USA > Connecticut > Tolland County > Vernon > A century of Vernon, Connecticut, 1808-1908 > Part 12
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The start, which was a rolling one of eight hundred feet, was made in front of the New England Mill office. The finish was at the telegraph pole on the east side of New England Hill, just around the corner where the road turns off from the New
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England Hill schoolhouse. The course, which was practically a straight one, was about seven-eighths of a mile in length. It was put in first class condition by the city of Rockville, and the day before the hill climb, President George E. Sykes of the Rockville Automobile Club had it covered with calcium chloride to prevent any dust. The course was roped off the entire dis- tance with wire rope. By an order, issued by the adjutant-gener- al of the state, Company C of this city acted as a patrol, the members turning out in uniform. At stated intervals along the course men were stationed with red flags and megaphones. In this manner the time was announced at the grandstand. On the grandstand there were five hundred seats, which afforded the best view of the course. These seats, which were sold for fifty cents, were all taken, and thousands lined the course from one end to the other. It is estimated that ten thousand people witnessed the hill climb. Citizens of the town of Vernon were represented in large numbers, and all the adjoining cities and towns sent large delegations. Never in Vernon's history were there so many automobiles in town.
The various officials who had charge of the automobile hill climb and to whom great credit is due for the success of the event, were:
Umpires-William Maxwell, Francis T. Maxwell, Francis J. Regan, A. N. Belding, L. F. Bissell, Everett J. Lake, E. J. Gar- van, Roy T. H. Barnes.
Referee-C. H. Gillette, Hartford Auto Club.
Starter-H. P. Maxim, Hartford Auto Club.
Scorer-Frank S. Olds, Rockville.
Timers-S. M. Butler, New York; Philip A. Sayles, New York; George Graham, New York.
Clerk of the Course-Warren Bartlett, Hartford.
Assistant Clerks of the Course-C. L. Heath, J. P. Cameron, A. E. Waite, Leslie Badmington, H. F. Loomis, J. W. McManus, William H. Yost, F. N. Belding, Fred J. Snow, William M. Lewis, P. M. Talcott, W. H. Robinson, Arthur D. Sykes, A. L. Martin, H. H. Larkum.
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FIFE AND DRUM BY DAY, FIREWORKS AT NIGHT.
To such as love to hear the shrill note of the fife and the rattle of the drum, Wednesday of Rockville's big week must have been a day of days. With ten corps of fifers and drummers parading the streets, dressed in their varied uniforms, and headed by imposing drum-majors, he must have been a cold-blooded person indeed who failed to get some thrill of military fervor into his veins. The occasion for this gathering of the musical clans was the contest wherein cash prizes were to be competed for.
The center of interest to the large crowds congregated about Central Park, was the judges stand, where officiated C. M. Ulivieri of Florence, Italy, and Titus Whitehead, a member of Ulivieri's Band. Drum-Major William C. Steele of Hartford, occupied a seat on the bandstand, as an interested spectator.
Passing in review before the judges, each corps was accorded points on its performance, and general appearance. Both modern and ancient styles of drumming were put in competition, and awards made in each style. The following corps competed, and prizes were awarded as indicated :
Father Matthew Drum, Springfield, twenty-one men, (modern) $50.00.
Lancraft Drum, New Haven, eighteen men (ancient), $50.00.
Father Matthew Drum, Hartford, seventeen men, (modern), $25.00.
Deep River Drum, thirteen men (ancient), $25.00.
Plimpton Drum, of Hartford, ten men, (ancient), $15.00.
McLean Drum, (colored), Hartford, ten men (ancient), $10.00.
Mansfield Fife and Drum, eighteen men, expenses.
Buckland Drum, thirteen men, expenses.
Glastonbury Drum, ten men, expenses.
Meriden Fife and Drum, fifteen men, expenses.
Several individual prizes were awarded for snare and bass drumming, fifing, (both old and new style) best drum-major, smartest appearing corps, corps coming longest distance (Deep River) and oldest man in corps. This was John Bolles of Mans- field, aged 73 years, prize $5.00.
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Undoubtedly the real magnet, which brought out the enormous evening crowd, estimated at twenty thousand, was the fire- works display from Fox Hill and Central Park. Although scheduled to start at 9 o'clock, it was 9:30 before the twenty- four extra-large bombshells were heard echoing and reverber- ating for miles around furnishing a worthy and fitting salute to the visitors. Fifty pounds of red fire fired from three separate points then cast a luminous light over the entire city. The effect was indeed striking. Coupled with the gorgeous decora- tions and the magnificent electrical display, the scene about the center of the city as this red fire was set off, beggared description. The same amount of green fire was also fired from three separate points.
Fox Hill was reflected as a mountain of emerald fires, a truly wonderful sight. There were many aerial pieces, a fine rocket display, numerous serenaders and a couple of set pieces in Cen- tral Park. The set piece, entitled "Vernon, 1808-1908," sur- mounted by the national colors and displaying the red, white and blue, suspended from one of the lofty elms in the park, was a striking one. The girondolas, the marvelous in fireworks, at- tracted much attention. These consisted of three pieces, placed on ten-foot posts. They rapidly revolved horizontally, display- ing a cascade of gold and silver spangles. Then rising from the post, they flew to a great height. Descending nearly to the ground, they made a second flight into the sky and finally disap- peared with a burst of brilliant stars. An exhibition piece, "Good Night," produced in two-foot letters of gold fire, embel- lished with silver gerbs, brought the display to a fitting close.
CIVIC, INDUSTRIAL AND MILITARY PARADE; FIREMEN'S DAY.
What would undoubtedly have been the grand outdoor event, and crowning triumph of the celebration, could it have been carried out as planned, was the parade organized by Chief Mar- shal Moritz Kemnitzer, and his corps of hard-working aides. But alas ! for human glory. To vary the proverb, we may say that "the marshal proposes, the weather disposes." As will be well
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remembered, the parade had hardly gotten under way when torrents of rain descended, and put it out of the question for the program to be carried out.
The' order of the parade was so arranged as to have all in readiness at two o'clock in the afternoon, and the march was to have lasted about one hour and a half. Included in the procession would have been a review, by town and city officials, of the fol- lowing: First Regiment, C. N. C., Sons of Veterans, Catholic Societies of the town of Vernon, Knights of Maccabees, Odd Fellows, Free Masons, Foresters, German and Polish Societies, with several bands of music.
Florally decorated floats, automobiles and business wagons were also in line, and a contingent of private and unattached vehicles were scheduled to bring up the rear. All in all, there would have been presented to the citizens of Rockville and the thousands of visitors making up the largest crowd of the week, a moving picture of the civic, industrial, social and mili- tary life of the community, such as had not been seen in the town's history.
Co-operating with Chief Marshal Kemnitzer and rendering valuable assistance was a special committee, consisting of Major T. F. Rockwell, Captain James H. Lutton, Ex-Captain Martin Laubscher and Captain Earl D. Church.
The marshals of the various divisions were : First, Dr. Thomas F. Rockwell and Arthur T. Bissell ; second, George B. Hammond and A. Leroy Martin; third, Charles Backofen, A. Gunderman, Ignaz Kohn, Charles F. Ludke, Conrad Sachse; fourth, Frank Goscenski; fifth, Fred J. Cooley; sixth, George E. Sykes.
Firemen's Day, July 4th, was another outdoor event of im- posing proportions ; and being favored with ideal weather, the various companies participating made a fine showing, and af- forded the crowds a Fourth of July celebration such as we seldom get. Companies from other towns and cities swelled the ranks; conspicuous among these being the Veteran Firemen's Association of Hartford, with the veteran Hartford fire chief, Henry J. Eaton in line, accompanied by Colt's Band. Special interest was shown in the Norwalk Fire Police, and this was
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increased by the fact of their having at the head John D. Milne, a former Rockville boy.
Another company receiving special notice was the delegation from Pawtuxet, R. I., which brought back to its home town for this celebration, the old fire-fighter, "Fire King." Associated with the early days of fire protection in Rockville, this piece of inanimate mechanism seemed to possess a soul to those old veterans who marched in company with it, and remembered the runs they had had together in days gone by.
In striking contrast with the veterans a juvenile company styled "Our Boys," organized by Chief Hefferon and drilled by Charles B. Milne, gave a pleasing variety to the parade, and a promise to the citizens of younger men taking up the work which the old fellows must soon pass down to them.
The success of the whole parade, in its inception and carrying out, resulted largely from the personal influence of Chief Hefferon, whose wide acquaintance with outside organizations brought about the large attendance, and secured hearty co-opera- tion from all.
THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBIT.
One of the most interesting features of Vernon's centennial celebration was the industrial exhibit in the Maxwell Memorial Library Building. The exhibit was open daily from ten to twelve o'clock in the morning, from one to six o'clock in the afternoon and from seven to nine o'clock in the evening, with the exception of Saturday. It was visited by thousands of people during the week. In great profusion were shown the goods that have made Rockville what it is today, the "Loom City," the place where the finest cloths, the best fish-lines, the daintiest silks in the world are made.
In this age of specialization, no longer, as in bygone days, are nearly all of the industries carried on in the farmhouse. No longer does each community manufacture practically all the things it needs. No longer are the flock and the loom, the silk- worm and the spindle within sight of each other. The raw materials are now gathered by railroads and steamships from
HARRY C. SMITH, Secretary Committee on Advertising, Publicity and Printing.
C. DENISON TALCOTT, Treasurer Finance Committee of Ver- non Centennial Celebration.
H. H. WILLES,
Member of Transportation and Public Safety Committees.
MORITZ KEMNITZER, Member of Committee on Public Exer- cises and Chief Marshal of Military and Civic Parade.
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the corners of the earth, and railroads and steamships distribute the finished product.
Generally speaking, the people who see the place where the things they use are prepared, are few. Rockville's centennial industrial exhibit was, therefore, a real object lesson that brought enlightenment and education, affording an excellent op- portunity to see, not only the finished products, but in many instances the goods in various stages of manufacture. Profit and pleasure came to those who inspected the products of Rock- ville's plants. A general summing up of the various exhibits is herewith given :
MINTERBURN EXHIBIT.
This exhibit consisted of a beautiful array of rich, soft effects, produced in a mixture, and double and twist wool cloth that showed the highest type of excellence in design and fabrication. Many novel and delightful effects were produced by the fre- quent and generous use of white silk, combined with the deli- cate grays, tans and olives of the wool mixtures. All cloths shown were of a woolen type of construction, and to the eye the effect was most attractive showing excellent taste and skill in the manu- facture.
AMERICAN MILLS COMPANY.
This exhibit occupied all of the space to the right of the entrance of the library, and the tasteful arrangement occasioned much favorable comment. It was the most varied and largest display of fabrics shown by any one concern, including as it did a large and attractive display of carriage cloths, in addition to the regular line of fancy worsteds for men's wear, which the company manufactures. In the exhibit of carriage cloths there were the most novel effects in fancy weaves, and beautiful color- ings in whipcords, Bedford cords, wide and narrow wales and diagonals. In their regular line of fancy worsteds for men's wear, both heavy and light weights of high quality were shown, and the colorings were the new delicate tones of gray, stone and tan, as well as the most complete lines of blues, olives and
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browns, the mixture effects, as well as the skein-dyed fabrics producing a pleasing impression and giving the visitor a clear idea of the scope and great variety of the manufactures of the American Mills Company.
HOCKANUM, SPRINGVILLE AND NEW ENGLAND MILLS.
The Hockanum, Springville and New England Mills showed a most complete line of fancy worsteds occupying all the space to the left of the entrance on the south side of the room. They maintained their reputation for the production of these fine and high-grade worsted cloths. In their large and tastefully arrang- ed display were represented the high-textured fabrics of the Hockanum and New England Mills and the beautiful soft un- dressed worsted effects of the Springville Mill. The whole was a bewildering display of modish, up-to-date, stylish fabrics and color combinations, all indicating the highest degree of skill in. both structure and design.
E. J. MARTIN'S SONS' EXHIBIT.
The northwest corner of the reading room in the Library Building, where E. J. Martin's Sons, manufacturers of the cele- brated "Kingfisher" all-silk braided fish-lines, had their exhibit, appealed to the sportsman. The exhibit bore out the concern's. reputation for excellence, reliability and perfection. All the lines manufactured were shown, in the various sizes, colors and. finishes, both on spools and in hanks.
Cards, with the various lines drawn through them, were handed. to visitors, while description leaflets were given away. The silk of which the lines are made, was also shown, as well as the. machine with which the lines are braided.
The walls were decorated with brook trout, mounted on panels- of oak or birch bark, surrounded by skeins of lines. The trout were caught by local men in nearby brooks with Kingfisher- lines.
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BELDING BROS. & CO.'S EXHIBIT.
This firm had a most artistic exhibit of all its products. Not only those manufactured in this city, where spool silk of the various varieties is the specialty, but also embroidery silks and many kinds of all-silk fabrics from the Northampton, Mass., mills, besides piece-dyed satins and taffetas from Belding, Mich., were shown in a tasteful manner. The display, arranged in the form of a dainty booth, the pillars of the booth being made of hundreds of spools of green sewing silk, beginning with dark at the base and gradually growing lighter in shade toward the top. The front was draped in pearl gray satin with festoons of green spool silk, while the background was of Copenhagen blue, sage green and pink. The side walls were made of countless shades of embroidery floss. Within the booth there were about a score of hand embroidered pillows and pictures, some of the latter rare works of art, requiring years of work and being valued at thousands of dollars. Practically the same line of goods was exhibited by this firm at Rockville's centennial indus- trial exhibit, as was shown at the Jamestown exposition in 1907.
In addition to the finished goods there was also shown raw silk, "thrown" silk and silk, gummed preparatory to dyeing. A very interesting feature were the silk worms in all stages of growth, beginning with the eggs, about one sixteenth of an inch long, and ending with the complete cocoon. These were in glass phials. A limited number were given away free.
WORSTED YARNS.
The Arlington Mills Company of Lawrence, Mass., exhibited a fine and comprehensive assortment of worsted yarns.
The committee, who had the arrangements in charge for the industrial exhibit, consisted of E. F. Badmington, William Maxwell, F. J. Regan, M. C. Mason, M. H. White, A. N. Belding, A. L. Martin and Frank Keeney.
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INDOOR EVENTS, RECEPTIONS, BANQUETS, CONCERTS.
Never before was the social significance of the many fraternal orders of the town of Vernon and city of Rockville, so brought into prominence as during the centennial week. Lodges vied with each other in keeping open house and making welcome friend and stranger alike.
The limited space at our disposal does not permit of detailed accounts of these functions, but perhaps some further mention should be made of the reception and banquet given in honor of Most Worshipful Brother, Edward E. Fuller, Grand Master of Masons of Connecticut. This notable event in the history of local Masonry marked also a half-century of existence of Fayette lodge, No. 69, A. F. & A. M., and the anniversary was fitly cele- brated on the afternoon and evening of June 30, 1908, at Masonic Hall. Chief among the incidents of the celebration was the presentation of a watch to Grand Master Fuller, from the lodge; the speech of presentation being made by Lyman T. Tingier. The responsive remarks of Grand Master Fuller, and the series of reminiscences given by Brother E. Stevens Henry, made memorable contributions to the events of the day.
Amongst all the reunions of the week, both private and public, that of the High School Alumni Association, on Tuesday evening, June 30th, holds a big place in the memory of those who were present. The guest of honor was Prof. Randall Spaulding, first principal of the school, from 1870-1873. Graduates of 1873 and 1875 revived bygone history, and welded the chain of association with the events of 1908. A specially interesting feature of the occasion was the opening of the "old building," for refreshments and a social chat among the old classmates. The intermingling of the old order and the new gave pleasing evidence of loyalty to school spirit, and of pride in the history of R. H. S.
"Auld Lang Syne" and "Home, Sweet Home," had never a more heartfelt response to their heart-stirring strains than was evoked at the service in Union Church, Sunday morning of June 28th. Here gathered about sixty past and present mem- bers of the choir and led the good old hymns, in which the large
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congregation joined heartily. Added interest was given the ser- vice by old musicians, who played instruments of reed, string and brass, as in the days when church organs were unknown in the town.
Another of the chief musical events was the organ recital given in Union Church on the afternoon of July 2, by Prof. William Churchill Hammond of Holyoke, Mass., assisted by Miss Ida E. Martin, violinist, Rockville, and Mrs. Marion Murlless Chapin, soprano, of Boston. All three being claimed as Rock- ville artists, it was a fitting combination of home talent which gave pleasure to the large audience assembled.
The exhibit of curios and historical relics, while not so large as had been planned, proved of great attractiveness to many people, and was open daily throughout the week.
One of the most useful institutions brought into being for the occasion, was the general information bureau promoted by Manager William M. Lewis of the Rockville Gas and Electric Company. The bureau furnished much valuable assistance to visitors, and helped in every way to make their stay in the city agreeable and free from care.
Rest houses were also established at convenient points; and these afforded rest and comfort to many tired ones during the course of a celebration where so great a demand was made upon the staying power of sight-seers.
Turn Hall was headquarters for the special events planned by our German citizens; concerts, balls, and other entertainments making up a season of gaiety and rejoicing wherein a great many people took part.
At Town Hall, many similar scenes were presented. Recep- tions and balls were given there by the Rockville Baseball Asso- ciation ; D. A. R .; military and firemen ; all of which were freely patronized and made the occasion of social display.
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OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS OF CENTENNIAL WEEK.
The histories of all people witness to the love of man for show, for diversion, and for spectacular entertainment. And this present history of our town would be incomplete, without some preservation of a record of those lighter features which made "Old Home Week" pleasurable to young and old alike.
The committee on public exercises spared no effort to assure a season of good humor, and of delight to eye and ear; and the engagement of the Victor Amusement Company hit the popular taste. In this aggregation of talent were animal trainers, acro- bats, dancers, conjurers, and other skilled entertainers, all doing something in their own special line to attract and amuse crowds of holiday makers. A specially interesting artist was Miss Mabel McKinley, then one of the most popular singers on the vaude- ville stage.
The White City Band, under the leadership of Charles M. Ulivieri, gave a series of concerts well suited to the audiences of a free, outdoor celebration ; the popular and the classic styles of music being judiciously alternated, so as "to please all tastes."
Besides the larger shows, all manner of smaller ones such as have come to be part of every "Midway" catered to the fun or the curiosity of the pleasure seekers. Day and night did these professional amusement makers ply their arts, and it was a person's own fault if she or he had any dull moments. The Connecticut Company rose to the occasion, and produced displays of fireworks.
Ball games afforded sport to the lovers of the diamond; and a series of athletic events, comprising races and other tests of wind and muscle, took place on the Middle Road, drawing a large crowd. The success of the athletic events was due largely to the committee on sports and R. J. Murphy, who combined experience with enthusiasm. The officials were: Starter, R. J. Murphy ; referee, W. J. Murphy ; timers, Fred J. Cooley and A. M. Burke; judges, Fred Woodhall, George B. Milne, Parley B. Leonard and W. A. Elliott.
The July Fourth parade of Antiques and Horribles was made the occasion for a more elaborate display, in keeping with the spirit of the whole week of carnival.
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FINANCING THE CELEBRATION.
To properly finance Vernon's centennial celebration was no easy task. It required an untold amount of hard work, but there was a noble and generous response on the part of residents and former residents of the town. Contributions were received through the local papers, coming from all parts of the country. The first local subscription came from the Rockville Leader, the originator of the idea of a one-hundredth birthday party for the town of Vernon. Its contribution was $100. To Howard K. James of Alameda, Cal., belongs the honor of being the first out-of-town contributor. All the local mills gave liberally and there were many popular subscriptions. Nearly $8,000 was raised as the result of careful planning and perfect system. A detailed account of all receipts and expenditures was kept by Treasurer Parley B. Leonard of the general committee. The. sum of $1,800 was appropriated from the town treasury to aid the centennial celebration. There remained a substantial bal- ance on hand after all bills were paid. No enterprise of this. nature was ever more ably and successfully financed than was. the Vernon centennial of 1908.
A synopsis of the treasurer's report follows :
RECEIPTS.
Town of Vernon
$1,800.00
Subscriptions
4,130.75
Advertising
1,751.08
Privileges
290.00
Total
$7,971.83
EXPENDITURES.
Advertising and publicity
$1,476.98
Auto contest
200.00
Invitations and receptions
92.20
Finance
24.00
Public exercises
3,717.22
Lights
1,861.91
Sports
93.15
Cash on hand
506.37
Total
$7,971.83:
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Official Program, "Old Home Week." June 28th to July 4th, Inclusive.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28.
MORNING-Special services in all the churches, sermons by former pastors and singing of old-time hymns.
AFTERNOON-Rendition of famous oratorio, "The Creation," in Union Church.
EVENING-Oratorio will be given second rendition, with solo parts by distinguished New York Artists, Orchestra, and Chorus of one hundred and twenty-five voices. Historical address at St. John's Church by Rev. Dr. Samuel Hart, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School and President of Connec- ticut Historical Society. Solemn High Vespers at St. Bernard's Church, with sermon by Rev. Edward Flannery of Hazardville.
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