USA > Ohio > Ross County > Chillicothe > Ohio centennial anniversary celebration at Chillicothe, May 20-21, 1903 : under the auspices of the Ohio State Archaelogical and Historical Society : complete proceedings > Part 2
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"Ohio in the Navy," Hon. Murat Halstead, Cincinnati.
Music, "Old Glory," solo, George U. Sosman and mass chorus.
"The Governors of Ohio Under the First Constitution," Hon. David Meade Massie, Chillicothe.
"The Governors of Ohio Under the Second Constitution," Hon. James E. Campbell, New York City.
"Ohio in the United States Senate," Hon. J. B. Foraker, Cincinnati. Music, "Centennial Hymn," mass chorus.
"Ohio in the National House of Representatives," General Charles H. Grosvenor, Athens.
Music, "America," mass chorus.
Intermission.
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Wednesday Evening, May 20.
7:30 P. M .- Music, Kipling's "Recessional," mass chorus.
Invocation, Rev. S. N. Watson, D. D., rector of St. Paul's Epis- copal Church.
"The Judiciary of Ohio," Judge Moses M. Granger, Zanesville.
"The Industrial Progress of Ohio," Hon. Marcus A. Hanna, Cleveland.
Music, "The Red, White and Blue," solo, S. A. Roach and mass
chorus.
"The Public Schools of Ohio," Hon. Lewis D. Bonebrake, Co- lumbus.
"The Universities of Ohio," President W. O. Thompson, O. S. U., Columbus.
Music, "To Thee, O Country," mass chorus.
"The Achievements of Ohio in the Care of Her Unfortunates," Gen- eral R. Brinkerhoff, Mansfield.
"The Part Taken by Women in the History and Development of Ohio," Mrs. J. R. Hopley, Bucyrus.
Music, "Star Spangled Banner."
"The Ethnological History of Ohio," Judge B. R. Cowen, Cin- cinnati.
Benediction, Rev. J. L. Roemer, pastor First Presbyterian Church. Music, "Hail Columbia."
After the close of the exercises the speakers, the distinguished guests present and the members of the State Centennial Commission, the State Archæological and Historical Society and the visiting representatives of the press and the Executive Committee in charge of affairs in Chillicothe will be entertained at a banquet under the auspices of the Press Club of Chillicothe in the Eintracht Hall.
Thursday Morning, May 21.
Second day's session, General R. Brinkerhoff presiding.
10 A. M. Music by the Fourth Regiment Band.
Invocation, Rev. Joseph Reinicke, pastor of German Salem Church. "The Ohio Presidents," Thomas Ewing, Jr., New York City. "The Press of Ohio," S. S. Knabenshue, Toledo.
Music by the Fourth Regiment Band.
"Ohio Literary Men and Women," Prof. W. H. Venable, Cincinnati. "Religious Influences in Ohio," Bishop C. C. McCabe, Omaha, Neb. Music by the Fourth Regiment Band.
Introductions and extemporaneous remarks by distinguished visitors. Benediction, Rev. G. H. Schnur, pastor of Lutheran Calvary Church. Music, "The Stars and Stripes Forever," Fourth Regiment Band. Intermission.
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2 P. M .- A grand parade of all military and civic societies in the city and of visiting delegates, to be reviewed by the governor, dis- tinguished speakers, etc.
Band concerts at different localities during the afternoon.
7 P. M .- Band concerts in the City Park, the Fourth Regiment Band, the Veteran Drum Corps of Columbus and the Neely Cadet Band of South Salem.
An elaborate display of fire works will close the ceremonies attend- ing this celebration of Ohio's one hundredth birthday.
The speakers will necessarily be limited to twenty minutes in their addresses before the audience. They are, however, expected to prepare papers fully and accurately treating their respective topics; these papers will be published in the souvenir volume by the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society.
The exercises of the centennial were held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 20 and 21, 1903, according to the proposed pro- gram. All of the speakers were present as advertised except Hon. D. M. Massie, who was unexpectedly 1803 1903 detained at his post in Havana, Cuba, and Governor James E. Campbell, who was un- avoidably prevented from leaving New York as intended. Both these gentlemen 20-21 forwarded their manuscripts as requested for publication. There were some minor changes in the program. Mr. Randall gave his al- lotted time and place to Judge Moses M. Granger, in order that the Judge might be heard by the members of the Ohio Supreme Court, who were all present at that time, but were obliged to leave later in the after- noon. General J. Warren Keifer presided during the morning session and Secretary Randall presided at the afternoon and even- ing sessions of Wednesday. General Brink- CENTENNIAL BADGĘ erhoff presided during the session on Thurs- day. Rev. A. M. Courtenay, of Chillicothe, by invitation too late for the placing of his name on the program, read on the morning of the second day, a centennial ode well worthy of the occasion. At this session Hon. Albert Douglas offered a reso-
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lution that Governor Nash in his next annual message to the General Assembly, suggest an appropriation to the Ohio State Archæological and Historical Society for the erection of a monu- ment on the State House grounds at Columbus, to Governor Ar- thur St. Clair. The resolution was as follows :
RECOGNIZING that the people of Ohio have for one hundred years done injustice to the name and fame of Major General Arthur St. Clair, valiant soldier of the Revolution, beloved friend of Washington, presi- dent of the Continental Congres, and for fourteen arduous, formative years the devoted governor of the Northwest Territory.
Believing that, whatever his mistakes or faults, his work and his accomplishments' in that critical period of our history deserve our grati- tude, and should receive formal acknowledgement from the men of our time, and,
Encouraged by the just and eloquent utterances from this platform of our present governor, George K. Nash; therefore,
Be it Resolved, By us, citizens of Ohio, assembled at this centennial celebration of our statehood, that the Ohio State Archeological and His- torical Society, and the governor of Ohio, be and they are hereby most earnestly requested to urge upon the General Assembly of Ohio, at its next session, the propriety of erecting, in the State House grounds at Columbus, a bronze statue of General Arthur St. Clair in recognition of his great service to this commonwealth, whose firm foundation he helped to lay.
This resolution was in furtherance of the expression in Governor Nash's address in favor of honoring the memory of St. Clair with a monument at his "lonely grave." The resolu- tion of Mr. Douglas preferred the site of the capitol grounds at Columbus, where the people of Ohio could have the benefit of its inspiring presence. The resolution was unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed by the audience.
Following the order of the regular speakers the last session of the literary exercises was closed by extemporaneous speeches by ex-Gov. Charles Foster. and Bishop B. W. Arnett. The brief remarks of the genial ex-governor were most cordially received. The distinguished colored divine was never in better form or feeling and his witty and eloquent remarks greatly pleased the audience. A most dramatic ending to the program was rendered when at the suggestion of General Keifer, Bishop McCabe seated himself at the organ and with his magnificent voice led in the
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"Battle Hymn of the Republic," accompanied by the vast audi- ence, the members of which rose to their feet and sang with a patriotic emotion that was little short of religious fervor. Indeed, all the proceedings in the great tent were of a most inspiring and interesting character. From three to five thousand people were present at each session. Old and young, the learned scholar and profound professor, the school boy, the gray-haired pioneer, the farmer from his field, the country laddie and his happy lassie by his side,all sorts and conditions of men, women and children, sat
ADENA - HOME OF GOVERNOR THOMAS WORTHINGTON.
hour after hour listening patiently and attentively to speech after speech as the orators came and went. The weather was delight- fully pleasant and every one seemed contented and comfortable. The musical portion of the program was most enlivening and restful. The Fourth Regiment Band discoursed national strains. The vocal music under the leadership of Captain E. R. McKee, was of the highest order. The mass chorus, accompanied by the Young Men's Orchestra, rendered the familiar, loyal and patriotic
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airs with a zest and power that often elicited unbounded applause from the delighted auditors. At the opening of the session on Thursday morning a variety to the musical feature was offered by a chorus of some two hundred pupils of the primary grade of the Chillicothe public schools. The enthusiastic little youngsters marched in wearing paper hats in corrugated folds of red, white and blue, and each carrying a little flag in his hand. Led by Miss Purdum, they sang "The Old Buckeye State" and the "Red White and Blue" while they spiritedly waved their tiny edi- tions of "Old Glory" to the intense and most pathetic pleas- ure of the audience. The youthful patriots then filed out one by one, each stopping to shake the hand of smiling Governor Nash as they proudly descended from the platform. It was a scene long to be remembered - the great audience in the arena and on the elevated tiers of seats, the band at the further end of the tent playing "The Star Spangled Banner" while the unique scene just noted was being enacted upon the stage before the speakers and distinguished guests.
The historic and hustling city of Chillicothe met the require- ments of the occasion in the most unqualified and praise-worthy manner. Located on the time-honored Scioto with its rich mem- ories of Indian warfare and pioneer struggle, imbedded in the picturesque setting,
That hills and valleys, dales and fields Woods or steepy mountain yields,
Chillicothe had enhanced her natural charms by appearing in gala attire. Streamers and flags adorned the public buildings and private residences. Graceful and stately arches spanned her two main streets near their intersection. A series of lofty wooden columns, resting on massive pedestals and surmounted by large globes, flanked either side of the main (Paint) street to the park entrance, and thence down to the park avenue to the great tent. These columns designed by Mr. H. H. Bennett, were tastefully decorated and from them bright banners waved athwart the azure expanse of a cloudless sky.
The local committees having in charge the arrangements for and execution of the program in Chillicothe most admirably
PAINT STREET - SHOWING COLUMNS,
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and efficiently performed their respective duties. The Chairmen of the several committees constituted what was known as the Chil- licothe Executive Committee. The personnel of that committee was as follows. Chairman, Major William Poland; Secretary, Burton E. Stevenson ; Parade, A. R. Wolfe; Entertainment, Hon. Albert Douglas; Finance, Col. Richard Enderlin; Music, F. C. Arbenz; Program, E. S. Wenis; Decoration, Henry H. Bennett ; Badges, Burton E. Stevenson; Fireworks, William H. Hunter ; Construction, Joseph Gerber; Bureau of Information, Capt. E. R. McKee; Grounds, Ferdinand Marzluff; Transportation, W. H. Brimson; Reception, Hon. Wallace D. Yaple; Publicity, Burton E. Stevenson; Relics and Museum, William B. Mills; Floral Section of Parade, Mrs. John A. Nipgen; Women's Com- mittee, Miss Alice Bennett.
Vast crowds, representing every portion of the state and country, flocked on either day to the animated city that proudly bore the honor of being Ohio's first capital and the birthplace of the first state carved from the Northwest Territory. The local ar- rangements, the result of the thought and labor of the city com- mittees, were well nigh perfect and redounded greatly to the credit of the hospitable and generous Chillicotheans. Thousands. upon thousands of visitors were courteously and bountifully cared for. No accident or disturbance of any kind whatever marred or jarred the enjoyment or dignity of the two-days' celebration. The weather seemed made to order, old Sol himself smiled serenely and gently upon the scene. The Neely Cadet Band paraded the streets and enlivened the occasion with stirring strains, while the Veteran Drum Corps of Columbus, with fife and drum, revived the traditions of '76 and the memories of '61 and '65 in the thrilling tunes of "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie." The proverbial latch-string was out at every door and the good people of the town offered many social and public functions that ministered to the pleasure and comfort of the visitors.
In the G. A. R. Memorial Hall, under the direction of Mr. W. B. Mills, there was placed on exhibition a rare and extensive collection of archæological, Indian and historical relics, paintings, books, papers, manuscripts, clothing, household utensils and vari- ous other objects connected with the early history of the state.
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and gathered from the vicinity of Chillicothe, which was not only one of the first centers of Ohio's early civilization, but was also located in the midst of the country most prolifically populated by that mysterious race, the predecessor of the white man and per- haps also of the Red man- the Mound Builder. The museum therefore easily presented a most unusual collection of pre-historic implements, both of peace and war. The historical features of the exhibit were equally complete and valuable, illustrative of the early life of Ohio's pioneers and founders - both the simple, strenuous forester and the luxurious (?) aristocrat of ye olden time town. In the exhibition of archæology the Ohio State Archæological and Historical Society took a prominent part under the management of its curator, Prof. W. C. Mills.
Wednesday evening following the exercises in the tent a "Snack" was given by the Press Club of Chillicothe in honor of the Ohio Editors and Publishers who were guests of the city to attend the celebration. Those thus handsomely entertained by the Press Club included not only the newspapermen, but the speakers, officials and notables of the centennial. This unique affair was held in Eintracht Hall. Mr. W. H. Hunter, editor of the News-Advertiser, President of the Press Club, called the merry diners to order and in a few fitting words introduced as toastmaster Colonel G. W. C. Perry, the editor of the Chilli- cothe Gazette, which has the distinction of being the first paper established in Ohio, therefore "the oldest paper in the state-in fact, a paper older than the state itself," for it was founded in Chillicothe in 1796 by Nathaniel Willis. This Nestor of Ohio newspapers showed its appreciation of the centennial, and at the same time evidenced its aged activity by issuing a voluminous centennial edition containing the centennial addresses, pictures of Chillicothe's historic spots and portraits of the speakers and notables. Colonel Perry introduced the face- G. W. C. PERRY. tious and fluent toast responders who were : Senator Marcus A. Hanna, ex-Governor Charles Foster, ex- Governor Asa S. Bushnell, General Charles H. Grosvenor, Hon. Albert Douglass and General J. Warren Keifer.
Preface.
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Thursday afternoon the distinguished women in attendance upon the celebration were tendered a reception by the Woman's Centennial Committee, Miss Alice Bennett, Chairman, at the Women's Headquarters in Clough Hall. It was a brilliant social function under the auspices of the Ladies' Century Club, the
AVENUE IN VOCTANGEE PARK LEADING TO CENTENNIAL TENT, CHILLICOTHE.
Daughters of the Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution of Chillicothe. There were present many of the officials of various women's clubs and societies, literary and patri- otic, in the state.
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The official program of oratory, song and music that closed the centennial in the canves auditorium Thursday noon, was fol- lowed in the afternoon by local features of great merit. At 2 o'clock an industrial, illustrative and spectacular parade was suc- cessfully carried out. Participating therein were orders, clubs and societies of diverse character from various portions of the state; the primary pupils, high school cadets and grizzled G. A. R. heroes, business and military organizations, benevolent, musi- cal, secret, patriotic and labor societies with historical floats, floral displays, bands and blaring trumpets passed in review before the grand stand upon which were seated Governor Nash, General Keifer, General Brinkerhoff, Senator Hanna, Mayor Yaple and a number of state and centennial officials.
In the evening the finishing touches were put to the two days celebration in the way of an elaborate fireworks display on the island of the little lake in the Yoctangee Park. The lumin- ated pieces were characteristic of the anniversary. A curious and somewhat amusing finale was unexpectedly interjected into the proceedings by Jupiter Pluvius, the mythological and original "rain-maker," who having graciously and considerately refrained thus far from breaking into the exercises, could no longer retain himself, and without warning bestowed his blessing upon the close in refreshing and copious showers, adding not a little to the erratic flickerings of the expiring fireworks and the exhilirat- ing drenching of the thousands of unprotected on-lookers.
Thus ended the Ohio centennial celebration. It passed into history, a fond and unfading memory for all who were fortunate enough to have been present, either as participators or spectators.
"Ohio, name for what is good and grand, With pride we hail thee as our native land; With jealous pride we sing our heartfelt lay To laud thy name, this first Centennial Day."
Preface.
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ELE
THE FIRST STATE HOUSE, CHILLICOTHE, OHIO.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
OF THE
ADOPTION OF OHIO'S FIRST CONSTITUTION.
The centennial of the adoption of the constitution of Ohio, was appropriately celebrated at Chillicothe Saturday, November 29, 1902, by the unveiling of a tablet, marking the location of the first state house of Ohio, which is the site of the present court house. This ceremony was followed by an address delivered in Memorial Hall.
The first suggestion that a tablet be erected to mark the site of the old stone court house of Ross County, used as the original state house of Ohio, was made by Mr. John Bennett, of Chillicothe, author of "Master Skylark," "Barnaby Lee," etc. The suggestion was presented to the Century Club, a woman's organization formed in 1896, the Chillicothe centennial year, by its president, Miss Alice Bennett. It was decided to make the work one of public subscription. The matter was placed in the hands of a committee composed of Miss Helen Franklin Stone, Mrs. James Clifford Douglas, Miss Helen E. Veaill, Miss Bessie Carlisle, of the Century Club; Miss Eliza Irwin Van Meter, Mrs. David Meade Massie, Miss Mary Petrea McClin- tick, of Massie Chapter, D. A. R .; Miss Diathea Tiffin Cook, of Tiffin Chapter, D. R .; William Trimble McClintick, Esq., of the Ross County Historical Society; Judge James Clifford Douglas, representing the Bar; Captain Rufus Hosler, of the county commissioners, since deceased ; Hon. David Meade Massie, grandson of the founder of Chillicothe, representing the pioneers ; and Mr. Henry Holcomb Bennett, representing the citizens at large.
The tablet was designed by Mr. H. H. Bennett, and executed by John Williams, of New York, who very successfully carried out in bronze the spirit of the design. The tablet, which is 362 inches long by 26 inches high, is set in the base of a pilaster
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on the right of the entrance to the court house. In the upper half the tablet bears two medallions, separated by the Roman fasces. In the one on the right is the great seal of the state of Ohio; in the other the old stone state house. Both medal- lions surmount half wreaths of buckeye leaves. Below is this inscription :
"ON THIS SITE STOOD THE FIRST STATE HOUSE OF OHIO, WHEREIN WAS ADOPTED THE ORIGINAL CON- STITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH, NOVEMBER XXIX, MDCCCII."
PRESENTATION OF TABLET.
At II o'clock A. M., the people gathered on the esplanade of the court house, and after patriotic airs rendered by the Young Men's Orchestra, Robert W. Manly, a great-grandson of the first governor of Ohio, presented the tablet in the following fitting address.
Honorable Mayor of Chillicothe and Fellow-Citizens:
We are assembled this morning to participate in the un- veiling of a tablet, marking the site of the building which was used as Ohio's first state house.
The building was of great historic interest. Within its walls was held the last session of the Legislature of the Northwest Territory ; one hundred years ago to- day within its walls Ohio's first con- stitution was adopted by thé members of the constitutional convention; for twelve years it served as Ohio's state house ; in it the political and economic policies of our state were formulated and put into execution, the beneficial effects of which policies still influence the administration of our state affairs.
In 1798 General Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, appointed for Ross County justices of a court of quarter session, and in the
ROBERT W. MANLY.
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Ohio Centennial.
same year the court appointed commissioners to arrange for the erection of a court house and other necessary county build- ings and a deed was secured for the land upon which to erect the same.
In the year 1799, in view of the fact that the seat of gov- ernment of the Northwest Territory was to be removed from Cincinnati to Chillicothe, the court ordered that a levy of taxes be made for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of a "stone court house."
In 1800 the court appointed a commission to advertise for bids for the erection of a court house and also appointed a com- mission to superintend the erection of the building.
In 1801 the erection of the building was completed and the Territorial Legislature of 1801-2 was held in the new structure. In 1852 the building was torn down to take the place of our present court house.
During the past year the ladies of our city, members of the Century Club, inaugurated a movement to mark with a tablet the site of the old state house. The chapters of the Daughters of the Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution in this city, took up the movement, and these three organizations with the assistance of many of our citizens together with Mr. Henry H. Bennett, of this city, as designer, provided the tablet we are to unveil this morning.
And now, sir, representing the members of the Century Club, the Daughters of the Revolution and the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution, I present, on their behalf, to the public, through you, this tablet which marks the site of that building which was used as the first state house of Ohio.
THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE TABLET.
Following the presentation address, Miss Effie Scott, great- granddaughter of Gov. McArthur and granddaughter of Gov. Allen, unveiled the tablet.
Hon. W. D. Yaple, the mayor of the city, accepted the tablet in an address, as follows:
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Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.
Members of the Century Club, Daughters of the Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and Ladies and Gentlemen:
From the most ancient time it has been a custom among all nations, in all stages of civilization, to erect monuments, statues and tablets to perpetuate the memory of individuals, and in com- memoration of historical events and occurrences. But for this custom much that we now recognize as the world's history would have been lost. The great pyramids of Egypt, the won- der of all ages since their erection, still bear and for ages to come will bear mute testimony of the existence of a great nation whose prowess long since vanished from the face of the earth, while the inscriptions upon the obelisks and temples erected during HON. W. D. YAPLE. the flourishing period of that people, perpetuate much of the history.
In our time the Federal Government and many of our state governments have expended and are still expending large sums of money in the erection of monuments on the great battle-fields of our several wars, and converting them into national parks, so that we are not without precedent in assembling here for the purpose of formally dedicating this tablet in commemoration of an event of importance in the history of our city, county, state and nation.
With the adoption of the constitution of the United States but little more than a century ago, there came into being a re- public whose form of government was an experiment on the part of those who formed it, and which was looked upon with sus- picion and jealousy by the powers of Europe; but after weather- ing the storm which beset it during the first few years of its exist- ence, it entered upon a period of growth and development truly wonderful, until to-day the experiment of 1787 has proven a
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Ohio Centennial.
"world power" and an American citizen is respected in foreign. countries as was the Roman citizen in the palmy days of Rome.
Ohio was the fourth state to be added to the original thirteen and the first to be carved out of the Northwest Territory, and as the inscription on the tablet just unveiled recites, "On this site stood the first state house of Ohio, wherein was adopted the original constitution of the commonwealth, November 29, 1802."
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