Memorial of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester, Mass. August, 1892, Part 20

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Boston : Printed by A. Mudge & Son
Number of Pages: 514


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > Memorial of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester, Mass. August, 1892 > Part 20


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FIFTH CLASS. $30, $20, $10.


SIXTH CLASS. $25, $15, $10.


BALLAST. .


No ballast shall be taken in or thrown out after the first gun has been fired.


CREW.


Yachts will be allowed one man for every four feet or fractional part thereof on water-line.


SAILS.


In first, second, and third classes there will be no restrictions to sails.


In jib and mainsail, sloops, fourth, fifth, and sixth classes, no spinakers will be allowed.


Catboats, mainsail only.


SAILING RULES.


The regatta will be sailed under the general sailing rules with which all yachtsmen are acquainted.


PROTEST.


Protest must be made in writing, signed by the sailing master of the protesting yacht, within thirty minutes after the yacht returns.


START, NUMBERS, ETC.


The start will be flying. Yachts will be furnished with cloth numbers, which must be fastened to each side of the mainsail, as


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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.


near the middle as possible, and just above the upper reef points. Yachts failing to comply with this rule will not have their time taken. Numbers can be obtained at the place of entry.


Yachts are expected to be under sail after the first and before the second gun has been fired.


All are requested not to get too near the line before the starting signal of their class, so as to interfere with the class preceding.


If a yacht be on or across the line when the starting signal is given, she must return and recross the line, keeping clear of all other yachts.


STARTING SIGNALS.


FIRST GUN. At 10.45 A. M., a gun will be fired from the judges' boat, and the course numbers hoisted below spring-stay of judges' boat. The upper number will be the course to be sailed by yachts of the first, second, and third classes. The intermediate number will be the course for the fourth and fifth classes. The lowest number will be the course for the sixth class.


SECOND GUN. Exactly ten minutes later a second gun will be fired, and a blue pennant will be hoisted on foretopmast. This will be the preparatory signal for yachts of the first class.


THIRD GUN. Exactly five minutes later a third gun will be fired. Blue pennant will be lowered, and red flag will be hoisted in its place. This will be the starting signal for the first class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of all yachts of that class.


FOURTH GUN. Exactly five minutes later a fourth gun will be fired. This will be the starting signal for the second class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of the yachts of that class.


FIFTH GUN. Exactly five minutes later a fifth gun will be fired. This will be the starting signal for the third class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of yachts of that class.


SIXTH GUN. Exactly five minutes later a sixth gun will be fired. This will be the starting signal for the fourth class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of yachts of that class.


SEVENTH GUN. Exactly five minutes later a seventh gun will be fired. This will be the starting signal for the fifth class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of yachts of that class.


EIGHTH GUN. Exactly five minutes later an eighth gun will be fired. This will be the starting signal for the sixth class, and time will be taken from this gun as the starting time of yachts of that class.


Should the starting of the race be delayed from any cause, the


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TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETHI ANNIVERSARY


same intervals of time will be given after the first gun. Should a gun miss fire, a fog-horn will be blown. If necessary to postpone the race until next day, on account of the weather, the ensign will be lowered from maintopmast on judges' boat.


COURSES.


COURSE NO. 1. First, Second, and Third Classes. From starting line to Round Rock buoy, leaving it on port, to stake boat anchored two and one third miles south, leaving it on starboard; thence west by north one half north to buoy off Gale's Ledge, leaving it on star- board; thence to Round Rock buoy, leaving it on port, to starting line. Distance, about fourteen miles.


COURSE No. 2 is No. I reversed.


COURSE No. 3. Fourth and Fifth Classes. From starting line to Round Rock buoy, leaving it on port ; thence to stake boat, two and one third miles south, leaving it on starboard; thence northwest two and two thirds miles to stake boat off Kettle Island, leaving it on star- board ; thence east by north one half north, to Round Rock, leaving it on port, to starting line. Distance, about ten miles.


COURSE No. 4 is No. 3 reversed.


COURSE No. 5. Sixth Class. From starting line to Eastern Point Ledge buoy, leaving it on starboard ; thence to bell buoy off Norman's Woe, leaving it on starboard, to starting line, and rounding judges' boat ; repeat the course. Distance, about nine and one half miles.


COURSE No. 6 is No. 5 reversed.


All yachts in going out must leave Ten Pound Island on the port and starboard coming in.


The starting line will be from judges' boat to stake boat, anchored off Pavilion Beach.


F. E. SMOTHERS, Secretary Regatta Committee.


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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.


On the fourth page was a miniature chart showing the courses. The Yachting Committee were : -


Henry S. Hovey. Philip H. Goldthwaite.


John Mclaughlin. James D. Stacy.


H. Frank Sanford. Loring B. Haskell.


Alden O. Gilpatrick. Willard B. Publicover.


J. Milledge Publicover.


John A. Hawson.


James R. Pringle.


Thomas A. Irving.


Bennett Griffin.


Horatio Babson.


James S. Steele.


Gilman S. Harvey.


Charles F. Young.


Kilby W. Shute.


Benjamin H. Spinney.


Asa T. Gifford.


George J. Marsh.


Frank O. Smothers.


Frank H. Gaffney.


William N. Mckenzie.


Samuel D. Hildreth.


William H. Blatchford.


George Douglass.


John H. Brooks.


James A. Stetson.


Samuel M. Shute.


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TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.


A S originally planned, the fireworks were to have been given Friday evening. The severe storm though caused a postponement, and they were given the following Tuesday evening, August 30. The display was made in the harbor from the steam lighter "Eagle," and thus arranged was easily seen from all the shore around. Thousands had gathered from all the neighboring towns and the outlying wards, and Western Avenue and Stage Fort were crowded with sightseers. Besides the public exhibition, many residents at Eastern Point, on 'Squam River, and at West Gloucester, made fine displays of red-fire and rockets. The program of the public exhibition by Masten & Wells, of Boston, and in charge of Mr. Addison P. Burnham, of the Committee on Fireworks, was as follows : -


PROGRAM OF FIREWORKS DISPLAY.


Six dozen exhibition rockets. These rockets are of the largest size and calibre, and are heavily charged with displays, showing exam- ples of silver streamers, shooting stars, balloon lights, golden showers, electric suns, Japanese rains, rainbows, comet, etc.


Thirty-six twelve-inch shells, assorted in varieties of artillery, detonating, willow tree, saluting, whistling gerbes, cascade, etc.


Twelve eighteen-inch shells. These shells at a great elevation explode and fill the air with beautiful effects in colored rains and showers, Japanese suns, electric spreaders, and many other curious devices.


Twelve eighteen-inch neck shells. These shells show displays of dragons, willow trees, brilliant suns, serpents, colored stars, whistling gerbes, etc.


Five thirty-inch shells. These shells of the largest size and variety are exploded high in the air and display chain lights, sparkling fire streamers, detonating bombs, serpents' nests, and other examples, filling the air with fire.


Twelve artillery shells. These shells are exploded at a height of several hundred feet in the air with stunning effect.


Twelve batteries. These batteries are composed of heavy Roman candles massed together, which throw out immense stars of green, ruby, blue, purple, gold, azure, and silver.


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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.


Eighteen mines, assorted in the following varieties : saucisson, reporting, meteor, serpent, floral, exploding, etc.


Twenty-four golden fountains. These golden fountains, or silver geysers, throw high in the air great streams of sparkling fire which falls backward to the earth, resembling a fountain of sparkling water.


Twenty flights of tourbillions. These display in their ascent wreaths and rings of the finest shades of green and gold, purple and green, crimson and blue, azure and silver.


Three dozen water serpents. These serpents, when thrown upon the surface of the water, perform curious contortions, squirming about in every direction, rise and fall in the water, and finally explode with loud reports.


Three dozen water snakes. These make a very interesting display on the surface of the water by darting in every direction for several minutes and then concluding with a sharp report.


Three dozen water rockets. These, when thrown on the water, run upon the surface in a horizontal line, and then explode with display of colored stars.


Six water wheels, assorted. These wheels revolve on the water and create a large circle of jessamine fire, amid which is seen colored rings of various hues, blending with the golden yellow of the circle.


Fifty water torpedoes, which explode in the water with loud reports. Twenty-four water geysers. These represent a fountain or geyser of brilliant fire, which is elevated and falls back into the water.


Seventy-five owl lights for illumination. These produce a bril- liant crimson illumination of long duration.


One motto, "Good Night." This motto was composed of two- foot letters, which was plainly and distinctly read by all.


The committee on fireworks were : -


Fitz McIntosh. Fred. L. Stacy.


Charles W. Luce. Freeman D. Hodsdon,


Joseph Parsons. Addison P. Burnham.


Charles S. Bott. Silas S. Tarr.


Everett P. Wonson. Edgar S. Taft.


Patrick J. Foley.


In BBeneral.


INTERCHANGE OF GREETINGS.


A MONG the delightful incidents in connection with the anniversary, was the interchange of felicitous greetings between our own city, Gloucester, England, and New Gloucester, Maine. To each of these places the very first invitations were sent; indeed, at the initiative of our citizens, when steps were taken for an anniversary celebration, they were recognized by resolution as the ones to whom such an invitation should be sent at the outset. From Gloucester in old England had come many of our early settlers, and to New Gloucester, Maine, went many of our families to found the town in the wilderness, early in the eighteenth century. Natural, indeed, that tender and loving thoughts should go out to these places and their people on our own festal days.


In midsummer, 1891, beautiful engrossed copies of the following invitations, in pen and ink, the handiwork of Mr. Charles A. Burdette of Boston, and signed by every member of the committee on invitations, were forwarded, one to the Lord Mayor and Town Council of Gloucester, England, the other to the selectmen of New Gloucester, Maine. The following is a copy of the first :-


1642. GLOUCESTER, MASS., U. S. A. 1892.


To the Lord Mayor and Town Council of Gloucester, Gloucestershire England, GREETING :


The undersigned, in behalf of the citizens of Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, United States of America, extend to your honorable body a cordial invitation to be present at and participate in the exercises commemo- rating the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 24th, 25th and 26th of August, 1892.


We pledge ourselves, should you honor us with your presence, to do all in our power to render your stay with us one of great pleasure, so that you may take back to your home in Old Gloucester delightful memories of your visit.


(Signed) ASA G. ANDREWS. JOHN J. SOMES.


CHARLES P. THOMPSON. JONAS H. FRENCH.


WILLIAM A. PEW. WILLIAM E. RUSSELL.


WILLIAM W. FRENCH.


JOHN CORLISS. D. SOMES WATSON HENRY CENTER. GEORGE H. PROCTER. ADDISON P. WONSON.


EDWARD DOLLIVER. FRED. W. TIBBETS


235


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TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETHI ANNIVERSARY


That sent to New Gloucester, Maine, was similar in phraseology the only change being that it was addressed to The Honorable the Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of New Gloucester, Maine.


A beautifully embossed parchment reply was received from the Lord Mayor and Town Council of Gloucester, England. It is hand- somely executed in medieval lettering, the first letter of each sentence being drawn in colors, and is a fine example of the scrivener's art. The sea1 of the city is embossed in relief at the head. The text is as fol- lows : -


We, the members of the Council of the city of Gloucester, England, sincerely regret that owing to the Triennial Musical Festival to be held in this city, in the first week of September next, and other engagements, we are un- able to accept the cordial invitation of the citizens of Gloucester, Mass., to be present at, and participate in, the ceremonies of the two hundred and fiftieth Anniversary of the incorporation of that town.


We nevertheless for ourselves and on behalf of our fellow citizens most heartily thank the citizens of our sister city, for their courteous invitation and generous offer of hospitality, and tender them our most sincere congratulations on the anniversary they are about to celebrate, on the progress their city has made and on the prosperity it now enjoys.


We greatly value the friendship that exists between the two cities, and trust that the citizens of each will ever take a true interest in the welfare of and be ready to welcome the citizens of the other.


JAMES PLATT, Mayor. JAMES B. KARN, Sheriff. HENRY MANSELL, Deputy Mayor.


Aldermen. Jesse Sossions, G. H. Edwards, T. Charles R. Taynton, Albert J. Mott, John Barnard, Samuel Bland, Richard Holland, Charles Brown.


Councillors. Thomas Robinson, M. P .; Wm. Stafford, John Knight, James Mansell, John Ward, A. C. Wheeler, Theron Powell, Joseph I. See-Rings, James Arkell, C. H. Clutterbuck, W. Remrick, Wil- liam Evan Harris, Walter Madge, Fred'k Charles Hiperwood, A. Buchanan, Theophilus W. Baker, George Peters, A. M. Sydney Turner, Sam'l Norton, H. W. Bruton, John Allen, H. J. Sherwood, Jas. Clarke, L. H. Priday, W. Langley-Smith.


GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND, 1892.


Moreover, only a few days before the celebration began, the following letter was received from Hon. James Platt, Mayor : -


E, the Members of the Council of the City of


Gloucester, in the County of the City of Gloucester, England.


sincerely regret that, owing to the Oriental Abusical festival to be held in this City in the first week of September "next, and other enaagements, we are unable to accept the cordial invitation of the Citizens et Gloucester. Mass,, to be present at, and participate in, the ceremonies ot the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Incorporation of that Cown.


We nevertheless, for ourselves and on behalf of our fellow Citijens. most beartdy thank the Citizens of our sister City for their courteous muvitation and geucrons offer of hospitality, and tender to them our most sincere congratulations on the Anniversary they are about to celebrate, on the progress their City has made, aud on the prosperity it now cujoys.


We greatly value the friendship that crists between the two Cities, and trust that the Citizens of cach will ever tahe a true interest in the welfare of, and be ready to welcome, the Citizens of the other.


James Platt James B. Krw.


Mapor. Sherin.


Deputp Mapor.


Alberinen :


Johnarmand SamuelBlanko


2. Mas MB agptón.


Charles Brown


Councillore :


Jimas Prison M.P.


Theophilus 1b Baker fearsetun am gowy turner


Ist /Warts


Vieron Sou ill Prepe & Seepinge darmes arkell


028Fundail


Fredy, Ghan, Hipword,


William Evan Ma


Gloucceter, Cmilane, Huguet, 1802.


COPY ADDRESS, Gloucester, England.


237


OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.


GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND, Aug. 10, 1892.


Dear Mr. Mayor, - In common with all the members of our City Council, I appreciate very much the kind invitation of your citizens to be present at the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Gloucester, Mass.


It would have given me great pleasure to have been able to accept the honor and to participate in the celebration, but the time is not convenient for me, as our musical festival commences on Sept. 6, and I must be present on the occasion. We have also just entered into the occupation of our new Guild hall which takes up a good deal of my time for the present.


It would have been all the more pleasant to me, as I have some little knowledge of your city and experienced the hospitality of one of your prede- cessors, Mayor Williams, in the summer of 1882. . Our City Council have resolved to send you an address of congratulation, which they will sign, and also an album illustrating various objects of interest in our city, present and past.


Wishing you a very successful celebration and continued prosperity, I remain, Yours faithfully, JAMES PLATT, Mayor.


During the exercises of the celebration, John Platt, Esq., the son of Mayor James Platt, was present and an active participant.


From New Gloucester, Maine, quite a delegation of prominent citizens, headed by Hon. John W. True, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, attended the celebration, and at the close of the mayor's luncheon of Thursday, Aug. 26, in a delightful address of congratulation, Mr. True presented the resolutions of the citizens of New Gloucester adopted by them in special town meeting.


THE NEW AND THE OLD.


During anniversary week, cablegrams were also exchanged by Hon. Asa G. Andrews, Mayor of Gloucester, Mass., and Hon. James Platt, Mayor of Gloucester, England, as follows : -


On Monday afternoon, August 22, the following despatch was sent over the Bennett Mackay Company's wire, free of expense : -


GLOUCESTER IN THE NEW ENGLAND, ESSEX COUNTY, MASS., Aug. 22, 1892.


To the Mayor and Town Council of Gloucester in the Old England, Glouces- tershire, England.


The children of the New England send greeting to the children of the Old on the celebration of their two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. May peace and good fellowship continue between them forever.


ASA G. ANDREWS, Mayor of the New Gloucester.


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TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.


Tuesday morning, August 23, the following reply was received at the Western Union office in this city : -


GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND.


THE MAYOR OF GLOUCESTER, MASS. :


Cable received. Heartily reciprocate greetings and good wishes. Wish you and your citizens joyful reunion and a good time during celebrations. On behalf of council and fellow citizens.


JAMES (MAYOR) PLATT, Old England.


GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND. George Sheffield Blakeway, Town Clerk. Hon. James Platt, Mayor. John Platt, Esq., Representative at Anniversary.


Visit of the delarships.


VISIT OF THE WARSHIPS.


T HE location of Gloucester on the sea coast with its well sheltered and beautiful harbor, the fact that she was the leading fishing port of the United States, and that upon her the country depended to fur- nish many men to man her ships in time of war as well as peace, made it peculiarly fitting that efforts should be early made to bring many vessels of the navy here at the time of the celebration. At the second meeting of the Executive Committee, July 29, 1891, the Chairman and Secretary were instructed to write the Secretary of the Navy, asking him to detail the White Squadron to this harbor at that time, and, fur- ther, to name one of the new warships "Gloucester." To this the Department replied as follows : -


NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 27, 1891. HIS HONOR ASA G. ANDREWS,


Mayor of Gloucester, Gloucester, Mass. :


Dear Sir : Your letter of the 17th inst., asking that the White Squadron might be in the harbor at Gloucester, on the two hundred and fiftieth anni- versary of the city in August, 1892, is received.


In reply, I have to state that although it is impossible to say so long a time in advance what disposition can be made of any given ships, yet in view of the fact that the city of Gloucester and the adjoining coast have for many years been the source of supply of some of the best seamen in the United States Navy, the Department can assure you that such co-operation in the celebration as is consistent with the interests of the public service will gladly be given.


Very respectfully, JAMES R. SOLEY, Acting Secretary of the Navy.


Nor was the matter allowed to lag. As the time for the celebration drew near, the Department was repeatedly reminded of the promise and assurance received that several vessels from the squadron should be present. Moreover, the Secretary of the Navy himself was planning to be a guest. Just before celebration week the committee were notified that orders had been issued, and the following vessels would arrive in Gloucester Harbor Wednesday noon, Aug. 24,-the " Philadelphia," flag- ship, Admiral Bancroft Gherardi, Albert S. Barker, captain ; " Con- cord," Edwin White, captain ; " Miantonomah," Montgomery Sicard,


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TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


captain ; "Vesuvius," Scaton Shroeder, lieutenant commanding. Accord- ingly, preparations were made to receive them, and Wednesday noon as the vessels were seen at the harbor entrance, Capt. John F. Bickford, of the Executive Committee, William A. Pew, Jr., Esq., representing the Collector of the Port, Capt. John M. Anderson, Harbor Master, started to meet them with a tug and officially welcome them to Gloucester. They first visited the " Philadelphia " after she had come to anchor, and were most hospitably received by the admiral, who assured the committee that everything would be donc by him and his men to make their part in the celebration a big success. Afterward, the other ships were visited and every courtesy extended. The presence of these white ships of war added not a little to the occasion. They gave the official stamp of the national government to the celebration, and emphasized the fact that the fisheries were indeed the nursery of the navy.


At the banquet and the ball, which were graced with the presence of the naval officers from the admiral down, their showy uniforms added much to the picturesqueness of the scene. In the parade the marines and sailors, several hundred strong, marching at the head of the line, set the pace for as fine a showing of military movement as was ever seen, and their magnificent marching was cheered again and again as they went their way along the route of the procession. For the four days that they were in the harbor, the ships were thrown open to the people and thousands visited them, being treated with every courtesy possible by officer, marine, or sailor. At night their search-lights gave splendid displays along the harbor front, lighting with fine effect hill and shore. Among the incidents, then, of the celebration, none was pleasanter to our people than the visit of these splendid ships of the White Squadron. The Secretary of the Navy, Hon. Benjamin F. Tracy, being unable to be present, the first assistant-secretary, James R. Soley, represented him and the Department. His speech at the banquet was a splendid tribute to the navy and to the merchant marine of this country and was received with great applause and close attention.


The committee did not relax its efforts to have a war vessel named for Gloucester and had the assurance from the Department that it would be done at an early date.


Those who had charge of the reception to the war ships were mostly veterans of the War of the Rebellion, many of them having served in the navy at that time with the greatest credit for deeds of daring and courage.


OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.


243


The committee were : -


John F. Bickford.


Edward B. Center.


William Reblin.


John J. Davis.


Benjamin F. Blatchford.


James R. Somes.


Robert Tarr.


Fitz E. Griffin.


Robert C. Mckenzie.


James T. Seaver.


Harry Bray.


Matthias Johnson.


Edward C. Friend.


John T. Russell.


Joseph Green.


Lemuel Friend.


Edward E. Bowman.


Frederick Allen, Jr.


Martin V. Burke.


Ezra L. Phillips.


-


Art and Loan.


THE ART AND LOAN EXHIBITION.


A FEATURE of the anniversary, and one which attracted great attention, was the Art and Loan Exhibition held at the High School building. The committee who were in charge were enthusiastic in their devotion to the work, and indefatigable in their labors. The chairman, Mrs. Mary P. Lloyd, and the secretary, Mrs. Henry Center, worked day and night to get together a representative collection of the antique and artistic from the many homes on Cape Ann, and their efforts were ably seconded by their fellow-workers on the committee. Miss Marion Hovey, a well-known summer resident, much interested in old Gloucester, contributed generously in money as well as loaning many rare and valuable paintings from her own home. The exhibition was opened only the week of the celebration, but crowds of people attended and were delighted. In connection with the exhibit a souvenir silver scarf pin was sold representing a fishing schooner under full rig with the dates 1642-1892 in raised work, and found ready purchasers.




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