USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > The book of the three hundredth anniversary observance of the foundation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony at Cape Ann in 1623 and the fiftieth year of the incorporation of Gloucester as a city > Part 23
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years to reach its goal, but it won't take nearly so long, I am sure for the good ship, Shamrock, to win its victory. I do not know ex- actly what the significance of the several prizes may be. I noticed that Sir Thomas Lipton presented a trophy and Col. Prentiss pre- sented a cup. Perhaps there is no special significance in that dis- tinction. I have a duty assigned to me tonight, to present a third prize, neither a trophy or a cup. The recipient of this prize has many trophies and is already the holder of an international cup. It would not have been fair for him to monopolize the trophies and cups of Gloucester. But I am sure that every man and woman in Gloucester, remembering the great victory which 'Marty' Welch brought to Glou- cester two years ago, will be very glad to know that there is a prize here for 'Marty' Welch, which with very little difficulty he can trans- form into a cup or trophy, or for that matter, into something to put into the cup, if he so desires. I present to 'Marty' Welch a check for $800."
Capt. Welch, arising : "Mr. Andrew, I thank you."
Mr. Ferguson :
"I could not but help thinking several times during the present week, how fortunate we were to have a man of the type of Wm. J. MacInnis, in the driver's seat during the celebration. He attended every function, every celebration, day and night and morning, on every occasion bringing credit and honor to our city and I think every one here this evening may justly feel proud of Mayor MacInnis. It is now my pleasure to present his honor, Mayor Wm. J. MacInnis."
The Mayor spoke as follows :
"Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen: It's a very happy privi- lege to be here this evening with this splendid gathering on this very nice occasion. This is the climax of a very wonderful celebration and a very fitting climax to the celebration in that the event which we celebrate to a large extent the settlement of 300 years ago was by fishermen and the end of the celebration today is by fishermen three centuries later. The fishermen at the beginning and the end. Gloucester owes I might say all that she is to the fishermen of the three centuries and I think that I speak modestly when I say that the fishermen of today represent the fishermen of 300 years and are typical of the splendid men whose contributions made Glouces- ter what she is. I am very happy to bring to you tonight the greet- ings of all the people of Gloucester and to say to you for the part that you have performed 'well done, good and faithful men of Gloucester.' The Mayor has been the recipient of many tributes of praise which do not belong to him but as sometimes it is necessary for him to take the blame which does not belong to him it is often true that he receives praise for things that he does not deserve. I want to disabuse the minds of every one here in thinking that I have done anything very wonderful in this celebration. I want to call at- tention to those who have received very little of the limelight and
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have given of their time and strength to make this celebration a success. The chief of these sits in humility in yonder corner, Charles Homer Barrett and I say three cheers for him. On my left, Harold H. Parsons the untiring secretary who has worked many months. Let's all three cheers for our secretary. And the chairman of this occasion. I had some experience once in managing a fisher- men's race. I can sympathize with anyone who takes the leadership. I want to say right here that you have had a leader who has done good work and you have heard him this evening. I want to call for three cheers for Kenneth Ferguson, chairman of the fishermen's race committee. I could go through a long list that are typical of the people of Gloucester. I think I am modest when I say there isn't a slacker in Gloucester. I am going to call attention tonight to a friend of mine, a man who has originated and carried through the wonderful pageant of the past two nights who is deserving of praise. Let's give credit where credit is due. Let's rise and give three cheers for Jim Pringle. He has brought honor to Gloucester.
Someone wanted to know why the Elizabeth Howard has done so well in today's race. Not because Ben Pine sailed her but did you know that the Mayor of Gloucester was on the Elizabeth Howard? Not I! But his honor, the Mayor of Gloucester, New Jersey. Three cheers for the Hon. James McNally. I say as the Scotchman says to Mr. McNally, long may your chimney smoke. I want to say in clos- ing as I said in the beginning that this is a very happy privilege to be here tonight. I want to say that the people appreciate anything that you may have done in these three days. Of course each com- mittee thinks his is the most important feature of the celebration but I know of nothing that typifies Gloucester as the fishermen's race and to get Captains Clayton Morrissey, Ben Pine, and Marty Welch together in three boats with the men who surround them here I tell you is a very splendid thing. And I want to wish you and all the people of Gloucester prosperity and happiness and hope that some day we may be here if not on the 600th anniversary on the 400th anniversary."
Mr. Ferguson, arising, continued :
"Now, boys, three cheers for our mayor. When death came to our beloved chairman, Fred W. Tibbets, this celebration was like a ship without a rudder. To him is due the credit and the success of this celebration and my only regret is that he is not with us to appre- ciate it. At that time it was very apparent that we must have a very strong and well-liked leader to carry through to a successful termination and our genial friend, Homer Barrett accepted the great responsibility and I do not have to tell you of the wonderful success that he has made of it. It is my great privilege and pleasure to pre- sent the Hon. Homer Barrett, the next speaker. Three cheers for Homer Barrett."
Mr. Barrett spoke as follows :
"Mr. Chairman :- Had I known that this was to be a banquet tendered here tonight in honor of the captains and crews of the
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INSERT --
THE SCHOONER "SHAMROCK," WINNER OF THIRD PRIZE IN ANNIVERSARY FISHERMAN'S RACE. CAPT. "MARTY" WELCH, HER SAILING MASTER
Capt. Welch Was Master of the Schooner "Esperanto," Winner of the First in the Series of Races for the International Fisherman's Trophy
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vessels I would have endeavored to be present in the proper manner and had some remarks prepared to say to this gathering. I came here tonight not knowing just what was to take place. I supposed that it was to be merely a get-together, a little smoke talk, buffet lunch, or something of that kind but, nevertheless, getting the word as late as I did I felt that it was my duty to come here and pay my respects to the captains and crews of those vessels who had the courage after two disappointments to go out and be willing to chance it today even if the weather did not look favorable, and so I have simply come here tonight to assure you that as chairman of this committee I appreciate what you have done to make this affair a success. One of the greatest assets to our celebration at the be- ginning was this fishermen's race. I have had more people make inquiries in regard to it than any other feature on the program. It was too bad that we could not have had the wind that would have lifted the fog on Monday, August 27, so that we might have had the race as was originally intended. Let me say that I personally am glad the celebration is over. No one man made this celebration, no ten men made this celebration. A great deal of credit of this cele- bration is due to many men who have done their part in making this celebration a success. The executive committee, every member of it, worked hard and diligently in order to carry out their individual part of the program. Many of the men have already been mentioned and I can only say that I second the motion of the chairman in prais- ing some of the men who are here tonight who have done so much to make this celebration a success. I am proud of the mayor. He has done a wonderful trick. He has left a name and the people of Gloucester and the people who have gone away, our guests, all say that he has done well. Col. Prentiss, we appreciate what he has done. I do and everyone else of the executive committee appreciates him. No man is perhaps more deserving of praise than Harold H. Parsons. I know what he has gone through and how much he has worked, but as I said before all that have been on the committees, especially the ex- ecutive committee, have done a great deal and are deserving of praise. And without the cooperation of the people of Gloucester the won- derful celebration would not have been possible. The people of Gloucester were back of this celebration and if they say today, as I think they do, not only in Gloucester but in other parts of the state, that this celebration was a success, then I feel that I am well repaid for what I have done. And these are all the honors that I want and all the honors that I ask for."
Mr. Ferguson, concluding :
"We are always so glad to have with us the men and ships of the Navy. I am sorry to say that we have not had as many ships with us this summer as we would liked to have had, and I believe that I am expressing the sentiment of the great majority of our citizens when I say that men of the Navy, we want to see your ships in our harbor often. You have done much to assist in making this celebra- tion a success in patroling the course, taking out guests, in fact in
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innumerable ways in which you have assisted us, and at this time I am going to call on the last speaker of the evening Capt. Green- slade, to respond for the Navy. Now boys, everybody three cheers for the Navy."
Capt. Greenslade arising after the applause had subsided, said :
"Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, especially the captains and crews of those three splendid ships that have sailed this week :- It might almost be said with truth at this party, that iron ships and wooden men have not much standing in this community of wooden ships and iron men. However some of us have gone to sea in ships. I myself have been a yard arm man for nine months on a square rigger. Regardless of what we go to sea on, we speak the same language and think alike, and we of the Navy see you in here in a yacht race, but out there look on your work with sympathy and understanding. I can only say further that I wish the whole Navy had been here today to see your work and say with me 'Well sailed'."
DEDICATION OF CENTENNIAL AVENUE ATHLETIC FIELD
MEET OF THE N. E. A. A. U. GREAT SUCCESS DESPITE THE RAIN-FOUR NEW RECORDS ESTABLISHED
A S indicated in the introduction the curtain raiser to the celebration was the track and field championship meet of the New England Association of the Amateur Athletic Union, on Saturday afternoon, August 25.
It served a four-fold purpose, the dedication of the athletic field on Centennial avenue, just completed, the deciding of the New England champions for 1923, the selection of a team for the national championships at Chicago, held the following week and the opening feature of the Tercentenary celebration.
The contestants comprised the cream of the amateur athletes of New England and some 5000 people assembled to witness the contest.
Shortly after the meet began rain drenched the entire as- semblage but this severe handicap did not prevent sharp contests and the lowering of four records.
At three o'clock the formal dedication of the field took place. Mayor MacInnis hoisted the national ensign to the truck of the new flagstaff, the Fifth United States Infantry band played the national anthem, the big crowd arising with bared heads during this impressive ceremony.
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The outstanding star of the day was Fred D. Tootell, of Bowdoin, under the colors of the B. A. A. who shattered two weight records, throwing the 16 pound hammer and the 56 pound weight. These latter events were held on the Bridge street oval on account of the dense crowds. Tootell outdid himself. A mighty heave of 172 feet with the 16 pound ball smashed his own record of 1922 by the wide margin of 22 feet. That he was in his top form was evident later when he hurled the 56 pound weight 35 feet, one and a half inches beating the record of 31 feet, 2 inches made in 1916 by William Lynch.
"Pep" Clarke of the Dorchester club reduced the record in the three mile walk by more than two minutes his time being 23 minutes and 41 seconds.
The new era of sex equality was exemplified athletically by the entrance of women contestants and it remained for the girls to establish the fourth new record. This was accomplished by Miss Lillian Duncan of Cambridge who ran 60 yards in 8 4-5 seconds, the previous record of 9 seconds being by Marcella Donovan, of the Ladies Soccer club in 1922. In the 60 yard hurdles Miss Edna Forsell of South Boston equalled the N. E. A. A. U. record established in 1922. The time was 10 2-5 seconds.
To William Moore, the Harvard miler, chairman of the athletic committee, and his staff of assistants, was this successful opening of the celebration due.
The summary :
100 yards dash-Semi-final heats-First heat won by E. F. Hor- mel, B. A. A .; Ben Bowser, Lynn, second. Time, 10 4-5 seconds.
Second heat-Won by E. S. Dudley, B. A. A .; Alfred DeWitt, Community A. A., second. Time, 11 seconds.
Third heat-Won by A. J. Plansky, Pere Marquette, K. C .; A. West, B. A. A., second. Time, 11 1-5 seconds.
100 yards dash-Final heat-Won by Ben Bowser, Lynn; E. F. Hormel, B. A. A. second; E. S. Dudley, B. A. A., third. Time, 10 4-5 seconds.
220 yards dash-Semi-finals-First heat won by F. A. Kelly, B. A. A .; E. S. Dudley, B. A. A., second. Time, 22 3-5 seconds.
Second heat-Won by E. F. Hormel, B. A. A .; Bram Stansfield, Boston S. C., second. Time, 22 2-5 seconds.
220 yards dash-Final heat-Won by E. S. Dudley, B. A. A .; E. F. Hormel, B. A. A., second; F. A. Kelly, B. A. A., third. Time, 23 4-5 seconds.
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440 yards run-Won by J. W. Driscoll, B. A. A .; Ray Robertson, B. A. A., second; H. N. Bates, B. A. A., third. Time, 51 seconds.
880 yards run-Won by George M. Marsters, B. A. A .; Alfred Elson, Woburn, second; W. F. Dooley, St. Alphonsus A. A., third. Time, 2 minutes, four seconds.
Mile run-Won by Lloyd Hahn, B. A. A .; Robert Darymple, Dorchester Club, second; Fred Brown, Dorchester Club, third. Time, 4 minutes, 31 seconds.
Five miles run-Won by James Henigan, Dorchester Club; Jos- eph A. Rideout, unattached, second; A. L. Flanders, B. A. A., third. Time, 26 minutes, 51 seconds.
Three miles walk-Won by "Pep" Clarke, Dorchester Club; E. G. Wilson, B. A. A., second; A. W. Bell, Jr., B. A. A., third. Time, 23 minutes, 41 seconds. (A new New England A. A. A. U. record.)
120 yards high hurdles-Won by F. E. Moran, Brattleboro, Vt .; H. H. Hile, B. A. A., second; E. P. Breau, B. A. A., third. Time, 16 4-5 seconds.
220 yards low hurdles-Final heat-Won by J. P. Sullivan, B. Hile, B. A. A .; E. P. Breau, B. A. A., second. Time, 28 3-5 seconds. Second heat-Won by J. P. Sullivan,, B. A. A .; F. E. Moran, Brattleboro, Vt. Time, 29 seconds.
220 yards low hurdles-Final heat-Won by J. P. Sullivan, B. A. A .; F E. Moran, Brattleboro, Vt., second; H. H. Hile, B. A. A ... third. Time, 29 seconds.
Sixteen Pound Shot Put-Won by Charles A. C. Eastman, B. A. A., distance, 44 feet 11 1-2 inches; John C. Lawlor, B. A. A., second, distance, 43 feet, 9 1-2 inches; A. J. Plansky, Pere Marquette, K. C., third, distance, 43 feet, 8 1-2 inches.
Sixteen Pound Hammer Throw-Won by Fred D. Tootell, B. A. A., distance, 172 feet; Ernest W. Brown, Brockton, second, distance, 123 feet; Edward Morrison, Medford, third, distance, 107 feet, 1 inch. (Tootell's mark established a new New England A. A. A. U. record).
Throwing the 56 pound Weight-Won by Fred D. Tootell, B. A. A., distance, 35 feet, 1 1-2 inches; Edward Morrison, Medford, second, distance, 27 feet, 3 inches; John C. Lawler, B. A. A., third, distance, 24 feet, 3 inches. (Tootell's throw established a new New England A. A. A. U. record).
Running high jump-Won by Gail Robinson, B. A. A., height, 5 feet, 11 1-2 inches; Irving H. Smith, Randolph, second, height, 5 feet, 9 1-4 inches; Clarence Flahive, B. A. A., third, height, 5 feet, 8 1-4 inches.
Running broad jump-Won by E. O. Gourdin, Dorchester Club, distance, 21 feet, 7 inches; Albert Rogan, St. Alphonsus A. A., second, distance, 20 feet, 4 inches; Ray Drugan, B. A. A., third, distance, 19 feet, 9 1-2 inches.
Running hop, skip and jump-Won by A. J. Plansky, Pere Mar- quette, K. C., distance, 44 feet, 11 1-2 inches; Ray Drugan, B. A. A., second, distance, 39 feet, 9 1-2 inches; W. J. Marling, Boston S. C., third, distance, 39 feet, 7 1-2 inches.
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For Girls
Sixty yards dash-Won by Lillian Duncan, Cambridge; Esther Spargo, Boston, S. C., second. Time, 8 4-5 seconds. (A new New England A. A. A. U. record.)
Sixty yards hurdles-Won by Edna Forsell, South Boston; Lil- lian Duncan, Cambridge, second; Esther Spargo, Boston S. C., third. Time, 10-2-5 seconds. (Equal New England A. A. A. U. record).
After the meet the championship committee picked the fol- lowing men to compete in the Nationals at Chicago the following week :
Fred D. Tootell, hammer thrower, B. A. A .; A. J. Plansky, Pere Marquette, K. C., hop, step and jump; J. W. Driscoll, B. A. A., 440 yards run; James Henigan, Dorchester Club, five miles run; George Marsters, B. A. A., half mile run; Lloyd Hahn, B. A. A., mile run; E. O. Gourdin, Dorchester Club, broad jump; C. A. C. Eastman, B. A. A., shot put.
THE FISHERIES EXHIBIT
UNIQUE AND INSTRUCTIVE DISPLAY OF FISH PRODUCTS AND ARTICLES PERTAINING TO THE INDUSTRY-MODELS OF FISH- ING CRAFT OF THREE CENTURIES CENTER OF ATTRACTION
"T HE greatest salt fish port in the United States" presented a unique and instructive exposition of this ancient industry in a large tent at Stage Fort.
Here was exhibited and exemplified the various processes by which the cured fish is converted into the various attractive food products which form such a welcome staple in the national dietary together with the models of the various type of fishing craft in which the fishermen have pursued their calling for three centuries. Needless to say it was one of the attractive exhibits of the celebra- tion and the tent was crowded, the greater part of the time, by interested spectators to whom this work was a novelty.
One of the principal features was an exhibit of skinning and packing fish. In the center of the tent was a raised platform on which were placed benches where skilled operatives demon- strated how deftly the cured codfish can be divested of its skin and bones, cut and packed in the neat attractive cartons in which it reaches the consumer.
To accomplish this with expedition is an art that comes only by long training; it is skilled labor, especially the preliminary
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fish skinning. After the fish was skinned it was passed to women operatives who, with pincers, pulled out the bones, the product passing to pressmen who converted it into "bricks" or packed it into cartons and thence into the pine boxes for shipment.
The operation of setting seines and trawls was shown in a glass tank, miniature models of fishing paraphernalia being thus displayed.
In all the international expositions since 1876 the greatest interest has centered in the display of models of fishing craft. These were grouped in an original manner. A practical fisher- man-craftsman, John C. Ehler, of East Gloucester, had made 15 models, fully rigged, from the first ketch of 1623 down to the last model of the clipper of 1923, including the schooner of 1713, the pinky and other types, through the various stages of evolution. These were placed in a "sea" of blue, under full sail, the sails being of carved wood. The background comprised mirrors so placed that more than 100 boats could be counted in the reflec- tions.
In addition there were individual models of all these types including the schooners "Henry Ford," "Mayflower" and others of Tercentenary year design. Models of old square riggers in vogue in the Surinam and East India trade of the early part of the nineteenth century were also included. The beam trawler, the latest innovation in the American fishing fleet, was shown in a model of the "Pioneer" from the Frank C. Pearce Company.
An outstanding feature in this remarkable exhibit was the 16 foot dory "Centennial" in which Capt. Alfred Johnson of this port, when 29 years old, crossed the water in 1876, in 68 days from Gloucester to Liverpool, England. In attendance was Capt. Johnson himself, who accomplished this remarkable feat, still hale and hearty at 77 and a fine specimen of the 19th and 20th century vikings. Needless to say Capt. Johnson was the "cynosure of all eyes." Thomas L. Gorton, as lecturer, gave a vivid description of this voyage which was received with marked attention.
Photos of the schooner "Hattie L. Phillips" in which Capt. Howard Blackburn and his fisherman-argonauts set sail from this port and rounded the horn for the Klondike coast during the gold fever of 1898 supplemented by photos of the little dory "Great Western" in which Mr. Blackburn, practically without hands or feet, made a voyage from Gloucester, New England, to Gloucester, England, in June, 1889, were scanned with interest,
THOMAS J. CARROLL Chairman Fisheries Exhibit Committee
KENNETH J. FERGUSON Chairman Fisherman's Race Committee WILMOT A. REED Chairman Entertainment and Press Committee
JONATHAN S. RAYMOND Chairman Yachting Committee
WILLIAM E. KERR Chairman Reception to Returned Sons and Daughters Committee
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especially in connection with the heroic fight for life by Mr. Blackburn who, astray from his vessel, in a dory, in midwinter, succeeded in landing on the bleak shores of Newfoundland, his hands frozen to the oars, his dorymate having succumbed. These two instances illustrated the intrepidity of the Gloucester fisher- men and were a revelation to thousands. An example that no other community in the country may duplicate, in fact the state- ment applies generally to the various phases of the entire observ- ance.
The Gorton-Pew Company had chefs continuously frying its fish cakes, which with its other edibles, were freely passed out as samples of its wares. As an educative and publicity feature this department was an exposition in itself and of highest value.
The various exhibitors were as follows :
The Frank E. Davis Fish Company; the Gorton-Pew Com- pany; Crown Packing Company; Davis Bros. Fisheries, Inc .; Frank C. Pearce Co .; A. L. Perry; C. F. Mattlage Sons & Co .; Frank F. Smith & Co .; Booth Fisheries Company; Gloucester Salt Fish Company; Consumers Fish Company ; all displaying fish products of various kinds.
The Gloucester Fisherman's Institute, "the fisherman's club- house"; Submarine Signal Corporation; Gloucester Net and Twine Company; A. W. Dodd Co., fish oils ; E. L. Patch Co., cod liver oil; Nickerson Oiled Clothing Co .; Rogers Fish Glue Co .; L. D. Lothrop & Son, ship chandlery as used in the fisheries; display of the Bureau of Fisheries, showing shark skins tanned various colors and shades and other articles pertaining to the fish- ing business.
Among the models shown were the tank group and a Surinam trader by John C. Ehler ; models of the schooners "Henry Ford" "Mayflower" by Thaddeus C. Tolman ; model of a bark, the three- masted schooner "Marne"; the square rigged "Regina" and a ketch, by the late Joseph A. Procter; models of the fishing schooners "Puritan," "Harry L. Belden," "Lottie S. Haskins," "Nannie C. Bohlin" and "Juno" and of the old square rigger "Congress" steered by a tiller. Henry C. Pinkham was in at- tendance and explained processes and answered questions in plain and understandable language.
To Thomas J. Carroll, general manager of the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company and his associates on the Fisheries committee was due this most instructive exhibit, the greater part of whom
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gave nearly the entire week in attendance personally explaining all details. Fully 100,000 persons attended this continuous ex- position during the week.
BANQUET
Wednesday evening Mayor MacInnis tendered a compli- mentary banquet at the Oceanside Hotel, Magnolia, to the officers of the army, navy and coast guard in recognition of the assist- ance rendered in making the anniversary events such a pronounced success. Mayor MacInnis briefly voiced his appreciation on be- half of the city, of the cooperation given by these branches of the national defense.
Brief remarks were made by Capt. Littlefield, U S. N .; Maj. McLane, U. S. A .; Lieut .- Com. W. J. Wheeler of the coast guard cutter Tampa; W. W. Lufkin, collector of the port of Boston; B. Loring Young, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Representative John Thomas. Some 200, including members of the legislature, were present.
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