USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Official report of the centennial celebration of the founding of the city of Cleveland and the settlement of the Western Reserve > Part 39
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The sum of money raised for a preliminary expense fund, by popular subscrip- tion, reached a total of $8, 113. The amount raised by the Finance Committee was. $64, III.25. Too much credit cannot be given that committee for its very timely and efficient work. Great praise is also due the treasurer of the Commission, Mr. Charles W. Chase, whose labors, cheerfully performed, occupied much of his time for over a year. No expenditures have been incurred without previous authority ; all bills have been carefully examined and, before payment, duly approved by the committee incur- ring the same; vouchers are on file covering every item of expenditure, and all book accounts have been examined by the Auditing Committee and found to be correct. The treasurer's. final statement accompanies this report. After all expenses were paid, a balance of about $2, 800 was left in the hands of the Finance Committee, being turned over to the Bethel Associated Charities.
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.
The series of events planned by the Commission was consummated with scarcely a break. The only variations from the published programme were the unexpected absence of Senators Sherman and Brice on Western Reserve Day, and the premature presentation of the fireworks display on September 10th. All of the other features, in- volving a multitude of details, long journeys by distinguished guests, the assembling of organizations from distant points, and the harmonizing of various and diverse in- terests, were carried out to the letter. The exercises began with preliminary religious observances on Sunday, July 19th, preceding Founder's Day and terminated on Perry's Victory Day, September 10th. In all, twenty-five days were occupied in observances of various sorts, either under the direct supervision of the Commission or by other organizations under its auspices.
As showing the almost universal interest manifested in the celebration on the part of our people, the following summary may be of value: The interests of religion were recognized in the ringing of church chimes, the preaching of centennial sermons, the holding of inter-denominational mass meetings- Catholic, Protestant and Jew vying with each other in the expressions of patriotic sentiments-and the collecting and presentation of historical papers during the congress held for that purpose; the great work of our philanthropic institutions was adequately presented and the record has been permanently preserved; education was deservedly given a prominent place in the skilled hands of the able committee having the matter in charge; the military features, extending throughout the entire period, were both brilliant and instructive, calling into service all three branches of the Regular Army and the entire National Guard of Ohio, together with the famous independent companies of Cleveland and Detroit: tribute was paid the past, and the interest of our older citizens was thereby enlisted, by the Log Cabin on the Public Square and the special exercises at its open- ing, and on New England, Western Reserve and Early Settlers' days; the triumphal character of the celebration was typified by the handsome Centennial Arch; the vari- ous public exercises were appropriate and dignified, and the addresses by distin- guished speakers fully met the requirements of the occasion and the expectations of the public; the lovers of the spectacular were treated to as fine a series of parades and pageants, military, civic, pioneer and industrial, as were ever seen in the West; Ohio editors were, hospitably entertained; our German, Swiss and Bohemian athletic socie- ties appropriately performed their part; devotees of yachting and admirers of flowers had their respective events; the wheelmen presented a most novel and brilliant spectacle; the musical features were fully looked after in the way of both vocal and instrumental concerts, the production of the "Cleveland Centennial March," and the massing of Cleveland's bands, 295 Cleveland musicians being in line on Founder's Day ; our manufacturing interests were magnificently displayed on the closing day; the civic organizations did themselves decided credit, the Knights of Pythias especially achieving a great success in their national encampment; the various social occasions were elabo- rate and highly enjoyable, and the part taken by the ever-loyal Cleveland women, through the Woman's Department, was at once unique, beautiful and appropriate. All classes and beliefs united in the celebration.
In conclusion, I may be permitted to quote from the editorial comments of one of our Cleveland newspapers: "Cleveland can never be again what it was before the pageants and festivities that have just closed. There cannot be the old self-distrust or the old indifference to public celebrations and displays. There has been a new life and spirit born in the community. That is worth more than the whole Centennial cost. Let us cherish more pride in Cleveland, more faith in its future, more zeal for all that makes our fair city gain in whatever is good and worthy of a just and sound ambition. It will be well worth while, now and in all the years to come."
Respectfully submitted,
WILSON M. DAY,
Director-General.
The report was received and ordered filed and the thanks of the Commission were extended to Mr. Day.
Treasurer Chase then presented his final report as follows:
RECEIPTS.
From People's Dollar Fund,
$8,113.00
Loans, .
.. Centennial Finance Committee. 4,500.00
61,036.94
Total Receipts,
$73,649.94
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ECHOES OF THE CENTENNIAL.
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid for executive force and assistants, and general office expense, $12, 383.46 Commissions to solicitors, People's Fund, 1,OII.25
Office furniture and fixtures,
517.18
Sundry items for printing, engraving, traveling expenses,
postage, etc., .
1, 118.62
Paid loans-$4,000.00. $500.00,
4,500.00
Subscription returned,
20.00
Finance Committee, general expenses,
74.15
Founder's Day Parade, entertainment, etc ..
1,707.50
Pageant, evening of Founder's Day,
6, 150.03
Military Encampment, 14,390.66
Yacht Regatta,
2,500.00
Meeting of American Library Association,
500.00
Log Cabin Committee,
794.60
Knights of Pythias Encampment,
5,000.00
Arch in Monumental Park, decorating, etc.
4,404.92
Music.
5,550.35
City of Cleveland, repaving in Park,
87.50
Veteran Volunteer Fireman's Association,
570.00
Turners' Societies, and athletics,
102.58
Historical Conference,
368.40
Central Armory, equipment, care, etc.,
1,998.65
New England Society,
200.00
Wheelmen's Parade,
468.00
Battery salutes, .
216.00
Entertainment, editorial convention,
365.00
Committee on Philanthropy,
160.00
Perry's Victory Day,
5,331.39
Western Reserve Day,
2,165.79
Refunded to Woman's Department, school teachers' subscrip- tions to dollar fund,
975.59
Balance on hand,
18.52
$73.649.94
Upon the conclusion of this report, Mr. Hatch offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the sincere thanks of the Centennial Commission be, and they are hereby tendered to Mr. Charles W. Chase, who for more than a year past has gratui- tously acted as treasurer of this body. During this period upwards of $73,000 have passed through his hands, and the prompt, accurate and satisfactory manner in which he has performed his duties entitles him to the acknowledgments and felicitations of this Commission and of our citizens generally.
Reports from the various committees were also received. As the meeting was about to break up, Mr. James M. Richardson read the following resolution, which was adopted, formally disbanding the Com- mission :
WHEREAS, The Cleveland Centennial Commission, a voluntary organization formed for the purpose of conducting the Centennial Celebration of the City of Cleve- land, has now completed its task, all committee reports having been received and ap- proved, all bills and accounts having been audited and found correct, and all expenses having been paid, leaving a balance in the treasury; therefore,
Resolved, That the sincere thanks of this Commission be, and they are hereby tendered to all committees connected with the work of this Commission for the earnest and patriotic services rendered; to the Finance Committee for its efficient work in raising the funds necessary to meet the various expenses; to our citizens for their prompt and liberal response to the calls for financial aid; to the various civic and military organizations for their valued assistance in many ways; to the city govern- ment for its hearty co-operation; to the Governor of Ohio and the State officials for their numerous acts of courtesy; to the Executive, Navy and War departments at
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.
Washington for their kind response to our requests; to the speakers and distinguished visitors for their presence and participation, and to the newspapers for that constant and enthusiastic support without which the celebration could not possibly have been a success.
Resolved, That the purposes for which this body was organized having now been fully met, it be and is hereby declared duly disbanded and dissolved.
The labors of the Commission were thus brought to a close. Mr. Sargent declared the meeting adjourned sine die, and the members dis- persed.
CHAPTER XX.
PRESS COMMENT ON THE CENTENNIAL.
The press of Ohio and other States made frequent mention of the Centennial celebration. Reports of the proceedings on the special days were sent broadcast by the Associated Press and United Press agencies, and by special correspondents. Several of the current magazines and leading weekly publications contained illustrated articles relating to the celebration. Edi- torial comment in the Cleveland newspapers was generous and complimentary. On Founder's Day, the Cleveland Leader issued an edition of forty-eight pages with illuminated cover, replete with information and illustrations touching the city's history. The Plain Dealer issued a large special edition in connection with the Knights of Pythias encampment. Interesting and patriotic accounts were given in the news columns of all the papers during the Centennial. An idea of the character of the comment, both local and general, may be .obtained from a few reproductions given herewith :
Hartford Courant .- The Western Reserve, whose chief city is Cleveland, is celebrating this week the one hundredth anniversary of the settlement of that town and region. As centennials come only once in a hundred years, the people out there are doing this occasion up in earnest, as well they may. Connecticut has aided in founding many States, and all over the newer part of the country the old residents trace back to this State. Her part in the making of Ohio was conspicuous, and she prides herself daily on the great central commonwealth which she reckons the greatest of her children.
Albany Argus .-- The city of Cleveland rejoices in its Centennial, and the coun- try at large rejoices in its growth and prosperity. And why should it not be so ? With a population of 340,000, with a record in architectural achievement to be proud of, with a long list of substantial and honored citizens, cultured homes, and many natural and acquired advantages, proofs are not wanting that its substantial success rests in the granite of its character, and the faith, courage, industry and enter- prise of its founders. Cleveland was fortunate in being "well born and well reared." It is happy in its present conditions; it is hopeful in its prophetic outlook.
Troy, N. Y., Times .- With a history of a century behind her, Cleveland will be justified in putting on airs, especially as her growth has been constant and rapid, and she now ranks as one of the biggest cities of the country. Viewed by the standard of the little New England towns that have recently been celebrating their two hundred and fiftieth anniversaries, one hundred years do not seem a very long period, but ac- cording to ideas west of the Alleghenies the age which Cleveland has reached is really venerable.
Rochester Post-Express .- The fine forest plateau suggested itself as a splendid site for a city, and here Cleveland was laid out by the surveyors, with Euclid avenue, under another name, for its first street. In the Public Square there stands to-day faced by the rows of noble buildings a log cabin facsimile of the house which General Cleaveland built there only a hundred years ago; and in that short space, spanned by three generations, the large and beautiful city has arisen; and the Governor and staff of proud little Connecticut to-day ride through the streets of the Forest City which their own grandfathers planted in an unbroken wilderness.
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.
Zanesville Courier .- All Ohio likes Cleveland. All Ohio rejoices in her glorious success, and all Ohioans who can should go there and join in the festivities which be- gan Monday and which will last for six weeks from that date. To Cleveland: May the census taker at the end of her next century enumerate her population at more than a million.
Rochester Times .- There is nothing narrow or bigoted in the Centennial celebra- tion which is in progress in Cleveland. They were inaugurated Sunday by exercises participated in by representatives of the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths.
Marion Independent .- Cleveland opened her Centennial Sunday morning at 8 o'clock by the ringing of the chimes of Trinity Cathedral. Cleveland is a beautiful city, well supplied with attractions, and well able to celebrate its anniversary in a fitting manner.
Massillon Independent .- The city of Cleveland is celebrating its centennial anni- versary this week by dress parade in one portion of the city and real military opera- tions elsewhere. These facts will doubtless point many a moral and adorn several tales. It may not be amiss to contribute to this sort of literature the suggestion that more plain schooling and individual thinking would obviate many such troubles as have been disturbing the Forest City.
Warren Chronicle .- Cleveland's Centennial celebration is now in full blast, and the events will follow along until September. It promises to be one continual round of pleasure and a long drawn out holiday.
London Enterprise .- The celebration of the Centennial of Cleveland began Sun- day with appropriate services in all the churches. The celebration continues until September 10, the anniversary of Perry's victory. Each day will be crowded with interesting events.
Berea Advertiser .- The city of Cleveland is doing itself proud this week in its superb Centennial celebration. The pageant on Founder's Day was the grandest ever witnessed in the North.
Bellefontaine Republican .- The city of Cleveland is celebrating its Centennial anniversary. Cleveland has made wonderful progress since the war, and will be the leading city of the State in population by the end of the century, if she is not now.
Connecticut Quarterly .- Such a commemoration as this of Cleveland leaves a lasting impress upon the community. It serves to educate and stimulate. For a series of weeks the past and present status of the city were brought vividly before the public. They saw the small beginnings; the slow growth; they looked with pride upon the Cleveland of to-day-the churches, the schools, the colleges, the benevolent institutions, the varied and magnificent business enterprises-all the growth of patient industry and well directed enterprise. Thousands of representatives of varied na- tionalities have learned to look with new interest upon the city of their adoption. Throughout the whole Reserve patriotic sentiment has been revived and strengthened. The review of the past gives inspiration for the future. The old mother State may well rejoice that her namesake has borne herself so worthily ; and that she was per- mitted to help lay the foundations for such notable achievement. Especially does she rejoice in the great men that have gone forth from the Reserve-in those that have won a name in literature and those that have held an honorable place in the councils of the nation. Whatever changes may have been wrought in old Connecticut, she can still rejoice that her Western children carried with them so much of her early character and institutions.
Cleveland Leader (July 20th) .- When, one hundred years ago, Moses Cleaveland and his little band of surveyors stepped out of their boat upon the banks of the Cuya- hoga River, they could not have dreamed that a century later a city of more than a third of a million people would rise upon the marshy bottom-lands and surrounding bluff's.
Cleveland is a marvel among cities, and it stands to-day the metropolis of Ohio, and a monument to the wisdom, enterprise and thrift of the hardy pioneers who were sent out by the Connecticut Land Company to survey its Western Reserve. Few · cities have had a more marvelous growth, and few have become great in so many different ways. The development here has been along all the lines which contribute to true municipal greatness. Industry, commerce and education have kept pace with each other throughout the century, and the result to-day is a city which offers every inducement that could be held out to make it an attractive place in which to live and
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PRESS COMMENT ON THE CENTENNIAL.
seek a livelihood. Cleveland is distinctively a city of homes, and its homes are filled with as prosperous, happy and contented people as can be found anywhere in the land.
It is proper that the citizens of Cleveland should honor the memory of the pioneer surveyor whose name the town bears.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (July 22nd) .- Interest will center to-day about the Log Cabin in the Square. A hundred years ago the log cabin stood for progress; to-day it is only a reminder of the past. In 1796 the wigwam of the Indian began to disap- pear and the log cabin was its successor and was in turn succeeded by more elegant and substantial structures, until in 1896 we have the Log Cabin and the massive So- ciety for Savings building standing side by side as a striking display of material prog- ress which Cleveland has made in a hundred years.
A visit to the log cabin should be not merely a reminder of the past, but also an inspiration to greater efforts to make the second century grander and better than the first.
In celebrating this natural progress, it may well be asked whether the advance in other ways has been as marked. In literature and art it has without question. A hundred years ago, hardly half a dozen books were on the shelves of a prosperous pioneer and few newspapers found their way from the East to what was then the Far West. To-day, books in countless numbers are published at amazingly low cost, and newspapers, sold for a trifle, abound.
Cleveland World ( July 23, 1896). - The celebration of Cleveland's great birthday came and went with only the threat of the morning bad weather to detract from the success of it. This but diminished a little the brilliancy of the afternoon parade. That of the evening was the triumph.its projectors had hoped for.
Cleveland has never enjoyed a finer spectacle than was afforded it during the day and evening yesterday. It was a great lesson in local patriotism and should quicken the local public spirit which is the only hope for the growth and even the existence of a great municipality.
The literary and intellectual exercises were commensurate with the pageantry. The speeches of Senators Hawley and Sherman, of Mr. Mckinley, Mr. Hoyt and the rest, were thoughtful, eloquent and appropriate. They showed that their authors had bestowed upon the subject the care in preparation betokening an appreciation of the subject-this one hundredth anniversary of the world's metropolises.
The ode by Mr. Piatt was a fine outburst of poetical feeling, betraying an insight into those hidden things of the spirit which alone can account for cities, states and na- tions. Altogether, the occasion was an historical moment which will hardly be excelled in the history of the city the next one hundred years.
Cleveland Recorder ( July 23, 1896) .- A century has passed and a century has come, and Founder's Day will not be celebrated for another hundred years. Those who witnessed the ceremonies attending the hundredth birthday anniversary of the Forest City yesterday saw something they will never see again. Their children's chil- dren will see the next celebration commemorative of the city's birth What an occa- sion of the kind a century hence will be, one only can conjecture. If it eclipses the one yesterday it will be well. Yesterday's celebration was a noble tribute to the good old Puritan whose name this city bears. All hail to him and to his memory !
Yesterday was an eventful one from start to finish. It was as full as it could hold with good things to hear and good things to see. The twenty-four hours of its ex- istence was one continuous round of pleasure for the city and the country folk within the Forest City. There was no rest for the weary within the city's gates from the time the cannon heralded the approach of Founder's Day at midnight until the early hours were here this morning.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (July 23rd) .- Yesterday was a day never to be forgotten in the history of Cleveland. 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 Re- public.
After long anticipation and preparation it was not surprising that the people en- tered heartily into the spirit of the celebration. Everybody turned out and Cleveland has never seen such crowds as collected on the streets. All wanted to see the sights and be a part of the celebration, and yet all were in good humor and took their chances without seriously discommoding their neighbors. From the report of the first gun yesterday morning till the last light was turned out this morning at the ball, the celebration went on, and even the unpleasant weather of the morning and early after- noon could not check it.
The meeting at the armory, with Senator Hawley's oration, the addresses by dis-
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.
tinguished Ohioans, the ode of Colonel Piatt and the announcement of the splendid gift of Mr. Rockefeller, was an appropriate opening of the day's festivities.
In spite of the rain, which descended steadily for some time after noon, the prep- arations for the grand parade of military and uniformed civic organizations were continued, and people came by thousands and tens of thousands, thronging the line of march. Happily the clouds cleared away and the rest of the day was ideal for march- ing. The parade was a splendid display, creditable from beginning to end. The Na- tional Guard never marched better, the Grays were never more admired and never more worthy of admiration, and the letter carriers, the firemen and all of the rest of the organizations contributed their part to the success of the parade. The presence of ex-Governor Mckinley, not as a presidential candidate, but as a former honorary president of the Centennial Commission and an honored son of Ohio, was a feature, and Governor Bushnell, looking exceedingly handsome as he rode at the head of the procession, shared the honors with the most distinguished guest of the day. For the excellent management of the parade too much credit cannot be given Colonel Sullivan and his aids.
The historical pageant, "The Passing of the Century," was a brilliant success, winning the plaudits of several hundred thousand delighted spectators. The honor of
DRY 60053 CROW
National Printer GOVERNOR BUSHNELL AND STAFF. (Governor on white horse ) Journalist (Chicago, August, 1896). - The editors rendezvoused at the Hollenden, where they were met by a committee from the Artemus Ward Club, made up of prominent newspaper people, many of them having justly won national reputations. Among these were W. W. Armstrong, who has been known as a promi- nent Cleveland newspaper publisher and worker since the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. Then there were L. E. Holden, principal owner and publisher of the Plain Dealer, who also is reputed to own a valuable silver mine and does own the mammoth, well-appointed, complete modern hotel where the editors assembled. There were also as active workers in the calling Ralph Williams, Norman C. McLoud, M. A. Havens, W. B. Colver, Robert F. Paine; Editor Porter, of the World ; J. J. Spurgeon, Miss Birdelle Switzer, A. I. Findley ; E. H. Perdue, president and manager of the Cleveland Leader, and many others. The enterprising photographer was on hand and gathered a number of the editors in front of the hotel, where he obtained an excellent " shadowy reproduction " of the happy group just before their departure for an excursion on Lake Erie. Conducted by the committee, with the genial, hand- some veteran, L. E. Holden, in the lead, the editorial party. with their entertainers, were soon on board the good steamer City of Buffalo, enjoying a refreshing trip over the waters of the lake on which Commodore Perry won his great naval victory. From the boat an excellent view was obtained of Cleveland, with its shipping and great fac- tories, revealing in these the two principal sources of the city's growth and wealth.
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