USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 71
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Panoramas. These are of comparatively modern date. The first exhibited here was one of the Hudson River, in June, 1849. During August of the same year, a panoramic painting of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers proved attractive for a fortnight in Washington Hall. In November, 1850, Langly's Panorama of the Holy Land, and one of Kennebec River, are advertised. In Jan- uary, 1852, Bullard's Panorama of New York City, and in Janu- ary, 1853, Perham's "Seven Mile Mirror," are announced as on exhibition at City Hall.
772
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
Connected with the subject of amusements is an account of the public halls in which many of them took place. The following is believed to be an accurate list : -
Academy. In the second story of the old academy building. It was used from 1810 to 1838.
American House. In the third story of the addition to that hotel, which was erected in 1847. It was converted into rooms in 1860.
Angier's. In the third story of No. 1 Phoenix Row. It was first occupied by the Odd Fellows, in 1846.
City. In the fourth story of City Block, at the corner of Main and High Streets. It was first publicly occupied during the last week in October, 1850, by the Waldo County Teachers' In- stitute, and is still occasionally used. Its dimensions are sixty by forty feet, and it contains a gallery, with ante-rooms beneath. In 1851, it was painted in fresco.
Democratic. Over the store of Furber & Bean, next above the American House. It was used during the Presidential campaign in 1844, and soon after converted into offices.
Dirigo. At the Head of the Tide, sometimes called Mitchell's Hall. It is occupied by Greenwood Lodge, No. 307, of Good Templars.
Eagle Hotel. In the second story of the American House, on the southern side. Used occasionally from 1824 to 1842.
Hayford. In Hayford Block. It is ninety-four feet deep by sixty wide, and twenty-seven feet high, with a gallery on three sides, supported by iron pillars. The stage is twenty-five feet by twenty-three, and there are convenient drawing-rooms. The seat- ing capacity of the hall is thirteen hundred. This hall was dedi- cated on the evening of May 12, 1869, by a public ball.
Hubbard's. In the house formerly owned by Dr. Thaddeus Hubbard, on Main Street, now the residence of Asa A. Howes.
Huse's. In the second story of the Huse tavern, at the corner of Main and High Streets.
Johnson's. In the Johnson Block, which was erected in 1847, and first used that year by the Sons of Temperance. It is now leased to the Catholics, whose religious services are held there.
Masonic. The first one, in the old Babel, on Main Street, was used from 1818 to 1826. Since then, the Masons have occupied the upper story of the old court-house, now the High school- house.
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AMUSEMENTS.
Odd Fellows'. From 1844 to 1853, at No. 2 Phoenix Row, over the store of Oakes Angier; and from 1853 to 1860 Phoenix Hall was so designated.
Osborn's. In the third story of Marshall's Block, on Main Street. Used for balls and political meetings from 1848 to 1856.
Peirce's. On Church Street, in Peirce's Block. It was dedi- cated on Thanksgiving eve, 1852, with a ball, and is still con- stantly used. It is seventy-seven by fifty-two feet, with a gallery, and is eighteen feet high. The walls are adorned with scenic papering.
Phoenix. In the third story of Phoenix Row, the entrance be- ing at No. 4. It was first used in 1824, and for twenty years was the principal public room here. The Whigs occupied it as their head-quarters during the "log-cabin " and " hard-cider " Presi- dential campaign in 1840 and it resounded night after night, until the contest was ended, with the rallying cry of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." A few of the voices which then and there stirred the hearts of the people like the sound of a trumpet are still heard occasionally in feeble tones; but the eloquent lips of Webster Kelley and of George W. Cooley, which held all hearts spell-bound by the words they uttered, long ago put on the purple hue of death.1 It was last used in 1861, as the armory of the City Greys. From it, on a beautiful June morning of that year, Captain Mar- shall's company marched, on their way to join the army, many of their number, alas ! never to return.
Russ's. In the house built by Major John Russ, on the north- ern side of Main Street, which perished in the great fire of 1865. It was used for festive purposes up to the war of 1812.
Sons of Temperance. From 1845 to 1846, in the second story of a wooden building which stood on the site of that now occupied by the " Republican Journal " office ; then in the attic of the store of the Messrs. Howes, and from 1847 in the Johnson Block.
Stevens's. In the second story of a store building on the east side of the river, at the corner of the Searsport road. It was named from Andrew J. Stevens, who built it, and is sometimes known as McCrillis's.
Town. Now the High school-house. The basement contained the hall. Town meetings were held there from March 28, 1825, until we became a city, in 1853.
Washington. On High Street, opposite Phoenix Row. Built 1 Crosby's Annáls.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
in 1844, by the Whigs, for head-quarters, during the Clay cam- paign. It was dedicated July 31st, by an address from Hon. William G. Crosby. The entrance was originally by a broad flight of steps, which projected into the street. An extension of fifty feet was added to the rear in 1850, and the building has since been used for various purposes.
Whittier's. In the second story of the Alfred Johnson house. Used from 1805 to 1820.
Wilson's. In the Cremer house, at the corner of Main and Common Streets. Jonathan Wilson was at one time the pro- prietor. It was used from 1805 to 1824. The Washington Be- nevolent Society met there in 1812. They called it Washington Hall.
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CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
CHAPTER XLVII.
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
Declaration of Independence. - First Fourth of July Celebration. - Celebration in 1810: Militia Officers. - Oration in 1820, by Joseph Williamson. - Toasts. - Major Houston sings History of Washington. - Belfast Light Infantry. -- Celebration in 1824. - In 1827, on Establishment of Waldo County. - Distinguished Guests. - Revolutionary Veterans. - Dinner. - Bill of Fare. - Dedication of Phoenix Hall. - Celebration by Light Infantry in 1830. - By Federalists in 1832. - At Head of the Tide in 1833. - By Light Infantry in 1834. - By Democrats in 1835. - By the Mili- tary in 1836. - By Democrats in 1837. - First Fireworks. - Temperance Celebra- tions in 1841 and 1843. - By Odd Fellows in 1848. - By Sons of Temperance in 1850. - Citizens' Celebrations in 1853 and 1854. - Sons and Daughters of Temper- ance and Spiritualists celebrated in 1860. - Railroad Celebration in 1867. - Picnic Celebration at Head of the Tide in 1871. - Citizens' Celebration in 1873. - Death of Washington publicly observed in 1800. - Address by Rev. Ebenezer Price. - Com- memorations of Washington's Birthday. - Death of Adams and Jefferson. - Eulogy by Alfred Jobnson, Jr. - Ode by William G. Crosby. - Invitation to Commodore Tucker. - His Letter in Reply. - Inauguration of Jackson. - Death of Harrison. - Eulogy by Rev. Silas McKeen. - Death of Jackson. - Anniversary of West India Emancipation. - Oration by Rev. Frederick H. Hedge. - Forefathers' Day. - Ad- dress by Woodbury Davis. - Demonstrations occasioned by Deaths of Taylor, Clay, Webster, Douglas, and Lincoln. - Centennial Celebration in 1870.
HE Declaration of Independence, which passed on the 4th of July, 1776, was printed and sent to all the ministers of the gospel throughout the State, to be publicly read by them on the first Lord's day after its reception, and to be recorded by the town clerks in their respective town books. No record of the kind exists on the books of Belfast. The first anniversary of the great event was celebrated here by an informal gathering. According to Mrs. Tolford Durham, "the people from all parts met at Dea- con Tuft's, had a good time, and trained round all day."
1807. " The 4th of July," says a letter under date of July 7, 1807, " was attended with much bluster and stir. The Companies of Artillery and Cavalry turned out, and there was a public din- ner at the Hall of T. Whittier, Esq. General Ulmer and Major Jonathan Wilson made their appearance in uniform !" Generals, Colonels, and Majors were not as plenty as in these days.1
1 Crosby's Annals.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
1810. The local militia companies paraded the streets, and were hospitably entertained by Captain John Lymburner, who had erected two flag-staffs in front of his house, at the corner of Main and Spring Streets.1
Until 1820, no detailed account of any celebration is preserved. The first number of the "Hancock Gazette," which appeared on the 6th of July in that year, gives the following description of the observance of the forty-fourth anniversary : -
"The Anniversary of American Independence was celebrated by the citizens of this town and vicinity. The day was ushered in by the roaring of cannon and ringing of bells.2 At eleven o'clock A.M., a respectable procession was formed, which marched to the meeting-house, where an excellent and truly patriotic oration was delivered by Joseph Williamson, Esq. The Throne of Grace was invoked in a very appropriate prayer by the Rev. Mr. Frothing- ham. The escort duty was performed by a volunteer company, under the command of Captain Francis Hathaway. The musical performances were excellent. An ode was written by Dr. Herman Abbot, and sung on the occasion. After the performances were over, the procession moved to Colonel Cunningham's hotel, where the company partook of an excellent dinner, served up in Cun- ningham's best manner. The Hon. John Wilson presided at the table, assisted by Dr. Eben Poor. Major Houston, who sang the ' History of Washington,' 8 is one of the few survivors of Wash-
1 Rev. John L. Locke.
2 There was then but one bell in town. The editor seems to have made an error like Coleman, in his opera of "Inkle and Yarico."
8 Major Houston died in January, 1835, aged eighty-two. For many years he sang this song with great applause : -
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
In histories you all may read of Washington, 'tis said; And many more bold warriors, that have great conquests made. Bnt Washington, renowned, the trump of fame shall sound : We'll all agree, in bravery, his match can ne'er be found.
No dangers do him scare, amidst the deadly war ; While troops, like halting heroes, stand listening from afar To the rattling of his drums, and the thunder of his guns: He scorns to yield, he keeps the field. and from no danger runs.
Troops now have come anew, that to the cause are true, Stout-hearted, bold, and daring as ever weapon drew. "March on, brave boys," he cries, " and all your foes defy." To honor such, who can think much, for liberty to die ?
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CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
ington's body-guards. After the cloth was removed, regular toasts were drunk, accompanied by the discharge of cannon and enliven- ing airs of music. Volunteer toasts were given by the Hon. John Wilson, Dr. Poor, George Watson, R. C. Johnson, Joseph Wil- liamson, Judge Crosby, Franklin Tinkham, Colonel A. W. Ather- ton, N. H. Bradbury, and Hugh J. Anderson. That of Mr. Wilson, as follows, was a fair specimen of the sentiment to which the occasion and its accompaniments gave birth : 'Maine an indepen- dent State. May her Legislators possess the patriotism of Fox and the intelligence of Pitt; her Judges, the science of Mansfield and decision of Holt ; her Orators, the lightning of Cicero and the thunder of Demosthenes.'"
1824. Celebration by the Belfast Light Infantry. Various military evolutions were performed in the forenoon. At two o'clock, the company assembled at the hall of Colonel Jonathan Wilson, where with invited guests they partook of a collation. The Hon. William Crosby presided at the table, assisted by George Watson, Esq. An ode composed for the occasion by William G. Crosby, Esq., was sung to the tune of Adams and Liberty, and elicited great applause. Toasts were given by the presiding officers, Colonel Daniel Lane, Hon. Alfred Johnson, Jr., Major William Salmond, Doctor J. P. Alden, Captain Joel Hills, Captain Joseph Smith, Joseph Williamson, Ralph C. Johnson, Hezekiah Williams, William G. Crosby, William Stevens, Hugh J. Anderson, and
Now the Britons and the Hessians join, with a larger force combine; While he with resolution, exposed to wind and rain, In the midst of smoke and fire, cries out, "Boys, don't retire, - Fight while a vein can blood contain, fight for a new empire."
For liberty and laws, hold Washington he draws His sword, and is defending our liberty and laws. Grim death he dares defy, though balls like hail-stones fly, Wades through the flood of purple blood, where slaughtered numbers lie.
Now may the great Jehovah, the God of peace and love,
. Protect our mighty hero, and all his deeds approve. When God shall him displace, may one of his great race Hold on as good, venture his blood, and crown with peace our days.
God save great Washington, Fair freedom's noble son, Now let us sing. Happy and glorious, Great and victorious, May he reign o'er us, And not the king.
:
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
James W. Webster, Esqs.1 That by Judge Johnson, which went the rounds of the newspapers at the time, may be regarded as an expression of the general political sentiment in this locality : "John Quincy Adams. The universal Yankee nation will unite to make him our next President. Should he fail of his election, no more can be said of us than of the whole human race before, - 'In Adam's fall, we sinned all.'"
1826. A sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by Bishop George at the Methodist Church. At the First Parish Church, an oration was delivered by Mr. Nathaniel Wales, and the Declaration read by Mr. Hawes. A collection for the Ameri- can Colonization Society followed. After dinner at the Eagle Hotel, thirteen toasts were given in the usual hilarity of com- memorating the day.2
1827. At eleven o'clock, a procession, composed of National and State civil and military officers, officers and soldiers of the Revolution and of the late army, and a large number of citizens and strangers, was escorted by a volunteer military company to the First Parish meeting-house. Among the distinguished guests present were Generals Boyd and McCobb, Major Pierce, Mr. Thayer of the Executive Council, a veteran of the Bunker Hill battle, and many Revolutionary soldiers. The Declaration of Independence was read by William White, Esq., prefaced by remarks upon the origin and history of that celebrated state paper. William Stevens, Esq., then pronounced a chaste and well- written oration. After the exercises, dinner was served in a tent erected on the Common. Among the regular toasts, the follow- ing elicited much applause : "The County of Waldo, this day established, - last, though not least of the Counties of Maine. Our Freedom and Liberty already equal the Hope we entertained, and the Prospect before us." Volunteer toasts were given by. General Boyd, Captain Joseph Smith of the Navy, S. Tyler, a hero of Bunker Hill, and others. The festivities were brightened and rendered doubly interesting to a majority of citizens present, from the circumstance of the new county of Waldo taking effect on that day.8 "In the evening," continues the "Gazette," " a ball in
1 Hancock Gazette.
2 Belfast Gazette.
8 Ibid. A memorandum made by one of the committee of arrangements gives the following bill of fare and programme for the dinner: Cold hams, tongues, lamb, and corned beef, green peas, potatoes, pickles, cheese and tarts. Good Sicily Madeira wine, punch, brandy, gin, and old rum. The committee to bave a sample of the wine and liquors, all of which are to be pure and of the best quality. Dinner to be one dollar
779
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
honor of the new county took place. The company assembled in Phoenix Hall, a new and spacious room fitted up by R. C. John- son, Esq. It was decorated with elegance and splendor. On the ladies' side of the hall was twined an arch corresponding with the ceiling above, composed of various evergreens, intermingled with roses and other flowers. In the centre of the arch was a painting of the Goddess of Liberty; on her right and left were inter- woven the names of the original States of the Union. On the opposite side was a transparency of Washington, on the right and left of which were " Adams" and " Jefferson " in wreaths of oak. At the head of the hall, on the right, was a transparency, with the inscription, " Waldo, July 4, 1827."
1829. This year, there was no formal observance of the day. An address before the Waldo County Bible Society was delivered by the Rev. Darwin Adams, of Camden.1
1830. Celebration by the Belfast Light Infantry. Albert Bing- ham, Esq., delivered an oration; and a dinner was given at the Eagle Hotel.
1832. Federal celebration at the Unitarian Church. The orator was Solyman Heath, Esq. Rev. Alfred Johnson read the Declaration.
1833. Celebration at the Head of the Tide. A procession, escorted by a company of volunteers, proceeded from the Maine Hotel to the new school-house, where the Declaration was read by Lewis F. Shepherd, and an oration pronounced by H. W. Piper. Afterwards, one hundred and fifty gentlemen sat down to a dinner under a pavilion in front of the hotel. No ardent spirits were used at the table.2 Captain David Otis was president of the day.
1834. The Light Infantry celebrated the day by a procession, services in the Unitarian Church, and a public dinner. The orator was Colonel James W. Webster.
1835. A Democratic-Republican celebration. John W. Frost,8 Esq., delivered an oration ; and Albert Pilsbury,4 Esq., read the
per ticket. Six clergymen (if so many should be present) and the orator of the day to have their dinner free of expense.
1 Maine Farmer.
2 Journal.
8 Frost was a student at law, in the office of Judge Johnson. He was killed in 1851, near New Orleans, in a dnel occasioned by political difficulties.
4 Mr. Pilsbury studied law in the office of H. O. Alden, Esq. He soon afterwards opened an office in Calais. In 1853, Mr. P. was a member of the Executive Council, and in the year following was the Democratic candidate for Governor of the State. He was subsequently for six years United States Consul at Halifax, where he died in June, 1872, in his fifty-seventh year.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
Declaration. Both were young men, just admitted to the bar. Dinner at the Town Hall was participated in by two hundred persons, among them several Revolutionary soldiers. Escort duty on the occasion of the celebration was performed by the Light Infantry.
1836. Military celebration by the Artillery Company, Captain Mayo Hazeltine, and the Light Infantry, Captain Benjamin P. Swan. Oration by Colonel James W. Webster. Dinner at the Town Hall.
1837. Democratic celebration. A procession proceeded from the North Church to that of the First Parish, where the custom- ary exercises took place. Ephraim K. Smart, Esq., of Camden, was the orator. Judge Alfred Johnson read the Declaration, introducing it with patriotic remarks. The dinner was at the Town Hall. The Artillery Company and the Belfast Volunteers observed the day by field duty and a collation on the east side of the river.
1839. No public commemoration of the day. In the evening there was a display of fireworks, the first exhibition of the kind ever witnessed here.
1840. The Whigs of Waldo County held a large celebration. There was a long procession, escorted by the Thomaston Band, and containing a log cabin, with smoke curling from its chimney, which was hauled on wheels from Searsmont. An oration was delivered in the grove at what is now the corner of Congress and Bradbury Streets, by Lucius H. Chandler, Esq., of Thomaston. " Hard cider " was freely used as a beverage on the occasion.
1841. The 5th of July was celebrated this year (the 4th occur- ring on Sunday) by the Independent Temperance Society. A corps of mounted truckmen, in uniform, under command of Captain Isaac Smith, made a parade. Andrew T. Palmer, of Belfast, delivered an oration at the Unitarian Church; and a dinner was furnished at Phoenix Hall.
1843. As the great Temperance Reform, known as the " Wash- ingtonian " movement was at its height this year, the different societies of Waldo County participated in a celebration. A pro- cession, escorted by the Frankfort Artillery and the Hancock Guards of Castine, and composed of fifteen temperance organiza- tions, each with an appropriate banner, proceeded through the streets to the Unitarian Church, which was profusely decorated. An oration was pronounced by Colonel Charles W. Cutter, of Portsmouth, N. H. The Hon. Alfred Johnson read the Declara-
4
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CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
tion, accompanied by a brief address, which was afterwards pub- lished in the "Journal." Among the exercises was the presentation of a prize banner, on behalf of the Ladies' Temperance Society of Belfast, to the Frankfort Society, as the most meritorious organiza- tion in the county. Miss Caroline F. Alden made the presen- tation address, to which Benjamin Shaw, Esq., of Frankfort, responded. A dinner took place in the storehouse of Daniel Merrill, at the head of the steamboat wharf.
1847. The 4th of July being Sunday, the day following was celebrated in its stead. In the forenoon there was a parade of the Callathumpian Band and Fantastic Guards, and another of the firemen, who marched through the streets preceded by our new Brass Band, and afterwards practised with their engines. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks on the Common.
1848. Odd Fellows' celebration. Oration at the Unitarian Church, by Rev. Albert Case, of Worcester, Mass., followed by a dinner at Merrill & Pitcher's loft.
1850. The Sons of Temperance on Penobscot River and Bay joined in celebrating the 4th. There was a procession, headed by the Thomaston Band, escorted by the Belfast Rifle Company; and exercises at the Unitarian Church. The Rev. M. R. Hopkins, of Oldtown, was the orator. William O. Poor read the Declaration. A dinner was given in the grove on Congress Street. A display of fireworks took place in the evening, near the Academy.
1851. This year, rain fell without interruption on the 4th; a fact unprecedented, according to the oldest inhabitants. A parade of "Fantastics " was postponed until the next day, and the fire- works were not displayed until the 7th.
1852. No formal celebration. The national salute was fired ; a flag was raised upon the new staff of the Whigs, at the head of Main Street; and a parade of Engine Company No. 2, and of a company of young men arrayed in various costumes, took place.
1853. Citizens' celebration, on a more extensive scale than ever before attempted in Belfast, being the first one occurring after our organization as a city. Eight thousand strangers were present. A long procession marched to a pavilion erected on the Common, where an oration was delivered by the Hon. William G. Crosby, Governor of Maine. Hon. Ralph C. Johnson, Mayor, was president of the day. N. Abbott, Esq., read the Declaration. A dinner at
782
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
Peirce's Hall, a parade of costumers, and a ball and fireworks in the evening, were among the features of the occasion.
1854. Citizens' celebration. A procession, headed by the Sax- horn Band, followed by Hydrant Engine Company, a floral car, and the little girls of the various schools dressed in white and wreathed with flowers, marched through the streets to the Unitarian Church, where William C. Williamson, Esq., de- livered an oration, and J. G. Dickerson, Esq., read the Declara- tion. A dinner took place at the American House, at which Mayor Sleeper presided, and Samuel G .. Thurlow officiated as toast-master.
1860. Celebration by the Sons and Daughters of Temperance at a grove on Waldo Avenue. Rev. Cazneau Palfrey, D.D., was the orator, and George B. Ferguson, Esq., the reader of the Declaration. The procession was escorted by the Camden Band, the City Greys, and the Castine Light Infantry. The military dined at the Phoenix House.
There was also a celebration of the Spiritualists at the grove on Congress Street, attended by over two thousand persons, repre- senting thirty-six towns and four cities. Hon. Richard Moody, Mayor of Belfast, presided.
1867. Extensive preparations for observing the day, to which a peculiar interest was given by the organization of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Company, were made ; and there was a large influx of people both from the neighboring towns and from distant parts of the State. Early in the forenoon, a rain- storm commenced, which continued until evening, and caused an adjournment of the exercises from the Common, where seats and a stand for speaking had been erected, to the Unitarian Church. After the Declaration had been read by William O. Poor, an elaborate and eloquent address 1 upon " The Railway " was deliv- ered by the Hon. John A. Poor, of Portland, followed by remarks upon the projected Belfast enterprise, by the Hon. George W. Woodman, one of a party of distinguished railroad gentlemen who were present. An Indian regatta, in which canoes manned by members of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes con- tended, took place in the morning, soon after which a company of Fantastics paraded. The fireworks, and other portions of the cele-
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