USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Albany bi-centennial. Historical memoirs > Part 21
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The Germans contrived to make one of the most striking features of the parade. The children of Fatherland have a particular aptitude for parades and celebrations. They are especially happy in designing tableaux. There was the stately figure of Germania, represented by a charming lady, who seemed to be the living impersonation of " Die Wacht am Rhein." Around her were the chief representatives of German music, poetry and science. There were the fair Cæcelia, patroness of the divine art, the Goddess of Liberty, with the points of the compass symbolized by
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four pretty maidens, the stalwart Apollo and his lyre, with incense offered to him on a tripod, and the rep- resentatives of all races half hidden under a huge liberty cap. All along this division rose the sonorous voices of the German singers, chanting the volkslieder of Fatherland.
Ere the parade of all nations reached the goal of its long route there was a rush to Pleasure Island to witness the opening of the annual regatta of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen. It was a day such as oarsmen delight in. The water of the mighty stream was like glass, over which at intervals the playful breeze stopped and caused a faint ripple. The contests were worthy of the high reputation of this renowned organization, and the management was worthy of all praise.
Besides the parade and the boat races, there were many other features to interest the citizens and their guests. A memorial oak was planted by the Germans in Washington park and an elm tree by the Colored societies. The Irish societies held very interesting exercises in the rink, and the Germans sang all night long. There was no diminution of enthusiasm, but, on the contrary, Albanians seemed to be inspired with the desire to put up the thermometer of Bi-cen- tennial heat a few degrees higher.
THE FIRST DIVISION.
HOLLAND'S SONS.
At the head of the first division rode four mounted policemen, Officers Roach, Murphy, Kirwan and
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Ford, and next to them Grand Marshal Severence and his aids, and the marshal of the first division, Captain Andrew Donner and his staff, John Wolff, chief, and aids : M. Iliohan, M. De Rouville, John Degenar and Abram De Blaey of the Hollanders, and Robert F. MacFarlane, C. C. Mackay and Wil- liam Gibson of the Scotch. The music was furnished by the Twenty-first Regiment band, twenty-one pieces, of Poughkeepsie. Behind them, marching with fine ap- pearance, were the M. J. Severence cadets, under com- mand of Captain William Addington, with thirty men in line, acting as escorts. Next came the Hollanders, and the appearance they presented was most favor- ably commented upon. The Hollanders turned out seventy-five strong, with Nelson Boyd in command. This nationality also had two floats. The first was of great beauty, being a canopied wagon decorated with the stars and stripes and the national colors of Holland. Within were eleven pretty young women, representing the same number of provinces of that country. Each one was dressed in the appropriate peasant's costume and carried a spear and shield bearing the arms of the province represented. On a mimic throne was represented the Goddess of Liberty. The young ladies taking part were: Goddess of Liberty, Miss Annie Klomps; maidens, Delia De Rouville. Nellie Van Denburgh, Maggie De Rouville, Lizzie Weenint, Blanche Wolff, Julia Wolff, Minnie Ochtman, Jennie Van Rees, Hattie Vlasblom, Hattie Geurtze, and Nettie Giffler. This attracted the grea- est attention throughout the entire route of march and was greeted with frequent applause and other
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marks of approval. Next came a carriage containing Mrs. Iliohan, Mrs. Ochtman, Mrs. Wolff and Mr. J. Ochtman, each clad in the costume of one hundred years ago. After this was a road cart containing representations of two orphans in appropriate cos- tumes, and then the second float, an old Dutch wind- mill, with its long arms picturesquely spread to the breeze. The miller was John Van Buren, and his assistant, John Scravin. Following this was a num- ber of carriages, containing Hollanders, and a wagon one hundred and eighty years old, with two men in Continental dress. One of the most pleasing fea- tures of the parade was the bonny Scots, in kilt and tartans, headed by twelve pipers droning out the national airs. The thistle was well represented, there being three hundred men in line, fifty of them being in kilted uniform. The Scotchmen were from this city, Cohoes, Green Island, Troy, New York, Boston and Rochester, and were under command of Charles Brooksby, and Peter Kinnear, president. The Scotch caps and waving eagle plumes of this detach- ment gave a very novel and attractive aspect to this part of the parade.
THE SECOND DIVISION.
OUR FRENCH CITIZENS.
Considering the number of Frenchmen in this city their display was excellent. They had the right of the line of this division and were preceded by the Platts- burgh band. Marshal John G. Obey was in command.
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First came St. Jean Baptiste Society of Albany, one hundred and fifty strong, under the command of Presi- dent Albrich Fredette. The society's elegant hand- work banner, and American and French flags floated in the breeze in front. The members of the society wore the emblem of Canada, the maple leaf, and a white badge on which was "Les Canadiens Français d'Albany." Then came the Willard post drum corps, St. Jean Baptiste Society of Troy, in charge of Francis Richards. They bore French and American flags. The Iroquois Snow Shoe Club of Troy, turned out in carriages about twelve strong. Each vehicle bore snow shoes behind the driver's seat.
An excellent float of the French Canadians next appeared. It represented a full-rigged brig inscribed "St. Malo, 1534," on the bow. It was gotten up in excellent style and was a fair likeness of the ship of more than three centuries ago in which Capt. Jacques Cartier discovered Canada. On the ship were Enrich Fredette, as Cartier, and Masters H. Bernard. Isaac Milot, E. Carrow and I. Marquis, as sailors.
Another float represented La Petite Jean Baptiste, and on it was a throne on which sat Charles Picard, in the character of the saint, holding in his hand a crozier, while at his feet rested a small lamb in real flesh. Two wagons of French school children com- pleted the division.
At the conclusion of the parade, M. Henri Boland, an eloquent French orator, addressed the French societies in St. Jean Baptiste rooms in the basement of the French Catholic Church. He spoke particu- larly of the history of the French in this country and
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their influence in colonizing it. Afterward refresh- ments were served to visiting societies.
THE COLORED SOCIETIES.
The colored citizens had a delegation in this divi- sion. They were members of the Burdette-Coutts Society, and rode in carriages. An elegant banner, presented by the ladies, was displayed.
THE THIRD DIVISION.
THE IRISH SOCIETIES.
At precisely nine o'clock, the hour appointed for the parade to take place, the chimes and bell of St. Ann's Church rang out an inspiriting welcome, which caused the Irish heart to dance with delight and give zest to the reception of this brigade on their line of march. Marshal Slattery commanded his division with the abandon of a veteran. His aides wore green badges and sashes, with Major M. F. McGowan as chief, in full uniform. The aides were: Frank J. Goewey, John J. Cassidy, Charles E. Hurley, Edward J. Flood, Timothy Mohide, P. B. Muldowney, Thos. J. Dolan, Harvey T. V. Harrington, James H. Dulin, James J. Burns, Timothy O'Sullivan, Daniel Scully, William J. Hill, James McGrath, Francis Sullivan, B. McGuire, Patrick Maher, Timothy Dineen, P. J. Crotty, James Cuthbert, T. J. Daly, Francis J. Bigley, John Cleary, Andrew Daly.
The Tenth regiment band followed the aides lead- ing the Hibernian Rifles in green coats and cockades. They numbered thirty-six, and had eight line and staff
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officers. They escorted two carriages, containing General Charles Tracey, chairman of the day; the Rev. T. M. A. Burke, chaplain ; District Attorney Hugh Reilly, orator; the Hon. Thomas J. Lanahan, reader; M. J. Louden, poet ; Judge John W. Walsh, Mr. David Healey, of the Irish World, and T. S. O'Brien. Then came St. Joseph's Sodality, two hundred strong, Marshal Fitzpatrick commanding, and St. John's Sodality, fifty-one strong.
THE ERIN FLOAT.
The float bearing the thirty-two young ladies, representing the counties of Ireland, was a magnifi- cent affair and the admiration of every Irish person. The body of the float was a representation of the Hill of Tara, the headquarters of the first four sovereigns of Ireland. About this hill the young ladies were seated. On the apex of the float was a large raised chair in which was seated the Maid of Erin, Miss Lulu Kelly, who rode in this exalted position in regal manner. The float also bore a representation of the Martello tower, at the base of which a wolf-dog is resting, and the Celtic cross. The float was drawn by six horses, which were led by footmen. Four soldiers, dressed in Irish regimentals, were guards to the floats and represented the four provinces of Ire- land. The thirty-two counties were represented by these young ladies: Katie Nugent, Delia Nugent, Katie Heffernan, Mamie Slattery, Nellie Slattery, Margaret Brannigan, Mary A. Murphy, Ellen Ahearn, Mary A. Mullen, Gussie Phillips, Kate Ward, Annie Tierney, Mamie Leister, Belle McIntosh, Miss Cran-
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ney, Annie Obrien, Delia Reilly, Katie Kielty, Miss Dolan, Johanna Nolan, Maggie M. Murphy, Miss Rice, Miss Sheedy, Alice Dowling, Aggie Rowe, Maude Dulin, Annie Finn, Maggie O'Connell, Kate Feeley, Mary Feeley, Annie J. Rourke, Kate Hart. They were attired in white with green sashes bearing the names of the counties printed in pale green letters.
The St. Joseph's Cadets, Capt. B. H. McDonald, with twenty-five men, followed the float, escorting Branch No. 4 Ancient Order of Hibernians, one hundred strong; Branch No. 5 Ancient Order of Hibernians, of Green Island; Branch No. 6 Ancient Order of Hibernians, one hundred strong; United Irish of America, one hundred and twenty strong ; and Council No. 38, Catholic Benevolent League, seventy-five strong.
Another float then came into view with life-size figures of Gladstone, in a sitting position, and Charles Stuart Parnell standing, and Robert Emmet, with hands bound. The effect was striking. This float was drawn by four horses.
THE FOURTH DIVISION.
THE GRANT CLUB.
The fourth division was in command of Marshal Wetzel, accompanied by his staff. The Germania band, of Pittsfield, Mass., twenty strong, furnished music for this division, and acquitted itself in a most creditable manner. Next in order came the Grant Club, bearing a banner with a portrait of the soldier
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hero. The club was in command of J. W. Bentley, with a mounted staff of fifteen men in black cloth coats, white pantaloons and helmets and red sashes. Next came the citizens' division of the club, in com- mand of Michael Howard, followed by the first uni- formed company, attired in white uniforms and white helmets. The gun squad of the club came next in order, similarly attired in blue, drawing the mounted brass cannon, Thurlow Weed, and under command of George Addington. The entire club made a most creditable appearance and were warmly welcomed at different points of the route of march.
The second feature of this division attracted general attention, and was a carriage containing four gorgeously costumed gentlemen dressed in represen- tation of the Earl of Leicester, the Prince of Orange, Emperor William and King Leopold, the two former occupying the front seat and the latter two the back seat of the vehicle. The following gentlemen per- sonated the characters in the order named above : Charles A. Smith, D. W. Fowler, C. H. Danielle and C. W. Rosekrans.
Following the carriage came the float of Fearey & Sons, drawn by two horses, and containing a mam- moth shoe reposing on its side, with the toe to the front and the opening at the top of the shoe facing the left. At the rear of this gigantic pedal covering was constructed a small hut of ancient and timeworn appearance. In the opening at the top of the shoe sat the fabled old woman " who had so many children she didn't know what to do," and surrounding her and at every available place on the float was a diver-
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sified collection of small boys that would doubtless have gladdened the heart of the original " old woman " had she been here to see. The body of the float was draped in red and flags were disposed at the top of the shoe and on the front of the float platform. The whole idea was carried out in admirable style and was unusually effective.
Next in order came the float of Fish Bros., drawn by two horses decorated. This float illustrated the process of cigar making, and displayed five men at work shaping the aromatic weed into smoking form. The tables were draped with the national colors and the awning over the top was composed of decora- tions. One side of the float bore the inscription : " None But Union-Made Cigars Sold," and the other side had a representation of a tree stump with a box of cigars reposing on the top, in illustration of the "Stump" cigars manufactured by the firm. The very handsomely painted wagon of David S. Brown & Co., of New York, manufacturers of "Satin Gloss Soap," came next, drawn by three superb horses with trappings of brown leather and gilt. Samples of the firm's manufacture were distributed on the line of march. The pony team and wagon of Jacobs & Proctor followed, and a wagon bearing the inscription of the Continental Fire Insurance Company completed the division.
THE FIFTH DIVISION.
THE GERMAN ORGANIZATIONS AND SINGING SOCIETIES.
At the hour appointed for the organization to parade hardly any men who were to take part were
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to be seen about the lower part of South Pearl street. The entire parade of the All Nations' Day was good, but the fifth and last division was probably the best of it. In this division were all the German societies and many of the most unique floats. It was headed by Division Commander George W. Dorn and his assistants. The Albany city band headed the divi- sion. The excellence of the music given by them is well known to every Albanian. All the organizations turned out well and presented a fine appearance. The Washington Rifles followed the band, fifty strong. They marched in good order and attracted much commendation. The German musical societies made a fine appearance and came out well appointed and uniformed, and were highly praised by every one. The float of the Apollo society was one of the most attractive in line. It was a representation of a scene in a primeval wood, with the trees, grasses and shrub- bery finely represented, all the leaves waving and swaying in the breeze, combining to make it a most realistic scene. In the rear of the float was erected a throne, surrounded by garlands, leaves and other natural properties, and on this was seated the god, Mr. John H. Pfeffer. On his head was a crown ; he was arrayed in pink tights and had the appearance, one would imagine, the god of old presented. In front of him were two censors, with burning incense on them. The float was designed by Mr. Charles M. Lang.
The Cæcelia float was a handsomely decorated wagon, with vines, garlands and roses running around the entire body. Enclosed were the members, all
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dressed similarly, and bowing and smiling to their friends in the crowds as they passed. The Harmonia float was a wagon, enclosing the members; it was handsomely decorated with flags, pennants and flowers. The Eintracht float was similar to the above two, equally handsome and presenting the same attractive appearance. They carried a banner-a new one made for the occasion-which cost them $450. On the rear of their float was an oil painting representing the Goddess of Music riding in her chariot. The Mozart club, with their float, attracted much attention by their fine appearance and orderly way of marching. On a throne erected on the float was a member attired as Mozart, who, in his pose, attracted much comment.
The Liederkranz society came out well with a strong force and a handsome float. This was handsomely decorated and adorned with flags and pennants. The banner they carried on the occasion was a new one, very pretty in design and make, which cost $500. They came out with a strong force of members, and every one admired them.
GERMANY'S ILLUSTRIOUS SONS.
Another remarkable and appropriate float was that of the Constatter Volksfest Verein. This was a float decorated with garlands, wreaths and flowers, and with representations in the costume of their day of six of the most illustrious sons of Germany. They were Wagner, Guttenberg, Schiller, Goethe and Kep- pler.
Harugari Saengerbund came out with about five
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hundred men. There were also two floats, very pretty. They marched in good order and every one thought them handsome. The Bayrische Volksfest Verein float was pretty, attracting much praise and atten- tion. The organizations, Barbarossa lodge, K. of P., and other societies marched well, and all appeared to good advantage. The floats of the business houses, notably lager and ale breweries and coal dealers and masons, were all handsome and in good keeping with the rest of the parade. The former were repre- sented by huge casks and gods of drink. Menges, the builder, had a miniature house in line with carpen- ters at work. The patriotic floats representing the Goddess of Liberty and All Nations were good and highly complimented by every one.
The charitable organizations of Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady Help of Angels, and from the Church of the Holy Cross were well represented, and all commended then.
The bands, the Albany City and Excelsior, dis- coursed fine selections while marching through the streets, and nothing in the line added more to the success and joyousness of the fifth than this same good music. While marching, the Apollos at fre- quent intervals broke line and marched in the form of the letter A. This added considerable to the attrac- tiveness of the division.
THE ITALIAN DIVISION.
The Italians were to have been in the second division. But their fine big ship, the " St. Maria," representing that ship of historic fame from which
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Columbus first saw the new world, was too tall to go easily under the electric wires and some delay was caused. Therefore, the Italians formed a division of their own and came in last. Even then it was neces- sary to haul down the sails at almost every crossing, and to use a long hooked pole to raise the wires that the mast might come under. The ship was a beauty. She was twenty-two feet over all and thirty feet length of yard-arm, while it is the same distance to the top of the spars. The hull was painted black, and in golden letters were the word "St. Maria." It took 3,400 feet of rope to rig the ship. The float was constructed by John Penzo, under the direction of Attilio Pasquini. A second float shown by the Ital- ians, and of almost equal beauty, represented an island of rock rising from the ocean. Beneath natu- ral trees reclined Indians, in costume, and the island stood for America discovered by Columbus in the ship " St. Maria." Between the floats came carriages with Italian citizens in large numbers. Attilio Pasquini was marshal. All the members wore the Italian colors and handsome badges, with the words : " Columbus Club, Albany's 200th anniversary."
REVIEWED FROM THE STATE CAPITOL, BY GOVERNOR
HILL AND SEVERAL STATE OFFICERS.
Governor Hill, Lieutenant-Governor Jones, State Treasurer Fitzgerald, Secretary of State Cook and Miss Cook were the occupants of the veranda facing the office of the Secretary of State, as the parade passed the capitol. Governor Hill on many occasions, complimented the excellent marching of the several military and civic societies, and expressed consider-
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able surprise at the large representation of men in line. He considered the Irish float, representing the thirty-two counties of Ireland, as a very handsome design, and its uniqueness and purpose reflected great credit upon those who originated the idea. The various handsome German floats were com- mented upon by him in strong terms of approval, and at the conclusion of the parade he summed up his opinion by saying the parade throughout was a pleasing one, the men marched well, the representa- tions of all nations were carried out with accurate faithfulness, and everybody in line evinced a sincere desire to lend every individual effort to make the parade a success, which it was. Governor Hill and State officers reviewed the procession from the begin- ning to the end.
THE IRISH EXERCISES.
AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT AT THE RINK -HON. HUGH REILLY'S ORATION.
The rink would hardly hold the audience at these exercises, many of the people having waited an hour before the Irish division got back from parading and the programme was opened. Seated on the stage were Gen. Charles Tracey, presiding; Rev. Father Burke, Hon. Hugh Reilly, Justices J. W. Walsh and Andrew Hamilton, David Healy, Dr. John Thompson, M. J. Louden, T. S. O'Brien and Henry Martin.
A PLEASANT OCCASION.
The rink presented a splendid appearance with its ceiling of variegated Chinese lanterns. Above the
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stage was draped a large Irish flag, distinguishing the nationality. The Hibernian Rifle corps, who distin- guished themselves for excellent soldiery bearing during the parade, occupied seats in front, as did also St. Joseph's cadets. The Tenth Regiment band furnished music. At the opening of the exercises Rev. Father Burke, of St. Joseph's, invoked the divine blessing. Then a quartette, consisting of Messrs. William Toole, James Mahan, Stephen Moran and John J. Phelan, rendered a selection with excel- lent effect. After a very enjoyable reading by Miss Bertie Brice and the old tune, "Shamus O'Brien," had been excellently rendered by Mr. Edward Hanlon, Gen. Tracey introduced Hon. Hugh Reilly, the orator of the day. Mr. Reilly, in his effort, fully sustained his reputation as a public speaker. His manner was very impressive and he was thoroughly familiar with his subject. It is to be regretted that the address as delivered was not committed to writing, but the sub- stance is preserved in the following report compiled from his notes. Mr. Reilly spoke somewhat as follows :
ADDRESS OF HONORABLE HUGH REILLY.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : On such an occasion as this, which has for its object the commemoration of the Two Hundredth Birthday of a great, free city, the Irish people would naturally participate. Their inherent love of liberty, their hatred of anything akin to despotism or tyranny, would cause them instinctively to cordially join in such festivities. But aside from this general reason why our race should be an active factor in to-day's celebration, there are many and special motives which impel them as a distinct race to give expression to their joy at the successful termination of the second century of the city's municipal existence.
To outline and hurriedly sketch these particular reasons will be the subject of my brief address to-day, and after the
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hasty examination which I have made of the connection of the Irish people with the rise, progress and history of this ancient town, I experienced a feeling of sincere regret that the task had not fallen to an abler representative, and that ample time had not been given for preparation.
The connection of the Irish people with the history of this city dates from its very inception. That charter which created it, which gave it special privileges and liberties, and the constitution and characteristics of a city was given and granted and signed by an Irishman. Thomas Dongan, whose signature is appended to that venerable parchment, was then the Governor of this province, and the representa- tive of the king and government which then controlled its destinies. So at the beginning of our municipal career we find an Irishman in command. The Governor of a colony remote from the home government and separated from it by the trackless ocean.
I must confess that I had my misgivings when I under- took the execution of my task, as to the nature and character of the man, who two centuries ago wielded the power of the crown in this rude province.
History had taught me that in the main such colonial and provincial rulers were far from praisworthy personages. The annals of all time had demonstrated that men clothed with such unlimited powers and arbitrary dominion became the most oppressive of tyrants, the most rapacious of men, and I feared to find that in this instance history had repeated itself. It was hard to believe that a soldier, practically an exile, intrusted with the entire control of a semi-barbarous colony, beyond the vision of the home government and thousands of miles away from its control, would be found to be other than a tyrant.
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