USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > Semi-centennial of the city of Manchester, New Hampshire, 1896 > Part 17
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HERBERT W. EASTMAN.
SECRETARY OF GENERAL COMMITTEE. TREASURER,OF FINANCE COMMITTEE.
184
SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF MANCHESTER, N. H.
our Brother Kidder with us at our next centennial. I concur most heartily in all that has been said tonight, and I say tonight that Manchester is indebted to every one of you for your zealous labors to make this most noted feature of Manchester, her Semi-Centennial, a glowing success."
Congratulatory remarks were also made by Rev. W. H. Morrison, Rev. N. L. Colby, Joseph Kidder, Rev. Father Guertin, Andrew Bunton, Col. Henry B. Fair- banks, and Edward J. Burnham. Letters of regret were read from Rt. Rev. D. M. Bradley, Rev. B. W. Lockhart, Hon. Moody Currier, and Rev. Henry E. Cooke.
FINAL MEETING OF . ADVISORY BOARD.
The final meeting of the chairmen of the various committees, constituting the advisory board, was held in the mayor's office on October 8. The total receipts of the finance committee were reported to be $7,258.75. The expenditures were: For parade, $367.83; exhibition, $646.39; old residents, $238.91; printing, $420.35; tents, $452.00; stands, $668.87; carriages, $234.50; decorations, $759.53; sports, $587.50; soldiers' monument, $30.00; press, $62.35; military lunch, $120.00; salute, $44.00; lunch at mayor's office, $25.00; schools, $39.17; music, $1,429.07; guests, $103.89; miscellaneous, $682.15; a total of $6,912.51.
It was voted that the balance of $346.24 be turned over to the treasurer to be used towards the publication of a memorial volume of the celebration. It was voted to recommend that the city government take action to procure the publication of such a volume. Voted that the mayor appoint a publication committee, of which he should be chairman, to act with Secretary Herbert W. Eastman in compiling the book. Hon. Edgar J. Knowlton and E. J. Burnham were appointed.
On motion of E. J. Burnham, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the committee extend a vote of thanks to our chairman, His Honor the Mayor, in appreciation of the energy, good judgment, and uniform cour- tesy which have contributed so largely to the success of the Semi-Centennial celebration.
Also, that we extend a vote of thanks to our secretary, Herbert W. Eastman, for the industry, fidelity, and an efficiency due to long experience, with which he has discharged the duties of his responsible position.
The committee then adjourned sine die.
DEDICATION OF THE WESTON OBSERVATORY
SEPT. 6, 1897.
PROGRAM.
1. Introductory Address by the President of the Day.
GEORGE I. MCALLISTER, ESQ.
2. Prayer. REV. CHARLES U. DUNNING. D. D. 1
3. Music.
MANCHESTER CITY BAND.
4. Delivery of Weston Observatory to the City by
HON. JOHN C. FRENCH, representing the Building Committee.
5. Acceptance of Weston Observatory by the Mayor,
HON. WILLIAM COGSWELL CLARKE.
6. Music.
TRINITY QUARTET: F. T. E. RICHARDSON, ROSCOE K. HORNE.
DELAFAYETTE ROBINSON, AMOS G. STRAW.
7. Dedication of Weston Observatory, by the Grand Lodge of Mason
HENRY A. MARSH. Grand Master.
8. Music. MANCHESTER CITY BAND.
9. Oration.
HON. EDWIN F. JONES.
10. Music. "America."
QUARTET AND AUDIENCE.
11. Benediction.
REV. WILLIAM H. MORRISON. 185
1
7
THE WESTON OBSERVATORY.
DEDICATION OF WESTON OBSERVATORY.
SEPT. 6, 1897.
The Weston Observatory was formally dedicated by the officers of the Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of New Hampshire, Henry A. Marsh of Nashua grand master, on Monday, September 6, 1892. The observatory was erected by the Head & Dowst Company, from plans of M. F. Davis of Lowell, under direction of a special com- mittee appointed by the city government, consisting of Mayor Clarke, Alderman Provost, President of the Common Council John T. Gott, Councilnan O. D. Knox, and Horace P. Simpson of the street and park commission, which committee co- operated with the following citizens: Charles H. Manning. James H. Weston. A. C. Wallace, John C. French, and Nathan P. Hunt. Upon the organization of a new city government, President George B. Rogers of the common council, and Council- man George W. Taylor succeeded Messrs. Gott and Knox. A sub-committee, Messrs. Manning, Wallace, and Provost superintended the construction work. The observa- tory is built of New Hampshire granite, and is fifty feet to the floor of the outlook, and sixty-six feet from base to finial. The summit of Oak hill is five hundred thirty- seven feet above sea level, and the top of the observatory is three hundred eighty- six feet above Elm street.
At 1.30 p. M. the officers of the Grand Lodge, city government officials, and participants in the dedication ceremonies were escorted to the observatory by Trinity Commandery, Knights Templar, Isaac L. Heath eminent commander: Lafayette Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Abraham L. Garmon, worshipful master; and Washington Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Charles W. Knowlton, worshipful master; the Manchester City Band, Horace D. Gordon leader, furnishing music.
The dedicatory services opened with an introductory address by George I. McAllister, Esq., president of the day, who said:
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT OF THE DAY.
Ladies and Gentlemen :- It gives me great pleasure to extend to you a cordial greeting and a hearty welcome here on the summit of our highest hill, which is crowned and adorned by Weston Observatory. We are proud of this beautiful Derry- field park, in which we can stand on a hill hundreds of feet above the level of our noble Merrimack river, and look over our beautiful, progressive and magnificent Queen City of the Granite State, and breathe the "mountain air . . . the air of heaven and of liberty." Your presence here proves you' devotion to Manchester, your loyalty to the memory of a generous and public-spirited citizen, and your sincere appreciation of his costly. useful, and ornamental gift to the city he loved. Weston Observatory has been com- pleted, and we have assembled here to dedicate and deliver it to the people of Manches-
187
FREDERICK J. SHEPARD. 'G. Sword Bearer.
HERBERT E. RICHARDSON. G. Lecturer for the State.
CHARLES C. DANFORTH. JOHN K. WILSON. G. Steward.
G. Marshal.
ABRAHAM L. GARMON. G. Lecturer. Dist No 2.
GEORGE P. CLEAVES. G. Secretarv.
HENRY B. QUINBY. S. G. Deacon.
DANIEL C. ROBERTS. JOHN C. BICKFORD. G. Pursuivant.
G. Chaplain.
JOSEPH KIDDER. G. Treasurer.
GEORGE 1. McALLISTER. . S. G. Warden.
HENRY A. MARSH. Grand Master.
JOHN McLANE. D. G. Master.
BRADFORD S. KINGMAN.
J. G. Warden.
FRANK L. SANDERS. G. Tyler.
OFFICERS OF THE M. W. GRAND LODGE, A. F. AND A. M., OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, SEPTEMBER 6, 1897.
189
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT OF THE DAY.
ter. to be used and enjoyed by them and their descendants. Our citizens will accept this noble gift with hearts filled with joy and gratitude. This day is one of gladness and congratulations for them. They will never forget the memorable day on which they came into possession of this magnificent observatory, and they will hold the name of the donor in grateful remembrance. My friends, you will be surprised and delighted with the splendid view which you will enjoy from the top of the observatory, a view extending from the famous White Mountains of our glorious New Hampshire to Mount Wachusett in the grand old commonwealth of Massachusetts, and from Saddleback mountain in Rockingham county to Mount Monadnock in Cheshire county. You will behold a lovely and charming landscape
"Of mountain and of flood. Of green heath and shaggy wood";
there will be within the range of your vision a land of handsome lakes, splendid rivers, lofty hills, majestic mountains, beautiful valleys, and fertile meadows, dotted here and there with neat and pretty farmhouses, and with beautiful and prosperous villages, and cities, where the hum of business and industry is heard, and the people are indus- trious, contented, and prosperous.
Fellow Citizens :- We are honored by the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the state, who laid the corner-stone of Weston Observatory when Manchester was celebrating the Semi-Centennial anniversary of its existence as a city, September 7, 1896.
It is eminently fitting and proper that the Grand Master of our noble and honorable masonic fraternity, which teaches faith in God and the hope of immortality, and that truth is the foundation of every virtue, and inculcates patriotism and the practice of charity and pure beneficence, and of which Governor Weston was a faithful and honored member, should complete his work by dedicating this observatory with the impres- sive ceremonies of the craft. We take great pleasure in extending to him and to the other officers and the members of the Grand Lodge, a hearty and courteous welcome, and rejoice that they are our guests today. Friends and Brethren, the people of Manchester confidently hope that Weston Observatory, built of iron and of New Hampshire briek and stone, on the granite top of Oak Hill, will stand for centuries as an eloquent, steadfast, and enduring witness of the true and undying love and affection that James A. Weston had for them. They can never use it or sce it without being reminded that generosity and philanthropy were distinguishing traits of Governor Weston's character. Weston Observatory is a useful and beautiful monument that will preserve the name and per- petuate the memory of the most distinguished native of Manchester, who, we can truthfully say, was
"Formed on the good old plan, A true and brave and downright honest man. He blew no trumpet in the market place. Nor in the church, with hypocritie face. Supplied with cant the lack of grace. Loathing pretense, he did with cheerful will What others talked of, while their hands were still."
After a fervent prayer by Rev. Charles U. Dunning. D. D., pastor of St. James Methodist Episcopal church, and a selection by the band, the observatory was formally delivered to the city by John C. French, representing the building committee. Mr. French said:
190
DEDICATION OF WESTON OBSERVATORY.
DELIVERY TO THE CITY.
Your Honor the Mayor :- Manchester's favorite son, the late Hon. James A. Westou, emblematic of his life and character, made a bequest for the erection of an observatory bearing his name on this elevated spot, "for the advancement of science, for educational purposes, for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the people of Manchester, and visitors, without expense to them." The building committee appointed to select design, make contract, to take charge of the construction, have performed their duties to the best of their discretion. By request I now inform you that the con- struction of the Weston Observatory has reached completion, and in behalf of the building committee I have the pleasant duty to discharge of formally conveying posses- sion of the same to the city of Manchester, in accordance with the bequest of the donor. To you, honored sir, the legal representative of the city, and to your successors in office, I hereby transfer for perpetual custody and care the Weston Observatory. Its conception is typical of the noble character of the benefactor; his frequent suggestions in regard to location, design, and material have been followed, the workmanship com- pleted, and with these dedicatory exercises the structure is presented to the people of Manchester.
It was my good fortune to be long and intimately associated with Governor Weston in business and friendly ways, and I was impressed with the fact that his mind was largely absorbed with the business activities and the future of his native city. His ancestry, tastes, education, early business profession, were an equipment that enabled him to appreciate the needs of a growing city and to discharge the duties of chief executive with marked ability. He gave his best thoughts to public works, improve- £ He first ments, and expenditures in the line of beautifying and ornamenting the city. conceived and gave official mention of the soldiers' monument, selecting a satisfactory design, and superintended the work. He was instrumental in securing Stark park as a historic and public resort; also the Weston reservoir; and in keeping with the spirit of the man he consummated his life work by the gift to the people of this observatory, on the most elevated spot in Derryfield park, for the delight and enjoyment of the present and future generations, and to teach them the love of nature, home, city, and country. From its summit the lover of nature will find a wide and picturesque landscape, which in scope and beauty will delight the eye and charm the senses. In the foreground lies the "Queen City of the Merrimack," where nature has wrought so well and man has wrought so successfully, and the fruit of enterprise, industry, frugality, taste, and culture are apparent on every hand; where over fifty thousand people find peace and plenty and "life worth the living;" where the Merrimack river leaps its largest water- fall in its rapid course from the mountains to the sea. In the background of the extended panorama are glimpses of most of the mountains of the state, though not yet delineated by pen or pencil, stretching from the southern boundary, including in a northerly sweep Monadnock, Crotchet, Kearsarge, Belknap, and Ossipee groups, as "Alps piled on Alps," to the grand old monarchs of the Franconia and Presidential ranges. It was this beautiful spot and delightful landscape that inspired the mind to cause the erection of this granite monument to leave as a fitting legacy to the city. May its inhabitants and visitors in all coming time improve its uses, appreciate its structure, and cherish the memory of its donor, Hon. James A. Weston.
The observatory was accepted, on behalf of the city, by Mayor Clarke, who said:
191
ACCEPTANCE BY THE MAYOR.
ACCEPTANCE BY THE MAYOR.
Mr. Chairman and Citizens of Manchester :- Among the many men of distinction to whose judgment, enterprise, and industry Manchester is a monument, James A. Weston will always be regarded with high honor and esteem. He was a native of Man- chester, and few men who have ever been identified with the city possessed a greater love for the place of their birth or were more loyal to what they considered her best interests than the one to whose liberality we owe the structure now to be dedicated. Not only in his lifetime did he contribute in many useful ways to the advancement of Manchester, but we have found since his lamented death that his thoughts for the future were still clustered about the city he loved so well. Governor Weston was a man of fine taste and large foresight, and we can readily understand how he was among the first to discover and extol the beauties and attractions of this splendid spot now known as Derryfield park, and which in years to come is destined to become one of the foremost public pleasure grounds in all New England. From the summit of Oak hill on which this rugged monument to his memory now rests he had often contemplated the grand and expansive mountainous view and the other picturesque sights revealed here, and long before his death he had determined npon making a bequest to the city to be used and expended by it for the erection and construction of an observatory at this point, as the language of his will expresses it, "for the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the pleasure, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of Manchester and for the people who may visit Manchester." The sun specified in the bequest was five thousand dollars, and with these means at their dis- posal the representatives of the city have provided this structure, built, as we believe it to be and as the honored donor requested that it should be built, of "imperishable material." That the people of Manchester will manifest their appreciation of this acceptable public gift as they become familiar with its advantages I have no doubt, and that the example set by our late fellow townsman will be followed by others in equally commendable directions I sincerely hope. We are all proud of Manchester, of her growth, industry, thrift, and successes, and in common with you all I heartily rejoice in such evidences of public spirit and generosity as are revealed in the conception and realization of the Weston Observatory.
It has seemed to me eminently fitting that the ceremonies attending the dedication of this memorial shaft should be performed by a body that had been so closely allied with the life work of the donor and to whose honorable and beneficent aims and achieve- ments he had for thirty-three years given his unselfish efforts and loyal devotion, and Manchester feels honored indeed to once more welcome the Grand Lodge of Masons of New Hampshire, under whose auspices the corner-stone of this observatory was laid with such impressive services one year ago. It is creditable to our city that her people have manifested by their presence today. in such large and representative numbers, their appreciation of this substantial gift which, besides the soldiers' mon- ument, forms the most conspicuous park adornment Manchester has ever received. It is also gratifying to know that on the occasion set for this dedication every spindle and loom that has been idle in Manchester for five weeks past is again in motion, and that thousands of families and homes are rejoicing in this fair city today as they could not have rejoiced under previous conditions of business inactivity. Governor Weston was a friend of the people, and were he alive none would rejoice more than he in the restor- ation of employment to the working classes and to none will this beautiful gift to the city bring greater pleasure and enjoyment than to these people who form the "bone and sinew" of Manchester's prosperity. Mr. Chairman, in behalf of the city of Man- chester I take great pleasure and feel great honor in accepting this structure, so wisely planned, faithfully supervised, and thoroughly constructed.
REV. CHARLES U. DUNNING, D. D.
CHARLES W. KNOWLTON.
W. M. WASHINGTON LODGE, A. F. AND A. M.
ABRAHAM L. GARMON. W. M. LAFAYETTE LODGE, A. F.AND A. M.
193
ORATION BY HON. EDWIN F. JONES.
The Trinity Quartet, Frank T. E. Richardson, Roscoe K. Horne, De Lafayette Robinson, and Amos Gale Straw, then rendered a selection.
The impressive ceremonies of dedication were then performed by Grand Master Marsh and other grand officers.
After a selection by the band, the oration of the day was delivered by Hon. Edwin F. Jones.
ORATION BY HON. EDWIN F. JONES.
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, and Friends :- The structure around which we stand, and which you have just dedicated to its intended uses "for the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Manchester," is a fitting monument to its generous founder. It rests upon the solid foundation of a granite hill; it rises in strength and beauty to the full measure of the architect's skill, and from its lofty station, visible afar, it typifies all that was best and noblest in the character and aspirations of him who gave it to the city.
James A. Weston was at the time of his death the foremost native of Manchester. He had reached perhaps a higher position in business, social, and civic lines than any other man who first saw the light of day within the borders of our municipality. His life had been pre-eminently successful. Ilis labors had been crowned with a compe- tency of worldly goods; his word was everywhere regarded as his bond. Four times mayor, twice called to the chair of the chief executive of his state, he was a man whom the people knew and honored; and in honoring him they honored themselves. He loved Manchester; he was proud of the city's history and of its achievements; his time and abilities were ever at its service. He could truly say of its growth and progress: "Most of it I saw; a large part of it I was." By his will the city has become the possessor of this observatory, which is destined to keep fresh and bright the memory of his life and name. It has been delivered and accepted; and now it has been dedicated to the public use by the high authorities of that order of which, for more than a third of a century, the donor was a true and loyal member.
Nothing, I believe, could be more in keeping with Governor Weston's wish than the large gathering of Masons one year ago, when the corner-stone was laid, or than this public consecration of his gift by the officers of the grand lodge. Masonry was dear to him. He venerated the principles of our time-honored institution. He was an honorable man and he knew that Masonry tends to make all men honorable who are strictly observant of its precepts. He had so often heard ineuleated within the walls of the lodge the great moral duties which a man owes to himself, his neighbor, his country, and his God, that he thought it not derogatory to the character of any great public undertaking that his brothers should participate thercin as Masons. He knew that Masonry teaches morality, patriotism, and brotherly love; that no man can be a good Mason who is not a good citizen; and that many men have been made better citizens by becoming good Masons. He would, I believe, have desired this Masonic dedication of his gift.
Here, a public ornament in this park, already beautiful by nature, but with immeas- ured possibilities of greater beauty when developed as it may be, the Weston Observatory is to stand on land donated by the city for the purpose, a landmark for miles around, a thing of beauty-a thing of use as well. And this building has, when viewed in the proper light, a utility as great as though it were a mill, a workshop, or a mercantile house-perhaps one greater than they. It has no sordid side. It is not to be given over to money making. It may seem to be of no practical use to some who measure
13
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HON. EDWIN F. JONES.
R. W. PAST DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE.
195
ORATION BY HON. EDWIN F. JONES.
the value of a thing by its wealth-producing capacity. But there is something above and beyond mere money getting, and human nature has an aesthetic side which needs developing, and which is often neglected in the mad rush for livelihood and gain. And whatever adds to the pleasure and rational enjoyment of the people is as beneficial and as useful to the community as a strictly material undertaking. This observatory will add to the pleasure and enjoyment of the people of Manchester; it appeals to the eye; it broadens their horizon. Through its erection a large addition has been made to the park, the whole population of the city has been benefited, and in return appreciates and values the gift.
The present is a monument-making epoch. To be sure the custom is an old one. Kings of ancient Egypt built the Pyramids as tombs and as monuments of their great power and regal pomp. Rome was filled with columns and statues erected by her rulers to perpetuate the memory of their imperial splendors. England has laid away her great ones beneath the pavement of Westminster Abbey, or within the crypt of St. Paul's, and with seluptured marble or graven bronze preserves the remembrance of their deeds and fame. In our country the scenes of great events have been marked, and the republic's heroes have been honored, with lofty pillar and brazen image. In all large cities monuments are now multiplying in memory of those who have distinguished themselves in the military and civil life of the nation. This is the first monument erected to a citizen in Manchester outside the borders of the cemetery, excepting the noble shaft which testifies to the love and honor our people bear the men who gave their services in the war to preserve the Union and to maintain inviolate the constitution of the fathers. And such a memorial as this, it seems to me, is far better than a statue or a marble column. For while it commemorates the virtues of the dead as well as they, it will also afford benefit and enjoyment to the living. It adds one to the number of our public buildings; it makes still larger the common property of the citizens. It will be a source of pride and happiness to all our people. It is situated in what is destined to be the great popular pleasure ground; and, as the years go by, its use and advantage will many times increase.
Why this building of monuments? Is it simply that the names of the men in whose honor they are erected may not be forgotten? Are they merely the expression of family pride or local ostentation? Is there no wider significance to the spirit which ereets them? It seems to me that the personal element has the smallest influence of all. Of course the memory of the man is perpetuated, but with it goes the recollection of the actions or the virtues which have so marked and distinguished his career as to call forth the admiration and regard of his fellow citizens. But in time the actions and the virtues become chief; the man is lost sight of, and the monument becomes the embodiment of an ideal, which inspires others to emulate the good and to shun the mistakes of him who thus becomes, as it were, an historic exemplar. The massive monument to Washing- ton, which adorns the capital of the nation, does not so much commemorate the man Washington, who was, as other men are, human, with human passions, virtues, and foibles, as it symbolizes the love of liberty which shook off the foreign yoke and made our country free. In a statue to Lincoln we see not a memorial of the Illinois rail-splitter and circuit-riding lawyer, but the representative of the spirit of freedom which lifted a race from bondage and granted equal rights to all our people. And when we gaze upon that magnificent mausoleum on the bank of the Hudson, where rest the remains of our great general, we do not think of the tanner, the soldier, or the president, but we recall that of which Grant seems to us to be the incarnation,-the love of country and of union which preserved our nation and made freedom worth the having. Viewed in such a light these monuments and memorials teach noble lessons; they inspire worthy ambitions.
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