USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Old-time Fairhaven; erstwhile Eastern New Bedford, Volume I > Part 25
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CHAPTER XXIV
Celebrations
Celebration of 1812. - Fourth of July has been celebrated by the inhabitants of Fairhaven since its incorporation on February 22, 1812. Near the bridge, (the present one, built in 1828) at the Head- of-the-River, a dinner was served at Amos Pratt's tavern, previous to which patriotic exercises were held at the Meeting House in celebration of Fairhaven's first Fourth, and its incorporation as a town earlier in that year.
Celebration of 1813. - Below we present a description of the second Fourth of July celebration as forwarded to The Daily Mercury in the form of an anonymous communication, under the date of June 29, 1858.
"Dear Editor, The morning of July 4, 1813 was one of intense anxiety as well as of interest to a large portion of our' townsmen. The anxious votaries of the Fourth seemed impatient from the first instant that marked the demise of the old and ushered in the new day. Accordingly, at midnight, our old and only bell whose notes had stirred the blood of veterans of an earlier and more sanguinary war, broke in with sonorous peals on the calm, conse- crated hour of midnight, and as ominous of coming events, no more sleep for the night proved our allotment. At early dawn, the roar of cannon and the crack of musketry occupied the interval until within a few minutes of sunrise, when a full salute from the old battery at Fort Point (rebuilt on the site of that of 1776) and the simultaneous display of the national flag closed the morning. cere- monials. The calm character of the morning seemed to soothe the rather subsiding elements of the mind, which as a general feature was intensely excited. The various flags hung idly at their several posts, and it was not until late in the morning that a breeze sprang up of sufficient force to develop their true character and position ; when, lo! to the consternation of all, and to the no trivial dis- comfiture of the War party, the flags of three ships were observed, hoisted half-mast. This new and unlooked-for exigency called for the most prompt and decisive action. The leading men of that day who sustained the administration, felt that the act was, most unmis- takably an insult. They felt it individually ; they felt it nationally,
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and it was most apparent that the intensity of feeling was up to its white-heat of excitement and that the issue would be most apparent, unless conciliatory measures were at once adopted. To this intent, an interview was had with the commanding officer at the Fort, and it was decided that the owners of ships be directed to hoist their flags mast-head high, or strike them altogether; else to abide the consequences. Stephen Merrihew drafted the document, embodying the sentiment above, and Robert Taber was the bearer of the des- patch. The mission was successful, and the flags were taken down within the limits of the time set, and order, tranquillity and joy returned. The great field tent was reared, and roast lamb, green peas and cherry puddings, with 'mirth and wine,' did abound. Such, in Fairhaven, was the 4th of July 1813."
Celebration of 1821. - On July 4, 1821, the day was celebrated at Fairhaven. As a part of the program, an oration was delivered by William Bates, Esq., and a large number of citizens partook of a public dinner. This oration, in printed form, was for sale at the leading bookstores.
Celebration of 1823. - We have described the celebration of the Fourth of July of 1813. Ten years later Fairhaven was as en- thusiastic as ever. The Mercury gives us the story of the celebra- tion of 1823, as follows :- "In Fairhaven the approach of day was announced by a salute of 24 guns; which was repeated at noon. About 12 o'clock, a procession formed at Mr. Dabney's Hotel, and proceeded to the meeting house, escorted by the New Bedford Light Infantry Company under the command of Lieut. Washburn. The services commenced by singing from a full choir. After a prayer, the Rev. Mr. Gould delivered an able and pertinent discourse from Luke VII-5, 'For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a syna- gogue.' The procession again formed and proceeded to the Green where a large company partook of a dinner provided by the com- mittee of the Day. After the cloth was removed, the Declaration of Independence was read by Charles H. Warren, Esq., and the following Toasts were given :- 1st. 'The ever memorable 4th of July 1776-May the monument of that day remain unsullied, until the earth shall be swept away by hand of time.' 2d. 'The United States -May they ever remain as they were declared to be in 1776, free, sovereign, and independent.' 3d. 'The President of the United States.' 4th. 'The Governor of Massachusetts.' 5th. 'The Union of the States-the pillar of our independence-may it be perpetual.' 6th. 'The memory of those who fell in defense of our freedom-may
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their honor live with the blessing their valor purchased.' 7th. 'The memory of our beloved Washington.' 8th. 'The pursuit of Industry -Manufactures, Commerce and Agriculture.' 9th. 'The true Ameri- can Spirit in which party feelings are buried in common interest.' 10th. 'The right of Universal suffrage-May it ever remain inviolate from the foul touch of aristocracy and unaffected by the influence of office.' 11th. 'John Quincy Adams-The virtuous and enlightened Statesman-may he be our next President.' 12th. 'Spain- May the invaders of its soil meet with defeat and disgrace in their efforts to destroy the seeds of liberty.' 13th. 'The American Fair.' Volunteers. By Eli Haskell, Esq., President of the day-'Education, the surest safeguard of Republican principles.' By Capt. Luther Wilson, Vice- President,-'The citizens of Fairhaven-May the uniting which prevails among them this day, be perpetual.' By Captain William Gordon, 'The Constitution of the United States-May it be the center of our laws, and the circumference of our liberties.' By Lieut. Washburn, of the New Bedford Light Infantry, 'The citizens of Fairhaven - May their prosperity equal their hospitality.' By Levi Jenney, Esq., 'The tree of Liberty-May its branches extend over the habitable world, and all nations partake of its fruits.' By Dr. Southworth, 'The village of Fairhaven early consecrated to liberty by the inglorious flight from its soil of British mercenaries before the sons of freedom.' By Mr. William LeBaron, 'The ex- ports of the United States-And may her enemies be the first.' By William E. P. Rogers, 'The Fair Sex of Fairhaven-May their virtues ever equal their beauty.'" Such was the celebration of the Fourth of July in Fairhaven in 1823.
Celebration of 1857. - Ninety years ago, that is, in 1857, events were happening, that the present generation, I am sure, would like to have duplicated, if they have the enthusiasm of the left-overs of past generations. It was the lively celebration of the Fourth of July of that year. We read in the newspapers of the day : "Camp Scott, upon Pope's Island, is nearly ready for the re- ception of the Military. All the tents were pitched last night (Thurs- day, July 2d) under the efficient direction of Col. T. Ingraham. They consist of 64 tents for private soldiers, 13 tents for noncommissioned officers, and five marquees for Company officers, all the property of the Commonwealth, besides which there are seven marquees be- longing to the New Bedford City Guards. The mammoth dinner tent, hired for the occasion from Boston, is 110 x 80 feet, and will seat at least 600 persons."
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The tollkeeper at the Fairhaven bridge stated that from Friday evening to Monday evening about 20,000 persons passed through the gate to visit Camp Scott. Tolls were received from 16,000 per- sons.
An intensely exciting whaleboat race took place, from the bridge down the harbor, by the east passage around Palmer's Island, a course of two and three quarters miles. A procession was on the program, in which the firemen and societies in general participated. The paramount event was the balloon ascension, so eagerly awaited by both young and old.
In our youth, we witnessed the beautiful sight of the incoming and outgoing yacht squadrons, but in this year of which we speak, the great, gala day was August 13th. It was then that the Regatta of the New York Yacht Squadron took place, the most brilliant and successful affair, it was pronounced, ever witnessed in our waters. About 8 o'clock the yachts weighed anchor. The Island Home, having the Nantucket Brass Band on board and about 275 passengers, arrived at a quarter past nine and sailed down to the starting point, followed or accompanied by a numerous fleet of vessels of all kinds. The Eagle's Wing which was crowded with passengers, left the wharf at a quarter past ten, followed by the Island Home, the Ferryboat Union, and the Brig Galveston in tow of the Spray. The description continues :- "As we went down the harbor a most beautiful spectacle was presented by the yacht fleet at anchor, with all sail set, below Palmer's Island. Several hundred carriages were lined up on the Point Road. The wind was fresh and the water rough. Off they started for the goal. Boats and the waterfront, in contradistinction to vehicles and the crowded thoroughfares, were the attractions of former days.
Celebration of 1858. - Here we have a partial account con- cerning the celebration of the Fourth of July 1858. Money was raised by subscription to pay for the ringing of the bells of the various church buildings, at sunrise, at noon and at sundown. The bells sounded at those three periods. Moreover, at Wood's Grove, about a half mile from Fairhaven Village, the Contest Engine Company, Number 3, held a picnic, attended by invited guests to the number of several hundred. Among other exercises, Dr. At- wood read a poem written for the occasion.
Celebration of 1861. - "CELEBRATION IN FAIRHAVEN. The anniversary of Washington's birthday was celebrated in Fair- haven village yesterday, Friday, February 22, 1861, in an appropriate
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manner. At 12 M. the bells were rung, and at 4 p. m. a National salute was fired from the Fort. A meeting was held in the evening at Phoenix Hall which was crowded to suffocation. The hall was decorated with the portrait of Washington, and our national flag with thirty-four stars. Horace Scott, Esq. called the meeting to order, and presented the following list for officers of the meeting, which was enthusiastically adopted. For President, William G. Soule; Vice-Presidents, Elbridge G. Morton, George Atwood, E. R. Sawin, B. Ewer, Jr., George F. Tripp, James V. Cox, William Irish, Lemuel Akin, Noah Stoddard, George H. Taber, James Tripp, 2d., John S. Taber; Secretaries, Job C. Tripp, Seth H. Keith." Rev. J. B. Willard offered prayer. Then followed an address by the President. Music was interspersed throughout the program. Horace Scott read Washington's Farewell Address. At the close of the public meeting, a levee was held at the house of Horace Scott, Esq. where a delighted company exchanged congratulations and were most hospitably entertained by the accomplished and liberal host and hostess until the small hours crept stealthily on when they separated, every person repaired to his home highly gratified with all the exercises of the occasion.
Celebration of 1876. - When the oldest citizens were in their youth, circus tents were pitched on Pope's Island. The three per- formance rings, the circumferences of which were made of sod, could be seen from season to season. Mr. Enos F. Joseph, alias Enos Joseph Frates, was agent for Barnum & Bailey's circus in 1887. In September, 1875, fire destroyed the property of Mr. Enos Jo- seph and the Standard carried the following :- "STEAM POWER. We are informed that at the fire in Fairhaven, yesterday, the steam fire engine after exhausting one water supply, was moved to another by the aid of a yoke of oxen. September 18, 1875." The lads of that day did not forget the episode, and on the following Fourth of July, the authorities were reminded of their lack of foresight, as we shall read: - "THE FOURTH IN FAIRHAVEN. (Tuesday, 1876) The Fourth was celebrated, in Fairhaven, in a very pompous manner, it being ushered in by the small boys in the shape of crackers, etc. The event of the day took place soon after. At 5 o'clock a company of antiques and horribles, or rather a company of fun provokers, to the number of about sixty, paraded the town in all sorts of make-ups, such as were seldom, if ever, heard of before. The procession was joined by a tin band from New Bedford, twenty-four pieces, drawn in Charles Gray's large wagon, but as
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the musicians were somewhat exhausted from previous efforts, they retired from the field at an early hour.
Among the most noticeable features of the procession was a fire engine, painted red, drawn by the identical bulls which did so nobly at a recent fire there a short time since ; it was a good reminder of that occasion. It was a representation of the manner in which that fire was so promptly attended to. Upon the sides of the engine, painted in large white letters :- 'FAIRHAVEN No. 100;' the fore- man of the company carried a sword of huge dimensions.
Another caricature which excited considerable attention was that of an old tumble-down, covered carriage which had probably seen considerable service, as also had the horse, bearing the words: -'SLACK MEN OF FAIRHAVEN, FALL IN,' 'FAIRHAVEN POLICE ON DUTY AGAIN.' An old carriage, design of '76,' in which were drawn the Mayor of Fairhaven and his wife, and the orator of the day. Theophilus Skemmerhorn, drew from the excited crowd continued applause.
At the Four Corners, the 'Declipendence of Indignation' was read. The Fairhaven Artillery, bearing a large tin cannon with all the necessary equipments for war, was another good feature. During the reading of the 'Declipendence of Indignation,' a son of Obed Eldridge was considerably bruised by a horse belonging to one of the marshals of the procession, the animal backing and throwing him off on a street horse (used to prevent carriage passing) upon a pile of stones."
Celebration of 1877. - The exuberance of youth in days of yore was always manifested on the Fourth of July. Concerning the Fourth, in 1877, we quote The Daily Evening Standard: "The young men resolved that Independence Day. should not pass with- out a fitting observance, and a procession of Antiques and Horribles, early in the morning, was supplemented later in the day by a Fire- men's procession and a grand clambake.
The Antiques and Horribles, under the marshalship of Mr. Thomas Taber, assisted by several aids, all mounted, rendezvoused on Union wharf, and moved at 5:30 o'clock, A. M., and although the weather was unpropitious, with showers, made an excellent show, eclipsing many similar Horrible processions in much larger places. The procession was headed by the Woman Suffrage Band, about 25 pieces, with 'silver plated' instruments, and a drum corps and drum major, the members of the band being accoutred in fe- male costume, representing the styles of all ages, from the biggest sized tilting hoops to the latest and tightest pull-backs, and bonnets
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of all conceivable makes from the amplest sugar scoops to the jauntiest modern hat.
Then came the Antiques and Horribles on foot, dressed in all manners of inconceivable and outre costumes, which must have racked the brains of the wearers.
Following, were chariots in ye ancient style, drawn by vener- able steeds; one containing occupants who displayed a placard announcing that white-washing was taken in; another, with two men, one of whom was tending a baby (the mother probably being a member of the band) ; still another had a man and woman (?) and numerous children, with hen-coop in rear with the announcement that when we get married trouble begins ; and a wagon loaded with all manners of traps which were announced for sale. Whale boat Oxford on a truck drawn by three horses tandem, was manned by jolly sons of Neptune, evidently in full pursuit of the monster of the deep, the mariner officiating as boatsteerer having his hands full in keeping his craft on the right course. On the sides were numerous placards, telling bits of both a personal and general character.
A stately bull which drew a cart had his head decorated with flowers. The line of march was up Union street to Middle, Wash- ington, Main, Lafayette, Oxford, Main, Bridge, Privilege, Main, Church, Fort and William, Spring, Walnut, Union, Green, Wash- ington, Laurel and Center to the Four Corners, and Water and Union streets to the headquarters, where it was dismissed.
At the store of Ruel Washburn, at Oxford village, the weary disciples of Momus were regaled with lemonade. Mr. Washburn's store was profusely trimmed with bunting, and the stars and stripes were displayed at other points.
A large number of spectators were along the line of march, quite a number of people going over from this city, and all expressed themselves highly delighted at the success of the whole affair, a large measure of which is due to Mr. Nathaniel P. Fish, who was the prime mover in getting it up.
In the afternoon, a clambake, under the auspices of Relief En- gine Company, No. 5, was opened in George H. Taber's orchard, Oxford village. At 11 A. M. the Hancock Company of Acushnet village arrived at No. 5's house, and both companies paraded through a number of streets to Contest Engine Company's house. Both the Hancock and Contest were guests of the Relief, and the three companies, numbering eighty men, countermarched, escorted
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by the Fairhaven Drum Corps, to the orchard, arriving at one P. M. At three P. M. the bake was opened, and the firemen and their friends enjoyed a most excellent clam dinner.
The last feature of the day, in Fairhaven, was a tub race which took place near the fish market of Horace L. Wood, foot of Railroad wharf, the contestants being boys, the youngest 13 years of age, and the oldest 16. Wallace B. Rose, Samuel Hardy, Arthur Francis and George Delano (one report included Joseph Delano) entered for the race.
A gold dollar was offered for the first prize, a silver half dollar for the second, and a leather medal for the one making the poorest time. At 3:30 o'clock, Mr. Seth H. Keith set them agoing, but be- fore George Delano had gone far, his tub floated from under him, and he finished his race by swimming. Three of the tubs measured 211/2 inches across the top, and the other one 22 inches. The dis- tance traversed was 104 feet, Master Wallace B. Rose making it in one minute, Arthur Francis, five seconds later, and Samuel Hardy in one minute and fifty-five seconds. Some 200 people enjoyed the aquatic sport, which was very amusing.
The National flag was displayed at various places in the town, and the citizens may congratulate themselves on the happy manner in which Independence Day was celebrated in Fairhaven."
Celebration of 1878. - Let us interest ourselves, for a mo- ment, in the self-reliant boys of '78 - boys who had their fun without any young-age assistance, as we shall see. We glean the account from the Daily Standard, finding that the Fourth of July was celebrated by the wide-awake lads of that period, as follows :- "FAIRHAVEN. The National Anniversary of Independence, de- clared a century ago, was observed in this town, although no appropriations were made. The youth and energy of the place have determined, year after year, to go on with their manner of cele- bration, and yesterday (the 4th), at early morn, the aged and anxious were aroused by the noisy demonstrations, the explosions of crackers, and firing of rifles. Upon many of the buildings bunting was liberally put out, and the town made a gala appearance. The first feature of the day's excitement was the arming of the Ancient Order of Invincibles marshalled by Hon. Bumfroze Muttonhead. At their headquarters, a large number of people were in waiting, looking at each grotesque character as it came along to fill the ranks.
Although a much larger number had volunteered, the ranks were quite thin. At 5:30 the body took up the line of march through
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ـشبه مجمدة
Henry H. Rogers' Summer Residence - Erected in 1895
Proctor House - First House in the Twenty-Acre Purchase
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the following streets :- Union, Middle, Washington, Main, Lafayette, Cherry, Oxford, Main, Church, Fort, William, Center, Green, Washington, William and Center streets to the Four-Corners.
The Sons of Momus were headed by a band of trumpeters evidently acquainted with tin-ware, and modulated the latest melody, 'Whoa, Emma.'
The orator of the day, accompanied by a few personal friends, followed on, conveyed in a vehicle of much ancient wear, with a fine specimen of the bovine species in the shafts. The following beautiful and personal allusion prominently appeared upon the distinquished carriage - 'Rose buds from the Croakers' Club. One horse has no Hitch in the harness, no Tarr on his heel, as we were Bourne on our trip to the cannon's loud peal. Within is riding the poet Bryden.'
In succession came a troupe of Warm Spring Indians, followed by a box cart with an inscription saying it contained the only live man in Fairhaven. Another contained the parents of George Washington, with the infant George cradled behind on a two-wheeled gear, with a huge jug labelled 'gruel.' George's nurse was also in company with his parents, aged 1776 years. On this breech-loading team was inscribed, 'Washington, the chap that fit for his country.' 'We ain't in debt this year.'
On the return of the procession, a halt was made at the corner of Main and Center streets, where the orator disposed his friends, and in Ethiopian dialect commenced to diffuse upon the moral tendency of the times, the manuscript of which we were unable to obtain owing to the Fishy element guarding the disposition of the orator, Mr. William Bryden.
At about 11 o'clock the Taunton Steam Fire Engine Company, Charles Albro,' William Swan, foreman, arrived at the house of Contest, No. 3, and shortly after, Relief, No. 5, accompanied by the Fairhaven Brass Band. After partaking of refreshments in the house of No. 3, there was a cry of 'order' from the boys. Fore- man Swan of the 'Charles Albro,' in a felicitous speech expressing fraternal feeling and good will, presented, in behalf of his Company, to Contest, No. 3, an elegant and elaborate silver badge for the foreman; (the badge will be on exhibition for a few days at Snow's drug store. )
This delighted the members of No. 3, and with light hearts the three Companies formed in column, and paraded through the streets, to Peckham's Grove, which adjoins Riverside Cemetery. The fire
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laddies were all in full uniform, looked fine, and marched well, Relief, No. 5, J. C. Omey, foreman, executing wheels and marching movements with great precision and steadiness. All three Companies were much admired by the ladies who thronged the streets through which they passed. The clambake to which they gathered in Peck- ham's Grove, well sustained Mr. Sherman's skill in such matters, and won encomiums from the three hundred hungry folks who partook. After disposing of the clams, etc., the firemen played ball, but owing to the well-known quieting effect of clams, the game was not a very vigorous one. Dancing was indulged in, and the boys and their friends enjoyed themselves in the grove until 7 o'clock.
In the evening there was some show of fireworks along the river shore. While enjoying the display, a young lady who teaches better things in the Grammar school, fell overboard, and received a good wetting and a rescue.
Picnics were very much in vogue this year ; parties went from Fairhaven to Rochester and Great Hill in excursion wagons, and to the woods and rocks in vicinity of Fort Phoenix in carriages, wagons, and boats."
Yes, those were the days - days when the newspapers told us this :- "FAIRHAVEN. There is a prospect that taxes will be less than nine dollars a thousand, in Fairhaven, this year (1878.)"
CHAPTER XXV Jingles and Poetry
In THE STAR, Vol. 1, No. 2, printed in February, 1879, we find :
TOWN MEETING DAY
Town Meeting day is coming, Will soon be here, they say, Affairs will be at fever heat, "Be aisy now," we pray.
Be moderate in your estimates,
B'e careful what you say, Folks DO get SO excited, Upon Town Meeting day.
"Hard times" the cry of everyone, "Our taxes should be low," That all may pay, and happy be, As through life's path they go.
No summons greet them from the C,
No Roland at the door,
To take them up if they don't pay The Tax Collector's score.
So be moderate in your estimates,
Be careful what you say, And don't get too excited, Upon Town Meeting day.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC
On July twenty-fourth, eighteen hundred eighty-five The Fairhaven M. E. Church concluded to derive Some pleasure from a picnic for all the girls and boys, With great anticipation of unalloyed joys.
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