USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Milford > Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Milford, New Hampshire, June 26, 1894 : including the proceedings of the committee, addresses, poem, and other exercises of the occasion > Part 2
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The Melzer block, next beyond the Library, exhibited a liberal dec- oration, in the center of which was a canvas painting of Union soldiers, entitled the "Rear Guard." Webster block, Avery's building and the National Bank were also dressed in the garb of national emblems.
E.E.THOMPSON
WELCOME
DECORATIONS.
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
At Hamblett and Power's block, red, white and blue bunting was draped along the coving of the building its entire length. In front of G. A. R. Hall appeared national colors, and large canvas painting, rep- resenting "Sheridan's ride to .Winchester," also numerous army corps badges, and W. R. C. badge. In front of O. U. A. M. hall were flags and a large portrait of George Washington, underneath of which appeared the motto, " God and Our Native Land." Bunting was also festooned along the awning.
The livery building of Frank Ordway, the armory of Co. D., and Ken- ney's building were radiant with flags and bunting in appropriate form.
The Howison House on the evenings of the 25th and 26th, was bril- liant with colored electric lights across the building just above the first and second story windows. In the day time the house was ablaze with bunting and the national colors. There was also displayed a canvas painting.
The awning in front of Wadleigh block was uniquely draped in red, white and blue in a pleasing design. The block belonging to the same estate on South street, was finely decorated with American flags, promi- nent in view was a large canvas painting of George Washington. Wal- lace block on corner of Square and South street, was heavily draped with bunting. On the front surrounded by flags and streamers was a canvas painting representing the "Goddess of Liberty." There were also several emblems of the I. O. O. F. in view. Ryan's livery was appro- priately decked with American flags.
The oval, so recently reconstructed, and which is an object of tradi- tional interest, presented a fine appearance, being profusely decked with the flags of all nations.
The post-office manufactory of John McLane on Nashua street, was covered with American flags ; on one point of the building was a canvas painting representing the "Battle of Gettysburg," on the other was a representation of the conflict between the " Monitor and Merrimac." The Ganey building on Middle street, occupied by the Standard Cloth- ing company, was duly trimmed with the national colors.
The Catholic Church on Amherst street, bore unmistakable marks of patriotism in the anniversary celebration. Its imposing front was richly decked with American flags and streamers, in the centre of which, stand- ing out prominently, was a fine portrait of the Father of Our Country- George Washington.
Connected with the decoration of the Shaw house, corner of Union and Cottage streets, there appeared dates and names of considerable his- toric interest.
The residence of Mrs. Wm. Wallace was prettily attired in decora- tive design, with American flags and streamers, as were also the houses of Dr. Hutchinson and E. C. Batchelder. B. F. Foster's block was draped with flags, and red, white and blue bunting was tastefully festooned above the first and second story. Chase's market and Boutelle's harness shop were also trimmed.
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Holland's block and Saving's bank building were neatly trimmed with national colors. In front of the latter was the inscription " Wel- come," over the entrance. The Ladies' Exchange was prettily noticed with red, white and blue flags and streamers. Eagle Hall building, one of the oldest landmarks in the town, was appropriately attired in the national colors, and bore the inscription, " We greet you all." Foster's block was bright with the national colors, enclosing the motto, " Wash- ington, Father of Our Country." Shannaban's building bore a hand- some design of flags and streamers appended from a gilt eagle, with col- ors skirting the edge of the awning.
The tenement house on South street, besides a heavy display of bunting, bore a long painting representing Washington crossing the Del- aware. Emerson & Son's building was neatly draped with the national colors.
The store of C. E. Kendall & Co., proprietors of the old mill store, was fully alive to the sentiment of the occasion, and the front of the building was spread with stars and stripes in tasteful arrangement.
The office of publication of the Farmer's Cabinet reflected its loyalty to the interests of the nation, state, and the welfare of humanity, by draping its street front with the emblems of our national unity.
Along the line of the procession, and at other points, private resi- dences were decorated with American flags, and red, white and blue bunting.
In truth, the whole town was in a blaze of red, white and blue, everyone decorating their buildings to a greater or less extent. The spirit was universal.
The Procession.
At an early hour the several formations that were to constitute a prominent feature in our centennial celebration, assembled at their respective points. The headquarters of the Chief Marshal, Col. F. E. Kaley, accompanied by his efficient corps of aids, was established at Railroad Square,. Promptly at the hour the word "forward" came from the chief, and immediately the column proceeded on its way, amid the cheering strains of martial music, waving of flags and banners, and the applause of the multitude, forming one of the most imposing pageants ever witnessed in the enterprising and patriotic old town of Milford. The divisions were formed substantially as follows :
DIVISION NO. I. Chief Marshal, Col. F. E. Kaley. Chief of Staff, F. B. Bartlett,
Aids : H. F. Warren, Chas. Came, W. A. Guild, F. W. Chase, W. J. Prince. Gen. C. W. Stevens, F. W. Sawyer, W. D. Sargent, S. A. Gutterson. Geo. Smith and Frank Jewett.
Second Regiment Band of Nashua, 30 pieces. (W. A. Cummings, director.)
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DECORATIONS ON H. H. BARBER'S RESIDENCE.
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Co. D, N. H. N. G. Lafayette Artillery. Milford Fire Department. Guests in carriages. Governor and Staff, President of the Day, etc.
The following composed the mercantile department, manufactures, trades' and agricultural display in the procession, which is universally pronounced to be the grandest demonstration of the kind ever conceived and carried out in a town of this size. It is evidence of the thrifty and progressive enterprise of our people, and promises well for the com- mencement of the second century :
DIVISION NO. 2. Milford Cornet Band. H. H. Barber, float, 50 rolls of carpeting, Banner-"Dry Goods, Mil- linery, etc." E. C. Batchelder, dry goods team. Mrs. A. J. Burns, covered carriage, millinery scene. Ladies' Exchange, team with very unique equippage.
J. M. Laws, carriage artistically trimmed with specimens of the shoe trade, and occupied by daughter Helen and Willie Youmans. H. F. Warren, team driven by young lady. W. F. French, druggist, team bearing huge druggist's mortar. Standard Clothing Co., float containing sewing machine and also print- ing press in operation. Boutelle, harnessmaker, large float, profuse display ; E. Allbee, club swinging, in performance. 1 Farm wagon, driven by H. H. Sanderson. D. T. Buttrick, agricultural tools, 3 teams.
C. E. Kendall & Co., agricultural tools, 2 teains. B. F. Foster, undertaker, 2 teams. Kenney & Foster, real estate, carriage. W. R. Putnam, one team, harness exhibit. E. M. Parker, express display, I teanı. Ed. Shannessey, wheelwright establishment, the proprietor working at his trade, I team.
J. E. Bruce, grocery wagon, driven by John Bruce, I team. Hutchinson & Averill, 2 grocery teams representing trade, driven by Geo. M. Center and Fred Winters, I team occupied by firm. Stowell, grocery team, trade song by young ladies. Thomas Holland, grocery team, driven by Eugene" Dutton. N. W. Robinson, Milford's veteran meat dealer, 2 meat carts decorated with red, white and blue. Holt Bros., 3 meat carts, and wagon loaded with fruit. W. I. Chase, market team. Milford Fish market, 2 teams. Leland Kenney, painter's team and ladder wagon. Brahaney & Broderick, carriage and ornamental painting, I covered car- riage.
F. W. Farnsworth, stationer, float-boat filled with little girls. John Stevens, restaurant team. Emerson & Son, covered float with parlor furniture exhibit.
DIVISION NO. 3.
Wilton Band, Lyndeboro' Artillery company, 30 men, and piece of artil- lery. John McLane, float, postoffice outfit.
French & Heald, 3 floats, one with display of chefforniers, with placard, "Our line for 189.4 ; one with sideboards, placarded "Our lat- est;" one with packages of furniture. Hillsboro' Mills, float with woolen blankets. Morse & Kaley, float with display of colored cotton yarn.
-
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Bartlett & Son, float with exhibit of hosiery. Wilkins Bros., float loaded with paper boxes.
A. J. Foster, team covered with specimens of morocco manufacture. C. Childs, team, exhibit of baskets. W. E. Pierce, wooden ware, I team. Frank Hartshorn, 2 teams, lumber. A. W. Howison, I team, lumber. B. R. Came, 2 teams, coal. Merrill Bros., 10 teams, representing their coal, wood, and ice business. W. N. Ware, team representing saw mill industry. DIVISION NO. 4.
This division exhibited the agricultural interests of our town, and was one of the most unique and extensive in the procession. The fact was plainly evident that much skill and originality of design had been ex- pended iu the construction of the vehicles representing the oldest and most substantial vocation of our people during the hundred years of the town's existence. The exhibit was chiefly as follows :
Four large floats, each one displaying in some form the products of the farmn. One of the number representing spring, summer, autumn and winter, and all of them contained a number of young Misses appro- priately attired.
Jenkins, poultry team. W. H. Tarbell, three seated team, neatly trimmed. W. H. Cleaves, milk wagon. W. H. Kendall, Geo. Raymond and others, 8 teams. W. R. Fitch, poultry team. Alonzo Howard, hay wagon. F. C. Boutelle, fruit dealer, donkey cart.
A portion of this display was under the anspices of the Grangers. A pleasing feature of ;this division was the appearance of the following young ladies, neatly attired, on horseback : Sadie French, Louise Anderson, Roselle Hutchinson, Maud Taggart, and Jesse Hutchinson.
DIVISION NO. 5. Mechanics Cornet Band.
This division was made up almost entirely of heavy teanis, represent- ing the granite interest, now one of the most promising and extensive in our midst.
C. W. Stevens, 2 teams ; E. G. Kittredge, I team ; C. W. Carkin, I team ; D. L. Daniels & Co., I team ; J. R. Thompson, I team ; Young & Co., I team ; Milford Granite Co .. I team.
These teams were nearly all drawn by four horses, and contained spec- imens of rough and finished work. Thev attracted universal attention.
The procession was nearly forty minutes in passing a given point, and was pronounced one of the finest civic processions ever witnessed in the State. It was thoroughly illustrative of Milford's enterprise and re- sources.
Promptly at 10 o'clock the procession marched down Union Street to Union Square, through Union Square to Nashua Street, Nashua to Clin- ton, Clinton to South, South to Lincoln, Lincoln to Union, Union to Gar- den, Garden to Cottage, Cottage to Elin, Elm to Union Square, through Union Square to Amherst, Amherst to Souhegan, Souhegan to Pleasant, Pleasant to Orchard, Orchard to Chestnut, Chestnut to Amherst, Amherst to Grove, Grove to Union Square.
Upon the completion of the parade it was reviewed by the Governor and his Staff and invited guests, assembled on the Town Hall steps.
1794
1894
TOWN HOUSE 1869-
Milford, N. H. Centennial Celebration, June 26, 1894.
Menu.
COLD MEATS.
New Hampshire Turkey,
Roast Beef,
Sugar Cured Ham.
Lobster Salad. Radishes. Hot Baked Beans. Cold Bread. Brown Bread.
Hot Rolls.
PASTRY.
Mince Pie. Lemon Pie. Frosted Custard Pie.
Bride's Cake. Chocolate Layer Cake. Strawberry Cake.
Orange Cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream.
Coffee.
Tea.
Oranges.
Frozen Pudding.
Milk.
Bananas.
Stevens, CaterEr.
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The Lafayette Artillery Company of Lyndeborough, that appeared in the parade is the fourth oldest company in the country, having been formed in 1804, and has maintained its organization ever since.
After the review of the procession the Milford Fire . Department gave an exhibition upon Union Square, attracting much favorable com- ment by their efficiency and promptnes>.
Dinner was served in a huge tent erected at Endicott Park, by Caterer John Stevens, at 50 cents per plate. The following bill of fare was served :
Cold Turkey.
Ham. Beef.
Hot Baked Beans.
Brown Bread.
Hot Rolls.
Pies and Cake.
Hot Coffee.
Dinner for two hundred invited guests was served at the Banquet Hall of the Town House, and was in charge of Masseck, caterer from Nashua. The blessing was pronounced by the Rev. Joseph Foster.
Sports.
While a large gathering was assembled in the Town Hall to listen to the literary exercises there, others gathered at the Park to witness the base ball contest between the Milfords and the Matthews of Lowell.
It was one of the largest gatherings ever assembled at the Park that witnessed the base ball game. It was a close contest, and resulted in the defeat in the Lowell visitors in a score of 8 to 7. The following shows the make up and score of the clubs :
MILFORDS.
MATTHEWS.
MULLEN, 3B.
MAHONEY. 3B.
T. YOUNG, SS.
GALLAGHER, LF.
HINDS, LF.
THORNTON, 1B.
MANNING, C.
MCGUIRK, 2B.
J. HOWISON, 2B. ROACH, 1B.
FLYNN, C.
MCGUANE, SS.
B. YOUNG, CF.
VAUGHN, CF.
NOLAN, RF.
KELLY, RF.
SUTTER, P. POND, ( SUB.).
HAVLIN, P.
INNINGS
1
3
4
6
7
9 TOT'L
MILFORDS - -
0)
(
3
:
()
*
**
-
MATTHEWS -
3
()
0
1
1
0
*
-
24
MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
At 2:20 o'clock the bicycle race took place, the following named rid- ers having entreed the contest :
BENTON MILLS,
W. J. ELLIOTT,
A. R. WEBSTER,
C. A. McLANE,
C. F. ISOLA, PERLEY MARTIN,
EDW. CROWELL,
J. T. GAUTIER,
L. A. HUTCHINSON, L. H. HALL,
A. W. BLANCHARD.
The point of starting was in front of Town house, over a seven mile course, up one side of the river and down the other, finishing in front of Bartlett's store. First prize, a $25 medal, won by Benton Mills, time 25 minutes and 30 and 3-5 secoonds; second prize, $10 bicycle lan- tern, Arthur R. Webster ; third prize, cyclometer, C. F. Isola.
TOWN HOUSE AND LIBRARY BUILDING.
EXERCISES AT THE HALL.
COL. J. W. CROSBY.
Col. J. W. Crosby, Chairman of the Town Committee, called the meeting to order, and spoke as follows :
LADIES, FRIENDS, AND FELLOW CITIZENS :
We are glad to greet you on this day of days, for dear old Milford, and have you with us to participate in our festivities on this, to us, joy- ful occasion, and one hundredth anniversary. The matter of celebrat- ing the one hundredth anniversary of our incorporation as a town was talked up in town meeting in the year 1892. It was then decided that we celebrate the centennial in 1894. And our Senators and Representa- tives elect to the Legislature of 1893, were instructed to have passed an Enabling Act by which the town could appropriate money to celebrate its centennial. At the tow meeting in March, 1893, a committee was ap- pointed to arrange for an appropriation of our one hundredth anniver- sarsary. And they have worked early and late, with the cordial assist- ance of the town's people generally, to make it a success. Whether they have done so or not, we leave you to judge. To those who have gone from our borders, and all others, I would say that we who have one of the smartest, prettiest little towns in all creation, and strive by making improvements every year, te make it in all respects "the banner town " of the old "Granite State. But my weakness admonishes me that I must not talk at this time. Therefore, we will proceed with the order of exercises at once. Please give your attention to an invocation by a na- tive of Milford, Rev. Joseph C. Foster, D.D. :
. PRAYER BY REV. JOSEPH C. FOSTER.
O Lord, our God,-our God,-our father's God ! we would acknowl- edge Thee in all our ways, so that our paths may be wisely and safely directed. Thou hast manifested Thyself to us in kindness and love, through the various ways in which Thou hast led us individually and collectively. We may confidently look to Thee as the God of nations,
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ..
states and towns, as well as of individuals. Humbly and devoutedly would we thank Thee for what Thou hast been to us as a nation, over the destinies of which Thou hast graciously presided ; and as a town, in all the history of which Thy guiding aud helping hand has been sure. We thank Thee for the auspicious beginning of this town, and for its helpful progress, from year to year, till a full century has ended since it came into worthy existence. Thou hast been known in all the periods of the history which are reviewed with thankfulness and joyfulness to-day. Early was Thy name honored and Thy worship established here. Never has there failed to be the recognition of Thy supremacy afforded by a House of God, in which the inhabitants of the town might assemble as the worshippers of Him from whom all blessings come. Even has Thy wisdom and goodness been seen in the inestimable provision Thou hast made, that with religious privileges educational advantages might be enjoyed. For the churches and the schools we would give Thee thanks. Unto Thee we would ascribe honor, and render praise for the virtue and intelligence, the piety and learning that have been developed in all the years embraced in the centennial period now commemorated. To these advantages and consequent blessings we reverently trace, through Thy good providence, the worthy citizenship with which the town has been favored, and the substantial prosperty which has prevailed from generation to generation, making the town honorable and commend- able in its record, attractive and delightful for residence, and of pleasant memory as a cherished native place.
As Thou hast been favorable unto the dwellers here in all the hun- dred years that are past, so wilt contine to prosper and bless in all the affairs of the town, making the future better than the past to all that pertains to true prosperity and honorably successful endeavor. Let the best interests of the people be ensured ; let adversity and calamity be averted ; let industry and sobriety, temperance and morality, intelligence and religions have enlarged and ever enlarging development. May happy homes henceforth, be more and more numerous, and all classes and conditions of the inhabitants be virtuous and intelligent, moral and religious. And may this commemorative occasion be the beginning of the brightest and best period in the history of the town, hitherto, and may the next hundred years be crowned with the richest blessings of Thy kind providence and Thine abounding grace. These offerings of thanksgiving and supplication we now devoutly make in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
JUDGE R. M. WALLACE.
Col. Crosby :- I now have the honor and great pleasure of present- ing to you as President of the Day, our highly esteemed citizens, Judge Robert M. Wallace:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :
One hundred years ago the good old town of Milford began its existence, and we have met to-day to celebrate the centennial anniver-
JUDGE ROBERT M. WALLACE, President of the Day.
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
sary of that important event, and to awaken in our minds the mem- ories and inspirations of the past.
To those of the sons and daughters of Milford who do not now re- side here, but who in obedience to the ties of birth, or former residence, have returned to show your interest in and loyalty to the town, by participating in the exercises of this day, I bid you in the name of the town and people of Milford, a most hearty and cordial welcome.
Your presence here in such numbers on this occasion gives us the greatest pleasure, and we trust you will find this day spent in re- visiting and recalling old and familiar scenes in this beautiful Souhe- gan valley, and in reviving and renewing old associations and friendships, both a pleasant and profitable one.
It is a beautiful and instructive custom to properly commemorate an important event in the life of an individual, or in the history of a commu- nity. The one hundredth anniversary of the birth of a town which re- calls and keeps alive the memories of the labors and sacrifices of the fathers in founding a representative New England town like Milford, is an event which their descendants, who are in the slightest degree worthy to succeed them, will never suffer to pass unnoticed or unobserved, but will gratefully and loyally commemorate.
Nowhere does the town hold so important a place in the affairs of the community as in New England. The town system not only furnishes to the people of/ New England, the most perfect form of free government in local affairs, but its influence in educating and training the people in the truest and highest ideas of democracy, and implanting in their minds those fundamental principles which are essential to any form of a Repub- lican government, is without a parallel anywhere else. And from this town system in its relation to the State, supreme in the control of local affairs, yet subordinate in state affairs, sprang the very idea upon which the republic was founded which, while allowing to the several states, su preme control in national affairs. Thus was discovered that great princi_ ple which liberty loving people in all ages of the world sought for in vain which makes possible at the same time individual freedom and home rule in local affairs, and a strong, central, national government to preserve itself from internal strife and foreign aggression. The first settlers of this town, both before and after its incorporation, endured great hard- ships and privations. It is difficult for us at this time to thoroughly real_ ize the discomforts, difficulties and dangers of going into a wilderness, beset with savages and wild beasts, clearing and reclaiming the land, build- ing houses, making roads, and instituting a minature state, for such was the original New Hampshire town. Yet that is what the original settlers of Milford did, first, as inhabitants of the town of Dunstable in 1738, next of Monson, then of Amherst, and finally one hundred years ago feeling themselves too strong to remain longer in leading strings, formed them- selves into a separate town and secured the incorporation of Milford, in 1794. Strong character is only developed and produced by correspond- ingly great trials and difficulties. No hardy race was ever nourished in
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MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
the lap of luxury and ease. The privations and trials of these original proprietors of the town produced a strong and vigorous people. They recognized no difficulties except as something to be overcome, and they left the impress of their character upon their descendants and upon the people of this town, which inspired the people of New England in 1775 and many of them, were at the battle of Bunker Hill, under the com- mand of that brave old patriot Capt. Josiah Crosby of this place. The people of that town were imbued with the spirit of independence, they were also actuated by a strong religious sentiment. They were deeply impressed, not only with the importance, but with the imperative neces- sity of education for the highest development of the individual and of the community.
This town in the first century of its existence has been what we should have a right to expect it would be, from a town thus founded and established. The religious characteristics and development have always been an important feature from the days of the practical teachings of that vigorous Christian, Rev. Mr. Moore, the first settled minister of the town, to the present time, and something that had to be recognized and taken into account in the settlement of any important question in the community. The numerous strong religious societies in this town, with their large membership and handsome churches, show that this sen- timent still exists.
This town has always ranked high in educational lines, her public schools being among the best. Her school houses have been a credit to the town, and the new school house about to be built, attests the fact that the spirit that has controlled the town in the past, in educational matters, still anmates her people. The large and well selected library in its convenient and commodious quarters, not presented to the town by some rich man, but which the town provided for itself, speaks well for the culture of the people.
That spirit of freedom which actuated the fathers of the town, in the early days, has shown itself in a marked degree, in the agitation and earnest effort which many of the best people made in the anti-slavery controversy. It was then that the Hutchinson Family did so much for the cause by their songs, and sang themselves into national fame. Later still, the same spirit manifested itself when in the war of the Rebellion, the town sent her noblest and bravest sons to the aid of the country in the hour of its peril. Their sacrifices and achievements in that struggle make a glorious record, honorable alike to themselves and the town.
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