USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Marlborough > Historical reminiscences of the early times in Marlborough, Massachusetts : and prominent events from 1860 to 1910, including brief allusions to many individuals and an account of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town > Part 35
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Sincerely yours,
George L. Stevens, Chairman, John Dalton, Secretary, Committee on Invitations.
Marlborough, Mass., May 28th, 1910.
.
LOWELL
- "A CITY THAT IS SET ONA HILL
PARADES
CANNOT BE HID "
WHISTORY ATRA FITCHBURG CITION, COLONIAL PRIS
ONE OF THE GREAT
BOSTO
SHOE CITIES of the World.
HARVARD
COME AND PICK A SITE FOR A
THE MINUTE MEN
WALTHAM
IN THE PLEASANTEST AND MOCT
HAWTHORNE EMERSON THOREAU ALCOTT
BIRTHPLACE OF MAYOR SHAUGHNESSY
BOONE'S POND
OLD DAY STATE
1
SUDBURY
23 MILES WEST OF BOSTON 16 MILES EAST OF WORCESTER
WAYSIDE INN
HUDSON
MEMORIES OF WASHINGTON
LA FAYETTE
LONGFELLO
FIFTEEN MINUTE CARS HALF HOUR TRAINS TO & FROM EVERYWHERE
Sou"
FRAMIAURAIT
480
COME AND SEE A CITY THAT
ARTIMUS WARD
ST. MISEKS SCHOOL
LAXE CH
FAMOUS THE WORLD OVER
FIGHTS FIRE WITHOUT STEAMERS
HARVARD PARTIDENT 1017
Rx 300
HOME OF GOV. DRAPER
HARTFORD
NEW HAVEN
ATMOSPHERE OF
PROVIDENCE
MARLBOROUGH = MASS .-
TULNEW YORK EBOOKS
THE HIGHLAND CITY
THEYWILL COME 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF AMARLBOROUGH, MAS., JUNE !!! 2.13.14, 1910.
FAC SIMILE OF ENVELOPE USED FOR ADVERTISING DURING THE CELEBRATION
ON THE GREAT MOTOR HIGHWAY BETWEEN W.I. & COSA
NY NH & H RR
B & M. R. R
WORKESTER
SPRINGFIELD
HAMID FOR
HOPEDALE
UNSURPASSED STATE HIGHWAYS
PAGEANTS . FIREWORKS
MARLBOROUGH LIKE ROME
ILLUMINATIONS
IS SET ON SEVEN HILLS
& NATIONAL
OPEN HOUSE ALL ALONG THE LINE
CONCORD
UNIVERSITY
PERMANENT OR A SUMMER' HOMS
STOW
MEMORIES OF
Si
ACCESSIBLE PART OF THE
IN THE VERY HEART OF A SECTION RICH
COME AND BREATHE THE PURE HISTORY LADEN
481
FLOAT - INDIAN VILLAGE
482
NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS.
Patrick Collins, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Collins, South street, came one of the longest distances to attend the celebration. IIe was in Mexico when he decided to come here and was a week on the road. He arrived in Marlborough just in time to see the starting of the parade.
E. L. Bigelow rode in the parade and wore the Okommakamesit engine badge that he wore in the parade fifty years ago.
Henry O'Leary of New Orleans was in town for the first time in 35 years. He was five years old when his father moved away and he came back to see Marlborough once more.
Millbury, June 13. Mayor John J. Shaughnessy, Marlborough, came to Millbury this morning by auto and conveyed Miss Delia C. Torrey, aunt of President William H. Taft, to the 250th anniversary of the founding of Marlborough. The machine in which Miss Torrey was conveyed was gaily decorated with American flags. On her return to- night, Miss Torrey said she had a most enjoyable trip and was sorry the President was unable to be present, as were all in Marlborough.
Never before at one time has the city entertained so many notables as it did last Monday. One of the striking features of the parade, which was nearly three miles long, was that it moved over the entire route without a semblance of a hitch. Among the aids on the staff of Chief Marshal Arthur C. Lamson was H. M. Mentzer of Bolton who is nearly 80 years old. He was one of the aids 50 years ago. He expressed a desire to ride again this time, and his wish was gratified.
WHAT THEY SAID.
Governor Draper-"The people of Marlborough are to be congratu- lated."
Lieutenant Governor Frothingham-" Nothing better could be expected."
Mayor Fitzgerald-"I have never seen anything better."
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Aunt Torrey-"I am greatly pleased with the celebration. I am glad I came.
Mayor Coughlin of Fall River-"I must say that it was much better than I expected and I thought that it would be good.
District Attorney Higgins-"A great success."
Adjutant General W. H. Brigham-"The arrangements were per- fectly carried out."
Archbishop W. H. O'Connell-"I am greatly pleased."
Ex-Mayor John F. Hurley of Salem-"Delighted."
Frank H. Pope of the Boston Globe said the celebration was the greatest thing of the kind that he had ever covered and he has written up some pretty large events. He said Marlborough made itself decidedly interesting history this week. It recorded many things to its credit. The number of spectators that viewed the parade was estimated at from 35,000 to 40,000 and they saw by far the finest parade, civic and military, which has ever taken place in this part of the country, a statement to which every one who viewed it will subscribe.
NOTES ON THE CELEBRATION.
A fine anniversary march was composed for the occasion by Prof. J. A. Millington. Another march song by Mr. J. H. Warner as follows :
Two hundred years and fifty more have come and passed away
Since Marlborough our city gay Became a town in old Bay State, that's what the records say ; And we welcome this festal day.
Then let us celebrate the day with music grand and sweet,
While buntings gay shall line the street ;
While firemen, soldiers, merchants, too, will make the scene complete As they meet here in grand array.
Then give three cheers-Hip, Hip, Hooray for Marlborough !
And all feel gay and let us each a good word say For this our Highland City.
A new march song by I. Porter Morse was originally written for the brass band and dedicated to the 250th anniversary. To the trombone solo in the trio, Mr. Morse adapted these words :
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" Shout hurrah for dear old Marlborough ! Float your flags and banners gay ; Don't forget to cheer for Marlborough On her anniversary day. Let the children sing and band play, All unite and celebrate ; We will show you all this grand day She's the finest in the State. "
One of the most attractive window displays of the city during the celebration was that of Morse & Bigelow. In the first window was an old-time kitchen scene with fireplace, brass andirons, footwarmers and warming pans, over which hung a portrait of Lambert Bigelow, the founder of this business, started 88 years ago, which is the oldest firm in Marlborough in continuous business, as well as one of the largest. On the side of the old fireplace was the table at which George Washington dined at Williams Tavern when he passed through Marlboroughi, also the chair in which he sat ; sampler, clock and other antique articles of interest filled this window. In the next was a large oil painting of the "Spirit of '76, " draped with flags and bunting. In the third window were tapestry paintings of the Puritan Maid of Marlborough and John How, the first white man of Marlborough settling an Indian dispute. In the fourth was a mammoth painting of the " Indians burning down the first church in Marlborough, " which filled the entire window. It was surrounded by evergreen trees and imitation snow, and drew the attention of thousands of passersby. In the fifth window was a tapestry painting of the " Minute Man of Marlborough." This was surrounded by guns and implements of war, bunting and flags. In the sixth window was the veritable army chest of General Burgoyne who passed through this city 1777. Resting upon the chest were paintings of George and Martha Washington, a steel engraving of Lafayette taken at the time he visited the Wilder Mansion, Bolton, also fac-simile of Indian deed of land to the Marlborough whites. Over the chest hung a large painting of George Washington's triumphal entry into New York, Nov. 25, 1783, with key to same, naming various personages. All the windows were profusely decorated and antiques of great historical value made the whole display a great success.
Rev. Archbishop O'Connell's presence was one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole celebration. Upon his arrival he was tendered a reception at the Mayor's office by the local and visiting clergy, by members of the city government and visiting officials. From the time of his appearance until his departure, he was given a continual ovation by the thousands of people that lined the streets on both sides. He was
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delighted with the way in which the exercises were carried out, and his prayer which opened the exercises was very impressive.
The arch erected by the St. Jean Baptiste Society on Broad street was 30 feet high and had an opening of 25 feet in width. Surmounting the arch in illuminated letters was the word, " Bien Venue, " and on each side the figures of the years 1660-1910. There were between 600 and 700 lights in the arch and it was artistically decorated with American and French flags.
The electric lights which extended in streamers from the front of the High school building, and which lit up the common and the children's bleacher, as well as the Governor's reviewing stand, were turned on, 600 in number, for the first time at 8.30 o'clock Saturday night. Marl- borough was never before in its history such a blaze of light.
The nearly 1000 incandescent lamps with which the city building was trimmed, along with the thousands of yards of national bunting, gave the structure a celebrating and inspiriting appearance.
Upon the Central Fire Station and the Public Library were also lights which presented a charming sight.
Marlborough arose to the occasion and acquitted herself in local history-making in a manner which will be difficult to surpass in the next half century anniversary.
Among the attractions of the celebration were Torelli's ponies, pre- sented by Elmer Mack. This proved a very enjoyable equine novelty, six beautiful ponies moving in harmony and performing most difficult tricks ; Robbins and Lefevre, acrobatic comiques ; Don, the trained dog, presented by Claude Fredericks ; Nobles in aerial display ; Ardell, nov- elty entainer, and Elmer Mack presenting his quartet of equestrian dogs, and Bessie, the chasing and unridable mule. This entertainment on Monday afternoon was principally for the school children.
The Natural History Society and members of the D. A. R. had markers placed on nearly forty of the principal points of interest in and about the city.
Governor Draper charmed everbody by his simplicity of manner and his democratic air. During his talk at the exercises he paid high tribute to the people of Marlborough, who founded Marlborough and the spirit they have always manifested in progressive lines. He said that he loved Massachusetts and he loved Marlborough because it was Massachusetts. He praised the people of the old Bay State for their respect to law and authority, and said that Massachusetts was the best place in the nation.
Music, music, everywhere, Monday. That the committee on music
486
performed well its part was the unanimous opinion of all. J. A Milling- ton, chairman of the music committee, showed discernment and judgment in the way in which he performed the duties intrusted to him.
Three concerts were given in the afternoon. The Marine band gave a concert on the High school common after the exercises. At the concert given by the Marlborough brass band, "Our Anniversary March, " com- posed by Mr. Millington was played. At the children's entertainment at Prospect park, the Worcester Brigade band gave a concert.
There was an open air concert at the bandstand near the High school common by the Marlborough brass band, R. W. Bird, director.
One of the most noticeable indications of preparations for the coming 250th anniversary was the painting of houses throughout the city.
A section of Battery B, Capt. E. W. Wheeler, comprising twenty horses, two cannon, a caisson, baggage wagon and twenty men, came through the rain from Worcester Sunday afternoon and were assigned quarters on Fairmount Park, the horses being quartered in the Boyd barn. The men occupied tents on the grounds and awakened the city by firing a salute at sunrise Monday morning, another on the arrival of Governor Draper about 10 o'clock and another at noon.
The man who came the longest distance to the celebration was Conductor William H. Fay on the United Fruit Co. railroad, Panama. Mr. Fay was formerly employed on the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford railroad. He served in the 6th regiment during the Spanish- American war.
Under the direction of the civic committee of the Tuesday club, rest rooms were open at several churches.
The ladies' societies of these churches had charge of the lunch tables and the checking rooms, namely: Methodist, Mrs. F. F Johnston ; Episcopal, Mrs. E. P. Longley ; Universalist, Mrs. A. F. Barnard ; Baptist, Mrs. C. S. Davis; Unitarian, Mrs. Arnold; Congregational, Mrs. E. G. Hoitt.
The John Brown bell which summoned the slaves to rally at Harper's Ferry and make a dash for freedom, and which now hangs in the G. A. R. building, was of great interest to visitors.
The Natural History Society had a loan exhibit of historical articles in their rooms.
Another attraction for visitors was the standpipe on Mount Sligo, in the French hill district, 1,500 feet above sea level, and the highest point between Boston and Worcester. For a week before the celebration the standpipe was brilliantly illuminated with festoons of lights which could
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be plainly seen evenings for many miles around. This was one of the marked features of the celebration.
At the Public Library a fine exhibition of water colors, " Old Home- steads of Marlborough, " painted by the late Ellen M. Carpenter of Boston, and loaned to the library by Mrs. Emily Bigelow Emery, daugh- ter of Edward L. Bigelow, chairman of the library trustees was a source of delight to all who had the pleasure of seeing it. In the collection were 124 paintings, all of artistic merit as well as local interest.
June 13. Hudson was a deserted village today as about one-half its people were in Marlborough attending the celebration. Four electric cars carried part of the crowd over at 8 o'clock, about 300 came over on the 8.21 train and 700 boarded the 9.11 train. All the schools were closed and flags floated from the town house and many other buildings. The Brigham & Gregory factory was closed to allow the employees to attend the celebration.
June 13. It is estimated that 1400 people from Westborough went to Marlborough this morning to witness the parade. Because of the threatening weather Westborough was not represented by a float.
So few employees at the Brigham shoe factory showed up for work this morning that those who did decided to quit and join the rest of the crowd before 8 o'clock. At the High school there was not over a dozen pupils present.
The Boys' Band of the Lyman school, under the direction of Charles W. Wilson, marched at the head of the Greek column.
And now reviewing our Celebration, we believe with others that we have cause for congratulation and nothing to regret. Everything was well planned and executed. The various committees proved themselves efficient and equal to the occasion, and everyone seemed enthusiastic and in harmony. The celebration passed off without a blot to mar its fine completeness and will be remembered for years by Marlborough's citizens and her visitors, and the appropriation expended will prove a good investment, in advertising and bringing to mind to those who might forget, the Historical Old Frontier Settlement, now CITY OF MARLBOROUGH.
" When Time, who steals our years away
Shall steal our pleasures, too,
The memory of the past will stay, . And half our joys renew "
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ERRATA.
Page 100. Previous to the calling of Rev. George S. Pine to Marlborough, Rev. Waldo Burnett of Southborough officiated.
Page 218. Charles Howe should read Samuel Howe Homestead.
The First Spiritualist Society of Marlborough, organized in 1894 and chartered in 1896, meets in G. A. R. hall each Sunday, under lead- ership of President K. D. Childs.
Page 260. Moses Howe Homestead should read Moses Brigham.
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