USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > Semi-centennial of the city of Manchester, New Hampshire, 1896 > Part 12
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Congressman Sulloway also expressed the appreciation of the citizens for the entertainment given by the cavalry.
The troop left town Saturday, after a dress parade at city hall and a compli- mentary hitch-up by the fire department, and farewells by the mayor and military officers, returning by road to Fort Ethan Allen.
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EXHIBITION DRILL BY FITROOP, THIRD UNITED STATES :CAVALRY.
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INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL EXHIBITION IN THE KENNARD.
One of the first and most valuable suggestions offered for a feature of the Semi- Centennial was that an exhibition be held in some suitable place which should show the marvelous progress made in fifty years, not only in the arts and sciences, but in the practical affairs of life, such as cooking utensils, methods of dress, firearms, etc. In a locality so rich in historical relics as Manchester, it was thought that an inter- esting exhibition might be arranged which would be creditable to its promoters and instructive to visitors. Mayor Clarke gave the chairmanship of the committee which should have this important feature in charge to Mr. Edward J. Burnham. How well the committee succeeded in its efforts is evidenced by the fact that the exhibition, which was held in the large store in the Kennard, was crowded continually during the three days of the celebration, and, at the request of many citizens, it was kept open one day extra in order that Manchester people might inspect it after the rush of visitors had subsided.
The Semi-Centennial exhibition committee held its first meeting on June 17- an historic date,-there being present Chairman E. J. Burnham, David Perkins, Albert J. Peaslee, Joseph B. Sawyer, Henry W. Herrick, John N. Bruce, Samuel B. Hope, John M. Stanton, Albert D. Scovell, Joseph L. Stevens, George I. Hopkins, Arthur L. Walker, William G. Garmon, Albert L. Clough, George N. Burpee, and Charles H. Smart. Albert L. Clough was elected secretary of the committee, and Chairman Burnham outlined the general plans of the proposed exhibit.
The committee held weekly meetings until the details were completed and the exhibition was ready to open on the morning of September 7. On June 30 the exhibition committee extended invitations to the Manchester Historic Association, the Manchester Art Association, and the Manchester Electric Club to co-operate with the committee, which invitations were at once accepted. July 7 the chairman announced the sub-committees, and the active work of organization of the exhibition began. Those who served upon the sub-committees were:
On Hall .- William G. Garmon, Frederick G. Stark, John Gillis.
On Transportation of Exhibits .- Samuel B. Hope, Thomas L. Quimby, Charles H. Smart, Joseph B. Sawyer.
On Arrangement and Care of Exhibits .- Andrew J. Bennett, M. J. Healy, Miss Betsey B. Shepherd, Mrs. Joseph W. Fellows, Mrs. E. W. Brigham, Mrs. Charles B. Bradley, Miss Isabella G. Mack.
To Confer and Co-operate with Historic Association .- David Perkins, S. C. Gould, George F. Willey.
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9
OLD HANOVER-STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. ERECTED 1839. TORN DOWN 1880.
HUMLENOF FE FF FE
OMS.
F1846 - SEMI-CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT .1896
THE KENNARD.
131
INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
To Confer and Co-operate with Art Association .- H. W. Herrick, Lyman W. Colby, John G. Ellinwood, Miss Nancy S. Bunton.
To Confer and Co-operate with Electric Club .- George I. Hopkins, W. G. Gar- mon, Albert L. Clough.
On Development of Household Utensils and Domestic Processes .- Mrs. Luther S. Proctor, Mrs. W. K. Robbins, Mrs. Mary M. James, Miss Nellie J. Harrington, Miss Catherine Frain, James O. Harriman, A. J. Peaslee.
On Development in Clothing and Needle-work .- Mrs. Lucinda L. Farmer, Mrs. Sarah E. Hersey, Mrs. A. P. Tasker, Mrs. John Robertson, Mrs. George Bean.
On Cookery and its Processes .- Mrs. George W. Dearborn, Mrs. A. S. Lamb, Mrs. O. D. Knox, Mrs. Amanda W. Smith, Miss Elizabeth McDougall.
On Progress of Printing and Bibliography of Manchester .- George F. Willey, G. I. Hopkins, George C. Gilmore, Mrs. Olive Rand Clarke, Mrs. Helen K. Dunlap, Mrs. H. P. Priest.
On Development of Tools and Machinery .- John M. Stanton, Joseph L. Stevens, Edwin P. Richardson, George W. Fowler, Henry C. Sanderson.
On Development of Manufactured Products .- George C. Gilmore, A. D. Scovell, Daniel C. Gould, Mrs. Angeline B. Cilley, Mrs. Lucinda L. Farmer, Mrs. Charles E. Cox.
On Heating and Lighting .- Charles J. Abbott, George N. Burpee, Joseph B. Sawyer, Albert L. Clough.
On Development of Firearms .- John N. Bruce, Augustus H. Stark, A. L. Walker.
The large store and basement in the Kennard was completely filled with the varied departments of the exhibition, which was open free to the public Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, day and evening; also by special request on Thursday. The store and basement comprised nearly 12,000 feet of floor space. In superin- tending the work of arranging the exhibits, Chairman Burnham was assisted by Mr. L. C. B. Burke, and Fred W. Lamb acted as clerk of the committee in charge of the articles in the historic department. The hard work of the chairman and those who assisted him resulted in an exhibition that was a delightful revelation to every visitor. It was not only novel and interesting in every department, but exceedingly instructive to both old and young.
MANUFACTURES.
Through the center of the store, attractively arranged upon a specially con- structed framework, was a magnificent exhibition of the products of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, consisting of seventy-seven different styles of teazle-down. cheviot, denim, and ticking goods arranged in pyramidal form to show the variety of checks, plaids, and stripes. Upon the opposite side was a display of over one hundred patterns of the famous Amoskeag ginghams, harmoniously arranged as to colors.
The Stark Mills made a creditable exhibit, consisting of seamless bags, drilling. ducking, and heavy sail cloth; also a very interesting arrangement of cotton, showing
JOHN C. FRENCH. HISTORIC ASSOCIATION.
HENRY W. HERRICK. ART ASSOCIATION.
CHARLES J. ABBOTT. ELECTRIC CLUB.
ALBERT L. CLOUGH. SECRETARY OF COMMITTEE.
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INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
the manufacture of cloth from the bale to finished product, and baled goods ready for the China market.
The Amory Mills had a fine exhibit of sheeting, shirting, and other products in white and unbleached varieties.
The Manchester Mills made an extensive display of dress goods, products of their mills and printing department, including worsteds, delaines, challies, lawns. cashmeres, and prints.
The Elliott Manufacturing Company made a complete display of knit under- wear; the S. A. Felton & Son Company showed manufactured brushes and blankets in variety, and N. J. Whalen and the Ranno Harness Company made exhibits of fine harness and horse furnishings.
The P. C. Cheney Company had an instructive exhibit showing the process of paper making in different stages, from the pulp wood to the finished paper. Both the chemical, or sulphide, and mechanical systems of manufacture were shown.
Kimball & Hobbs made a fine exhibit of leather shoe findings. from the hide to finish; also a large variety of rubber goods.
S. C. Forsaith Machine Company showed an interesting variety of moldings and other wood work.
J. Truesdale & Son had a large display of trunks, and J. H. Wilson, Jr., a fine assortment of hardware goods. Both of these exhibitors showed articles of both old and modern manufacture.
THE GENERAL STARK RELICS.
Historically, the exhibition was exceedingly interesting and reflected great credit upon President French and his associates. Never before in the history of Manchester had such a rich and unique collection of relics of old Derry- field been gathered together. Chief among the objects was the "Molly Stark" cannon, captured by Gen. John Stark at Bennington in 1777. The famous brass piece was cast near Paris, France, in 1743 and is three and one fourth inch bore. It was brought to America as a part of the armament of the French army in Canada. and was captured at the battle of Quebec, on the "Plains of Abraham," by the English under General Wolfe. When General Burgoyne invaded the colonies in 1777, the old gun was a part of the field artillery taken along, and when he sent Breymann to the aid of Baum at Bennington the gun was used in the battle and captured by General Stark and his New Hampshire riflemen. By him it was pre- sented to the New Boston Artillery Company, then attached to the Ninth Regiment, New Hampshire militia. The priceless relic has been ever since zealonsly guarded by its New Boston custodians, who loaned it for the exhibition.
A very valuable collection of relics of General Stark occupied a prominent place and attracted much attention. It comprised the following: Bit brace, beaver trap spreading ten inches, one pair of saddle buckles used by Stark at the Battle of Bennington, one pair of silver knee buckles, a cane, a powder horn presented by one of his soldiers and handsomely engraved, four old order books and field accounts, a
GEN. JOHN STARK.
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INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
flask picked up by General Stark on the battlefield of Bennington, one pewter . plate and pewter porringer, one bread and milk bowl, one punch bowl, one turkey platter, one wooden bowl, three wooden plates, two pepper and salts, one glass "flip" tumbler, two sugar bowls, two cups and saucers and small plate, one blue platter, two pitchers, one small trunk brought to this country by Archibald Stark (father of John Stark) from Scotland in 1220, one belt worn by General Stark, one locket containing General Stark's hair, one gold buckle, one pearl buckle, one pair of spectacles, one pair of hair bracelets worn by Molly Stark, one string of gold beads worn by Molly Stark, one solid silver spoon that General Stark ate bread and milk with, one pair of gold sleeve buttons worn by General Stark, one old sandal slipper, one snuff box, one pair of candle snuffers, three large back combs of tortoise shell, one wooden water bottle, one large iron camp kettle, one perforated tin lantern used by Stark, flintlock gun captured by Stark in the French and Indian War. All of these relics were loaned by Augustus H. Stark.
Hanging over the relies were water color paintings, "Birthplace of Stark," "John Stark Running the Gauntlet," "Stark's Grave," "Stark at Bunker Hill," and "Stark at Bennington," by Henry W. Herrick. A brass knocker from the front door of the old Stark house was shown by A. L. Walker. The life-size painting of Stark by Tenney was also exhibited.
WAAR RELICS.
The exhibition drew out a fine collection of Revolutionary relics, more or less connected with Manchester history. There were the pistols and holsters carried through the Revolution by Major-General John Sullivan, the engraved sword used by General Cilley and pair of pistols presented to him by vote of the New Hamp- shire legislature, sword, scabbard, and pistol used by General Wilkinson, powder horn carried by James Harradon at Lexington and Bunker Hill, camp chest used by General Cilley at Valley Forge, order books of General Cilley and Gen. Enoch Poor at Valley Forge, silver cup presented General Poor by Lafayette.
A knapsack of horsehide captured from the British in 1812 was shown by A. D. Scovell. Confederate bills secured by A. P. Tasker when the trunks of Jefferson Davis and General Beauregard were captured, the revolver, holster, and belt worn by Gen. Roger A. Pryor when he was captured by Capt. H. O. Dudley, and the bugle carried in the war by the New Hampshire Battery were shown.
INDIAN RELICS.
The finest collection of Indian relics ever shown was enjoyed by visitors to the exhibition, all gathered in the vicinity of Manchester. Among the large contribu- tors to this department were Frederick Smyth, E. P. Richardson, H. Clarence Knowles, the John J. Bell estate, John K. McQuesten, S. B. Kidder, Nate M. Kellogg, Will H. Heath, and William HI. Huse. The collection consisted of fine specimens of arrow heads, tomahawks, bow and arrows, pipes, spearpoints, grinding mills, pestles, war clubs, axes, hammers, chisels, etc.
LI
HOME OF GEN. JOHN STARK, MANCHESTER. BURNED IN 1866.
137
INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
ANTIQUARIAN.
Among the antique articles in the exhibition were: Corn mill and pestle, first slate used in Nutfield, coach bugle used on mail stage from Boston to Montreal, hand-made spikes from old Amoskeag dam, models of boats and canoes made by Oldtown and Penobscot Indians, portion of first communion set used in Nutfield, fire bucket used when the town house was burned in 1844, candle snuffers and molds, tax book of Manchester for 1847, ticket of Amoskeag Canal Lottery, cradle made in Manchester in 1846, and many other minor curiosities.
A. L. Walker & Son exhibited a fine collection of coins and paper money, and Charles J. Abbott and Irving W. Barclay also had fine displays of coins.
BOOKS.
In the book line, A. L. Walker & Son made a fine showing of old volumes. The Mack collection from Londonderry embraced a New England primer of 1823, a book printed in 1499, copy of a book of manuscript sermons of the first minister of Nutfield,-Rev. James McGregor. George C. Gilmore entered many interesting old books and copies of the first and last city reports. William H. Huse displayed four book's which belonged to the Derryfield Social library. Other valuable volumes were shown by John G. Crawford, George I. Hopkins, and George E. Burnham.
FIREARMS.
In addition to the Revolutionary guns on exhibition. there were many other arms which drew attention. In a window stood a flintlock gun six feet long, which was carried in the siege of Londonderry, Ireland, in 1688, and brought to this country by its owner, Rev. James McGregor, who settled in Nutfield in 1719, and was its first minister. Under the direction of Capt. John N. Bruce, an exhibit showing improvement in firearms attracted deserved attention. It contained specimens of guns used two hundred years ago, during the Revolutionary period, the muzzle-loading percussion cap muskets of the Civil War, carbines, breech-loading rifles, and the Krag-Jorgensen rifle, now used by the United States army. With this exhibit was a case shown by Louis Bell Post. G. A. R., containing samples of ammunition picked up on battlefields of the war. Arthur C. Moore also exhibited a fine collection of sidearms.
CLOTHING AND NEEDLEWORK.
An especially pleasing portion of the exhibit to the ladies was the department devoted to the development in clothing and needlework, superintended by Mrs. Lucinda L. Farmer. A novel and happily conceived feature was arranged by several young ladies, who were dressed in costumes representing different periods from 1846 to the present time. They were Misses Ursula M. Burnham, Bessie I. Burnham, Flora Moore Vermille, Blanche E. Hicken. Sadie Currier, Charlotte
THE "MOLLY. STARK " CANNON.
GUN USED BY REV. JAMES MACGREGOR.
139
INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
Cossar, Grace Sturgis, and Elizabeth Cossar. Associated with Mrs. Farmer in the work of arranging this department were Mrs. Charles B. Bradley, Mrs. Emma Kidder Moore, Mrs. Gilman B. Fogg, Mrs. Charles K. Walker, Mrs. John Robertson, Mrs. A. P. Tasker, and Mrs. Sarah T. Hersey.
Among the many interesting exhibits were collections of slippers of ancient and modern styles, handerchief bags, infants' caps and robes, bead chains, jewelled snuff boxes, bonnets showing the fashions for ninety years, choice old combs, mufflers, swifts, hand-made quilts, suits, beautiful old linen, homespun rugs, and exquisite specimens of laces, rare old embroidery, and other fine needlework. There were silken hose worn at the ball given to General Lafayette in Boston in 1821, a cape that had belonged to a duchess of Kent, a woolen quilt made by Mrs. Albert Chase in 1795, the wedding dress of Betsey Parker in 1811, a dress suit of 1836, table linen spun from flax grown in New Boston in 1800, and many other exhibits showing the changes in dress for a half century. The following ladies contributed to this department: Mrs. George H. True, Mrs. Frederick Smyth, Mrs. John K. McQuesten, Mrs. Charles K. Walker, Mrs. James P. Walker, Mrs. H. W. Herrick, Mrs. E. B. Woodbury, Miss Isabella G. Mack, Miss Lizzie M. Porter, and many others.
ELECTRIC EXHIBIT.
It was early suggested that an exhibition illustrating the material progress of the Queen City during the last half century would be incomplete without a full exhibit representative of the wonderful advances made in the practical applications of electricity during the period, and with this fact in mind the executive committee of the Manchester Electric Club tendered the cordial co-operation of the association to the exhibition committee to effect this end. It was the design of the club to show, in compact form, examples of all the principal practical applications of electrical science, and this idea was most creditably carried out under the efficient direction of President Charles J. Abbott and his associates. Through the generous courtesy of Superintendent F. H. Smith, of the Manchester Electric Company, arrangements were made for the supply of electric current without expense to the club, and for the loan of much indispensable apparatus, thus permitting the apparatus to be shown in actual operation. The exhibit was arranged and cared for by members of the club, among those who were especially active being Messrs. Arthur W. Ferrin, A. A. Jenkins, Albert L. Clough, Prof. G. I. Hopkins, N. S. Bean, Jr., J. Brodie Smith, and Stanley Barlow.
Arc lights and an arch of incandescent bulbs rendered the space allotted to the exhibit as light as day, and attracted a noticeable amount of attention, especially during the evening hours.
Illustrative of the progress made in telegraphy there was shown, through the courtesy of Mr. Abbott, a complete set of the old-fashioned instruments in use for telegraphic purposes at the time of the incorporation of the city, and in striking contrast to these clumsy affairs was exhibited a set of the latest improved instruments.
The application of electricity to motive power purposes was practically demon- strated by the exhibition of electric motors driving ventilating fans and other
YOUNG LADIES IN COSTUMES, 1846 TO 1896.
THE OLD-FASHIONED KITCHEN.
141
INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
machinery. One of the most interesting novelties shown was a complete outfit of electric heating and cooking apparatus exhibited in active operation, comprising electric stoves, kettles, flatirons, a glue pot and other useful utensils, obtaining their heat solely from the current. Electric meters and other instruments were installed for the purposes of enlightening the public in regard to the methods of measuring electrical energy, these being used in connection with the incandescent lamps and heaters. Attendants were constantly at hand to furnish descriptions and explanations of the various pieces of apparatus. Much of the interest of the exhibit centered about the demonstration of the X-ray, which was conducted by Albert L. Clough and A. W. Ferrin, by means of apparatus constructed by them. A Tesla high-frequency coil, operated by the street current, was used in connection with Crookes vacuum tubes and fluoroscope, to afford a complete illustration of the principles of shadow photography and fluoroscopy. A collection of shadowgraphs was at hand to show the curious and useful applications of the new rays, and many shadowgraphs of deformed hands and other objects were made for the benefit of those present, while the methods of production and the nature of the rays formed the subject of frequent informal lectures during the course of the exhibition. On the whole, the showing of the club was exceedingly creditable to this representative scientific body.
ART DEPARTMENT.
Occupying a prominent position in the store was a water color painting of James Thornton, executive officer of the Kearsarge at the time of its battle with the Confederate cruiser Alabama. J. G. Ellinwood, L. W. Colby, and J. T. Langley exhibited photographs. Oil paintings of ex-Governors Weston, Currier, Straw, Smyth, and Cheney, Rev. Cyrus Wallace, Dr. Emil Custer and wife, Richard Ayer, Dr. W. W. Brown, and Rt. Rev. D. M. Bradley were shown; also portraits of all the mayors of Manchester.
Owing to lack of room in the store, the art exhibition was continued in the rooms of the Art Association, in Pickering building, under direction of Chairman Herrick and Joel Daniels, Miss Anna A. Parker, Mrs. Eliza H. Collins, and Walter H. Shilvock. The entries were limited to oil, water color, pastel, and sculpture. The contributors were Etta Moulton, Georgia Wilson, Mary Percival Stone, W. F. Bur- bank, H. W. Herrick, Walter DeMoulpied, Mrs. E. H. Collins, Fannie D. Moulton, Miss H. S. Squires, Mrs. Sarah T. Hersey, Mrs. L. L. Farmer, and Anson G. Osgood. The art collection of Mrs. W. W. Brown was also a prominent part of the exhibition. This collection, bequeathed to the Art Association, consists of paintings, rare inlaid tables, and bric-a-brac, and is valued at $1,250. The complete collection of Rogers groups, owned by the association, was also an attractive feature of the display. Over four thousand people visited the art rooms during the exhibit.
MRS. LUCINDA L. FARMER.
MRS. LUTHER S. PROCTOR.
L. C. B. BURKE.
FRED.W. LAMB.
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INDUSTRIAL AND HISTORICAL.
HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS AND COOKERY.
The household utensils and cookery of fifty years ago were illustrated in a happy manner by the arrangement of an old-fashioned kitchen, completely furnished. There was grandfather's clock, the spinning wheels, reels, the large fireplace and hanging kettle on the crane, the old crockery, candles, wooden cradle, etc. Overhead hung the strings of apples and bunches of herbs. This feature was in charge of Mrs. George W. Dearborn.
Opposite this exhibit, to show the change from the good, old-fashioned ways to the methods of living by society of 1896, was a representation of a modern parlor and sitting-room, with a dainty five o'clock tea table. This exhibit was under direction of Mrs. Luther S. Proctor, assisted by Miss Bessie I. Burnham.
It was estimated that at least ten thousand visited the exhibition each day that it was open. This would indicate an attendance of over fifty thousand during the four days and evenings that the public was admitted.
THE ART COLLECTION OF MRS. W. W. BROWN.
CHIEF HEALY.
DEPUTY CHIEF CASSIDY.
1346 . SEMI-CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT . 1896
MANCHESTER CADETS ESCORTING CADET VETERAN ASSOCIATION.
THE OLD RESIDENTS.
1846. - 1896.
One of the most enjoyable features of the Semi-Centennial celebration was the gathering of Manchester's oldest residents, which happy affair resulted in the forma- tion of a permanent Old Residents' Association. Among the names of those selected by Mayor Clarke to have charge of the celebration, fifty-six well-known citizens were designated to represent the old residents, Warren Harvey, who was a native of Manchester, to serve as chairman. A meeting was called by Chairman Harvey, on June 19, at the Board of Trade rooms, to organize and discuss plans for the coming event. David L. Perkins was chosen clerk, and after a free discussion the chairman and clerk were instructed to collect information and report a definite plan at a subsequent meeting. There were present the chairman, clerk, Henry A. Farrington, Joseph L. Stevens, A. A. Ainsworth, Eben Ferren, Hiram Forsaith, Reed P. Silver, William Brown, Hiram Hill, Luther S. Proctor, Walter Neal, John G. Lane, William T. Stevens, A. J. Lane, William P. Merrill, and David W. Collins.
On the evening of July 1, Mayor Clarke addressed the committee briefly, out- lining his views with reference to the old residents feature of the celebration. It was his desire to make this feature especially prominent. To the "Old Guard" of 1846 should be accorded the post of honor. Those who were here at our municipal christening should be entertained as the guests of the city, and to this end he ten- dered a cordial co-operation. Hon. Charles HI. Bartlett, president of the Board of Trade, also addressed the committee. The clerk then reported a program for the old residents, as ordered at the previous meeting. At the suggestion of the mayor, a registration book had been opened at the office of the city clerk, in which several hundred names had already been recorded of those now living in New Hampshire and elsewhere throughout the country, who were residents of Manchester as early as 1846. Correspondence had been opened with those in remote places who had ex- pressed a desire to revisit their early home and become a part of the celebration. It was, therefore, a matter of the first importance that the old residents should have a common rendezvous, where they could review old friendships in the spirit of "Auld Lang Syne." To meet this want, Mayor Clarke tendered the free use of city hall for the three Semi-Centennial days of September 7, 8, and 9. It was recommended that a permanent old residents' association be formed; that a large registration book be opened with an entire page for each old resident, and a marginal space for remarks; that a distinctive old residents' badge be provided, and that sub-committees be ap- pointed on reception and entertainment. To carry out these recommendations, the following sub-committees were named:
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