was especially notable by the presence of His Excellency, Gover- nor Roberts, who entered the hall about 8 P. M., accompanied by Rev. J. H. George, president of the day, and friends. The Governor was given an ovation as he passed up to take his seat in the south alcove on the stage, which had been reserved for the executive committee, their wives and lady friends. The hall was crowded, the estimated attendance being not far from seven hundred. The grand march, led by Governor Henry Roberts and Mrs. Sarah Grace Glover, was a beautiful sight, about one hundred people being in costume. So attractive and handsome were all the costumes it would be invidious to mention names, but the ball from every standpoint was a success. The Philharmonic orches- tra of Bridgeport furnished music. During the early part of the ball Mrs. F. S. Andrews, who was in costume, sang "Queen Bess," with a number of voices assisting in the chorus. The committee who deserve the credit for the suc- cess of the ball were P. H. McCarthy, chairman; Mrs. Sarah Grace Glover, Mrs. C. S. Platt, Mrs. F. S. Andrews, Eli B. Beers, S. A. Blackman and Hanford C. Plumb.
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