USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of the city of Cleveland: its settlement, rise and progress, 1796-1896 > Part 44
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John J. Piatt, the poet, then read the Centennial ode,
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which the Commission had invited him to prepare for the occasion. It was a song of praise -
" Praise to the sower of the seed, The planter of the tree- What though another for the harvest gold The ready sickle hold, Or breathe the blossom, watch the fruit unfold ? Enough for him, indeed, That he should plant the tree, should sow the seed, And earn the reaper's guerdon, even if he Should not the reaper be."
The next speaker was O. Vincent Coffin, governor of Connecticut, who had come for the purpose of bearing the greetings of the parent commonwealth to this lusty off- spring in the West. He paid a just tribute to the State of which he was the official head, and fittingly said: "It is desired that I suggest some thoughts, here in New Con- necticut, about the little State down by the sea, which I have the honor in part to represent, and which may well be designated as mother of states. In the early days, it has been claimed Connecticut held by grant a wide sec- tion, extending westerly to the ocean. Portions of this section now form parts of at least thirteen different States. But Connecticut gave up nearly all this territory, reserv- ing here in Ohio the large tract known as the Western Reserve. Here, where we are met, her people prepared the ground for a great city, which is now set as the most beautiful of gems in the crown of your queenly common- wealth. Our pride in our own State mounts rapidly as we contemplate her splendid daughter, and remember what glory of motherhood is hers."
It was at the conclusion of Governor Coffin's speech that Chairman Hoyt suspended the formal order of exer- cises, to permit J. G. W. Cowles to make announcement of the magnificent additions to Cleveland's park system, which had come through the generosity of John D. Rock- efeller. The details of that gift have been related in a previous chapter. It is only necessary to say here that all the negotiations and other steps that led to this gift,
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had been conducted with such secrecy that no inkling had come to the people until this moment of the good fortune that was to be a part of Founder's Day. The burst of ap- plause with which the announcement was received, was significant evidence of the appreciative gratitude of the people.
At the conclusion of Mr. Cowles's address, L. E. Holden offered a resolution of thanks and acceptance, coupled with a request that Mr. Rockefeller permit the new park to bear his name. The people arose, as one, in adoption of the resolution.
The official programme was then resumed. Asa S. Bushnell, governor of Ohio, was introduced, and, in behalf of the State, welcomed the Governor of Connecticut and the other distinguished guests. "To the entire State, from this Forest City on the lake," said he, "this Clyde of the United States, to the beautiful Queen City on the southern borders of the State, and from old Marietta, where an Ohio community was established by forty-eight Connecticut men, to Conneaut, where Moses Cleaveland first landed, the State is yours. In the name of all the people of Ohio, I extend you a most cordial welcome."
At the conclusion of this address, William Mckinley was introduced, and was received with long and enthusi- astic applause. The esteem in which he was held as a neighbor and friend, the admiration for his career as a soldier and a statesman, and the fact that he was then a candidate for President of the United States, served to make him the central figure of the occasion, and caused the people to be demonstrative in their welcome. When quiet had been restored, Major Mckinley delivered a brief but thoughtful speech, extolling the character of the pioneer, and pointing out his fortitude, his love of liberty, and the many sterling qualities that made him what he was. He spoke of Cleveland and her achievements in a strain of high appreciation. "To-day the present genera- tion pays its homage to Cleveland's founders," said he, " and offers a generous and unqualified testimonial to
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their wisdom and work. The statistics of the population of Cleveland, her growth, production, and wealth, do not, and cannot, tell the story of her greatness. We have been listening to the interesting and eloquent words of historian, poet, and orator, graphically describing her rise from obscurity to prominence. They have woven into a perfect narrative the truthful, yet established, record of her advancement, from an unknown frontier settlement, in the western wilderness, to the proud rank of eleventh city in the greatest country - America - the grandest country in the world. We have heard, with just pride, how mar- velous has been her progress; that among the greatest cities of the earth, but sixty-two now outrank Cleveland in population. Her life is as one century to twenty, with some of that number. Yet her civilization is as far ad- vanced as the proudest metropolis in the world. In point of government, education, morals, business thrift, and enterprise, Cleveland may well claim recognition with the foremost, and is fairly entitled to the warmest con- gratulations and highest eulogy on this her centenary day. Nor will any envy her people a season of self-con- gratulation and rejoicing. You inaugurate, to-day, a Centennial celebration in honor of your illustrious past, and its beginning is, with singular appropriateness, called Founder's Day. We have heard, with interest, the enu- meration of the commercial importance of this city, a port on a chain of lakes, whose tonnage and commerce surpasses that on any other sea or ocean on the globe. We realize the excellence and superiority of the great railroad systems which touch the center of this city. We marvel at the volume and variety of your numerous manufactories, and see about us, on every hand, the pleasant evidences of your comfort and culture; not only in the hospitable homes, but in your churches, schools, charities, factories, business houses ; your various streets and viaducts, public parks, statues and monuments -in- deed, in your conveniences, adornments and improvements of every sort, we behold all the advantages and blessings
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of the model modern city, worthy to be both the pride of a great city and a still greater nation !"
Hon. John Sherman, the senior senator from Ohio - himself not only a son of Ohio, but a descendant from Connecticut parentage - followed Major Mckinley. The applause which he received was not merely a tribute to'a tried and true statesman, but also a recognition of the 1 :
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personal respect in which he was held by the people he had represented for so many years. He spoke of Cleve- land as a city of workshops and factories. "We must never lose sight of the fact," he continued, "that it is the workingmen who develop the resources and beautify the streets and avenues of a great city. Men, not only men who work daily with their hands, but those who work in
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their early lives, and at last make gifts to the community of magnificent public parkways, may be included in this category."
Miles Preston, the mayor of Hartford, Conn., was then introduced, but contented himself with briefly extending the greeting of the people of his city to those of the City of Cleveland. A benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Samuel P. Sprecher, and the formal exercises of Found- er's Day came to an end. During these, selections had been sung by the Cleveland Vocal Society, the audience joining their voices in those of a patriotic character.
In the afternoon, came the parade of military and uni- formed civic organizations. It was witnessed by an im- mense concourse of people, and was in itself, perhaps, the greatest military and civic display seen by Cleveland in her century of existence. A reviewing stand, on Superior street, in front of the City Hall, with a capacity of nearly five hundred, was filled with prominent citizens and dis- tinguished guests, among whom were Major Mckinley, Governors Coffin, Bushnell, and Merriam, and Senators Sherman and Hawley. These gentlemen, with the mem- bers of the Centennial Commission, municipal officers, and officers of the Chamber of Commerce, rode in car- riages in the van of the procession, until the stand was reached, when they alighted and reviewed the long line as it passed before them.
The forenoon had been discouraging, with a drizzle of rain that promised no cessation, but just as the parade was forming, the clouds parted, and the sun came forth. The city had made gala day, and the decorations in sight in all directions were outward symbols of that fact.
The right of the procession was on Lake street, near Water street, and the various divisions formed on the in- tersecting streets, as far east as Erie street and Payne avenue. The forward movement occurred a few minutes before three o'clock. The line of march was from Lake street to Water street, to Superior street, to the east side of the Public Square, to Euclid avenue, to Brownell
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street, to Prospect street, to Kennard street, to Euclid avenue, to Erie street, to Superior street, where it passed in review, and dismissed after passing under the Centen- nial Arch.
Col. J. J. Sullivan, chief marshal, rode at the head of the line, accompanied by a mounted staff. The Ninth New York Regiment Band, and Troop A, Ohio National
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Guard, came next, as an escort to the carriages containing the Centennial officials and the guests. It is not possible, in the space here permitted, to attempt an enumeration of the scores and scores of organizations, military and civic, that made up this great procession. Among them were the local military of Cleveland, regiments of the Ohio National Guard, bodies of the United States Regu-
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lars, Knights of St. John, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pyth- ias, Veteran Volunteer Fire Department, Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland Letter Carriers' Association, Grand Army of the Republic, etc., etc. As was said of this parade by a chronicler 86 in the local press, " There were more military organizations in the column than ever trod the streets of Cleveland at one time, on a gala occasion. There was an army of armed men, representing all branches of land service, of sufficient size to repulse an enormous force, if called into active duty. There were many representative men in line,-men who have been the bone and sinew of Cleveland, and who have been respon- sible for the wonderful progress which all Cleveland turned out to celebrate. There were men of national fame; those who have been identified with this nation's prosperity for a score of years or more. There were rep- resentatives of the State that gave the first settlers to the Western Reserve, and which have ever shown a sort of paternalism for Northern Ohio. It was, perhaps, the most representative parade that was ever seen in Cleve- land."
At 5.30 p. m., the guns again boomed forth the national salute. Long before darkness fell, great multitudes filled the streets, not only in the lower portions of the city, but also all along the line of march of the historical pageant that was to be the main feature of the evening.
The Centennial Arch, that had been erected on the Public Square, with the log-cabin on the one hand, and the Soldiers' Monument on the other, was ready to burst into a blaze of light, when the chief magistrate of the nation should give the signal, in his far-away home. This imposing structure had been planned with due care to architecture, and presented a pleasing attraction to the eye, even before the lights were made a part of its adorn- ment.
At 8. 15, President Cleveland touched the electric button, in his home at Buzzard's Bay, and the arch burst into a 86 " Cleveland Leader," July 23, 1896.
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flame of light, amid the cheers of the watching thousands.
All eyes were then turned in the direction of the his- torical pageant, " The Passing of the Century," which had been arranged with such expense and care. The line of march was from the corner of Seneca and Superior streets to Erie street, to Euclid avenue, to Kennard street, to Prospect street, to Case avenue, to Central avenue, to Brownell street, to Prospect street, to Bolivar street, to the Grays' Armory.
Mounted police headed the line, followed by George W. Kinney, grand master of ceremonies, and staff, aides- de-camp, trumpeters, heralds, bands, and then the floats -twenty-four in all. These were, in the order of march here named, " Progress," "Cleveland of 1796," "Sunday," "Monday," "Tuesday," "Wednesday," "Thursday," "Friday," "Saturday," "January," "Feb- ruary," "March," "April," "May," "June," "July," "August," "September," "October," "November," " December," "The Year," "Passing of the Century," "Cleveland of 1896."
The floats symbolical of the days and months were, in subject, taken largely from mythology, and showed a thorough knowledge of the subject, and artistic execution. The " Passing of the Century" showed Father Time on the back of a huge bird. In "Cleveland in 1796," an In- dian tent was seen near the banks of the Cuyahoga River, while in front of it Moses Cleaveland was shown in the act of running the first line of the city. Other pioneers, with axe and spade, were preparing for the first settlement. "Cleveland in 1896," by appropriate symbols, repre- sented commerce, art, and all the industries, while at the rear stood a large dome, surmounted by an eagle.
The exercises of this memorable Founder's Day ended with a grand Centennial reception and ball 8; at the Grays'
87 " Yesterday was a day never to be forgotten in the history of Cleve- land. It was a fitting celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the founding of a town, destined to become one of the greatest cities of the Republic. There is cause for universal rejoicing that the celebration has been so auspiciously opened."-" Cleveland Plain Dealer," July 23, 1896.
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Armory, which was one of the most successful ever wit- nessed in Cleveland.
The strains of the music in the Armory had hardly died away before the patriotic sons and daughters of Connecti- cut, of Rhode Island, of Massachusetts, were engaged in preparations for New England Day, as this 23rd of July had been officially designated.
The chief event was the New England dinner, spread on the campus of Adelbert College, and given under the au- spices of the New England Society of Cleveland and the Western Reserve. Two large tents had been spread, and beneath them, at 12.30 p. m., gathered some five hundred guests, among whom were Senator Hawley, Senator Sher- man, Major Mckinley, Governor Bushnell, and many of the Ohio editors, who were the city's guests on that day. The food was placed upon long tables, each guest serving his neighbor and himself. From the bean porridge to the Vermont turkey, it was supposed to represent the fare of New England in the early days. Dinner over, N. B. Sherwin, president of the New England Society, called the assemblage to order, and introduced Senator Hawley as the first speaker. He responded in a brief address, the central thought of which was that the Puritan had an idea that God had put him into the world to do a certain work, and that idea made him an earnest, persevering man, who accomplished much in his pursuit of an ideal State that should stand for religion and free government.
Brief speeches were also made by Senator Sherman, Governor Bushnell, Major Mckinley, A. Kennedy Child, of the Hartford (Conn.) Board of Aldermen, and John T. Mack, president of the Association of Ohio Dailies. All these addresses were brief, to the point, and filled with tributes to New England, and this newer New England of the West.
The programme arranged for the entertainment of the Ohio editors was fully carried out. There was an early meeting at the Hollenden Hotel, a trip on the lake in the steamer "City of Buffalo," a trolley ride over the prin-
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cipal lines, the dinner under the tents on Adelbert cam- pus, a tally-ho ride through Wade and Gordon parks, and a lunch and reception at the Artemus Ward Club.
The Euclid Avenue Opera House was filled, in the even- ing, by a brilliant audience assembled to witness the first presentation of the Centennial opera, "From Moses to McKisson," by the Gatling Gun Battery. The opera was voted a great success, both in its subject-matter and in the manner in which it was presented.
The next day that was formally given over to Centen- nial holiday-making was Monday, July 27th, when the great bicycle parade occurred. It was an event that would have been difficult to describe to the Clevelanders of a hundred years ago. No witness of these brilliant and rapidly-moving columns that wheeled along the streets of the city could fail to ponder the fact that this was a sight possible only in the closing days of the nine- teenth century - a wonderful triumph of modern mechan- ical skill.
There were nine divisions in all. The line formed in Wade Park, at 2 p. m., and moved over the following streets and avenues: Euclid, Bolton, East Prospect, Sibley, Kennard, Euclid, the Public Square, Superior, Erie, Chestnut, Dodge, Euclid to the east of Willson, and there disbanded.
"Not since the Centennial ceremonies began," says one local chronicler,88 "has there been such a turn-out of people as filled the eight miles of parade route in Cleve- land yesterday. The military had their thousands, but the wheelmen had their tens of thousands of admirers." The story of this parade cannot be better told than in the graphic language of this witness: "What a unique parade it was! No such kaleidoscope of color has filled Cleve- land's streets in many a day. The nations of the earth were represented. Gaily decorated yachts, with colors flying from every mast and stay, glided down the open stream, their sails filling with gentle breezes, that set
88 " Cleveland Plain Dealer, " July 28, 1896.
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their flags fluttering. Butterflies of gaudy hue skimmed silently over the pavement. Frogs with goggle eyes, In- dians in war paint, Arabs in scarlet fezes, white troops of sweet girl graduates, Romeos in doublets and trunks, Topsys and Sambos, almond-eyed Japs, Uncle Sams of all ages, and Goddesses of Liberty without number, flitted past, until the spectators grew dizzy watching the con- stantly revolving wheels."
The line was headed by a platoon of police on wheels, and just behind came Grand Marshal Carlos M. Stone, and J. E. Cheesman, chief of staff. A reviewing stand on Superior street was occupied by Major Mckinley, Direct- or-General Day, Adjutant-General H. A. Axline, and other prominent gentlemen.
The exercises of Woman's Day, Tuesday, July 28th, furnished convincing evidence that the women of Cleve- land, and of the Western Reserve, had most nobly and ably fulfilled the trust committed to their hands. At 8.30 a. m., a committee of ladies rode to the Public Square and wreathed the bronze Moses Cleaveland with flowers.
At 9 a. m., the formal exercises in Central Armory commenced, with Mrs. Mary B. Ingham, president of the Woman's Department of the Centennial Commission, pre- siding. Only the briefest mention of the good and brilliant things that were there provided is possible here. Rev. S. P. Sprecher offered prayer, after which Wilson M. Day, director-general, made the opening address. " Through good and evil report," said he, "the women have stood by this Centennial. The Centennial Commis- sion owes an inextinguishable debt of gratitude to the women of Cleveland for their patriotic and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of this celebration. Prompt to answer to the call for assistance, ready in suggestion and execution, undismayed by obstacles often most disheartening, intel- ligent and comprehensive in planning, loyal to every re- quest of the Commission, yet absolutely independent of any assistance, they have done so well that we could not wish it better."
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Mrs. James A. Garfield, honorary chairman of the de- partment, presented Mrs. Ingham as president of the day. Among the exercises that occurred, from that time until adjournment, at 4.15 p. m., the following must be men- tioned: The department of philanthropy was considered for an hour, under the leadership of Mrs. Dan P. Eells. Mrs. F. A. Arter read a paper on the Young Women's Chris- tian Association ; other papers on other lines of benevolent work were read by Mrs. L. A. Russell, Mrs. M. B. Schwab, Mrs. E. J. Blandin, Mrs. Ellen J. Phinney, and Mrs. Sarah M. Perkins. Miss Linda T. Guilford presided during the hour devoted to household economics, and an address on "A Stronger Home" was made by Mrs. Helen Campbell.
From 12 m. to 1.30 p. m., a reception was held and luncheon served to the township historians, and other visitors. The first hour of the afternoon was given to "Woman's Clubs," Mrs. Elroy M. Avery presiding. A pleasing address of congratulation and commendation was made by Mayor Robert E. McKisson. J. G. W. Cowles, president of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, also delivered a brief address. Mrs. Benjamin F. Taylor read an able paper on "Women's Clubs." Miss Hannah Fos- ter, author of the Centennial Ode of the woman's section, was next introduced, and read an extended poem of rare force and power, the key-note of which was found in these opening lines :
" Rose, flourished long, grew old, then fell asleep, The hundred-gated city of the Nile; But not of her, deep sepulchered, the while Forgotten centuries her records keep; Nor Venice, smiling still with studied grace, Into the mirror that reflects her face; Nor once imperial Rome, whose name and fame So ruled the world; old pomp, and power, and pride-
Not those to-day! With warmer, quicker tide Our pulses thrill! On sacred altars flame Pure patriot fires of love and loyalty,
While ready hands the Stars and Stripes outfling
And ' Cleveland,' past and present, and to be,
Aye, 'Greater Cleveland,' her proud sons and daughters sing !"
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The second hour of the afternoon was given up to the subject of education, Mrs. Lydia Hoyt Farmer presiding. A paper on "Domestic Effects of the Higher Education of Women" was read by Mrs. May Wright Sewall. Mrs. Caroline Baldwin Babcock presided during the final hour, which was devoted to pioneer topics. Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton spoke on "Our Ancestors, the Heroes and Heroines of the Western Reserve;" Mrs. R. H. Wright on "Are we worthy of our Ancestors?" and Mrs. Kate Brownlee Sherwood on "Looking Forward."
After a few remarks by the venerable Truman P. Handy, and the offering of the Lord's Prayer by the en- tire audience, the afternoon exercises came to an end. From 5.30 to 6.30 p. m., there was a reception in the Grays' Armory. Mrs. M. A. Hanna, chairman of the re- ception committee, was assisted in receiving by Governor and Mrs. Bushnell, Major and Mrs. Mckinley, and other prominent ladies and gentlemen. The reception was fol- lowed by a banquet, spread in the great drill room, where thirty-two tables, exquisitely appointed and rich- ly laden, were set for the accommodation of six hundred guests.
At 7.00 p. m., when the guests were seated, Mrs. W. A. Ingham brought down the gavel, and introduced Mrs. W. G. Rose, chairman of the banquet committee, who welcomed the company in an eloquent address. Mrs. Sarah E. Bierce, chairman of the Woman's Day Com- mittee, and toast-mistress of the evening, in a charming- ly-worded address, assumed her duties. Rev. H. M. Ladd said grace, and, to the music of the Schubert Mandolin Club, the menu was discussed. When this portion of the programme' had been completed, Mayor McKisson welcomed the guests, in behalf of the city, and congratulated the women of the Western Reserve upon the great work they had accomplished. Governor Bushnell spoke in response to the toast, "The State;" Mrs. T. K. Dissette spoke on "Auld Lang Syne;" Mrs. May Wright Sewall, on " The Present Situation;" Mrs.
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N. Coe Stewart, on " The Wheel of the Past: the Wheel of the Present;" Mrs. Annette Phelps Lincoln, on " Ohio Federation of Woman's Clubs;" Rabbi Moses J. Gries, on " Home;" Mrs. Helen Campbell, on " Prisoners of Poverty: Prisoners of Hope;" Mrs. J. C. Croly (Jennie June), on " The Future Citizens;" and Mr. W. F. Carr, on "The Reserve Force of the Western Reserve -the Women." A few happy remarks on " Those Royal Good Fellows, the Men," were then made by Mrs. A. H. Tuttle, after which Mrs. Elroy M. Avery arose and said: " Women began the day by hanging on the outstretched arm of Moses Cleaveland a wreath of flowers, in token of honor and respect. He was a man. We end the day by presenting to the representative of the Centennial Com- mission a basket of flowers, as a token of honor and re- spect to the men of Cleveland." With this, Mrs. Avery handed to Director-General Day a basket of magnificent roses. This ended the exercises of the evening.
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