USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1947-1951 > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Following these ceremonies a receiving line was formed -including Town Clerk and Mrs. Leslie E. Chase, Selectman and Mrs. Luther P. Smith, Ralph A. Chase, Mayor and May- oress Hurford, Chairman of Selectmen and Mrs. Maurice W. Wiley, Tercentenary Committee Chairman and Mrs. Harry S. Young, Selectman and Mrs. George Howard. The folks of the audience then filed by shaking hands with the official guests and other members of the group.
A splendid program of instrumental music was played by a string ensemble under direction of Mrs. Marjorie R. Schofield, pianist, and including Mrs. Virginia Carman of Orleans, Mrs. Lorraine Dilts of Harwich, Miss Sharon Tar- vers and Miss Priscilla Lincoln of Eastham. In the auditorium dining room a collation was served by Hostesses Mmes. Elizabeth P. Lloyd, Dorothy M. Prentice, Luther Brown, Harris Brown, Albina W. Nickerson, Natalie Y. Walker, Esther K. Handel, Sophia L. Stone, Bertha M. Dill, Dorothy C. Clark, Abbie C. Collins and Miss Virginia Stone. The en- tire program and the attractive decorations were arranged by Mrs. Anne P. Brownell, Mrs. Verena R. Daley, Mrs. Bessie P. Walters of the reception committee, together with Mr. Chase, Mr. Wiley and Richard Kent.
Now follows in chronological sequence a transcript of the several events planned for and climaxed in a concen- trated period devoted to the Commemoration of Eastham's
127
300 years as an incorporated town, designated "Celebration Week"-August 19th to 25th.
Opening of the week's commemorative activities was fittingly embodied in special exercises Sunday, August 19th. At 4 P. M. every available seat in the spacious new audito- rium was occupied. Sitting and standing, an estimated 600 persons were present. Hundreds more in parked cars listened in over the outdoor loudspeaker. Seated on the platform were Rev. Harry W. Rogge, Rev. Burt L. Hilton, Ralph A. Chase, Mayor Walter E. Hurford, Mayoress Hurford, Hon- orary Chairman Maurice W. Wiley, Hon. Edward C. Stone, Chairman Harry S. Young, Selectman Luther P. Smith, Selectman George Howard. Grouped at the left were the famous Meistersingers of Boston, Franklin G. Field, director, Harry E. Rodgers at the Hammond organ.
The audience upon invitation of Mr. Wiley, master of ceremonies, joined in singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and the British national anthem, "God Save the King." The invocation was given by the Rev. Rogge of the Eastham Universalist Church.
Mr. Wiley, in welcoming the folks and friends of East- ham, spoke feelingly urging "more of the spirit and faith of our forefathers in working for a better and better town in the years to come." In closing he introduced Mr. Young, who in turn briefly reviewing the many occasions upon which he had enjoyed the glorious singing of the Meistersingers, presented Director Field-the latter in turn introducing the other members of the group. They then rendered in peerless manner an inspiring quarter hour program of familiar re- quest selections, including "Faith of Our Fathers," "The Lord's Prayer," "The Holy City" and "In a Monastery Garden."
Wearing his scarlet vestment and gold chain of office, Mayor Hurford, presented next, accepted an enthusiastic outburst of applause accorded the Mayoress and himself. In a warm and stirring address he reviewed their gratitude to his home town, to Eastham, Massachusetts, and to the Pil-
128
grim fathers for the opportunity provided to spend a vaca- tion on Cape Cod and to be present at the Tercentenary cel- ebration. In closing, the Mayor, expressing opinion that "a close liaison between the United States and the British Com- monwealth is vitally necessary if we are to preserve world peace," handed Mr. Wiley as a token of esteem a document bearing the seal of the County Borough of East Ham in one corner and Town of Eastham seal in the other.
A second period of songs by the Meistersingers was followed by State Senator Stone, keynote speaker of the day. In a masterful and absorbing narration of Pilgrim his- tory and the Mayflower Pact, the Senator stressed the point that "the landfall of the Pilgrims was then not just simply the sighting of a new land and the end of a perilous voyage but the sighting of new ideas in the way that men should govern themselves. Thus we do well to commemorate so sig- nificant an event as we tie into Eastham's Tercentenary. It is a particularly happy circumstance that the occasion is graced by His Worship, the Mayor of East Ham, England, and the Mayoress. Today, in this troubled world, English- speaking nations must stand shoulder to shoulder with all nations who think as do we in the fight against Communism. We welcome you to our shores and to this town, honoring it as you do with your presence after so long a journey and we pay tribute to your own well-known antipathy to the Com- munists and all their works."
The exercises closed with all joining in one verse of "God Bless America" and a benediction by the Rev. Hilton, pastor of Eastham Methodist Church.
Monday, August 20th, marked the carrying to a highly successful conclusion of a decided innovation for Eastham. It was a tour of the town's old houses, thereby affording resi- dents and Tercentenary visitors alike an opportunity to glimpse the interior of a number of homes probably never before opened for public inspection.
The trip started at Town Hall and proceeded to the fol- lowing homes in order listed :-
129
1741 Swift House, G. A. R. Highway-200 years ago the residence of the Swifts, who later started the famous Chicago Packing Company. Now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Daley.
Whale Walk Farm, Bridge Road-once known as the Harding House. The present owner is Richard Kent.
The Clark-Hatch House-Samoset Road-where Mrs. Aylmer Hatch greeted the visitors.
The Oliver Mayo House-Nauset Road-now the Mrs. Frank McDonald home.
The former Cavalier-Robbins House-Nauset Road. Originally a Doane family home, built about 1740-1749, has been remodeled and enlarged by its present owners, Dr. and Mrs. Merton Stevens.
Richwood Manor-another 200-year-old house, the home now of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Beardwood.
In each of these fine and interesting old homes, visitors were greeted and shown about by gracious hostesses and assisting ladies. At the last call tea was served by Mrs. Beardwood assisted by a group of co-hostesses.
The entire project was sponsored by the Ladies' Circle of the Eastham Universalist Parish and conducted under the able guidance of a committee including Mrs. Leslie E. Chase, Chairman, Mmes. Luther Brown, Nathan Clark, Sarah Moore, Sophia Stone and Miss Virginia Stone. The tour was enjoyed by over two hundred people and proved a highly beneficial venture for a worthy cause.
Tuesday, August 21, and part of the next day were de- voted to an exhibition at Town Hall of rugs, paintings, arts and crafts. Also on view was a most instructive and impres- sive booth, "The Highway Safety Exhibit," arranged by Arthur T. Little, supervisor of Safety education, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Boston, and staffed by three assistants.
In the small auditorium was hung a collection of over 50 hooked rugs designed and fashioned with rare skill by a group of Eastham and Orleans exhibitors, a number of whom meet together weekly to enjoy a combination of hook-
130
ing and social contact. The showing was arranged by Mrs. Harry S. Young and Mrs. Rebecca A. Sherman.
The arts and crafts exhibit was in charge of Mrs. Nieta Cole, assisted by Mrs. Claretta Higgins and Mr. Cole. In- cluded was a wide variety of valuable items of both rare antiquity and modern design, contributed for showing by a host of cooperative owners.
A splendid collection of paintings in oil and in water colors was shown under supervision of Jack Amoroso-an Eastham summer resident-whose own works as well as those of many other artists were viewed with interest and pleasure.
During the two day exhibition hundreds of Tercentenary visitors thronged both halls enjoying with outspoken appro- bation the splendid and comprehensive evidences of handi- craftmanship on display.
Perhaps the zenith of Celebration Week was reached Wednesday, August 22. On the front page of the following day's issue of the Cape Cod Standard-Times, beneath bold type headlines "Thousands Witness Parade at Eastham," appeared a great story with opening paragraph reading "Thousands of persons lined both sides of G. A. R. Highway for two miles yesterday afternoon and saw one of the largest parades ever held on Cape Cod as it wended its way through the center of Eastham in a long planned Tercentenary pa- rade. There were nearly 100 floats, miscellaneous entries and marching units." Then followed a complete and detailed account which obviously yet regretfully cannot be included in this report. However, a few highlights are set forth.
Headquarters of the parade were established at East- ham School. From that point, at 3 P. M., the start was made, headed by State Police with Colonel William M. Tow (Ret.), former commandant of Camp Edwards, mounted on horse- back, leading as chief marshal. He was escorted by Hollis Eldredge with riders from the Orleans Riding School.
Units in this section included U. S. 308th Regiment Band and U. S. troops from Camp Edwards, followed by
131
Parade Aug. 22, 1951
U. S. Army 308th Regimental Band and Marching Troops Photo by Kelsey C'ape Cod Boy Scouts with colors and drum corps. Next came Mayor and Mayoress Walter E. Hurford, official guests of Eastham, with Ralph A. Chase in an open car generously loaned by Everett H. Corson of Fairhaven and driven by him. Directly following in another car provided through the courtesy of Mrs. Corson, with Thomas Nickerson driving, came Chairman of the Board of Eastham Selectmen and Mrs. Maurice W. Wiley. A Commonwealth of Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles highway safety truck completed the section.
In a long procession of beautifully decorated floats, many depicting historic as well as modern incidents and phases of Cape Cod life, together with gaily dressed vehicles of wide variety, next came delegations from Orleans, with
132
30 units, Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Truro and Wellfleet -all six towns known allegorically as the "Daughters of Eastham." Other equally interesting entries included those of Hyannis and Osterville.
Bringing up the rear in the traditionally proper place in line assigned to a host-in this instance the hostess- came "Mother Eastham" herself. Headed by the Chatham Band, with Uncle Sam (Bernard C. Collins, Jr.) and U. S. Coast Guard Nauset Station DUKW in the vanguard came town officials in cars, proudly followed by an aggregation of municipal equipment, splendid floats, amusing horse-drawn and motor-driven ancient vehicles, the like of which have never before been assembled in the Town of Eastham.
Seated in the grandstand on Town Hall Grounds were Selectmen from neighboring towns; Benjamin W. Atwood and Norman Cook, president and executive secretary re- spectively of Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Barnstable County Sheriff Donald P. Tulloch ; Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Trayser of Barnstable; also Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hatch of North Falmouth ; Mrs. William Morey, secretary to the Har- wich Selectmen ; Mrs. Allison of Brewster; Mrs. Bessie Wal- ters, hostess for Mayor and Mayoress Hurford, and Tercen- tenary Chairman and Mrs. Harry S. Young.
The parade disbanded at Gov. Prince Road, the candi- dates for prizes returning to Town Hall to be judged. Judges were Mr. Trayser, Mrs. Hatch and Mr. Cook, who substi- tuted for Senator Edward C. Stone, unfortunately delayed. The unanimous verdict for first prize of the entire parade was a float, "The Vikings Return to Cape Cod," designed by Mrs. Anna Lier of North Eastham, and portrayed by six tall, rugged gentlemen, all in Viking costume, bearded and with horned headdress, standing in a "Viking" boat.
Second prize for non-commercial floats was awarded the Orleans Women's Club, "Orleans separates from Eastham, May 11, 1797." It pictured an old-time room with colonial furnishings wherein documents were being signed by offi- cials of the two towns. The various characters were por-
133
trayed by Mmes. David P. Delano, John D. Anthony and William D. Geiger, and Misses Ida B. Rogers, Evelyn Mayo, Ruth L. Barnard and Jeanne Mayo.
Prizes were awarded Nauset Grange for their attractive float, with colonial dames at spinning and churning, and also to Harwich Recreation Commission and Council with Mrs. Cynthia Hurst in charge. Commercial class first prize was won by a float, "Log Cabin Nurseries," entered by Joseph H. and Joseph L. Putnam, with young ladies picking fruit from blueberry bushes. Second prize in this class was awarded to one of the most original and amusing entries of the entire parade. It was a "gay-nineties" horse-drawn surrey driven by Bruno Burkhardt of Orleans Inn with Mrs. Burkhardt at his side, each attired in the acceptable fashionable clothes of the period, Two of the Inn entertainers seated in the rear with accordion and drum repeatedly rendered "The Old Grey Mare Ain't What She Used to Be."
Prizes were presented to the winning contestants by Mayor Hurford at the grandstand. They consisted of replicas of the familiar Paul Revere pattern silver.
To conclude the festivities of the day the Chatham Band gave a splendid evening concert from the Town Hall stand under direction of W. Whitney Tileston.
Particular credit for the punctuality and smooth opera- tion of this "Big Parade"-features later favorably com- mented upon by many spectators-is due and heartily ac- corded two important groups, the police and the marshals. The skill and efficiency exercised by the former in handling the great crowds and heavy traffic established a remarkable record of not a single highway mishap. The marshals, in close cooperation with the general chairman, accurately di- rected the scores of participating units to their respective assembly points and in countless other ways made it possible for the parade to start exactly on time and proceed to its various destinations with almost military precision. More specific mention of the personnel of these important factors will be made in the summary of this report.
134
To Eastham residents and visitors alike the Nauset Life- boat Station of United States Coast Guard is a source of perennial interest. It therefore seemed to the Committee highly essential a showing of some of the workings of this vital arm of government service constitute a part of the Celebration Week program. The idea was suggested to a highly esteemed townsman, Captain Frank B. Lincoln, U. S. C. G. (Retired), who readily agreed and consented to arrange and direct a demonstration.
On Thursday, August 23rd, two most interesting exhibi- tions took place, supervised by Captain Lincoln, assisted by Roy Pigott, B. M. 1st class, in command at Nauset Station. On Town Hall grounds at 1:30 P. M., in the presence of a large assembly, a breeches buoy and beach apparatus drill was given and which incidentally provided a "ride" and thrill for a certain distinguished spectator. The second per- formance was given later in the afternoon at Salt Pond. It comprised a realistic boat drill and simulated rescue of a drowning person by a crew on board the amphibian DUKW, followed by a demonstration of a newly furnished type of inhalator. Thanks are extended to Captain Lincoln and Boatswain's Mate Pigott for these interesting and enlight- ening drills.
Thursday evening a special Town Meeting was held in the new auditorium. The occasion was highlighted by ap- pearance in Pilgrim costume of Selectmen Wiley, Howard and Smith-all three having come direct from a pageant rehearsal. Also on the platform wearing again his scarlet robe of office and gold chain was Mayor Walter E. Hurford with the Mayoress. Moderator Winfield E. Knowles presided.
Since complete details of this unusual and highly inter- esting meeting are recorded in the official minutes of Town Clerk Leslie E. Chase and available to all who desire to read them, inclusion in this report is deemed unnecessary.
Perhaps the most ambitious project of the entire celebra- tion-certainly the one calling for the utmost in cooperation, hard work and self denial on the part of originators, pro-
135
ducers and performers alike-was the Tercentenary pageant. By the same token, never before in the annals of Cape Cod- nor for that matter any other section of New England-has a production of this so generally popular character ever been presented with such a background of beauty and historic authenticity.
Unfolded to a thrilled audience of perhaps 2000 people at Scene of First Encounter at the shore of Cape Cod Bay on a perfect summer afternoon, Friday, August 24th-this splendid re-enactment of Eastham's early doings was indeed a far cry from that bleak day in December, 1620, when on this same spot Pilgrims and Indians first met in battle midst exchange of musket shots and arrows.
The production was written and directed by Lewis W. Miller of Westfield, formerly with Brewster Summer Theatre. It was narrated by Mr. Miller over a public address system provided by Charles Delano of Orleans.
Episodes and the cast were as follows: -
Prologue
1. Nausets at Home
2. First Encounter
3. Chief Aspinet returns the Billington Boy
4. Taking of Land Scene 1 Scene 2
5. Pilgrim Wedding
6. Reverend Samuel Treat
Epilogue
Miles Standish Harry W. Collins
Chief Aspinet William James
Governor Bradford Ralph L. Rogers
Governor Prence Maurice W. Wiley
Rev. John Mayo ...
Luther P. Smith
Rev. Samuel Treat
George Howard
Tithingman Bernard C. Collins, Jr.
Billington Boy
Jay Schofield
Drummer
John Clark
Bugler Bradley Whitmore
Mother Eastham Dorothy Clark
136
Five Daughters
Priscilla Lincoln, Janet Gould, Beverly Shakliks, Betty Macomber, Diane Pierce.
Pilgrim Men
Nathan E. Clark, Alvers Gould, Marston E. Daley, An- drew Miskelly, Dr. Walter Whitright.
Pilgrim Women
Betty Benz, Maude Chase, Helen Clark, Vesta Gould, Virginia Horton, Bertha Keefe, Jean Putnam, Natalie Walker, Virginia Stone, Nathena Cole, Bertha Dill, Ethyl Waters.
Pilgrim Brides
Nancy Edwards Eileen Daniels
Pilgrim Grooms
Alfred Mills
Joseph L. Putnam
Pilgrim Boys
Jay Brackett
Jay Schofield
Pilgrim Girls
Pamela Collins, Althea Adamson, Barbara Whitright. Indian Men
Philip Doughty, Peter Ewald, Arthur Foster, Walter Selenius, Charles Wiley, Philip Smith, William Wildman.
Indian Boys
Peter Arnold, Leo Babbitt, Carl Cathcart, Alan French, Dana Lee, Billy Whitright, Peter Schwind.
Indian Women
Sharon Tarvers, Janette Cathcart, Judith Collins, Lena James, Helen Emond.
Indian Girls
Jeanne Mayo
Pamela Crosby
Crew of Mayflower Shallop
Elmer Darling, Dick Reed, George Sibley, Philip Rich, Robert Allen, Donald Fulcher.
At close of the performance Chairman Young introduced to the audience official guests : Edward G. Cronin, Secretary of State for the Commonwealth ; Mayor and Mayoress Walter E. Hurford of East Ham, England. Mr. Cronin presented
137
Governor Prence (Selectman Wiley) with a copy of the orig- inal deed dated November 9, 1666, from the Indians to Gov- ernor Bradford, confirming the transaction of twenty years earlier.
As previously noted, this outstanding feature of the celebration entailed a tremendous amount of planning, plus actual hard work over a long period of time. Praise is due Mr. Miller for a fine job. The pageant committee, Otto E. Nickerson, Joseph H. Putnam and Mrs. Sophia Stone, to- gether with Mrs. Mabel Chase and Mrs. Verena Daley, all put in anxious, tedious days and hours assembling a cast and acquiring costumes. The large group of townsfolks, young and old, who so enthusiastically volunteered their talents, who in rehearsals on location sometimes endured physical
Clambake August 25, 1951
Photo by Kelsey
138
discomfort due to adverse weather conditions, hats are off for a performance of skill and striking dramatic effort.
The pageant incidentally became the occasion for start- ing a most worthy and highly commendable project. During a period of intermission Mr. Ralph A. Chase addressed the gathering and called attention to an unfortunate condition existing in Great Britain-a deplorable scarcity of sweets, and suggested that as a gesture of friendship the folks and friends of Eastham contribute toward purchase of a supply of candy for the kiddies of East Ham, England. "Hats" were passed and the response was liberal beyond expectation. Eventually a shipment of over 2000 pounds of hard candies went across the sea and according to reports was distributed with profound gratitude to the generous folks of Eastham, U. S. A.
From time immemorial has endured the custom of mark- ing great occasions by "feasts." Eastham's Celebration Week was no exception. Saturday, August 25, was held on Town Hall grounds what was perhaps the biggest and best clambake ever known to Cape Cod. At 1:30 P. M .- promptly on schedule-over 600 hungry and expectant diners partook of a delicious old fashioned open air bake, prepared by Messrs. Holmes and Young of Carver and a staff of assis- tants. It was a rare sight to witness-the colorful throng of men, women and children seated at six long tables accommo- dating 100 persons each-all being bountifully, promptly and simultaneously served in faultless manner. As they gradually strolled away-well fed and happy-the observation most heard was "the finest feed of its kind I ever enjoyed."
Saturday evening, August 25, marked the windup of Celebration Week with an event than which none could have possibly been more fitting and climactic. It was an open air old fashioned Square Dance, held on the grounds of East- ham's historic Wind Mill.
Beneath clear skies and bright stars over 2000 people gathered to dance and also watch a scene of rare beauty. Searchlights placed at intervals flooded the mill and lawn
139
Square Dance the Night of Aug. 25, 1951
Photo by Kelsey
140
with an almost daylight brilliancy. The scores of sets made up of young folks and old in gay attire gracefully executing the various figures to orchestral music and under guidance of skilled "callers" provided a picture of matchless delight. Exhibition dances by trained groups were faultlessly per- formed. A picturesque feature of the evening was the Grand March. Led by Mayor and Mayoress Hurford of East Ham, England, hundreds of couples formed a procession of jolly marchers and did a snake dance about the grounds lined by applauding onlookers. The entire program was planned and produced by the well-known Dick Anderson, ably assisted by Jay Schofield of Eastham. Music was by Mel Von and his orchestra.
So-with the submitting of this report comes the docu- mentary conclusion of the Eastham Tercentenary story. However, it is hoped and believed the memories of its observ- ance will continue on down through the years. In a previous paragraph attention was called to the two separate and dis- tinct phases of the commemorative program as it was gradu- ally planned, formulated and eventually put into action -- namely (1) "long range" and (2) "concentrated." By the same token the Tercentenary Committee in reviewing the ultimate results of its now three year active existence is keenly aware of the constant and hearty cooperation which began with its earliest deliberations and was continuously accorded throughout its career by Eastham folks and the sc of neighboring towns alike. Again and in similar manner the committee is deeply indebted to the many others who in innumerable ways lent valuable aid in successfully present- ing the "concentrated" program of events marking Celebra- tion Week.
In expressing appreciation to the numerous Tercente- nary co-workers it becomes obviously difficult for the com- mittee to make specific individual mention without the pos- sibility of unintentional oversight. So if perchance such an unfortunate circumstance has occurred in this recording regret is sincere and forgiveness asked.
141
Among the very helpful units early mention is made of the Auxiliary Committee. This group under the able direc- tion of Chairman Mabel W. Chase-collectively and indi- vidually-proved of great help in various ways. Other mein- bers included Mmes. Harriet Crosby, Bertha Dill, Esther Turner, Dr. William T. Knowles, Harold L. Arnold, Andrew C. Merrill, Maurice A. Moore and Clarence Doughty.
One of the most important and prolonged jobs of the Tercentenary was that of police supervision. Only those actively associated with the invariably large assemblies of people incident to the July and August events could sense the problems of traffic and parking involved coupled with the efficient orderly and courteous manner in which they were met. Praise and sincere thanks are particularly ex- tended to Deputy Chief Winfred J. Knowles and to Officer Robert L. Deschamps for the untiring and skillful way in which they performed a long series of both daytime and eve- ning tasks. Material assistance was also rendered by special officers Horace C. Moore and Howard L. Anderson. Further credit is due Chief Joseph W. Higgins of the Orleans Police Department who in person, together with members of his force, was of great service-notably in handling of the crowds of people and jams of automobiles present on the big days of parade and pageant respectively. In addition to these two fine units appreciation is accorded the detail of State Police which aided greatly in the prompt and smooth movement of the street parade and the necessary diversion and directing of through and local traffic.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.