USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Sandwich > Two hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration of Sandwich and Bourne, at Sandwich, Massachusetts, September 3, 1889 > Part 9
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Today we gather ourselves here with families and friends, both at home and from abroad, around this festive board, to celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation as a town, and we have listened with in- terest this day, to the stories told of our ancestry. Coming here as they did, and landing upon the sterile soil and bar- ren sands of Cape Cod, on the third day of September, with an eye to an approaching winter, they undoubtedly endured and suffered privations common to all first settlers. In the formation of their settlement, after providing themselves places of shelter and thence passing away the long and dreary months of winter, when the spring-time had come, their attention must have been given to the tillage of the soil, to the cultivation of such crops as were necessary to their physical support, therefore farming must have been their leading industry and continued so for more than a cen- tury and a half. More popular indeed was that calling to them and to their immediate descendants than us at the pres- ent period of our history. As we stand here day after day and gaze upon the hills and vales we occupy, we can picture to our imagination the farmers of the olden time feeding their flocks and herds. The little streams that gurgled forth from the hillsides were stayed, in their natural course to the sea, by the raising of dams and the building of mills, in which to grind the grain the product of their farms. I stand before you today a young man, comparatively speaking, to the age of
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our ancient town; yet I can call distinctly to mind when there were eight little grain mills in running operation in dif- ferent sections of the original Sandwich. There was one at East Sandwich, one at Spring Hill, one here in Sandwich proper on the site and stream where the Sandwich Tag Com- pany's factory now stands, owned and run by the enterprising Nye Brothers, one at Scussett, now Sagamore, the birthplace and early home of the late Benjamin Burgess, who after- wards became a wealthy Boston merchant and was dis- tinguished among us in carrying on ship building in that lo- cality, one at Herring River, now bearing the romantic name of Bournedale, one at Monument, now the seat of government of the new town of Bourne, and which has so recently taken her place among the incorporate bodies of our Commonwealth, one at Pocasset, one at Cataumet, making three in Sandwich and five in Bourne. Those eight little grain mills gave em- ployment to eight millers, and I venture to say, judging from the economical mode of living in those days, that the proceeds of their grinding gave support to eight families. Since then that small industry has passed entirely away so that our peo- ple have been obliged to look abroad for their meal, and our farmers placed under the necessity of driving their teams with grain of their own raising, from nine to fifteen miles, to Marston's Mills or Waquoit, to be ground into meal. I am happy to say that an association has been recently formed in the eastern. section of the town whose members have shown themselves progressive and with an eye also to their own per- sonal interest, have built a mill for themselves in which to grind their grain and also to serve as an accommodation to the people at large. There was also running at that time three little tanneries at East Sandwich, Spring Hill and in this locality, where the hides, taken from the cattle of our farmers, were carried, and thrust into vats and passed through the tanning process into leather, thence taken to the benches of the village cobblers and made into shoes for husbands and wives, sons and daughters, to wear, and I fancy the youths and maidens of today would blush to wear the boots and shoes of those by-gone days.
In the winter of 1824-25 a man, by the name of Jabez Dame, came to Sandwich, prospecting under the direction of
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the late Deming Jarves, a man well known to our older citi- zens. He passed around among the people in a quiet unsus- pecting manner until he accomplished his purpose in the pur- chase of the site upon which the Boston & Sandwich Glass Factory now stands, whereupon a small building was erected, or " crib," as modern glass-makers would term it, which sig- nifies a building of small capacity in which to carry on glass- making on a small scale, and under the guidance and super- intendence of Mr. Jarves, glass-making was commenced in Sandwich on the fourth day of July, 1825. Soon after a stock company was formed and became incorporated, under the style of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, their works were enlarged, more substantial buildings were con- structed, business rapidly increased as well as population both by births and families moving into the town. Sand- wich at that time took the lead, in growth, of other towns of Barnstable county. Twenty-three hundred acres of wood- land were purchased, which is in possession of the company today. Three thousand cords of oak and pine wood were annually consumed in the furnaces of the works, aside from that used by the inhabitants, which gave employment to fifty pairs of oxen, owned by the company and the farmers around. The number of yoke are at this time reduced to a unit and can be represented by the index finger of my right hand. By the location of the Sandwich glass works here was created a home market for the sale of the surplus pro- duce of our farmers. Those were indeed the palmy days of Sandwich ; but alas ! in consequence of the formation of labor organizations springing up throughout the manufactur- ing sections of our country, creating a conflict between cap- ital and labor, the fires of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company have become extinguished, and to us it appears a foregone conclusion that those fires have gone out forever, as far as the manufacture of glassware is concerned.
I will not extend my remarks by speaking of other de- parted industries of Sandwich; but will close by adopting the sentiment embraced in our Governor's Proclamations, "God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," having faith to believe that there may yet appear above the horizon "a cloud with a silver lining," will further ask that the In-
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finite One who sees the little sparrow fall, will save and prosper the old town of Sandwich.
ODE.
WRITTEN BY DANIEL F. CHESSMAN, OF SANDWICH, AND SUNG TO THE TUNE OF AMERICA.
Here, where our fathers came, Through love to Christ's dear name, To him to pray ; - Breasting Atlantic's waves, Fearless of Indian braves,
Or where might be their graves, We come, this day.
" Right Arm" of " Old Bay State," The billows round it wait The will of God; - Clasped firm in its embrace, Obedient to His grace,
The Wand'rers found their place On "Old Cape Cod."
Here, where the Pilgrims dwelt, Here, where to God they knelt, By this broad bay; - Here, where their noble deeds, Their largest hope exceeds, And fills our highest needs, We come, this day.
They loved these sand girt shores, There briny water roars, - They loved them well; -
Te prize these rolling seas, The rushing ocean breeze, The blasts that bend our trees, Love where we dwell.
Then let exultant song, Roll heaven's high arch along, In grateful praise; - Here, where our lot is cast, We reap, in mercies vast, Rich harvests of the past, In these last days.
Our fathers loved the truth, And in our country's youth, Maintained the right; - Now let their sons arouse, Redeem their father's vows, Each righteous cause espouse In love and might.
CLOSING REMARKS BY THE TOASTMASTER.
This closes the post-prandial exercises. There was to have been a musical selection at this time, but the lateness of the hour and the departure of the musicians necessitates its . omission. I might make use of the stereotyped assertion that we will all meet again at the next celebration, but will content myself with simply asking you to accept the benedic- tion of the Pope.
THE BOAT CARNIVAL.
The Venetian Boat Carnival was the prettiest sight of the entire day. It occurred soon after seven o'clock, and consisted of some forty boats, barges and floats, beautifully trimmed and festooned with Japanese lanterns and bunting, and as the brilliant boat procession passed over the pictur- esque lake cheer upon cheer was given by the thousands of people that lined all the shores. As the flotilla approached the exhibition raft of Messrs. Masten & Wells, the boats were bombarded with water batteries, throwing colored fires of crimson, ruby and emerald. Rockets exploded on the water surface, fiery fountains threw up their golden spray, geysers of fire filled the air with phosphoric flames, wheels revolved and scattered silver mist and crimson illumination, contorting serpents and exploding dragons rose from the water and discharged at the fleet flames of dazzling fire, while floating fires covered the water in all directions among the fleet from shore to shore. No little credit is due Mr. F. E. Elwell, the well-known sculptor, and a summer resident of Sandwich, who personally conducted this carnival in a sim- ilar manner to those he had witnessed abroad.
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THE FIREWORKS.
The display of fireworks under the personal direction of Messrs. Masten and Wells, of Boston, from Tobey's Point bordering the lake, commenced immediately after the boat carnival and continued nearly two hours in the presence of 5000 people. The extensive illuminations in the immediate vicinity added very much to the grandeur of this part of the day's exercises. The display was pronounced the largest and most elaborate ever seen in Barnstable county. The pro- gramme comprised twenty-nine pieces, besides innumerable rockets, roman candles, colored fires, etc. The following set pieces, which concluded this feature of the day's exercises were particularly interesting :-
The first settler, " The Indian Hunter," reappears in view with his bow and arrows, exhibits his skilful use of those in- struments in war or peaceful hunt.
The grand finale of the evening's display was preceded by an illumination of red, white and blue, disclosing the final exhibit, which consisted of a magnificent Ionic column. A shaft of 35 feet was seen richly decorated with lance work and fluted tiers of fire. The shaft was encircled with a wreath of ruby and agate jewelry and adorned with a ribbon of silver, bearing the date 1639 -1889, with the name of Sandwich in its centre. At the base of the column sprang immense mines of meteoric and gun fires, mosaic batteries, etc. The capital supported an immense globe of silver and golden fire upon the top of which the American eagle was seen, perched with extended wings, as if about to make his aerial flight; and on either side of the column from flag staff and spear head, gracefully draped the flags of the Union, in red, white and blue, and amid the discharge of rockets, music and batteries, common bombs and clustered shells, the final design expired and the display ended.
THE BALL.
The ball at the Casino which fittingly closed the exer- cises of the day, was the grandest event on record in south-
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eastern Massachusetts. The spacious ball room looked charming in its elaborate dress of delicate shades of blue, pink and nile green muslin material, artistically festooned from the sides to the centre. The colors blended well to- gether, and with the powerful electric lights, the handsome costumes of the ladies and gentlemen in full evening dress, the scene was a brilliant one to behold. The music by the Germania band, of Boston, ten pieces, was the finest ever heard in Sandwich, which is saying much, and so pleased were those present with their selections, that they were ap- plauded again and again. There were present several digni- taries, including Lieut. Governor Brackett, and two members of his staff in full military uniform, Councillor Keith, of Sag- amore, Senator W. A. Clark Jr., of Lynn, Hon. W. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, Col. M. P. Walker, of Belchertown, Judge Harriman, Ex-Senator Howes Norris, of Cottage City, Col. Benj. S. Lovell, of Weymouth, and many others.
The success of the ball is due to the untiring efforts of A. Frank Sherman as director, assisted by Theodore L. Southack, Arthur Braman, William A. Nye, Francis Mur- phy, John A. Holway, Frank O. Ellis, James H. Kellehar, Dr. G. E. White, W. R. Gibbs Jr., Eben C. Keith, as aids. It is estimated that one hundred couples were on the floor, besides a large crowd of interested spectators.
CELEBRATION NOTES. TO BARNSTABLE.
Editors of the Patriot :-
Will you permit me space for a few words to the people of Barnstable? During last and the earlier part of this year it was hoped that the sister towns which were incorporated together in 1639, would unite in a celebration commensurate with their combined wealth and the importance of the occa- sion of their 250th anniversary. Early in this year Yar- mouth and Dennis withdrew from the alliance, but there was still hope and expectation, indeed, that the remaining towns - Barnstable, Sandwich and Bourne would pull together and have a union celebration in accordance not only with the wishes of the several towns as expressed in town meetings, but with the desire, as nearly as could be ascertained, of
their individual citizens. The action of the Barnstable committee in postponing for fifty years their celebration left Sandwich and Bourne alone in the matter. Notwithstanding these disappointments, our people have taken hold with com- mendable zeal and pushed forward the preparations for such an event as we have the ability to provide.
Through the town's generous appropriation and the very liberal donations of the people of Bourne and absent friends of the old town, we are able to announce attractions for the 3d
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of September of considerable variety and proportions. The people in the several villages of Barnstable have already been made acquainted with the general programme for that day from the large posters already displayed.
I desire in behalf of the joint committees of Sandwich and Bourne, to extend a cordial invitation to the people of Barnstable, to participate in these festivities and help us cel- ebrate fittingly the history and memories of two hundred and fifty years. J. E. PRATT, Secretary.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
OFFICE OF THE SELECTMEN. Sandwich, Aug. 29.
Teams will not be allowed on the streets through which the procession will move, during the parade, September 3. The explosion of firecrackers, torpedoes, bombs, guns or pistols, on the streets or squares, during the day or evening, is positively forbidden.
CHAS. DILLINGHAM, BENJ. F. CHAMBERLAIN, Selectmen of Sandwich. F. H. BURGESS,
Ex-Gov. Long was late in reaching Sandwich, owing to the tracks being blockaded near Quincy.
Mr. Walter G. Hamlen, a local printer, circulated a very attractive advertising sheet which contained the official pro- gramme of the day.
Mrs. R. C. Clark had on her piazza as the procession passed a spinning wheel over 150 years old and other articles of interest to those who stopped for inspection.
The State Police as well as the officers from Brockton who were on duty, say that a more orderly crowd is seldom found. Not an arrest was made during the day.
Both the Boston Globe and Boston Herald in the issue of Sunday, September 1, had lengthy articles, finely illustra- ted, of a historic character on the old town of Sandwich.
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The Governor's staff was represented by Cols. E. H. Woods and A. L. Newman ; the Governor's council by Messrs. Keith, Johnson, Fuller and Jewell, and Lieut. Gov. Brackett.
It has been very entertaining to read of the celebrations in the quaint old Cape towns this week. If the world had seen as much of the Cape people as the Cape people have seen of the world they would not have been so much misunderstood. - Boston Globe.
Railroad sandwiches are notoriously long lived and cor- respondingly tough, but Massachusetts has a Sandwich al- most 250 years old and as fresh as ever. It will have a grand quarter millenial celebration, in September in which the child it has, Bourne, will take part. - Brockton Gazette.
In the afternoon at three o'clock, there was a most ex- citing game of base ball on the grounds in the rear of the large tent, which was witnessed by a large number, be- tween the Bristols of New Bedford and Athletics of Sand- wich. The Athletics were defeated in a score of 6 to 3.
Everybody enjoyed the celebration, particularly the beautiful and unique feature of the Venetian boat carnival on Pleasant Lake in the evening, the prettily lighted boats and the fine pyrotechnic exhibition, presenting a brilliant scene. The road from Plymouth to Sandwich was found to be a terribly hard one to drive over, and there were none who traversed the distance who did not wish for that long con- templated railroad between the two places. - Plymouth Me- morial.
Cape Cod has town triplets in Barnstable, Yarmouth and Sandwich. They were born on the same day and are each 250 years old. Sandwich and Yarmouth kept open house for all their relations, and there were a right good time with much inspiration of music and eloquence. Barnstable for some reason did not entertain, but contented itself with a great retrospect of the past and the present satisfaction of having a new collector doing business, what there is of it, at the old stand. - Boston Traveller.
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It is an undisputed fact that the grand ball was the finest and most dressy affair ever held on Cape Cod, or its immediate vicinity. The committee having it in charge are to be congratulated on their success. The electric lights which were furnished by the plant used on the mammoth dredge in the construction of the Cape Cod canal, and kindly loaned by the contractor, Mr. Frederick A. Lock- wood were the first ever exhibited on Cape Cod and added very materially to the grandeur of the ball .- [Falmouth Local.
A notable incident of the day was the appearance of Miss Ethel Soule, daughter of Mr. Nathaniel P. Soule, of New Bedford, whose wife is a native of Sandwich, as the Goddess of Liberty, in front of the residence of Mrs. J. W. Dalton. She stood under a canopy made of bunting of the national colors and was beautifully draped in the American flag. While the procession passed before her she waved two tiny flags, one the star-spangled banner the other the emblem of Erin. Her youthful appearance captivated the beholders and brought forth from the marching lines salutations and encomiums of praise. - [ The Barnstable County Journal.
Up from the Cape there have been heard this week harmonious sounds of celebration -the reading of poems, the delivery of addresses and sermons, the singing of songs and the pleasant, congratulatory words of visitors to histori- cal old towns. Across the streets of Sandwich, now more popular than ever in its history, green arches of welcome have given the region a look of unwonted luxuriance of veg- etation ; in the churches of Yarmouth, have been hung gar- lands of festivities, and in all the houses of the neighbor- hood there has been the appearance of especial cheer. The towns of Cape Cod have always appreciated the respectable prestige of ancient settlement. When the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth was given its recent grand remem- brance, Provincetown was proudly silent in the knowledge that the first visit of the Mayflower to New England was paid to her shores, and that the real landing of the Pilgrims in this country was accomplished upon the sands of the top of Cape Cod. Whether on account of the lack of pretence
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shown by Provincetown or because of indifference, the his- tory of the Cape is not known, as it should be, by the rest of the State; and a celebration like that of this week's anni- versary serves a useful purpose in showing the character of the past and the condition of the present. The thrift, the industry and the independence of the New England people are nowhere illustrated more effectively than in the towns of Cape Cod, by no means as barren and as poor in giving sus- tenance as the majority of people believe .- [ Boston Journal.
During the day there were Band concerts as follows :
Bourne Band, Middleboro Band, Hill's Band,
7.30, Post Office Square.
2.30, Post Office Square.
4, Post Office Square. 3, near Town Hall.
Bourne Band,
Sagamore Band,
Middleboro Band,
Bourne Band,
3, Base Ball Grounds, 7, near Linekin's House. 7, opposite R. T. Pope's.
LETTERS.
BAR HARBOR, Me., Aug. 10, 1889. Your letter of the 8th instant, inviting the President to be present on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Sandwich, has been received. He directs me to thank you and the Selectmen for the courtesy of the invita- tion to attend this very interesting commemoration, but the pressure of public duty will prevent him from doing himself the pleasure of joining with you in the exercises of this day. Yours Very Truly,
E. W. HALFORD, Private Secretary.
MARION, Mass., Aug. 15, 1889.
We are in the midst of packing in readiness to leave here today for Northern New York, where we shall remain until after the date of the Sandwich celebration to which you kindly invited us. This will prevent our acceptance of your courteous invitation, but in behalf of Mrs. Cleveland and for
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myself, I desire to thank you for remembering us in connec- tion with this interesting occasion and to assure you that we shall always be glad that we have had a glimpse of your beau- tiful village. Hoping that your anniversary celebration may be thoroughly enjoyed by all who are fortunate enough to participate. I am Yours Very Truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
BUZZARDS BAY, July 28, 1889.
I am in receipt of your postal announcing my election to a membership on the invitation committee. Believe me that I fully appreciate the honor and only regret that my present engagements will take up all the time I have to spare. I shall however try and be present at this interesting occasion of the 250th anniversary of your incorporation.
Faithfully Yours,
J. JEFFERSON.
BOSTON, Aug. 29, 1889.
I wrote to Mr. Dillingham that I could not be depended upon for an address as I have no data and am not facile in such matters ; besides I am suffering from a very severe cold, which leaves me with a bad head and no voice just now. If I feel better I will go to the celebration and say a word if I can think of anything ; but if I do not fully recover I can not go at all. However, "I never will be missed," and so here's success to the celebration, whether I am present or not. I am Yours Very Truly,
PATRICK A. COLLINS.
TAUNTON, Mass., Sept. 4, 1889.
Will you have the kindness to express to your committee my congratulations at the grand success of your celebration. Knowing as I do, the anxiety and labor involved, I can ap- preciate their work and its good results. I am grateful for the courtesy and kindness shown me in my attendance.
Yours Very Truly, S. HOPKINS EMERY,
President Old Colony Historical Society.
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BOSTON. Feb. 21, 1889.
Your favor of the 20th inst. received, and in reply - I have no letters to publish. Everybody came, had a good time, went home happy, and no doubt would like to see and enjoy another 250th anniversary of the old town of Sand- wich. I do not care to have my speech incorporated in the report, but I do desire to thank the mother town for the great generosity and courtesy with which she treated her offspring on that occasion and to extend to her a very hearty invitation to the 250th anniversary of her offspring, and to every public occasion to come before that time.
Very truly yours,
ISAAC N. KEITH.
HYANNIS, July 27, 1889.
Yours of today received, I am pleased to learn that the town of Sandwich has decided, to celebrate its Quarter Mil- lennial Anniversary. No one regrets more than myself, that Barnstable, my native town, should have refused, through its committee, to unite with you. I wish to thank the execu- tive committee, for their kind remembrance in making me a member of the committee on literary exercises. While I would be pleased to do what I could to make the celebration a success, I cannot see my way clear to accept. The towns of Sandwich and Bourne have an abundance of material from which to draw for the committee. With my best wishes for the success of the celebration, I enclose my check to assist in defraying the expense. I remain
Yours Truly,
SAMUEL SNOW.
DETROIT, Sept. 9, 1889.
On my return from Europe I find your card with the in- vitation to the 250 Anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Sandwich, and I beg to explain that the want of courtesy in not answering the same arose solely from my absence from Detroit. Hoping that you had asuccessful and pleasant meeting, believe me
Sincerely Yours,
DEMING JARVES.
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ALBURGH SPRINGS, Vt., Aug. 13, 1889.
I thank you for your very urgent and kind invitation to participate in the unusually interesting celebration you men- tion. It would give me great pleasure to accept, but I am sorry to be compelled to write that I cannot. I have had a sick family all summer about me and just succeeded in get- ting it out of town to the mountains. I shall not get away from here until the last of the month, and then I have en- gagements until the last of September. I trust that I shall not be missed in the hosts that will gather at your celebra- tion, and that everything will so transpire as to produce the greatest success and highest enjoyment.
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