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 27
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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
of the North and some of these had aroused the anger of old Peg Wesson before their departure. Just before they left this city, the old witch (so the story goes) told them she would have her vengeance on them when they got to Louisburg. While they were in camp there . they observed a huge crow flying around them ; many attempts to shoot or to capture it were in vain, when suddenly one of the men remembered the prophecy and decided that it must be Peg Wesson. He knew then that only a bullet of precious metal could harm the witch. He therefore took his silver sleeve buttons and fired them at the bird, which fell to the ground wounded.
Now follows the marvel of it all ; Peg Wesson at the same moment fell down in Gloucester with a broken leg, and when the doctors examined the wound, the identical sleeve buttons which had been fired in Louisburg dropped out. But why poor Peg should have acted so foolishly, or what she expected to gain by flying around the soldiers in her bird-shape the history does not tell, but Mr. Babson assures us that there were many who firmly believed in the story even recently, and to that statement I can add the fact that I have known Gloucester fisher- men who thoroughly believed in witches and nailed a horseshoe on the masts of their vessels as a protection against them. But if I were to tell of the present superstitions of the Gloucester fishermen that I have known, I should require almost a volume ; here are a few, however : -
If you accidentally drop a cake of ice overboard when preparing for the fishing trip, you will have good luck and a full fare.
If you turn a hatch bottom up, or drop it into the hold, you will meet the direst misfortune through that trip, and may be glad if you see land again.
If you watch a ship out of sight you will never see it again.
If a man comes on the vessel with a black valise, he is a " Jonah "; having nothing to do with him, and don't let him ship with you.
"Sunday sail, never fail, Friday sail, ill luck and gale."
Yet the competition between the fishermen has now grown so keen that I have seen many a schooner start out on Friday, particularly if it happened to be a fair day after a long storm. The belief in " Jonahs," that is, unlucky people, is ineradicable from the fisherman's mind, and there are the strangest instances of ships "losing their luck " when certain men sailed on them, and regaining it when they left. One man " hoodooed " three schooners in this manner last year.
The orators of the celebration will have plenty of chances to let
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the eagle scream, when referring to Gloucester's share in the Revolu- tion. Before it began the people here were as excited as those of Boston. There was not a "tea-party " or a Crispus Attucks riot here, but the agitation had its earnest and its comical sides, too. Glouces- ter was an admirable place for smuggling in those days, and of course the inhabitants sympathized with any attempt to evade the payment of duties to the Crown. A schooner had arrived from abroad and had half unloaded, when the English authorities sent the customs officer to appraise the cargo. There was at the "Cut" a small watch-house which had been erected in the time of a smallpox scare to detain any strangers at quarantine. The old watchman, John McKean, started at once for this station, and when the official came in sight he at once took him in custody, in pursuance of his ancient orders, and, although there had been no smallpox for a number of years, he gave him a ten hours' fumigation, and when he let him go there were as few foreign goods in sight as there were smallpox germs upon his person.
Soon after came Bunker Hill, and two companies of Gloucester men were in the battle, Captain Warner's company coming up at a run, just in time to participate. But more characteristic was the adventure of the British sloop of war " Falcon," which, endeavoring to land a boat at Coffin's Beach to capture some sheep, was so fired upon by a few men from an ambushed position that they made a hasty retreat, think- ing that there were one hundred soldiers in ambush instead of five fishermen. When, finally the " Falcon " entered Gloucester Bay and began to bombard the town, the citizens gave them so warm a reception that they were glad to give over the attempt. Deacon Kinsman's hog was killed in the bombardment, but there was no other serious calamity. The bill at Prentice's tavern against the town that night, according to Babson, was for thirteen buckets of toddy, five suppers and two quarts of rum, therefore we may surmise that the city had at least a headache on the morning after the fight.
The "Yankee Hero" had poorer luck, although it was manned by Gloucester sailors. It was a privateer. and just off the cape discovered an awkward merchantman which gave promise of being a good prize, but when they were about to board, the Americans discovered two rows of cannon levelling death at them, and were forced to surrender to the British frigate "Milford," which had been masquerading to some purpose. In the War of 1812 there were Gloucester men assisting in Hull's victory, when the "Constitution " defeated the frigate "Guerrière."
Copyright 1901 by HAN Spooner
"AN OLD TIME SKIPPER."
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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
Even in Revolutionary times, three fourths of Gloucester's male population were seafaring, and not only battles but storms took toll of the inhabitants. The great storm of Gloucester occurred Dec. 15, 1839, when a fierce southeaster swept the bay, which is not a harbor of refuge when the wind is in that quarter, and all the way from Nor- man's Woe to Pavilion Beach, the coast was strewn with bodies and with wreckage. But there was a greater storm than this for Gloucester, although it occurred far away. It was a Sunday in August, 1873, that a gale swept down upon Cape Breton, the like of which had never been known there before, and many of the Gloucester fishermen were victims to its fury, while in their own city the day was peculiarly peaceful and the weather fine. One must read Stedman's grand poem, one must see the twisted trunks still in some of the Cape Breton forests, to know of the terror of the " Lord's Day Gale," as it is still called.
" On reef and bar our schooners drove Before the wind, before the swell; By the steep sand-cliffs their ribs were stove; Long, long their crews the tale shall tell ! Of the Gloucester fleet are wrecks three score; Of the Province sail two hundred more Were stranded in that tempest fell. The bedtime bells in Gloucester Town
That Sabbath night rang soft and clear; The sailors' children laid them down; Dear Lord ! their sweet prayers couldst Thou hear? 'Tis said that gently blew the winds; The goodwives through the seaward blinds Looked down the bay and had no fear."
Yet, however many victims the sea may claim, there are always new ones to take their places in the procession that leads towards the ocean grave. I have said that the city is distinctively American, and so it is as regards its leading and influential citizens, but the toilers of the sea are chiefly Swedes and Portuguese. If the visitor will step into the post-office he will find many foreign letters, in a glass case, awaiting their claimants, some of whom will never more come for friendly mes- sages. Portuguese or Swedish names are on them all, and it is at times humorous to notice the struggle of the writers to encompass the spelling of " Gloucester." Here are a few specimens taken during the past year : "Glochester," " Gloseur," "Glosthire," " Quipano," and " Capani," the last two meaning "Cape Ann."
There are noble charities now arising to help the sailors - or it
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would be more just to call them benefactions - and Rev. Mr. Charlton is by the most earnest efforts establishing a seamen's institute which bids fair to lead a great many to the right path ; while the Seamen's Aid Society has a zealous worker in John T. Knight. It has also found its Charles Reade, this fishing town of quaint surroundings and typical characters, and what "Christie Johnstone " gives of the life of New Haven such tales as " The Madonna of the Tubs," " Jack " and such sketches as " An Old Maid's Paradise" give of Gloucester life, which has found a loving chronicler in Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, now Mrs. Ward.
Why need I speak of the picturesqueness of the place when artists have painted almost every nook of its hundreds of lovely spots? or how can I tell in dull prose, in an historical letter, the natural attrac- tions of Champlain's "Le Beauport "? Let me claim the bardic privilege and, having told my story, top off with a few rhymes : -
Amid these sweeps of shore and sky, Of shaded lane and upland free, And rocks that like dead Titans lie, And shifting pictures of the sea.
It is but right that one should give Homage from pencil or from lips, For here in weird sea-change we live, Our fancies sailing with the ships.
Out in the sunset's fiery glow, Out in the mist of the stormy wrack, 'Twixt Eastern Point and Norman's Woe They follow in the vessel's track.
To far-off Breton's stormy coast, To rocky capes of Labrador, The schooners go, a white-winged host - Will they return again to shore?
Newfoundland's winds are fierce and wild, The white fog oft a funeral pall That curtains from the wife and child The man that wins the bread for all.
O Sea! guard well the freight you bear ! Among the lines and nets and darts Are tangled Longing and Despair And many weary home-kept hearts.
OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS. 329
Deep in the night I hear a cry, A strange, hard tone, beset with fear; Each puff of wind a widow's sigh, Each drop of spray an orphan's tear.
But every life 's a ship at sea, And soon the winds of night are blown; O Mother stern ! your children free Sing not a mournful minor tone.
Gloucester is fair, yes, wondrous fair, For artist's brush or poet's pen; Yet still its wealth beyond compare Is in its race of sturdy men !
LOUIS C. ELSON.
Magazines.
FROM THE MAGAZINES.
IN addition to what the daily papers had to say, many of the leading illustrated weeklies and monthlies had special articles, copiously illustrated, referring to the celebration. Notably excellent were those given in both " Harper's Weekly " and " Harper's Monthly," and in the " New England Magazine." Some choice poems also appeared, and we take occasion to reprint the following only : -
CAPE ANN.
While thus, in peace, around my walls, All night descends the April rain, I know a far-off Cape whereon it falls And blends its borders with the misty main.
There, loved and blest, my spirit broods O'er barren commons, dear to me, Wild wastes of uplands, glens, and gloomy woods, And, circling all, the gray and friendly sea.
Ah! well I know the varying shore My boyhood early learned to love; The headlands' beaten base, the pebbles' roar, And every crescent beach and shelt'ring cove.
For, cradled in the staid old town, My growing spirit drank the day, Where from the rocky hillside looking down The fair blue harbor opens to the bay.
Once more returns that life remote; The sky of childhood settles low; All round the lapsing waters plash and float Save where the great world hides at Norman's Woe.
Once more, at dusk, in noisy sport, Through devious streets the challenge runs; Once more we climb the old dismantled fort To look with wonder on the monstrous guns.
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Hlow swift, at school, the tidings ran, (I fcel it all, as in a dream,) When forcign fruited brigs from Surinam Came slowly to and anchored in the stream.
What sailor greetings ruled the time, The cordial flavor of the race, That told of meeting man in every clime, And trusting God in many a fearful place.
Yet not alone my being grew By ocean's influence, vague and free, But all the secret of the spring-time knew, With beauty's patient growth in flower and tree.
What joy when winter lingered long To seek, with ever new surprise, The dripping banks whose mouldering leaves among The modest Mayflower lifts its tender eyes.
Nor less to know the secret haunt, By winding ways of grove and run, Where sat in state the queenly pitcher plant, By gold pavilion shielded from the sun.
In nestling ponds that shunned the tide The water lily blossomed fair; While rare Magnolia, like a southern bride, Breathed tropic odor in the summer air.
But dearer far, the native blooms Of oozy swamp or ledgy hill; The laurel's blush, the cardinal's fiery plumes, Flanking the little brook below the mill.
Thrice sacred tract of earthly ground ! Thrice blest embrace of restless sea !
Where God's own presence daily girt me round, And dearest human feet once walked with me.
In deepest peace, at last, they lie, Those blessed feet that walk no more; And still above them bends the calm grey sky, And sounds the eternal rote upon the shore.
JAMES C. PARSONS.
GREENFIELD, MASS.
OLD GLOUCESTER HOUSES.
Riggs House, Annisquam, 1660. Balson House, 1740.
Dennison House, Annisquam, 1727. Ellery House, 1705.
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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
FROM THE ABSENT DAUGHTERS.
The following original lines are from three of Cape Ann's daughters, two of whom are living.
HOME. MARGARET S. (PEARCE) ABBOTT. .
Home of my childhood ! how lovely thou art, standing Beneath the rude shade of the old rocky hill, Surrounded by trees, and the bright stream of water, That winds through thy green fields so lovely and still.
How long will thy bright, charming prospects allure me? Shall I never forget thee, thou Eden of Earth ? Will time never wear away the dear, fond attachment That binds me to thee, O thou home of my birth?
No, never ! though my lone footsteps should wander To the most distant and loveliest parts of the earth, For oft in my dreams fond memory shall lead me To feast on thy scenes, thou home of my birth.
RIVERDALE, MARCH 6, 1845.
LINES WRITTEN ON LEAVING THE OLD HOME.
BY SARAH B. (PEARCE) PEABODY.
Home of my childhood ! no longer I claim thee - To strangers thy green fields and orchards have gone - Sweet songsters will warble, and still make their dwelling In the boughs of the trees we once called our own !
How busy is memory in bringing before me The home of my childhood in life's sunny morn ! Tho' affection may cherish, and taste may adorn thee, What love can be stronger than that I have borne?
O home of my childhood ! not easily sundered The tie that has bound us for many glad years - Tho' sunshine and shadow have followed each other, And hopes the most ardent have ended in tears !
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As the curtain of twilight now gathers around me, I think of the loved ones that left long ago; To her children the mother has gone, and left tarful Our father with trembling steps, fccble and slow.
O earthly home, cherished, remembered with tenderness Tho' thy glad scenes have been mingled with pain - Yet in thy purest joys, seeking for holincss, Type of the " Heavenly Home," all hope to gain.
RIVERDALE, 1876.
ABBIE K. PEARCE, NEE APPLETON.
Still dear to our hearts are the scenes of our childhood, Where oft we have wandered so happy and free, We were many at morn, at the sunrise of life, And now we number but three.
Now the shadows of night are gathering fast, And we look for the darkness and gloom That will come to us all, before we shall meet The loved ones that sleep in the tomb.
HAVERHILL, MASS., FEB. 15, 1892.
THE STONE WOMAN OF EASTERN POINT. BY ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS.
[Reprinted by kind permission of the author, and her publishers, Harpers Brothers.]
At the turn of the gray and the green, Where the new road runs to the right (For the summer people's ease), And on to the scarlet light;
Where the old tottering barn observes, And the old farm road looks down The harbor, and out to sea, And back to the fishing-town ;
Shapen of stone and of chance, Carven of wind and of time --- Stands the woman of Eastern Point, Haunting my heart and my rhyme;
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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
Stunted of nature and thin - Coast women alive look so - Wrapped in her blanket shawl, Wind-blown and cold, peering low
Past the shivering edge of the barn, Searching the bay and the sea For the sail that is overdue, And the hour that never shall be.
Did she stand like that in the flesh, Vigilant, early and late? For the sake of a scanty love Bearing the blast of fate;
Acquainted with hunger and pain; Patient, as women are; Work, when he is at home; Pray, when he's over the bar;
Loving and longing and true, Gilding her idol of clay; Bride, when the boat comes in; Widow, it sails away.
Waiting and watching and gray; Growing old, poor, and alone; - Was it worth living for? Say, Tell us, thou woman of stone 1
Still she stands, face in her shawl, If it hides smiles, do they mock ? I the tears fall, are they sweet? Ask. But you ask of the rock.
Dust unto dust taketh wing; Granite to granite ingrown; Seeking the sail overdue Turneth the heart to stone.
Wind-blown and grief-worn and brave, Gazing the sad sea o'er ; Dumb in her life and her death - Spirit of Gloucester shore !
(Copyrighted, 1892 by Harper Brothers). Harper's Magazine.
Police.
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THE POLICE ARRANGEMENTS.
P RAISE is certainly due the Police Department for the admirable manner in which their arduous duties were performed. Although the city was crowded with sightseers and visitors, estimated as high as fifty thousand, on the day of the parade, there was no confusion and no disorder. With the city in celebration for a full week, day and night, the arrests were few, and mainly of those who were pickpockets, or ran games of chance. The officers kept a sharp look out for crooks, and while many came to the city, they were given such a hot reception they did not stay long. Beside the regular force, a large number of constables and special officers were detailed for duty. Sidney S. Sylvester, the efficient city marshal, was at his post day and night, and had full charge. Beside the Gloucester men, he had the following officers from neighboring places on duty for three days, and they too deserve their share of these words of praise.
STATE POLICE.
Joseph E. Shaw. M. Bachelder. Peleg F. Murray.
Josiah A. Bean. Jophanus H. Whitney. Frederick A. Rhodes.
BOSTON.
Sergt. Oscar E. Boynton. Charles M. Ryan. R. G. Fessenden.
George W. Lane. Inspector J. H. Knox. Inspector G. M. Robinson.
Patrick Malory.
LYNN.
Lieut. N. H. Doe.
J. P. Grady, M. F. Lewis.
E. E. Smith.
David G. Barrett.
H. E. Wheeler.
John F. Fitzgerald.
B. P. Boynton.
John A. Thurston.
L. C. Fields.
Arthur G. Wells.
W. D. Nelson.
SALEM.
Ira M. Berry. J. P. Barrett.
Patrick J. Lehan. A. E. Powell.
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LAWRENCE.
Thomas Mccarthy.
Joseph Kline.
Timothy McCarthy. John C. Reardon.
William Houghton.
GLOUCESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT.
SIDNEY S. SYLVESTER, City Marshal. GEORGE B. MCKENNEY, Captain. SYDNEY HUTCHINGS, MARTIN J. WILLIAM, Keeper of Lockup. Special duty at Lockup.
PATROLMEN.
Albert F. Barrett.
Henry S. Sylvester.
John Karcher.
Alanson B. Chapman.
John G. Mehlman.
Frank W. Marsh.
Eben B. Clark.
Henry F. Brown.
John J. Ropper.
Michael J. Sullivan.
Charles P. Parsons.
Charles V. Moulton.
David E. Mehlman.
Martin V. Burke.
William E. Burns.
Henry H. Walker.
Richard P. O'Reilly.
CONSTABLES
APPOINTED TO SERVE DURING THE ANNIVERSARY.
David O. Frost.
Frank A. Wonson.
John H. Dunnels.
Francis Procter.
Melvin H. Perkins.
William W. French.
Charles W. Luce.
Charles H. Gamage.
Austin B. Bray.
Erastus Howes.
Ralph Perkins.
Adam P. Stoddart.
Walter F. Osborne.
Archibald N. Donahoe.
Joseph C. Shepherd.
Harvey C. Smith.
David B. Smith.
Nathaniel Maddix, Jr.
William H. Rider.
Alvah Prescott.
George Morse.
George H. Morton.
John C. Pierce.
Dr. Thomas Conant.
Charles F. Wonson.
Charles C. Cressy.
David O. Marshall.
Winfield S. Dennison.
George H. Somes.
Charles W. Crowe.
Michael J. McNeirny.
William T. Merchant.
Charles A. Mason.
Charles A. Russell.
Winslow L. Webber.
John E. Thurston.
OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
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William H. Jordan.
H. C. Taft.
Howard Smith.
Jonas H. French.
Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
John A. Hawson.
William A Homans, Jr.
B. Frank Ellery.
Benjamin F. Cook.
Percy W. Wheeler.
F. S. Thompson.
Maurice F. Foley.
Charles S. Tappan.
Wilmot A. Reed.
James R. Pringle.
Edward S. Currier.
John S. Dolliver.
John J. Somes.
Howard Haskell.
William D. Lufkin.
John K. Dustin, Jr.
John Mclaughlin.
Edward Dolliver.
George H. Procter.
Benj. W. Smith.
George W. Quinn.
Samuel W. Brown.
Philip Mooney.
Warren A. Bennett.
Horatio Babson.
Addison P. Burnham.
Other Committees.
BONFIRE, SALUTES AND BELL RINGING.
IN addition to the firework display off the harbor, planned on Friday evening, on the Tuesday evening, August 23, an immense bonfire was lighted on Point Hill, East Gloucester. Several hundred tar barrels had been generously given by Leonard A. Burnham, Esq., and these had been so built up that when the torch was applied a very brilliant display was given which was seen for miles around.
A distinctive feature of each day's celebration was the ringing of the bells and the firing of the national salute at morning, noon, and night. Every church and school-house bell on old Cape Ann rang out its merry greeting, and from Stage Fort Park a detail of Battery A, M. V. M., Boston, fired the national salute. After the arrival of the war ships, their guns, joined with the battery guns, made merry music heard for many, many miles around.
The committee in charge of these matters were : -
Erastus Howes. Clarence E. Richardson. William F. Ireland. Sargent S. Day.
William J. Maddocks. Edward A. Story. E. Gilbert Winchester. Sidney Gardner.
FLOWER COMMITTEE.
The committee intrusted with the floral decorations needed at the big tent for the literary exercises, and at the City Hall for the banquet and the ball, had no easy task. They well performed their duties, for the display of flowers and plants and green at each place was magnifi- cently arranged, receiving the well deserved praise of the public. Mrs. Thomas Conant was chairman of the committee, and she was ably assisted by her associate members on the committee.
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS.
The arrangements for the accommodations of the representatives of the Press from out of town were in the hands of a competent com-
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mittee. A large room in Ferguson Block was fitted for them and the local papers in addition extended every courtesy. The committee were : --
Francis Procter. George W. Scott. James R. Pringle.
Sidney F. Haskell.
Walter F. Osborne.
THE COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS.
The Committee on Invitations had no easy task. They were the first to organize and get to work. In addition to the engrossed invita- tion sent to Gloucester, England, and New Gloucester, Maine, they had charge of the invitations to distinguished guests. For this they had to exercise unusual care and tact ; that no one should be denied an invi- tation whose national or State reputation entitled him to recognition. Moreover, they issued an invitation especially to the absent sons and daughters of old Gloucester, " as one of Gloucester's absent children-that you should return and make merry with those still living here." For this, especial efforts were made to reach as many as possible, and it is a fact that quite thirty-five hundred of the invitations were sent out. It is a safe assertion that the recipients of these were much touched, and many a chord of homesickness was awakened in the absent son or daughter's heart. Fully one third of those receiving this invitation returned home at the time of the celebration and enjoyed more than words can picture the stirring events of that week.
Besides these invitations, a most artistic souvenir program was issued which found ready sale, and will long be treasured as a pleasant reminder of the celebration.
The souvenir badges also came under their care and were most artistic in design.
The committee were : --
John J. Somes.
Fred W. Tibbets.
William W. French.
Asa G. Andrews.
Edward Dolliver.
D. Somes Watson.
Charles P. Thompson.
Jonas H. French.
William A. Pew.
John Corliss.
William E. Russell.
George H. Procter.
Addison P. Wonson.
Henry Center.
CLOUCE
ER, AL.
1642-1892.
OF GLOUCESTER
CITY * The honor of your presence is respectfully desired on Wednes- SETTLED! SSS 1873 INCOY CORPORA 01023) day, Thursday and Friday the 24th, COR. 1047 25th and 26th of August 1892, at the celebration of the 250th ANNIVERSARY of the Incorporation of the Town of Gloucester. You are cordially invited as a guest of the citizens of Gloucester to participate in the ceremonies of the occasion.
Osa S-audiena John Somed
Millian et Jeux,
William W Feray IS Some Patron Siema Caution George dePro Procter Edward Dellivam
Audison . Nousou Fred. It Vibiste.
Committee on Invitations.
:
COPY OF GUESTS' INVITATION.
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OF THE TOWN OF GLOUCESTER, MASS.
OTHER COMMITTEES.
The work of the other committees was also well attended to. Space permits only a brief reference at this time. The music committee, of which Mr. W lliam A. Homans, Jr., was chairman, was in charge of the music for all the different exercises and events. . Mr. Homans, himself an enthusiastic musician, spared neither time nor labor in bring- ing together the different musical organizations and in getting every- thing into shape. The committee on carriages, of which Mr. George W. Quinn was chairman, had a great deal of hard work to do and did it well, and the same can be said of the committee on halls and tent, and that on construction. To the chief executive officers of the cele- brat on and of the city words of highest praise are due. Mr. William H. Jordan, president of the celebration, chairman of the Executive Committee, and chief marshal of the parade, brought to his varied duties executive ability of the highest order, and enthusiasm that knew no fatigue. He allowed nothing to intefere with the success of the celebration, and the result richly repaid his untiring effort. The same can truthfully be said of Mr. Francis Procter, the secretary of the celebration and the executive committee. Born and bred in Gloucester, as senior editor of the oldest Gloucester paper he had always believed in Gloucester and worked the hardest for her welfare.
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