,.0 »'-^-*-. • '^^^ •^^, A^ .0 V I. * * °- C\ ^' c^^ ° ff: V" Jl° ^^. * o » ' o,^ v^^ .0-^^ '^^ ^1 %^^ :Mm.^ \/ /»^ %/ .^^ . '^o ^HO, 1 '^^ <<• '^. ^S- •> . .V <^, ■0^ "".^-.^' -^«- -^ -^^0^ ' * •'^ O K^ ^ c. ,tv C^ * O « O ^ O,^ ^ IERIDEN. HON. THOMAS L. REILLY, Mayor City of Meriden. HO.\. WILBUR F. DAVIS, Ex-Judge of Probate. HOX. EDGAR J. DUOLITTLE, Ex-Mayor City of Meriden. JA-AIES H. WHITE. President Wilcox & Wliite Company. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. CHARLES H. TREDENNICK, DR- EDWARD T. BRADSTREET, President Meriden Board of Trade. Medical Examiner for Meriden. \li.l.i.\M A. Kl-J,SiA", President Kelsey Press Co. CHARLES F. .MONROE, President of the C. F. Monroe Co. 10 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. GEORGE W. MILLER, Selectman Town of Meriden. GEORGE W. COUCH, Ex-Representative Town of jNIeriden. CLARENCE P. BRADLEY, DEXTER L. BISHOP, Director Bradley & Hubbard Mfg. Co. Ex-Pres. Meriden Business Men's Ass'n. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. II FLOYD CURTIS, Cashier First National Bank. TREASURER, MERIDEN CENTENNIAL. HARRY T. KINXt, Member Board of Park Commission. AGENT GENERAL COMMITTEE. 12 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ORIGIN OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The decision to celebrate the one-hundredth anniversary of the incoi poration of Meriden as a town, was the result of long consideration an came about finally by the crystallization of public opinion in its favo Long before any definite steps were taken the subject was discussed b the residents of the town after their attention had been called to its in |)ortance by frequent references in the public prints and communicatior from and interviews with prominent citizens during the early part c 1904. The first definite steps toward bringing about the Centennial wei taken by the Meriden Business Men's Association at a meeting held 0< tober 6, 1904, just preceding the adjourned annual town meeting of thi year, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the adjourned annual town meeting to be held Monda; October 10, be asked to approve the proposal to celebrate the one-hui dredth anniversary of the Town of Meriden in 1906, and to appoii a committee representing the various interests of the town to formi late, direct and carry out all plans for the event ; said committee to ha^ power to appoint all necessary sub-committees to assist them in an capacity. Resolved, That this association suggest to the adjourned annual tow meeting that the committee consist of the first selectman, the tow clerk, the mayor of the city, the president of the Board of Trade an the president of the Meriden Business Men's association, who sha have power to select ten other members from the important busine; and professional interests of the town. These resolutions were presented to the adjourned town meeting c October 10, 1904, and approved without a dissenting voice. W. I Squire then presented the following resolution which was also unan mously adopted: Resolved, That the one-hundredth anniversary of the town of Meride be celebrated in 1906 and that a committee consisting of the first S( lectman, the town clerk of Meriden, the mayor of the City of Meridei CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. I3 the president of the Meriden Business Men's association and the pres- ident of the Meriden Board of Trade, be and hereby are appointed a committee with power to select ten other residents of Meriden rep- resenting its important business and professional interests, who to- gether, shall form a committee of fifteen and who shall have power to arrange for, direct, and carry out all plans for such celebration on such dates in 1906 as they shall select as the most appropriate ; shall have power to appoint any and all additional committees in their opinion necessary to the celebration, but shall not in any manner ob- ligate the Town of Meriden for any expense incurred without a spe- cific appropriation for the purpose of the celebration. Under this vote of the town those who were made members of the committee of five were First Selectman George W. Miller, Town Clerk Herman Hess, Mayor George S. Seeley, President Francis Atwater, of the Meriden Board of Trade, and President Dexter L. Bishop, of the Meriden Business Men's Association. This committee met November 15 with Mr. Miller as chairman and Mr. Hess as clerk, and completed the committee by the selection of the following gentlemen : George M. Curtis, treasurer International Silver Company. Ex- Judge Wilbur F. Davis, attorney-at-law. Charles F. Monroe, president of the C. F. Monroe Company. Dr. E. T. Bradstreet, president the City Medical Society. Hon. E. J. Doolittle, ex-mayor of the City of Meriden. George W. Couch, ex-representative of the Town of Meriden. James H. White, president the Wilcox & White Company. William A. Kelsey, president the Kelsey Press Company. C. P. Bradley, director the Bradley & Hubbard Mfg. Company. Three days later the committee met and elected George M. Curtis as president ; Herman Hess as recording secretary and Francis Atwater as corresponding secretary. This committee was later somewhat changed when Charles H. Tredennick succeeded Mr. Atwater as pres- ident of the board of trade, and became a member, although Mr. Atwa- ter also continued on the General Committee. At the city election in 1905, Hon. Thomas L. Reilly was elected mayor and became a member of the committee, succeeding Hon. George S. Seeley. Few people, aside from those who were in active touch with the General Committee have any idea of the immense amount of work that was done by them. From the very beginning it was apparent that in 14 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. the selection of George M. Curtis as president, the one man had been selected who was best fitted to assume the heavy obligations of the office and carry them to a successful conclusion with honor to the town and to himself. Mr. Curtis had associated with him on the General Committee men who labored industriously, intelligently and ably to complete the multi- tudinous details of the great celebration and not one of them shirked those duties in the slightest degree. To their rare devotion, and keen business ability, the people of Aleriden are indebted in no small way. The first act the committee was called upon to perform was to de- termine the character and scope of the celebration. With the actual time a year and a half away, any programme adopted must, of necessity, have been purely tentative. With the new Federal building, the new Town hall and an armory in sight, the dedication of these buildings were part of the plan decided on. One by one, however, these faded away, the Federal building to wait for more money, the armory for favorable legislative action, and the Town hall by countless delays. In nearly every other respect, however, the good judgment of the committee was shown in the carrying out of their plans, although some- what changed in character or scope by the changed conditions which arose from time to time. The hearty manner in which Meriden, as a whole, entered into the plan of the Centennial made the work much easier, as attraction after attraction ofi^ered itself and event after event came to be booked, until a fine programme was the result. The character and dates of the Centennial having been determined, the committee sought to place on sub-committees those men whom they felt could be relied on to back up their efiforts to carry out the trust the people of Meriden had imposed on them. The result was the selec- tion of committees who did noble work with scarcely an exception, as follows : CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 15 PARADES AND GRAND STANDS J. S. Stokes, Chairman. C. B. BowEN, Secretary. WCLKUR \V. FlXNEGAN, Isaac B. Hyatt, Constant K. Decherd, Joseph DeCantillon, Albert A. May. Albert L. Stetson, Frank E. Fowler, SiG. Bernstein, David Bloomfield. IMatthew Beatty, Henry L. Morehouse, Frank L. Cowing, Cornelius Kooreman. IG CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. INVITATION H. Wales Lines, Chairman. George H. Wilcox, Secretary. Wilbur F. Rogers, William L. Taylor, Martin B. Schenck, Henry L. Schleiter, Fred L. Yale, Nathaniel L. Bradley, Julius H. Yale, E. W. Smith, Frank Stevenson, William G. Warnock, Henry Warren, John Tait, George Rollins, William B. Cashen, Henry B. Beach, A. W. Tracy, Frank H. Gushing, Julius Augur, Henry E. Bushnell, Robert G. Church, Eli W'alker, John Q. Thayer, Thomas H. Warnock, Edgar J. Perkins, Ransom L. Baldwin. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 17 TRANSPORTATION XL. IL. O oMiTH, Chairman. W. H. Russell, Secretary. S. Olin P.a.rker, Charles S. Palmer, L. C. HiNMAN, W. P. Bristol, Ernest B. Moss, W. G. Hooker, Frederick L. Huntingtox, Charles H. Tredenxick, Willis I. Fenn, Frank P. Evarts. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. MUSIC AND PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT Robert Caktek. Chairman. G. 1'"rank Goudale, Secretary. James F. Gill, George Swift, Fred B. Hill, John L. Rutherford, Arthur M. Brooks, Albert R. Chamberlain, Hugh F. Hagarty, George G. Marble, P"rank Treat Southwick, Robert A. H. Clark, Willard S. Pain, Thomas H. Maguire, William E. T. Boole, Henry W. Hirschfeld, August Maschmeyer, Thomas A. Benham, Tohn W. Fearnley. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 19 HISTORICAL ADDRESSES, EVENTS AND RELICS G. M. Curtis, Chairman. R. J. jNIerriam, Secretary. Eli C. Birdsey, Willis J. Prouty, H. DwiGHT Beebe, Nelson C. Johnson, Walter S. Billard, Charles H. S. Davis, John W. Curtis, E. B. Everitt, Silas B. Hall, Marshall A. Fowler, Waldo C- Twiss, George B. Murdock, Julius Ives, Clayton F. Hall, Charles J. Hinsdale, Henry S. Pratt. 20 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. LICENSES AND PRIVILEGES 1 1 ^SBIH ^ 1 p^ 1 *'^^^^H^H M. i ^1 1 QHi A. J). .Meeks, Chairman. Geo. L. King, Secretary. p. T. O'Brien, Treasurer, Edward M. Beckley, Eugene P. Golden, John F. Williams, C. J. Heineman, William C. Mueller, W. Irving Wilcox, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 21 DECORATIONS AND STREET FAIR G. F. Rogers, Chairman. Arthur E. jMiller, Willis N. Barber, Burton L. Lawton, Charles H. Cox, Hubert Little, Phineas T. Ives, J. Emerson Brown, Adam Orr, Philip J. Handel, Leland Ives, Louis P. Ellis, Edward E. Schmelzer, Elmer E. Spencer, I. Burton Miller. 22 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. COMPLETION OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS F. D. Smith, Chairman, C. E. Stockder, Secretary. August Yost, Martin H. Browjj, George N. Morse, F. W. Wakefield, George E. Bicknelu Henry T. Downs, Leroy C. Pardee, E. A. Merriman, Cornelius J. Danaher, James R. Sloane. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 23 REPRESENTING WALLINGFORD, THE MOTHER TOWN L. M. Hubbard, Chairman. Fkaray Hale, Secretary. O. H. D. Fowler, Rev. Joseph E. Wildman, Walter J. Leavenworth, George D. Munson, William H. Newton, Frank Wallace, J. W. Lane, W- F. Lane, Theodore F. Lane, Charles H. Tibbits. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES W. H. Catlin, Chairman. F. C. Edgerton, Secretary. Homer A. Curtiss, A. H. Gardner, Charles A. Learned, Rev. Albert J. Lord, Rev. Joel S. Ives, Rev. John Lynch, Rev. J. Harry Holden, Rev. Robert A. Ashworth, Almon J. Fletcher, Rev. John H. Grant, Saxton B. Little, Rev. Arthur T. Randall, Rev. a. van Oppen, Rev. John Cooney, L L Gardner. Rev. N. F. X. Schneider, Rev. Arthur E. Harris, Rev. Frank B. Stockdale, Rev. Robert Larson, Rev. C- R. Tappert, Rev. Samuel F. Glaser, Rev. David Fridlund, Rev. J. \V. Cunningham, Rev. R. J. Beach, Rev. J. Huber, Rev. Joseph Culkowski, Rev. L Newton Phelps, Edward B. Manning, Charles H. Pinks, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 25 FIREWORKS AND ILLUMINATIONS F. S. Fay, Chairman. E. B. Whitney, Secretary. Charles E. Flynn, Charles A. King* Herman Minkwitz, Oliver Swan, G. p. Smith, Napoleon J. St. Cyri Joshua Shute, Arthur E. Cope, John A. Thomas, B. W. Murphy, W. P. Bristol, William C. Homan, E. T. Sills. 26 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. FINANCE J. H. White, Chairman. C. F. Rockwell, Secretar}-. Floyd Curtis, Treasurer, Frank A. Stevens, William H. Lyon, G. M. Clark, John C- Byxbee, Cornelius W. Cahill, Irving L. Holt, Eugene A. Hall, Benjamin C- KennarDi Charles L. Upham, Arthur S. Lane, George E. Savage, Henry Dryhurst. Wilbur H. Squire, John L. Billard, Charles S. Perkins, George M. Lucas, Junius S. Norton, Jr. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 27 PUBLICITY AND SOUVENIRS K V 1 1 I ] ll-**- , ] 1 F. E. Sands, Chairman. H. T. King, Secretan-. William C. Com stock, Louis Fisk, George H. Yea mans, Charles T. Dodd, William A. Hickox, Henry C Bibeau, Frederick E. Bemis, 28 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. RECEPTION AND ENTERTAINMENT A. Chamberlain'. Chairman. C. M. \ViLLi.\MS, Secretary. Edward K. Allen, g. h. bowker, George A. Fav, Charles C- Clock, Charles N. Foster. John M. Nagel, Patrick Garvey, Hermon E. Hubbard, Walter Hubbard, William B. Ives, James Kane, John S. Lane, Winfield R. Coe, Russell Hall, Seth J. Hall. Christopher S. Howard, Michael G. Reynolds, Charles L. Rockwell, Anthony S. Thomas, Benjamin W. Collins, James A. Curtiss, J. D. Eggleston, Charles F. Linsley, John McWeeney, Edward Miller, H. H. Miller. William W. Mosher, Maurice O'Brien, George S- Seeley, John Ives, E. M. Smith, S. D. Otis, Benjamin Page, Dexter Parker, E. Worthington Pierce, H. A. Pierce, James P. Platt, August Schmelzer, Philip C- Rand, Gilbert Rogers, Samuel Dodd, Cephas B. Rogers, Isaac E. Beach, W. H. A. Maynard, John W. Coe. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 29 SPORTS Thos. L. Reillv, Chairman. J. H. Reynolds, Secretarv. A. H. Cashen, Leroy J. Gaines, William A. Penfield, Charles Smart, C WiNFiELD King. Joseph Beckett, George Cooley, Wilbur F. Parker, Walter S. Shaw, Thomas F. Lyons, Dr. F. L. Murdock, Herman Kraemer, Fred Webek, George Lohmann, J. Ferd Allen, Patrick J. Griffin, Julius Kuntze, George L. Clark, Fred Roselius, Harold A. Meeks, Rudolf Boehle, Lewis A. Miller, C. E. POLSEY, Henry A. W. Prageman. .^o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ON COLONIAL BALL C. E. Stockder, Chairman. Howard Stevenson, Secretary, 1. Burton Miller, John F. McDonnell, Cornelius Cahill, Jr., Robert G. Church, Charles W. Clock, Fred Billard, William E. Hinsdale, Waldemar C. Hirschfield, James H. Hinsdale, George Ohl, Arthur D. Meeks, George H. Yeamans, Joseph A. Roberge. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 31 INDUSTRIAL PARADE Joseph S. Stokes, Chairman, Henry Stockder, Arthur J. Hall, "A-'iLLiAM G- Snow, Joseph H- Beckett, George E. Savage, Robert J, IMerriam, Robert C. Koeller, Frank Evarts, I. Burton Miller, Wilton Miller, Philip J. Handel, George Swift, Frank C. White, F. A. Stephani, Frank J. Wallace, Thomas A. Benham, J. Adolph Johnson, Harry A. Stevens, E. C. Wilcox, William Rettenmeyer, Irving Cooley MANUFACTURERS' EXHIBITS Charles F. Monroe, Chairman, Charles F. Rockwell, Secretary, William Zerfass, Clarence P. Bradley, C. W. King, George H. Wilcox, ON PUBLIC SAFETY Chief of Police C B. Bowen, Chairman. Jerome Bailey, Richard Shaw, John F. Donovan, Tohn E. Moffatt, Chief Engineer I. B. Hyatt, Secretary. Dwight J. Finnegan, W- R- Bailey, David Bloomfield, David T. Lyon. 32 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. LADIES' RECEPTION AND ENTERTAINMENT Mrs. Abiram Chamberlain, Mrs. Mrs. H. Wales Lines, Mrs. Mrs. Charles L. Rocwell, Mrs. Mrs. Charles F. Linsley, Mrs. Mrs. James P. Platt, Miss Mrs. Wilbur F. Rogers, Mrs. Mrs. George H. Wilcox, Miss Mrs. Francis Stevenson, Mrs. Mrs. Henry Warren, Mrs. Mrs. Nathaniel L. Bradley, Mrs. Mrs. W. B. Cashen, Miss Mrs. Charles F. Rockwell, Mrs. Mrs. John L. Billard, Mrs. Mrs. Junius S. Norton, Jr., Mrs. Mrs. G. E. Savage, Mrs. Mrs. J. H. White, Mrs. Mrs. F. E. Sands, Mrs. Mrs. Henry T. King, Mrs. Mrs. Charles T. Dodd, Miss Mrs. William A. Hickox, Mrs. Mrs. Sig. Bernstein, Mrs. Mrs. Wilbur W. Finnegan, Mrs. Mrs. Arthur D. Meeks, Mrs. Mrs. William H. Catlin, Mrs. Mrs. Arthur M. Brook.s, Mrs. Mrs. C. E. Stockder, Miss Mrs. Cornelius C. Danaher, Miss Mrs. Edwin E. Smith, Mrs. Mrs. Harold A. Meeks, Mrs. Mrs. I. Burton Miller, Mrs. Mrs. Lewis A. Miller, Mrs. Mrs. George M. Curtis, Mrs. Mrs. George C. Merriam, Mrs. Mrs. Charles H. S. Davis, Mrs. Mrs. Francis Atwater, Mrs. Mrs. Wilbur F. Davis, Mrs. Herman Hess, Edward T. Bradstreet, John W. Coe, James H. Hinsdale, Kittie • Nickerson, W. Irving Wilcox, Lucy Peck, E. A. Boardman, Edward H. White, Charles H. Stockder, Ruth Merriam, Anthony S. Thomas, George A. Fay, Benjamin W. Collins, Floyd Curtis, Maurice O'Brien, John S- Lane, H. C. Wilcox, Mary A. Butler, J. H. Chapin, Lew Allen, William G. Warnock, Thomas L. Reilly, George Cooley, Albert Babb, Elsie Lyon, Claire Converse, Albert A. Mather, George A. Church, John Ives, Nathan F. Griswold, James A. Curtiss, Homer A. Curtiss, Christopher S. Howard^ Philip C. Rand, Charles L. Upham, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 33 Mrs. Arthur T. Randall, Mrs. William W. Mosher, Mrs. Charles N. Winslow, Mrs- Seth J. Hall, Mrs. L. E. Savage, Mrs. John L. Richmond, Mrs. Wilbur F. Parker, Mrs. John L. Rutherford, Mrs- George R. Curtis, Mrs. E. Worthington Pierce, Mrs .E. W. Smith, Mrs. E. a. Merriman, Mrs. John Q. Thayer, Mrs. W Mrs. E. Tredennick, Mrs. George M. Lucas, Miss Sallie Collins, Mrs. Wilbur H. Squire, Mrs. Benjamin C. Kennard, Mrs. William C. Mueller, Mrs. Hubert Little, Mrs. E. B. Everitt, Mrs. J. Ferd Allen, ]\Irs. Charles Lyon, Miss Nan Carter, Mrs. John C. Churchill, Mrs. Willis J. Prouty, B. Ives, HOME CLUB, SHOWING DECORATIONS. 34 CKNTKNNIAL OF MliRIDEN. PROGRAMME FOR WEEK, JUNE 10-16 SUNDAY, June 10. MORNING. Services in all churches by present and former pastors. State convention of German Catholics at St. Mary's R. C. church. AFTERNOON. Union service at First Congregational church, with address by Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott. Business session State convention of Ger- man Catholics at Company L Armory. EVENING. Services in all churches by present and former pastors. OPENING DAY, MONDAY, JUNE 11. MORNING. Opening of Midway. Opening of Historical Loan Exhibit. Opening of Manufacturers' and Varied Arts Exposition at Hanover Park. Southern New England Turnfest Parade and opening of Athletic Events at Schuetzen Park. Services at St. Mary's Church, German Catholic State Convention. Connecticut Bankers' Convention at Home Club. AFTERNOON. 1 p. m. — Parade of German Catholics and St. Bonifacius Society. 1 :30 p. m. — Civic and Industrial parade. Southern New England Turnfest at Schuetzen Park. State 'Veteran Firemens' meeting at Co. I Armory. Banquet Connecticut Bankers' Association. Base Ball at Hanover Park — "Wallingford vs. Mohawks, 2 p. m. ; Tabs vs. Plainville, 4 p. m. EVENING. Fireworks and Illuminations. Southern New England Turnfest Ball at Turner Hall. Band concert. GRAND ARMY DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 12. Midway all day and evening. Historical Loan Exhibit all day. Manufacturers' and Varied Arts Exposi- tion at Hanover Park. MORNING. Opening of Grand Army State Encamp- ment. Automobile parade. Southern New England Schuetzenbund pa- rade and opening of shoot at Schuetzen Park. AFTERNOON. Parade Connecticut Department, G. A. R. Presentation of memorial tablet by Susan Carrington Clarke Chapter, D. A. R. Base Ball. — Big Four League, Meriden vs. Bristol, at Hanover Park, 4 p. m. Hor.-e Races at Trotting Park. EVENING. State G. A. R. Camp Fire at Auditorium. Fireworks at Hanover Park. Band concert. LABOR DAY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Midway all day and evening. Historical Loan Exhibit all day. Manufacturers' and Varied Arts Exposition all day and evening at Hanover Park. MORNING. State G. A. R. Encampment at Auditorium. Parade of State Federation of Labor. Southern New England Schuetzenbund at Schuetzen Park. Opening of Golf Tournament at Meriden Golf Club. AFTERNOON. Concluding Session State G. A. R. En- campment. Election and installation of of- ficers. Field Day and Addresses, State Federation of Labor at Terrace Garden. Golf Tournament at Meriden Golf Club. Horse Races at Trotting Park. EVENING. Concert at First Methodist Centennial Church. Fireworks and concluding session State Federation of Labor at Terrace Garden. Schuetzenbund at Turner Hall. OLD HOME DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14. Midway all day and evening. Historical Loan Exhibit, all day. Manufacturers and Varied Arts Exposi- tion at Hanover Park, all day and evening. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 35 MORNING. Cannon salute, 7 a. m. . Parade Connecticut Fifers' and Drum- mers' Association at 10 :30. Golf tournament at Meriden Golf club. AFTERNOON. Military and semi-Military Parade. Golf tournament, Meriden Golf club. Field Day, Connecticut Fifers' and Drum- mers' Association, at Hanover Park. Tennis Tournament, Y. M. C. A. Ten- nis club. EVENING. Ball and contest for prizes, Connecticut Fifers' and Drummers' Association, at Au- ditorium. Fireworks and Illuminations. Band concert. WALLSNGFORD DAY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Midway, all day and evening. Historical Loan Exhibit, all day. Manufacturers' and varied Arts Exposi- tion, at Hanover Park, all day and even- ing. MORNING. Cannon salute, 7 a. m. AFTERNOON. Open Athletic Meet at Trotting Park under sanction U. A. A. Parade by Putnam Phalanx, 1 p. m. Historical addresses at First Congrega- tional church. EVENING. Colonial Ball at Auditorium. Fireworks at Hanover Park. INCORPORATION DAY, SATURDAY, JUNE 16. Midway, all day and evening. Historical Loan Exhibit, all dav. Manufacturers' and varied Arts Exposi- tion, at Hanover Park, all day and even- ing. MORNING. Cannon salute, 7 a. m. Reproduction of First Town Meeting, June 16, 1806, at Auditorium. Open Handicap, Meriden Golf club. Parade and opening of the State Saenger- fest. AFTERNOON. Historical meeting and addresses, at First Congregational church. Baseball at Hanover Park, Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross. State Saengerfest convention. EVENING. Historical meeting and addresses, at First Congregational church. Fireworks and Illuminations. Band concert. CONNECTICUT BANKERS' ASSO- CIATION. MONDAY, JUNE 11. Conventions called at Home Club at 11 a. m. Election of officers and transaction of business. Luncheon. Carriage Drive. Banquet in ball room of Home club at 3 p. m. President — Abiram Chamberlain, president Home National Bank, Meriden. Vice President — A. Spencer, Jr., president Aetna' National Bank, Hartford. Secret.\ry — C. E. . Hoyt, treasurer South Norwalk Trust Company. Treasurer — C. C. Barlow, cashier Yale Na- tional Bank, New Haven. Executive Committee — W. E. Atwood, president ilechanics' Bank. New Britain ; Charles K. Nettleton, president Birming- ham National Bank. Derby : Isaac W. Brooks, president Brooks National Bank, Torrington ; F. B. Furlong, cashier Hart- ford National Bank, Hatford ; James H. Welles, cashier Uncas National Bank, Nor- wich. LABOR DAY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Grand street parade at 10 :30 a. m. Rendezvous at City park. Line of march : Franklin, to Camp, to Center, to Pratt, to Catlin, to East Main, to Colony, to Camp, countermarch to Main, to North First, to Hanover, to Terrace Garden. Addresses at 2 p. m. by noted labor men. Concert afternoon and evening by City and Military bands. Dancing, music by Hart & Cody's or- chestra until midnight. Sporting events at 3:30 p. m., includ- ing high jump, broad jump, 100 yard dash, sack race, pole climbing, tug of war, etc. Awarding of prizes at 6 p. m. Fireworks in the evening. Picnic pastimes of all sorts will be held at the garden during the afternoon and evening. HISTORICAL EXERCISES FRIDAY, JUNE 15. AFTERNOON. Introduction of presiding officer bv Pres- ident George Munson Curtis. Address by Judge Leveritt M. Hubbard, Wallingford, presiding officer. Music. Address by General H. B. Carrington, U. S. A., Retired. Hyde Park, Mass. Address by Rev. James E. Wildman, Wallingford. Music. SATURDAY. JUNE 16. AFTERNOON. Historical address by President George Munson Curtis. 36 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Poem by Dr. William S. Johnson, Yale University. Address by Rev. Dr. Samuel Hart, Mid- dletown. President Connecticut Historical society. Music. Address by Hon. William Travers Jerome, New York. Address by Hon. Simeon E. Baldwin, Judge Supreme Court, representing New Haven Historical society. Music. Address by Hon. C. LaRue Munson, Wil- liamsport, Pa. Music. EVENING. Introductory address by President George Munson Curtis. Music. Address by Hon. Julius H. Pratt, Mont- clair, N. J., on "Early Manufacturers of Meriden." Address by Rev. J. J. Woolley, Pawtucket, R. I. Music. Address by Prof. David N. Camp, New Britain. Reading of Winning Prize Essavs by School Children. Mu.'-ic. GERMAN CATHOLIC CONVENTION. SrND.A.Y, JUNE 10. Religious services at 10.30 a. m., at St Mary's church. Church street. Rev. N. F. X. Schneider, celebrant : sermon by Rev. Fr. Clement Raab, O. F. M., of Butler, N. J. Special musical programme. Business session at 2 p. m., in Company L armorv. State street. George Jacob, of New Haven, state president, presiding oflBcer. EVENING. Meeting of all German Catholics at 7 :30 a. m., in Company L armory. Concert by St. Mary's Choral club of 50 voices, under direction of R. Seivert, assist- ed by Lyon's orchestra. Soloists — John Hergert, Charles Feith, Miss Cecelia Hopishki and George Jacob, of New Haven. Address of welcome — Hon. T. L. Reilly, mayor of Meriden. Address, "German Catholics of Ameri- ca" — Rev. Clement Raab, O. F. M., of But- ler, N. J. Address, "German Societies" — Professor G. Sarg, of Elizabeth, N. J. MONDAY, JUNE 11. 9 a. m. — Services at St. Mary's church, followed by closing business session. 1 p. m. — Parade of German Catholics, headed by Military band. Form on State street, to West Main, to Butler, to Hanover, to Columbus avenue, to Terrace Garden. Afternoon — Picnic at Terrace Garden of association and of St. Bonifacius society. STATE ENCAMPMENT DEPART.MENT OF CONXKCTICUT GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC TUESDAY, JUNE 12. 9 a. m. — Council of Administration meet- ing at Department Commander's headquar- ters in Meriden House. 10 a. m. — Encampment called to order at Auditorium. 4 p m. — Parade. Form on streets adja- cent to Auditorium. ROUTE. East Main to Butler, countermarch to Col- ony street, up Colony street to State School for Boys, countermarch to West Main and dismiss. 8 p. m. — Camp Fire at Auditorium, with prominent speakers. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Morning — Convention reconvene. Afternoon — Election and installation of officers. OFFICERS DEPARTMENT OF CONNEC- TICUT. Albert A. May, Meriden, commander. Franklin Ball, Bristol, senior vice com- mander. L. W. Scofield, Stamford, junior vice com- maader. John H. Thacher, Hartford, assistant ad- jutant general. Wm. E. Morgan, New Haven, assistant quartermaster general. Dr. Levi Jewett, Cobalt, medical director. Wm. Ferguson, South Manchester, depart- ment inspector. L. A. Northrop, Wallingford, chief mus- tering officer. William F. Hilton, Hartford, department chaplain. John F. Simmons, Winsted, judge advo- cate. James R. Sloane, Meriden, senior aide-de- camp. ATHLETIC GAMES. AT TROTTING PARK. FRIDAY, JUNE 15. AT 2 P. M. CHAMPIONSHIP OF MERIDEN FOR MERIDEN MEN ONLY. 100 yards dash. Pole vault. Running high jump. Running broad jump. Putting 16 lb. shot. FAST OPEN EVENTS. BEST MEN OF THE STATE AND COLLEGES. 100 yards dash. One-half mile run. Mile run. 220 yards dash. TUG OF WAR FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OF MERIDEN RELAY RACES MERIDEN TEAMS ONLY. BOYS' 100 YDS. CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MERIDEN BOYS UNDER 15 YEARS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 37 Silver cups provided by the International Silver Co., of Meriden, will be awarded to winners of ttie first three places in each event excpting the Tug of War and the Relay Races, and the Boys' 100 yards dash. Cups will be awarded the winning team in the Tug of War and Relay Race. Baseball Gloves for first and second and baseball bat for third prize in the boys' race. BASEBALL GAMES. AT HANOVEK PARK. MONDAY, JUNE 11. 2 P. M. — Central League, Mohawks vs. Wal- lingford. 4 p. M. — Big Four League, Tabs vs. Plain- ville. TUESDAY, JUNE 12. 4 p. M. — Big Four League, Meriden vs. Bris- tol. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. 3 :30 p. M. — Waterbury vs. New Haven, Connecticut League Teams. SATURDAY, JUNE 16. College Championship, Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross. TENNIS TOURNAMENT. The Y. M. C. A. Tennis Club will con- duct a tournament at their courts on Lin- coln street, Thursday, June 14. MERIDEN GOLF CLUB CENTENNIAL TOURNAilENT. JUNE 13-16, 1906. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Qualifying round at 18 holes medal play, three sets of 16 each to qualify. THURSDAY, JUNE 14. Morning — ^First round at match play, 18 holes, for each 16. Afternoon — Second round at match play ; first round at match play for defeated eight in first round. FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Morning — Semi-finals, all classes, 18 holes, match play. Afternoon — Finals, all classes. 18 holes, match play. SATURDAY, JUNE 16. Open handicap, 18 holes, medal play. PRIZES The prizes offered are of cut glass and sterling silver and unusually handsome and valuable. They are as follows : Best score, qualifying round — Cut glass decanter, sterling top. Winner, first sixteen — Sterling silver pitcher. Runner up, first sixteen — Cut glass decan- ter, sterling top. Winner, consolation, first sixteen — Cut glass decanter, sterling top. Winner, second sixteen — Cut glass cigar jar, sterling top. Runner up, second sixteen — Cut glass de- canter, sterling top. Winner, consolation, second sixteen Leather covered clock. Winner, third sixteen — Tobacco jar, ster- ling top. Runner up, third sixteen — Silver smoking stand. Winner, consolation, third sixteen — Gold plated shaving set. Best gross score, handicap — Optic cut glass jug, sterling top. Best net score, handicap — Thistle cut glass jug, sterling top. SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TURN- FEST. JUNE 9, 10, 11. SATURDAY, JUNE 9. Grand Reception of Visiting Members. A Banquet will be held in the Main Hall. Address of Welcome by the Following Gentlemen : His Honor, the Mayor, Thomas L. Reilly : President of the District of Con- necticut Turner Societies, M. J. Young of Hartford ; President of the Meriden Centen- nial Committee, G. M. Curtis ; President of the Mei-iden Turner Society, Fred Weber. Meeting of the Judges, Tutors, Technical Committee. Distribution of quarters to visiting mem- bers. ' SUNDAY, JUNE 10. Big family outing at Schuetzen Park in Honor of the Guests. 8 a. m. — Rehearsal of the Mass Wand Ex- ercises by All Classes. 8.30-12 a. m. — Class Competition. Appa- ratus Work. Concert — Selections by the Meriden City Band During the Afternoon. 2 p. m. — Continuation of Class Work and Special Events. 5 p. m. — Wand Exercises en Masse. 8 p. m. — Grand Entertainment, Sacred Concert at Turner hall for visitors' families and their friends. MONDAY, JUNE 11. 8 a. m. — Members Meet at Turner Hall. 9 a. m. — Parade Headed by City Band, after marching through principal streets, proceed direct to Schuetzen Park. 10 a. m. — Continuation of special events. fencing, wrestling, jumping, running. 2 p. m. — Grand exhibition of varied ex- ercises by the ladies' classes of the state societies. 4 p. m. — Distribution of honors to the winners, in the shape of wreaths, diplomas, pennants by the state officers. 8 p. m. — Grand Ball at Turner Hall and closing exercises. Schuetzen Park is on Steuben street, oppo- site Capitol avenue. Take West Main street car to Capitol avenue. PRESENTATION D. A. R. TABLET. Presentation of Memorial Bronze Tablet bearing names of all Revolutionary Soldiers 38 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. and Militiamen from the Parish of Meriden, 1775 to 1783, by SUSA CARRINGTON CLARKE CHAPTERj D. A. K., TUESDAY, JUNE 12, AT 2 P. M., FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. Music by Glee Club. Historical Address. Committee's Report and presentation of tablet to Regent by Mrs. L. K. Curtis. Music — Trio. Presentation of tablet by Mrs. Kate Foote Coe, Regent. Acceptance of Tablet by George Munson Curtis. Music — "My Own United States." Address — Mrs. Sarah T. Kinney, State Regent. Music — "America." Benediction. VETERAN FIREMEN'S MEETING. HEADQUARTERS, COMPANY I ARMORY, PALACE BLOCK. MONDAY, JUNE 11. Morning — Arrival of visiting firemen and gathering at headquarters. 1 :30 p. m. — Participate in Civic parade ■with old fire appaatus. 4 p. m. — Dinner in Company I Armory with addresses by visitors and other.?, fol- lowed by social time. COMMITTEE. John D. Roberts, president ; Richard B. Kearney, vice president : Albert A. May, secretary ; George N. Shepherd, treasurr ; George R. Tyon, foreman ; Bernard Curran, assistant foreman. DRUM CORPS. TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION CONN. FIFERS AND DRUMMERS' ASSO- CIATION UNDER DIRECTION OF THE MERIDEN FIFE .\ND DRUM CORPS. THURSDAY, JUNE 14. PARADE LINE OF MARCH. Rendezvous at City Park, formation on Camp street, right resting on Camp, corner of Franklin. Camp to Center to Colony to West Main, to Lewis avenue ; countermarch to East Main to Broad to Liberty to East Main to Pratt and dismiss. ORDER OF PROCESSION. Squad of police. Chief Marshal W. J. Brunell. AIDS. C. L. Heckler, E. A. Everard. FIRST DIVISION. MODERN FIFE AND DRUM CORPS CLASS. Meriden Fife and Drum corps, Meriden. Y. M. T. A. B. Drum corps. New Britain. Glastonbury Drum corps Glastonbury. Meriden Pulaski Drum corps, Meriden. Military Drum band, Southington. M. G. Bulkeley Drum corps, Hartford. New London Drum corps. New London. Plainville Drum corps, Plainville. Regimental Drum corps, Norwich. Sacred Heart Drum corps, Waterbury. St. Anne's Drum corps, Waterbury. Second Regiment Drum corps. New Haven. Kennedy Guards, Danbury. SECOND DIVISION. ANCIENT FIFE AND DRUM CORPS CLASS. American Graphophone Drum corps, Bridgeport. A. S. & K., Drum corps, Hotchkissville. Deep River Drum corps, Deep River. Liberty Drum corps. New Britain. Grenadier Drum corps, Milford. Wallingford Drum corps, Wallingford. Portland Drum Corps, Portland. Pratt & Read Drum corps, Deep River. S. H. Comstock Drum corps Ivoryton. Lancraft's Drum corps. New Haven. THIRD DIVISION. MODERN FLUTE AND PICCOLO BAND. Allen Drum band, Hartford. T. M. Russell Drum band, Middletown. Oriental Flute band, Stamford. FOURTH DIVISION. DRUM CORPS WITHOUT FIFES. Jewell Belting Co., Drum corps, Hartford. Bolden's Drum corps, Hartford. Charter Oak Drum corps, Hartford. McLean's Drum corps, Hartford. FIFTH DIVISION. INVITED GUESTS OF THE MERIDEN FIFE AND DRUM CORPS. 19th Separate Co., Fife, Drum and Bugle corps Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Cathedral Father Matthew Drum corps, Springfield, Mass. Sacred Heart 2nd Regt. Drum corps, Springfield, Mass. Father Matthew's Drum corps, Hartford. Red Men's Drum corps. New London. Blue Ribbon Drum corps, Bridgeport. H. G. Hubbard Drum Corps, Middletown. East Hampton Drum corps. East Hampton. Derby Drum corps Derby. Moodus Drum corps, Moodus. Bethel Drum corps, Danbury. St. Mary's Drum corps, Derby. Boys' Club Drum corps, Meriden. PRIZES. All drum corps present will be judged on line of march for prizes as follows : Best appearing corps in line. Most ancient appearing corps in line. Best appearing drum major in line. GRAND BALL AND COMPETITIVE DRILL Auditorium at 8 p. m. Grand concert by Lyon & Keegan's full orchestra followed by grand march. Competitive fancy drill and baton swing- ing contest. Ball to continue 'until after midnight. OFFICERS OF STATE ASSOCIATION. G. C. Hadock, Hartford, president. F. J. Westline, Bridgeport, first vice president. \ CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 39 J. B. Feldhouse, Meriden_ second vice president. L. E. Pratt, Deep River, recording and financial secretary. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. G. E. Spencer, PJainville, Chairman. J. B. Feldhouse, Meriden. F. J. Westline, Bridgeport. J. I. Ward, Middletown. H. H. Phillips, Greenwich. Officers of Meriden Fife and Drum corps — W. F. Feldhouse, leader ; A. M. Duncan, fife corporal ; C. Middleton, drum sergeant." General Committee of Arrangements — J. B. Feldhouse, chairman ; C. L. Heckler, E. A. Everard. Sub-committee on Souvenirs and Pro- gramme — W. F. Feldhouse, chairman ; W. J. Brunei], A. M. Duncan. Ladies' Reception Committee — Mrs. C. L. Heckler, Mrs. J. B. Feldhouse, Miss Kathryn McLaughlin, Miss Agnes Feldhouse, Miss Annie Tresselt, Miss Margaret McLaughlin, Miss Anna Driscoll, Miss Bertha Tresselt, Miss Margaret Watts. Miss Anna Beaty, Miss Pauline Dubord, Miss Bertha Lippold, Miss Pearl Goss, Miss Lizzie Driscoll, Miss Nellie Scott, Miss Katherine Donahue, Miss Katherine Russell Miss Catherine Curtin, Miss Mary Everard Miss Kittie Maney, Miss Marie Lynch, Mrs. E. Newbaum, Miss May Feldhouse, Miss Nellie Driscoll, Miss Kitty English, Mrs. W. J. Brunell, Miss Annie Cook, Miss Julia Fallon, Miss Annie Dulick. Miss Katherine Walsh. LIST OF PRIZES. For best appearing corps In line — A large red satin banner, compliments of D. Klien & Bro. For best appearing drum major in line — A large black fur drum major's shako, compliments of a friend. For most ancient appearing corps in line — A hand decorated tobacco jar. First prize, modern fife and drum corps — Silver prize cup, presented by Factory E,, I. S. C. Second prize, modern fife and drum corps — Pair bronze figures, "Game of Grace," presented by Bradley & Hubbard Mfg. Co. First prize, ancient fife and drum corps — Silver loving cup, presented by Factory A, I. S. C. Second prize, ancient fife and drum corps — Silver trumpet, presented by Carl Fischer Co., New York. First prize, flute and piccolo band — Prize cup, presented by Factory N, I. S. C. Second prize, flute and piccolo band — Prize cup, presented by Silver City Plate Co. First prize, drum corps without fifes — Street snare drum, presented by F. E. Dodge Co., Boston. First prize, fancy drilling by corps — Gold mounted, hand decorated, loving vase, pre- sented by C. F. Monroe Co. First prize, individual snare drumming — Polished oak, silver mounted and lined cigar box, gift of Charles Parker Co. Second prize, individual snare drumming — Silver cup. First prize, individual bass drumming — Gentleman's English cigar case and bill book, gift of E. A. Bliss Co. Second prize, individual bass drumming — Pair of engraved silver napkin rings, gift of Wilbur B. Hall. First prize, individual fife, ancient class — Thirty-eight calibre revolver, gift of Meri- den Fire Arms Co. Second prize, individual fife, ancient class — Silver pepper and salt cellars, gift of Wilber Co. First prize, individual fife, modern class — Set of silver knives and forks, gift of Factory H, I. S. C. Second prize, individual fife, modern class — Silver cup. First prize, individual piccolo — Pair of hand decorated Mellen vases, gift of P. J. Handel Co. Second prize, individual piccolo — Silver cup. First prize, best drum major bat«a swinging — All metal drum major's baton, gift of C. M. Lilley Co., Columbus, Ohio. Second prize, baton swinging — Medal. PARADES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE U SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TURN- FEST. 9 a. m. — Assemble at Turner hall, Pratt Btreet. Formation on Pratt street Route of march : Pratt to East Main, to Willow, countermarch on East Main to Colony, to Washington, countermarch on Colony to West Main, to Capitol avenue, to Schuetzen Park. ORDER OF FORMATION. Marshal. Oscar Funke- Meriden City Band. State Officers. Judges. Hartford Turner Society. Holyoke Turner Society. Rockville Turner Society. Waterbury Vorwaerts Turner Society. New Britain Turner Society. New Haven Turner Society. Meriden Turner Society. Meriden Rifie Club. Meriden Saengerbund. Cosmopolitan Club. Lyra Singing Society. Meriden Lodge, D. O. H. Harmonia Lodge, O. D. H. S. Teutonia Lodge, I. O. O. F. Court Schiller, F. of A. Workingmen's Sick and Death Benefit So- ciety. German Mutual Aid Society. Alsace-Lorraine Society. 40 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. iERMAN CATHOLIC STATE ASSO- CIATION. 1 p. m. — Assemble and form on State treet opposite International Silver Co. oflSce Route of march : State to East Main, to (S^est Main, to Butler, to Hanover, to Ter- ■ace Garden and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Marshal, John F. Morenz. Platoon of Police. Meriden Military Band. State Officers. iepresentatives and members of association. St. Bonifacius Society. JIVIC AND INDUSTRIAL PARADE. 1 :30 p. m. — Assemble at City Park, rormation on Camp street and Bunker ave- iue. Route of march : Center to Pratt, to Broad, to East Main, to West Main, to •^orth First, countermarch on West Main, » Colony, to Wilcox avenue, countermarch >n Colony, to Camp, to Center and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Marshal. Counted Cavalcade, George L. Clark, leader. \.ides : Capt. C. B. Bowen, Capt. G. E. Proudman, Capt. Joseph DeCantillon, Julius Augur, John H. McMahon, H. E. Hubbard. Police Escort. Band. Vlyrtle Lodge 4, K. of P.,. Chancellor John Kay, commanding. Band. ^.ncient Order of Hibernians and Invited guests. Division 1, John H. McMahon, commanding. Division 2, Robert Lodge, commanding. Division 3, Dr. O. D. Flannagan, command- ing. Band. r. A. B. Society, John F. Fenders, com- manding. Band. Meriden Lodge, B. P. O. E., and guests, E. L. K., Daniel Donovan, commanding. Band. Silver City Council, K. of C, G. H., Henry Cashen, commanding. Band. Patriotic Sons of America, Meriden, New Haven and other societies, Col. S. E. Crocker, commanding. Band. Meriden Aerie of Eagles. East Side Social Club. Band Silver City Lodge, I. O. A. B., L. Friedman, commanding. Meriden Lodge, 276, D. O. H., Carl Die!, commanding. Meriden Rifle Club Christopher Columbus Society, Pres. Al- fred Muzzle, commanding. Victor Immanuel, 3, Society. Order of Modern Woodmen. Dolbec Camp, Order Modern Woodmen. St. Jean Baptiste Society, Wilbrod L'Heureaux, Commanding St. Laurent's T. A. B. Society Italian Protective Society, E. Tomasetti, Marshal. POLISH DIVISION. Kosciusko Society Band Twenty Men John Klotc, Leader. Society Recearcz, M. B. C. Z. Sixty Men Capt. John Zydkiewcizy, Commanding St. Stanislaus Church Society Fifty Men Michael Ferreu, President White Eagle Society 120 Men Waltey Malywajek, President St. Stanislaus Branch, No. 655 Eighty-five Men Barnslaw Markoweski, President Society Poluskie Drum Corps Twenty Men Leader, Szilewa Society Cokol Pol. Forty Men Stanislaw Truaniecki, President Society Peter and Paul, Branch 491 Twenty- four Men Joseph Pichnarcik, President Armour's Champion Team of Horses, with Attendants. Colt's Band of Hartford. Veteran Firemen's Association and Invited Guests. Veteran Companies of Hartford, with Band. New London Veterans and the Active Hook & Ladder Company of New London. Band. Eagle Hose Co., Ansonia, 75 Men Band. Meriden Fire Department, Chief W. C. Lucas, commanding, and Assistant Chief Jerome Bailey. Fire Companies, regular department and volunteers, with apparatus. Other organizations to be assigned as they arrive. INDUSTRIAL DIVISION TO FORM FOLLOWIXG CmC PARADE. TUESDAY, JUNE J 2 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND SCHUETZENBUND. 9 a. m. — Assemble on State street, near depot. Formation on State street. Route of march : State to East Main, to West Main, to Capitol Avenue, to Schuetzen Park and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Marshal, Gotlieb Anschuetz. Police Escort. Band. Companies I and L, C. N. G. New Haven Schuetzen Verein Taftville Germauia Schuetzen Verein New Britain Schuetzen Verein Hartford Rifle Club. Springfield Schuetzen Verein. Meriden Rifle Club. 10:30 A. M., AUTOMOBILE PARADE. Assemble and form at City Parte. Route of march : Camp to Colony, to CENTENNIAL OF- MERIDEN. 41 West Main, to Linsley avenue, to Hanover, to Main, to Pratt, to Broad, to Curtis, •countermarch on South Broad, to East Main, to Colony, to Britannia and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Marshal, Dr. F. L. Murdock. Aides, Dr. T. S. Rust, W. F. Parker. First Division — Runabouts. Second Division — Touring Cars. PRIZES. For the first, second and third best dec- orated automobiles. Judges — Mr. L. E. Savage, W. H. A. Maynard, F. E. Sands. ENTRANCE FEES. For decorated cars, $2. For undecorated cars, $1. Out of town cars, no fee. COMMITTEE. Dr. F. L. Murdock, Chairman ; I. L. Holt, Secretary ; Walter A. King, W. F. Parker, Dr. H. A. Meeks. G. A. R. PARADE. 4 p. m.- — Assemble at City Hall. Forma- tion on Main, Norwood, Liberty and Cat- lin, the right resting on Catlin street. Route of march : East Main to Colony, Colony to opposite State School, counter- march on Colony, to West Main, to But- ler, countermarch on West Main, to East Main, to Pratt, to Center and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. A. A. Marshal, Department Commander May and staff. Police Escort. Band. Department posts, according to Post numbers. Merriam Post, No. 8. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 LABOR DAY PARADE. 10 :.30 a. m.- — Assemble at City Park. Formation on Camp street, right resting corner Center street. Route of march : Camp to Center, to Pratt, to Catlin, to East Main, to Colony, to Camp, countermarch on Colony, to West Main, to North First, to Hanover, to Ter- race Garden and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. FIRST DIVISION : Marshal, George .j. Stanley. Aides, Wm. Fitzgerald, Henry Kline, Mor- ris Sullivan, Albert P. Dossin. Police Escort. Meriden Military Band Carpenters ixnd Joiners Painters Plumbers Bricklayers and Masons Building Laborers Electrical Workers Sheet Metal Workers SECOND DIVISION. Meriden City Band Cigarmakers Typographical Union Buffers and Polishers Bartenders Meat Cutters Barbers Brewery Workers Printing Pressmen Bakers Retail Clerks Stereotypers Street Railway Employes Musical Union Teamsters Brass Moulders The Third division will consist o( dele- gations from Hartford, New Haven, Walling- ford, Danbury, Bridgeport, Middletown and other cities. THURSDAY, JUNE J4 STATE DRUM CORPS ASSOCIATION 10 :30 a. m. — Assembly at City Park. Formation on Franklin street., right resting on Camp street. Route of march : Camp to Center, to Colony, to West Main, to Butler, counter- march on West Main street to East Main street, to Broad, to Liberty, to East Main, to Pratt, dismissed on Pratt street. MILITARY PARADE, 1 :30 p. m. — Assembly at City Park. Formation on Camp and Bunker avenue. Route of march : Camp to Pratt, to Broad, to East Main, to West Main, to Linsley avenue, countermarch on West Main to Colony, to Wilcox avenue, counter- march on Colony to Camp, to Center and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Escort of Police. Second Regiment Band. Col. James Geddes and Staff. Second Regiment Conn. National Guard, 12 Companies. Meriden City Band. Brigadier Gen'l. Joseph S. Stokes and Staff, Connecticut Brigade, U. R. K. P., 2nd Regiment. Col. G. R. Tryon, com- manding (11 companies). First Regiment, Col. H. C. Osborne, com- manding (12 companies). United Spanish War Veterans, Dept. of Conn., Frederick Breckbill of Bridgeport, Dept. Commander. FRIDAY, JUNE 15 PUTNAM PHALANX PARADE. 1 p. m. — Assembly on State street near depot. Formation on State street. Route of march : State to East Main, to Norwood, to Liberty, to East Main, to West Main, to Linsley avenue, counter- march on West Main to Colony, to opposite 42 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDKN. State School, countermarch on Colony to Winthrop Hotel and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION. Escort of Police. Band. Putnam Phalanx, Col. Mahl, commanding. SATURDAY, JUNE 16 STATE SAENGERBUND PARADE. 9 a. m. — Assembly at Saengerbund Hall, State street. Formation on State street. Route of march : State to Cross street to Colony, to West Main, to Linsley avenue to Hanover, to Columbus avenue, to Ter race Garden and dismiss. ORDER OF FORMATION American Band of Waterbury. Marshal. Connecticut Volksfest Vereln. Wallingford Eintracht. Waterbury Lyra. New Britain Teutonia Maennercbor. Meriden Saengerbund. New Haven, Bridgeport, Ansonia Societies MUSICAL PROGRAMME FOR WEEK Concerts daily at 10 a. m., 2 p. m. and 8 p. m. by Rounds' Ladies' Orchestra and Concert Co., at Monufacturers and Varied Arts' exposition at Hanover park. SUNDAY, JUNE 10. Morning — Special musical services in all churches. Afternoon — Special musical programme by united church quartettes of city at union services at First Congregational church. Evening — Sacred concert at Turner hall. Concert at St. Mary's church at German Catholic convention. MONDAY, JUNE 11. Afternoon — Concert by City band at Schuetzen park. Evening — Concert by Military band at corner East Main and Broad streets. TUESDAY, JUNE 12. Evening — Concert by City band at Crown street square. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Afternoon — Concert by City band at Ter- race Garden. Evening — Concert by Military band at Terrace Garden. Evening — Centennial concert at First Methodist church. THURSDAY, JUNE 14. Afternoon — Drummers' contests at Han- over park. Evening — Drummers' contest at auditor- ium. Evening — Concert by City band at cor- ner Randolph avenue and West Main street. FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Evening — Concert by Bayne's 69th Regi- ment band at Colonial ball. Evening — Concert by Hill's orchestra at Colonial ball. SATURDAY, JUNE 16. Afternoon — Concert by American band of Waterbury at Terrace Garden. Afternoon — Concert by Saengefest at Terace G&rden. Evening — Concert by Military band at Winthrop square. Colony street. SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND SCHUETZENFEST. TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 AND 13. TARGET OF HONOR Open to Members of the Bund Only. Three shots German Ring Target, 200 yards. Bund rules to govern. Tickets $1.50. Entries to be made in advance to Secretary Robert Philippe. First prize. King Medal and Diploma. Other numerous and valuable prizes. Target of Honor to close at 3 p. m., sharp Wednesday. LADIES' TARGET OF HONOR. Open to Ladies of the Bund Only. German Ring Target, 200 yards, muzzle rest. Tickets 50 cents for three shots, to be remitted in advance to Secretary Robert Phillippe. Numerous and valuable prizes. LADIES' GENERAL PRIZE TARGET. German Ring Target. 200 yards, muzzle rest. Three shot ticket 25 cents. Entries unlimited. Best two tickets to count- Numerous and valuable prizes. GENERAL PRIZE TARGET. German Ring Target, 200 yards off-hand. Tickets, three shots, 50 cents. Best three tickets to count. All ties divide. Entries unlimited. Each shooter must have his three best tickets recorded when shot, they are otherwise void. 1st prize 2d prize 3d prize 4th prize 5th prize 6th prize 7th prize 8th prize 9th prize 10th prize PRIZE LIST. . $40.00 11th prize . $6.00 . 30.00 12th prize . 5.00 . 25.00 13th prize . 5.00 . 20.00 14th prize . 4.00 . 15.00 15th prize . 4.00 . 12.00 16th prize . 3.00 . 10.00 17th prize . 3.00 9.00 18th prize . 2.00 8.00 19th prize . 2.00 7.00 20th prize . 2.00 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 43 Premiums First Day for Best Three Tickets. 1st prize $6.00 2d prize 4.00 3d prize 2.00 CENTENNIAL REST TARGET. German Ring Target, 200 yards, muzzle rest. Tickets three shots for 50 cents. Best two tickets to count. AH ties divide. Entries unlimited. Each shooter must have his two best tickets recorded when shot., they are otherwise void. Prize List. 1st prize 2d prize 3d prize 4th prize 5th prize eth prize . . . $3.00 7th prize . . . 2.00 8th prize . . . 2.00 9th prize . . . 1.00 10th prize . . . 1.00 BULL'S-PYE TARGET. 200 yards off-hand. Entries unlimited. 2 1-2 inch bull's-eye in 12 inch black. Tick- ets, 10 shots for $1.00. Prize List. 50 cents paid for each bull's-eye shot. $1.00 paid for first and last bull's-eye each day. $3.00 most bull's-eyes. $2.00 second most bull's-eyes. $1.00 third most bull's-eyes. MILITARY CENTENNIAL TARGET. 200 yards off-hand. Entries unlimited. German Ring Target 2 1-2 inch bulls-eye, from 1 to 25. Tickets, three shots for 25 cents, two best tickets to count. All best tickets must be recorded by the secretary ; they are otherwise void. Open to all mili- tary men only. Regulation military and army sights allowed. Gold and silver med- als and other prizes will be awarded. SHOOTING HOURS. Tuesday, 10 a. m., to 12 ; 1 p. m., to 7 p. m. Wednesday, 8.30 a. m., to 12 ; 1 p. m., to 6 :30 p. m. Except target of honor which closes at 3. Members of the bund will bear in mind not to wait until the last minute to shoot on the Target of Honor. All targets open to all comers, excepting Targets of Honor and Military Target. A prize will be given for the largest Uniform Schuetzen company in line. COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. E. H. Kroeber, Chairman. Robert Phillippi, Secretary. G. Anschuetz, Shooting Master. Chris. Glasnapp, F. Anschuetz, A. Oefinger, Julius Kuntze, Max Stroebel, C. F. Fox. FIREWORKS FOR WEEK. MONDAY, JUNE 11. Display at Hanover park. TUESDAY, JUNE 12. Display at Hanover Park. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Display at Terrace Garden, by Central Labor Union. THURSDAY, JUNE 14. Di.splay at Hanover Park. FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Display at Hanover Park. SATURDAY .JUNE 16. Di.=play at Hanover Park. STATE SAENGERFEST. at terrace garden, SATURDAY, JUNE 16. Arrival of visiting societies In the morn ing. Headquarters at Saengerbund hall State street. Parade 9 a. m. Form on State street, headed by American band, of Waterbury. Cross to Colony, to West Main, to Linsley avenue, to Hanover, to Columbus avenue, to Terrace Garden. The following societies will participate : The Connecticut Volksfest Verein, Walling- ford Eintracht, Waterbury Lyra, New Brit- ain Teutonia Maennerchor, Meriden Saen- gerbund. also societies from New Haven, Bridgeport and Ansonia. AFTERNOON. In the afternoon the societies of the asso- ciataion will enter into a singing contest, without the awarding of prizes, which is considered to be detrimental to the good feeling and friendship among the societies by the Bund. The numbers rendered at this contest will be : 1 — Heimatsrosen A. Opladen Wallingford Eintracht. 2 — Mein Lied G. Angerer Waterbury Lyra. 3 — Im Grasse M. Spicker New Britain Teutonia Maennerchor. 4 — Rheinische Brautfahrt F. Ullrich Meriden Saengerbund. Afterwards all the societies will combine and render : 1 — Muttersprache F. Hegar 2 — Landkennung Ed. Grieg 3 — America. With the accompaniment of the American Band. Musical Director of the Association — Prof. J. H. Keller, of Meriden. HORSE RACES at trotting PARKj JUNE 12 AND 13, 1906. TUESDAY, JUNE 12. 2 :35 class Purse $200 2 :22 class Purse $200 2 :18 clas Purse $200 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. 2:30 class Purse $200 2 :30 free for all race Purse $200 5 minute class for local horses 75 bushels of oaU 44 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. CONDITIONS. N. T. A. rules to govern except hopples will not be barred. Six to enter, five to start. In case classes do not fill mixed races will be made up as follows : 2 :24 trot or pace. 2 :40 trot or pace. Same purses, entries accordingly ; mile heats best two in three. Entrance in purse classes 5 per cent. Entries close with entrance money on June 10 with the secretary, T. F. McCar- thy, 223 Pratt street, Meriden, Conn. Purses paid at wire. sumed and various votes passed. Proposal of five mill tax awakens opposition but mo- tion prevails. Peck remembers. Parson Ripley's words. REPRODUCTION FIRST TOWN MEETING OF MERIDEN HELD JUNE 16, 1806, AT AUDITORIUM OF TOWN HALL., S.A.TURDAY, JUNE 16, 1906. Dr. Ensign Hough Dr. G. A. Hill Moses Barns Waldemar C. Hirschfeld Amos White, Town Clerk Rev. A. W. Shaw George W. Stanley, Moderator : Hugh F. Hagarty Giles O. Griswold William C. Brown Absalom Royce Albert A. Gustine Hezekiah Prindle Frank L. Burleigh Rev. Erastus Ripley . . Sherman F. Johnson Herodotus Peck Arthur W. Taylor Jehu Preston Charles M. Glantz Deacon Mitchell Henry L. Carpenter Dr. Isaac Hough, son of Dr. Ensign Hough Willis J. Prouty Electors present at meeting — H. D. Bee- be. William R. Smith, Fred. S. Hitchcock, Albert R. Chamberlain, Alfred B. Savage, Herbert Billian, August H. Riecke Ed- ward D. Bradstreet, Nelson C. Johnson, Stanley White, Dwight Ives, Stanley Lynn, Clifford Parsons, Charles Phelps, Edw. T. Joel, Walter L. Immich, Leroy W. Gar- diner, Samuel McNabb, John B. Dunlop, Herbert C. May, Edwin E. Gibson, Theo- dore Weber, Harold Spencer Ed. L. Montgomery, E. M. Ives, Ed. Hart, Pom- eroy Wilcox, H. Burdette Evarts, Oliver R. McCarthy, Jr., Burton R. Miller, William Wear, Lewis E. Wood and Albert Graham. SYNOPSIS OF TOWN MEETING. Preliminary — Electors gather for meet- ing. Moses Barns views. He objects to Wal- lingford man for moderator. Discussion of current events, local and national. Barns expresses antipathy to Dr. Hough and "the whole Hough tribe". The Meeting — Meeting called to order by Moderator George W. Stanley, of Walling- ford. Amos White reads the General As- sembly's resolution Incorporating the town of Meriden. Herodotus Peck's unsophisticated views. Propriety of wearing hats in meet- ing discussed and matter decided. Dr. Hough's offer of tavern for meeting place brings forth caustic comment from Barns. Dr. Hough's patriotic speech. Peck forgets. Absalom Royce emits eloquence. Election of town officers. Barns disciplined. Heze- kiah Prindle's solemn thoughts. Election re- COLONIAL BALL AT AUDITORIUM OF TOWN HALL. FRIDAY, JUNE 15. Guests : — Putnam Phalanx and ladies. Hartford, Conn. Reception to Putnam Phalanx and ladles and concert by Hill's Orchestra of 25 pieces from 8 to 8 :30 o'clock. ORCHESTRA PROGRAMME. 1 — Coronation March from Opera of Folkunger Kretschmer 2 — (a) Roses Bendix (b) Sorella Ch. Borel-Clero 3 — Tone Poem, "Apple Blossoms" K. Roberts BAND PROGRAMME. Concert by Bayne's Renowned 69th Regi- ment Band of New York, 8:30 to 9:30. 1 — Overture, Raymond Thomas 2 — Morceau Characterlstique Whispering Flowers Von Blon 3 — Pilgrims Chorus and Romanza, from Tannhauser Wagner 4 — Flute Solo Selected Performed by Mr. G. C. Stanzione. 5 — Grand Fantasia, American Victor Herbert Dancing from 9 :30 to 3 a. m. Orchestra and Band alternating. Supper served from 10:30 to 1:30. W. H. A. Maynard, Caterer. Minuet by Putnam Phalanx and ladies at 11:30. Reception Committee — J. H. Hinsdale, chairman ; C. E. Stockder, jr., Robert G. Church, George Ohl, Howard L. Steven- son, I. Burton Miller, J. F. McDonnell, Cor- nelius Cahill, jr., Chas. W. Clock, Fred Bil- lard, Wm. E. Hinsdale, Waldemar C. Hirschfeld, Arthur D. Meeks, Geo. H. Yea- mans, J. A. Roberge, Howard R. Curtis, George M. Curtis, Herman Hess, Francis Atwater, Wilbur F. Davis, Chas. F. Monroe, Dr. E. T. Bradstreet, E. J. Doolittle, Geo. W. Couch, Mayor T. L. Reilly, Dexter L. Bishop, Jas. H. White, Wm. A. Kelsey, Clarence P. Bradley, Geo. W. Miller, Chas. H. Tredennick, Frank K. Sands, H. Wales Lines. Jos. S. Stokes, Robt. W. Carter, A. Chamberlain. Geo. F. Rogers, E. E. Smith, W. H. Catlin, L. M. Hubbard, Frank S. Fay, Frank D. Smith, Chas. B. Bowen, Mrs. Jas. H. Hinsdale, Mrs. C. E. Stockder, Mrs. Geo. Ohl. Mrs. I. Burton Miller, Mrs. John F. McDonnell, Mrs. C. W. Glock, Mrs. A. D. Meeks, Mrs. G. H. Yeamans, Mrs. G. M. Curtis, Mrs. Herman Hess, Mrs. Francis Atwater, Mrs. Wilbur F. Davis, Mrs. Chas. F. Monroe, Mrs. E. T. Bradstreet, Mrs Geo. W. Couch, Mrs. J. A. Roberge, Mrs. T. L. Reilly, Mrs. J. H. White, Mrs. W. A Kelsey, Mrs. Geo. W. Miller, Mrs. C. H Tredennick, Mrs. F. E. Sands, Mrs. H. Wales Lines, Mrs. J. S. Stokes, Mrs. A. Chamberlain, Mrs. E. E. Smith, Mrs. W. H. Catlin, Mrs. L. M. Hubbard, Mrs. F. S. Fay, Mrs. F. D. Smith, Mrs. C. B. Bowen. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX. 45 CENTENNIAL CONCERT AT FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, 8 P. M. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. Chorus of 150 singers. Mr. G. Frank Goodale. Director. Orchestra selected from the Meriden Sym- phony Orchestra. PART FIRST. Music of the Present Time. 1 — Overture to "Zampa" ' Herold 2 — Hallelujah Chorus, "Mount of Olives" Beethoven 3 — Glee, "Stars of the Summer Night" G. P. Goodale 4 — Sextette, What From Vengeance Yet Restrains Me, "Lucia di Lammermoor" Donizetti 5 — Chorus, When Spring Comes Laugh- ing Fanlng 6 — Anthem, The Lord Himself F. T. Southwick PART SECOND. Music of the Olden Time. 1 — Overture, ^Medley Stephen Foster 2 — Auld Lang Syne By Chorus and Congregation. 3 — Anthem. Strike the Cymbal . . . Pucitta 4 — Dost thou Love Me. Sister Ruth . . . Parry 5 — Anthem, Before Jehovah's Awful Throne Madan 6 — Song, Old Folks at Home Foster 7 — Song, Cousin Jedediah .... Thompson 8 — Hymns : Majesty Billings Portland Maxim 9 — Duet. Reuben, Reuben. 10 — Anthem, Sound the Loud Timbrel . . . Avison 11 — Anthem, Jerusalem My Glorious Home Dr. Lowell Mason 12 — Song, Centennial Hymn, Meriden, My Meriden. (To tune Mv Marvland"!. Words by Thos. L. Reilly. Chorus and Congregation to sing. CENTENNIAL HYMN. I. One hundred years are in the past, Meriden ! My ^Meriden ! Since thou alone thy lot did^t cast, Meriden ! My Meriden ! Though loth to leave thy mother town. And on thy going she did frown, Thy cour.=e to thee hath brought renown, Meriden ! My Meriden ! II. And now that mother points with pride, Meriden '. My Meriden ! Lauds thee for thy progressive stride, Meriden ! My Meriden ! Helps welcome thy returning sons. To greet them with thee, swiftly runs, Helps fire the glad Centennial guns, Meriden ! My Meriden ! III. There is no stain upon thy shield, Meriden ! My Meriden ! To none in civic pride you yield Meriden : .My Meriden ! A heart thafs loyal to the core. Will always keep thee to the fore, Still greater things hast thou in store, Meriden ! My Meriden ! IV. Then let us in these glorious days, Meriden I My Meriden I Seek guidance true in all thy ways, Meriden : My Meriden ! Ask Him who made our Hanging Hills To keep us free from strife and ills. And lead us in the path He wills, Meriden ! My Meriden ! TRAIN SERVICE. Trains leave Meriden as follows : For Hartford, Springfield, Boston, Albany and North: Express trains, 1:39, 4:36 (to Hartford). 10:20, 10:30, 11:27 a. m., 1:20 2 :12 4 :30, 6 :22, 7 :35 p. m. ; Accommoda- tion trains, 7 :19, 8 :29 a m. ; 1 :50, 3 :46, 5:46 6:38 (to Hartford), 10:50 p. m., Sun- day express trains 1 :39, 9 :43 a. m., 6 :22, 7 :45 p. m. Accommodation trains, 12 :50, 6:01, 8:49, 9:45 p. m. For New Haven and New York : Ex- press trains, 3:55, 7:25, 8:56, 11:31 a. m., 12:51,3:18,3:29,5:31 6 :31, 7 :29, p.m. Ac- commodation trains, 6 :02, 8 :35, 11 :06 a. m., 1:19, 4:11, 6:08, 8:14, 10:43 p. m. Sunday express trains, 3 :55 a. m., 4 :24, 6 :31, 7 :29 p. m. Accommodation trains, 8:04, 10:15, 11:25 a. m., 1:21, 10:30 p. m. Boston, Worcester and Providence via. Hartford and Willimantic, 10 :30 a. m., 4 :30 p. m. For Waterbury (via Meriden branch) 7 :00 a. m., 2 :35 p. m. For Middletown (via Meriden branch) 10:11 a. m., 6:58 p. m. ELECTRIC CAR SERVICE. Electric cars for Wallingford. connecting for New Haven and the south leave the cor- ner of West Main and Hanover on the even hours and half hours. Electric cars for Southington, connecting at Milldale with cars for Cheshire and Wa- terbury : at Lazy Lane for Plainville, New Britain and Hartford and at Lake Com- pounce for Bristol, leave the corner of West Main and Colony streets on the even hour and half hour. 46 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. DR. WILLIAM S. JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF COMMEMORATION POEM. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 4/ COMMEMORATION POEM [Dr. William S. Johnson-] Beyond the Hanging Hills the sun, low sinking, Bursts through the fire-brimm'd cloud a blaze of light, And far below, in rosy answer twinkling, Shimmer the city panes emblazon'd bright. A moment shines that splendor swift, new tinting The scarf of cloud along the western sky, And like a gothic window, golden glinting, The cottage in the valley makes reply. As when at night a castle, all aglow F'rom lights within, shows pictur'd knight and dame, Bronze helm and red robe, and the colors flow Like a broad stream when marge-lit bonfires flame. And the dead past awakens ; so that glory, Caught from the fire of the red sun's last ray, Wakes and makes radiant for us the story Of all for which we set apart this day. Not of the brazen helf those knights great-hearted Who reared their homes among the forest trees; An age of golden toil that time departed. When faith led strong hearts over stormy seas. High hopes they had to make the wild waste flower And fill with fruit the valley far and wide ; Love crowned their hopes, and brought the precious dower Of happiness in toiling side by side- Daily the hamlet grew, and each day fairer With gifts of God to crown the newer age; And in her beauty we are each made sharer. And joint possessor of that heritage. 48 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Still round our valley sweep the hills unshaken, Still guards the highwa}' where the wild birds wing The face rock-graven, while fresh flowers awaken Down the long slopes with each succeeding spring. And where the higher mountains tower o'er us, Xew paths are found wherein our feet may tread, There the soft lake lies tremulous before us, Sleeping and dreaming in its rocky bed. For all the past has brought us, w-e the living, In the ripe summer of prosperity, Bring to our fathers praises and thanksgiving. And consecrate this day of jubilee. Naught that is great is perfect, still are rising New walls and towers; whatsoe'er we do, The future still is theme of our surmising. The past is ever promise of the new. O trumpet tongues with joyous songs upwelling. Lift high the hymn of triumph and of praise. Pour forth the strains of sweetest music swelling Exultant in the pride of happy days. Yet even now a voice like soft bell tolling, Away from boast to reverie w'ould call. Bidding us linger not for vain extolling, But heed the solemn writing on the wall. We see the red rose flaunt its pride and wither, The breath of winter blast the yellow corn ; The wind that swept the white cloud flying hither Shall drive it far away before the morn. The moth shall gnaw the purple robe, the treasure Of silver and of gold shall pass away ; Our city's power and worth we may not measure By things whose twilight cometh in a da\-. We have not built a town of wood and stone, Crumbling to ashes in a changing clime ; Of men is built our city, thus alone We build secure and triumph over time. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Ours be the soul that stirs to noble action, The pulse that quickens when the cause is true, The will that swerveth not with storm or faction, That flattery- cannot sway or hate subdue. The spirit of devotion, ever yearning Higher ideals to follow and fulfill, Seeking the means to sers-e through all our learning In the white marble crown that caps our hill. Nor idly would we turn the storied pages, Making a pastime of the book we read, But strive to summon from the vanish'd ages Wisdom to guide us in the hour of need. Wisdom we ask for, and the strong compassion That links us heart to heart and hand to hand. O for the purpose firm and sure to fashion A commonwealth of power to bless our land. This be our aim and goal of our contriving, The truer glor\- and the higher praise, The crown of peace above our earthly striving That lures us on to yet untravel'd ways. Beyond our narrow paths the hills are lying, Beyond the hills there gleams a beckoning light. "Lead and we follow," our very souls are crying, "Lead and we follow to that unconquer'd height." Swift are the fading hours ; the day will wane. And these our little splendors shine no more. O may their inspiration still remain When all the passing pageantry is o'er. Now sets the sun. Lo! like the eye of heaven Shines the soft radiance of the evening star. Star of our life! to Thee the praise be given; Guide us aright, Thou in whose hands we are. 49 50 CKXTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. CENTENNIAL GREETING [F. L. Hamilton.] Where once the regicides, in sore distress, Flying before a monarch's stern decree From shelt'ring cave, beyond the wilderness, A covert found we gladly welcome thee. The freedom of the City greets you here, While pleasure riots thro' Centennial week. And hospitality awaits to cheer The pilgrims, who a friendly harbor seek. Staying conception, till thro' lengthening strife That peace obtained, which gave a nation birth, From Wallingford sprang forth a lusty life, Whose fame runs broadcast now, throughout the earth Stray where you will, some old-world path essays. Her silvery voice forestalls your eager knock, And morning's dawn (by the w'ay of courtesy) Wakes on the summons of a Parker clock. Yet e'er from slumber's drowsy couch you leap, To meet again Apollo's urgent call. The Angelus' soft music lulls to sleep And Somnus holds your captive wits in thrall. Throw off dull lethargv' to join in sport, The hunter's ramble, and e'er day is done, You calmly listen for the sharp report That lifts the trophy, with a Parker gun. So, might our civic pride still lead us on. In egotistic hope to entertain. But better, while you wander o'er the town. Let observation sing its own refrain ; Or, if you be a spoke within some wheel. Whose progress doth the City's good enhance. Though other hands may guide, yet may }ou feel Yourself a factor, in its broad advance. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 5 1 Not brawn alone, nor brain, in fash"ning well, The varied industries of life's demands, Gives promise of to-morrow's pedestal, On which our Citj-'s reputation stands But where the '"Hanging Hills" majestic, rise, Above the nestling town, in watchful care, (Their hopeful offspring of keen enterprise) What aspirations may her children share! Oft have we seen the threat'ning wind-clouds rise Around her rugged peaks, in angry mood. Till she, with cunning more than w-orldly-wise, Drew them aside, and Boreas' force withstood, Or, when at da}-break. on her simimit, lowers The fleec)^ veil of cloud that half conceals Her time-worn face, she warns of coming showers And nature's kind telepathy reveals. And through the Fathers, as the years rolled by. Beyond the valley viewed those cliffs, outlined In bold relief, upon the distant sky. Not theirs the privilege to us assigned For now, we hail, through kindly Providence. A benefactor to the public good. Our keen delight his meagre recompense. As we invade the forest's solitude. Wouldst thou a feast attend of glad surprise. And worship Nature's handiwork anew? Let "Castle Craig" reward your exercise. With all her panoramic wealth of view% Across the vale, tipon the City's bound, Mount Lamentation looms above her lake. And Buckwheat Hill, below, in greenish mound, Recalls to mind the good old-fashioned cake. Oh! shades of bygone days, what sacrilege, While thy lone monument still marks the place Where our forefathers (treasured privilege) "God's Acre" planned, upon its sightly face. 52 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Yet sentiment still clinging to the past, Its mellow touch ennobling lives, too strenuous, Stands sponsor for thy sacred hill at last Whose quaint name, "Meeting House," appeals to us. Gone are the taverns of our Grandsire's day. The stage-coach lingers only as a dream. And olden paths to new are giving way, Full soon we too must mingle with the stream ; Now opes the future on far broader fields, Whose opportunities await the man Of action, where approved endeavor wields The sceptre of success, who wisely plan. Grim hardships of the yesterdays gone by, Become the pages of a passing hour. For lo, where education's rich supply, Neighbors our library (the widow's dower). Oh. Meriden ! what heritage is thine. Gift of the century's good men, and true, Whose names with retrospective lustre shine. For us, "they builded better than they knew 1" MERIDEN HOUSE, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 53 I. O. O. F. BUILDING, STATE STREET. 54 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. FINANCING THE CELEBRATION It was recognized from the beginning and even before the magni- tude of the celebration dawned upon the committee, that ample funds must be provided. Without plenty of means to do with it would be useless to go ahead, as Meriden could not afford to have the reputation of doing things by halves ; everything must be done well or not at all. This was the sentiment from the start and from the first meeting of the general committee until its last to arrange details, there was a unanim- itv of expression that every deserving scheme should be heartily en- dorsed and liberally supported. Nearly every meeting was largely at- tended and an average of eleven out of fifteen members were present. That immediate money for incidental purposes should be in hand it was voted to ask each member of the several committees appointed, ex- cepting the ladies, the clergymen, and the Wallingford committee, to contribute $5. There was an immediate response from nearly 200, so that between $900 and $1,000 was realized. This relieved the embar- rassment of working with an empty treasury, and enabled the paying of all bills until money was paid in from other sources. There was a general feeling outside of the committee that its organ- ization a year and eight months before the celebration was to take place was a mistake, but it did not prove so. There were so many things to be thought out, so nuich to be discussed, so many state conventions to be invited, which had to be accepted or voted upon perhaps more than a year ahead ; the passing of a statute by the Legislature giving the committee special privileges, and many other matters to be con- sidered, that the time was consumed, and the eve of Old Home Week was at hand with many things yet to be done. One of the first sources of income to be considered was a proposition from The Journal Publishing company to print a Souvenir History cov- ering Meriden's hundred years of progress, to be called "A Century of Meriden," ten per cent, of the gross proceeds to be given to the Cen- tennial fund. This was approved, with thanks and netted the treasury nearly $1,300. The historical part was written by President George M. Curtis, who proved himself an indefatigable worker; also a charm- ing and entertaining writer. The book contains 1,238 pages, and it is CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 55 safe to say there is no town history in the United States which covers so much detail or is so well illustrated. , The Business JNIen's Association offered to take charge of a pure food exhibition at Hanover Park, the net receipts to be paid the Cen- tennial. It was voted to accept the offer and while the returns were not as much as it was anticipated they would be, yet a fairly good sum — $758 — was realized. In this connection it had been arranged with the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. to sell excursion tickets from every station upon its line in the state, with a coupon attached which should admit the bearer to the exhibition, the railroad agreeing to redeem all coupons presented at fifteen cents each. The income fell short from the fact that so many attractions had been provided near the center of the city that visitors would not travel the mile and one-half to Hanover Park, even though street car coupons to and from were also provided with the excursion ticket. While it was expected that the income from all sources would equal or exceed the expenditures, the fact that the members of the Gen- eral Committee were personally liable for all obligations, made it ad- visible to provide for deficiencies, should such exist owing to bad weather or any other cause. It was, therefore, determined, to establish a "guarantee fund," pledges of $100 each being asked of the public-spirited people of the town. It was thought best to secure these pledges to finance the undertaking and give the Centennial a footing that it would not otherwise have. The committee drew up an explanation of the situation W'hich was as follows : "The Centennial committee for the celebration expected to be held here in this city in June, 1906, is endeavoring to so arrange whereby the receipts to be derived from the various sources will be sufficient to cover the expenses. It is, however, obvious that the committee, which is composed of fifteen citizens, cannot undertake to become personally liable for the bills contracted to make the celebration a pronounced suc- cess and a credit to all its citizens. "It has, therefore, been considered necessary to create a guarantee fund and in obtaining your subscription it is understood that no por- tion of the same shall be called for until after the close of the Centennial and a deficiency found to exist, and then only for an equal amount with each subscriber hereto and not exceeding the amount of the subscrip- tion. No bills can be contracted without the approval of a special com- mittee of three careful and conservative business men. 56 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. The following forty-five names George M. Curtis, E. J. Doolittle, J. H. White, H. Wales Lines, C. J. Danaher, Francis Atwater, A. Chamberlain, Henry Dry hurst, John L. Billard, Wilbur H. Squire, Walter Hubbard Charles F. Rockwell, E. W. Smith, Eugene A. Hall, H. T. Smith Express company, John Q. Thayer, C. M. Williams, C. F. Linsley Robert J. Merriam, J. H. Bowker, E. D. Smith, Dexter L. Bishop, were the subscribers : George H. Wilcox, Samuel Dodd, Arthur S. Lane, F. E. Sands, C. Bancroft Gillespie, W. A. Kelsey, C. F. Monroe, G. E. Savage, C. B. Rogers, C. L. Rockwell, N. L. Bradley, C. P. Bradley, Charles T. Dodd,' B. W. Collins, F. E. Bemis, R. W. Carter, Edward Miller, Russell Hall, C. W. Cahill, Dexter W. Parker, J. D. Eggleston, George J\L Clark, Stevens. Holt & By the burning of the opera house in March, 1906, leaving the town without any hall to hold the numerous events booked to take place there, the committees were forced to provide other places for holding many of the exercises, incurring a probable unlooked-for expense and the expenditure of money before its receipt. It was then determined to ask the town for an appropriation, and at a special town meeting, held May 15, the following vote was passed unanimously: Voted, That the sum of, $5,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of defraying the expenses incident to the celebration of the Centennial anniversary of the town, and that said sum be ex- pended under the direction of the General Centennial Committee. The loss of the opera house by fire caused an effort to be made to se- cure the completion of the new auditorium at the Town hall, and by spe- cial arrangement this was secured by vote of the town, which assumed the control of the building from June 7 to June 19, and all damages to person or property. Many of the exercises were held there, including CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 57 the colonial ball, G. A. R. encampment and reproduction of the first town meeting. The historical exercises were held at the First Congregational church, and the presentation of the tablet to the town by Susan Carring- ton Clarke chapter, D. A. R., and the Centennial concert at the First Methodist church. Another plan to increase the income was to issue a souvenir pro- gramme. This was placed in charge of the Publicity committee, the arrangement and detail falling entirely on the shoulders of its chair- man, F. E. Sands. It was a valuable publication and the information contained was exhaustive. It was a pamphlet of forty-eight pages and cover, size 8x12 inches: an edition of 25,000 being printed. It netted the Centennial in round figures $1,800. The next large revenue producer was the Committee on Licenses and Privileges. They were all hustlers. They arranged and managed three separate "Midways," one on the Cahill lot on Pratt street, and two others on Church and South Grove streets, which were closed to traffic for the week. The "Midways" were filled with all kinds of attractions, fakirs, fortune tellers, palm readers, big and little shows, hawkers and peddlers. A percentage or license fee was collected from each and every source, netting some $1,800 to the good. Too much praise can- not be bestowed upon Chairman A. D. Meeks, Secretary George L. King, Treasurer P. T. O'Brien, W. C. Mueller, J. F. Williams, Dr. E. M. Beckley, E. P. Golden and others, who put in a strenuous week. The committee on sports arranged many attractions. The athletics, given at the Trotting park, were not self-supporting, the field being too far from the electric cars to be reached without walking three-quarters of a mile or paying extra fare. The horse trotting paid $100 for li- cense, and baseball games at Hanover park netted $250. The sale of Centennial buttons, pins, and badges, appropriately inscribed, of beautiful design, furnished more income. The invitations to be sent to guests, finally came into demand as souvenirs, and several hundred extra were struck oft" to supply the demand of those who wished to purchase for keepsakes. Thus about $7,000 was raised from the dift'erent sources designed to make the Centennial self-supporting; $5,000 more was appropriated by the town, and $4,500 was pledged by individuals, making $16,500 at the committee's disposal to make the affair the success it proved to be. It is gratifying to report that only about $600 of the town appropri- ation was used and it was not necessary to call for a dollar of the $4,500 pledged. 58 Ci:XTEN.\I.\L ol- MKRIDEX. OPENING OF OLD HOME WEEK It was expected that a consolidated band concert on Saturday even- ing', June 9. would be the opening entertainment, but a heavy down- pour of rain prevented. The town at this time had taken on a uni- versal holiday appearance, the streets, public buildings, blocks, shops,. houses, all being adorned with flags and bunting and electric effects that showed a feeling of patriotism had swept the community. In- deed, it was in the air, and the pessimist who had all along predicted the Centennial would be a fizzle, found himself joining in the enthusiasm of the hour, proclaiming it a success, and defying any one to show another town ever so thoroughly decorated as Meriden was then. It became an era of good fellowship and when Sunday morning came with a cloudless sky with one accord everybody settled down to a week of good natured enjoyment and contentment. (Jut of town people began to arrive early Saturday morning, so that by night nearly every home had one or more visitors. The Turner society, the leading German association, gave a reception to the dele- gates who had come to attend the big turnfest, which was one of the principal features of the week. The visitors were welcomed by the officers of the societv. citv and town and Centennial ofticials. AEOLIAX FACTORY, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTEX XIAL OF MERIDEX, 59 Sunday Observances, June 10, 1906 Sunday was principally given up to religious observances in the churches, the first of the day being held in St. Rose's R. C. church at 10:30 in the morning. ST. ROSE'S (R. C.) CHURCH. In honor of the occasion Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, bishop of Hartford, was present and he was attended by Rev. John T. Lynch, of St. Joseph's church, and Rev. John Cooney, of St. Rose's church. The officers of the mass were all former members of St. Rose's church. They were Rev. James Harvey, of Crossingville, Pa., celebrant ; Rev. R. C. Gragan, of West Hartford, deacon; Rev. Dennis Hurley, sub-dea- con ; Rev. L. A. Guinan, St. Rose's, master of ceremonies. Seats were reserved for members of the Centennial committee and city and town officers, and a large number at- tended. The sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. James P. Donovan, pastor of St. John's church, Middletown. He is a native of Meriden. He is a forceful speaker, and among other things he said: DR. Donovan's sermon. "Right Reverend Bishop, brethren of the clergy and brethren of the laity: In the world's annals or the records of our young republic the centennary of Mer- iden which we celebrate to-day is of the slightest importance but to us it is a matter of considerable moment. Within the limits of the Silver City there is only a very small part of the great coun- try of which it is a part. "We should remember that numbers and wealth are no criterion by which we judge, and it is well for us to come together to pay tribute to the men who have made the history of the two for the 100 years. The whole is no greater or stronger than any of its component parts. While we look with pride upon the hisory of the last 100 years, the growth in wealth and importance of the town and city, we should endeavor to find something of the good which has been accomplished in that time, the im- provement in moral and social con- ditions as well as in material, things. We should live and work so that our descendants a hundred years hence may look with pride upon what we have been able in part to accomplish. "As we look about us to-day and think of the old town of Wallingford and Meriden which sprang from it 100 years ago we note a great change in the religion and racial characteristics of the people. In all we fail to find the old puritanical form of religion. Eng- lish is not the only language spoken on our streets. Sumter and Grant are simply meaningless words to the ma- jority of the vast army of immigrants who have come to our shores during the past few years. Our great task is to develop morality and patriotism among these people. The American people claim that their resources are equal to the demand. Among the uni- fying forces I here to-day place the Roman Catholic church near the head of the line. No matter where the im- migrant comes from there is one fa- miliar thing which greets his eyes among all the strangeness of the new country. It is the altar of the Catholic church where the sacrifices of the mass are offered. The voice of the priest reading the mass is familiar to him. The Catholic church is using and will continue to use her wonderful power among these people in the cause of right living and good citizenship. "The disappearance of dogmatic reli- gion is filling with dismay all deep thinkers outside the Roman Catholic church. Our church teaches reverence to God, the Bible is taught to our peo- ple, the sanctity of the home and the respect due the government, is incul- cated into their minds and lives. 6o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. RT. REV. MICHAEL TIERNEY, Bishop Diocese of Connecticut. REV. JOHN COONEY, Rector St. Rosc"s Church. REV. JOHN T. LYNCH, Rector St. Joseph's Church. REV. WILLL\M JUDGE, Assistant St. Joseph's Clnirch. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 6i "In our courts last year there were 100,000 divorce cases and in that num- ber there was not one practical Cath- olic. The very men who would have been banished in the days of Doolittle, Street and Hooker are among the num- ber who are now doing a great deal for the good of the country by teach- ing the purest and noblest ideals of life to the people. The Catholic church is following the commission of Christ when He told His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to all men. It has constantly labored to ful- fill that mission. The Catholic church educated all Europe in the true civil- ization. In our own country the Cath- olic church expends millions annually to educate its children while the mem- bers are compelled to contribute toward the support of other schools. In the Catholic schools the mental, moral and physical being is instructed and any school which does not do this is a great failure. It is not only a failure but militates against the best interests of the country. Take the Catholic church out of the country and you will have left only a pagan civilization. To this church must be given the credit for a large share of the good that has been accomplished in the past 100 years. "]\Ieriden's progress in the past cen- tury should not be measured by the wealth of its industries or its material prosperity. These must be accompanied by moral and religious progress. The Catholic church has conferred a signal service on Meriden. Her children form one-third of the population and she has made them supporters of the best in life. They oppose all forms of wrong, furnish the brawn and brains in your factories; in fact they have spared neither time nor life itself when the country has needed their services. "Catholics of Meriden, do not expect to receive credit for all that you have done for your beloved city, but continue to toil under the auspices of that grand church which has withstood the storms- and, thank God ! will withstand them. "Catholics of Meriden, you are com- missioned by Christ Himself to go forth and teach. Not any old thing, but that which He has told you. He says, 'And lo, I am with you always even to the consummation of the world.' " This was the text upon which Dr. Donovan based his sermon. The music was well rendered by the regular choir, under Mrs. Gleeson's direction and consisted principally of Dumont's new chant. BISHOP SPEAKS. At the conclusion of the mass Bishoi> Tierney took occasion to speak as fol- lows : "My friends, I wish to thank Father Coone}- for extending me an invitation to be with you to-day. I am very glad I was able to come. I wish to thank him also for arranging to have these clergymen, all of them children of this church, with us to-day, and also for inviting these friends not of the fold. I am pleased to see them here to-day. "Above all, we should thank God for the many blessings and the prosperity which he has showered upon us in the past 100 years. Much good has been achieved, the blessings of God have been frequent and numerous and we have before us important duties which we should be ready and willing to per- form. "I hope the Catholics of Aleriden will see their dut}^ and, as they always have, do it." The reception committee, consisting of Mayor T. L. Reilly, Dr. A. W. Tracv, C. W. Cahill Maurice O'Brien, Patrick Hopkins, J. H. Pallett, Jeremiah Mul- hall, W. F. Leahy, A. E. Hughes, Daniel Hurley P. F. Ryan and John P. Scully- acted as ushers. 62 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. UNION SERVICES FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Tlie First Congregational cluirch was crowded to its spacious capacity when the union services of the combined churches of tlie city took place in the afternoon at 3 o'clock. The services opened with an organ prelude, "Old Hundred/" arranged and dedicated by Organist George G. Mar- ble, for Meriden's Centennial. The magnificent organ was never heard to better advantage. A chorus composed of the combined quartettes of the city sang "The Heav- ens Are Telling," from "The Creation." It was made up as follows : Sopranos — ]\Irs. George E. Murdock, Miss Helen Carlson, Miss Caroline Cur- tiss. Miss Rose Daybill, Miss Hazel Harmon, Miss Leila Illingworth. Miss Mabel Mayne, Mrs. E. L. Montgomery, Miss Feme Rogers, Miss . Elizabeth Ziebarth. Altos— Mrs. A. M. Brooks, Miss Louise Brooks, Miss Mae Castelow, Miss Eliza Daybill, Mis/s Ruth Har- mon, ]Miss Hazel Hubbard, Mrs. S. F. Johnson, Miss Alma Nordstrom, Miss Florence Richmond, Miss Clara Sav- age. Tenors— H. L. Wheatley, A. M. Brooks, G. W. Samson, Dr. L. F. Wheatley. Basses — H. H. Smith, George Devaul. Charles Heaton, L. J. Marcy, E. L. Montgomery, Fred. Skinner. Rev. A. T. Randall, of St. Andrew's church, offered the prayer as follows : "Let us pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. "O God, the God of our fathers, as Thou wert of old the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, on this notable day in the life of our community we yield most high praise and heart}- thanks to Thee for the good example of those. Thy servants, who in the years gone by laid the foundation of our town and city. To-day, under Thy guidance, we owe a debt that we little know. We are grate- ful to Thee for their sturdy sense, their unyielding reliance in righteousness, their robust morality, their uprightness and integrity ; their scorn of graft and of bribes, and of everything tending to make bad citizenship or that loveth and maketh a lie. Ma\' we cherish and ex- ercise the noble virtues that they dis- played, and may we transmit to our children the faith and righteousness that made them strong. "We beg for Thy benediction on the mayor of this cit}^ the common coun- cil, the aldermen, the courts of justice, the officials of the town, the board of education, and all others who may here hold office or authority, and we pray that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek Thy honor and glory. May those men who guard us by day and who watch over us by night be protected from all dan- ger, be kept in purity of heart though they be the witnesses of sin. Keep from harm those brave men who are our guardians and rescuers in times of accident and fire. Grant that the teach- ers in our schools may look upon all children as sacred in Thy sight, using that patience which will never offend one of these little ones, training them in love and in Thy good will. Give to both employer and employe the spirit of nuitual confidence and regard, so that they may assume their several re- sponsibilities with an e}e single to the rights of each other, and may they labor together in the same union, in one com- mon fellowship and brotherhood in Jesus Christ ; and finally may all the members of this community, both old and young, become in Thy sight worthy citizens in CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 63 that beautiful city of the heavenly kingdom where they may live with Thee in life everlasting. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we ask it. Amen." The hvmn following was announced V Rev.' J. H. Holden, of St. Paul's •church. Then followed a scripture read- ing by Rev. R. A. Ashworth, pastor of the First Baptist church. The choir sang "Great and Marvelous'' from "the Holy City," after which Rev. J. H. Grant, of the Center Congregational ■cliurch, annovmced the hvmn. Abbott, who was then a young man preaching in Terre Haute, Indiana, to become its pastor and teacher, but he was then engaged in a work which he thought was not quite complete, and so he declined the call. Forty-five years later the town of Aleriden extended an invitation to Doctor Abbott to come and deliver this opening' address, and this time he has accepted. There are few men living to-day who have wielded a greater influence on public opinion than Doctor Lyman .Kbbott. As the FIRST CONGKEG.VTIONAL CHURCH. -^-1i Rev. Mr. Lord: — "H this beautiful Sabbath day, and this magnificent con- gregation made up of all the churches of this city, is at all prophetic of what the Centennial is to be, it would not take a prophet or the son of a prophet to declare that it will be eminently suc- cessful. We feel that we need to be congratulated this afternoon that one of the foremost citizens of this country is with us to deliver the opening address of Meriden's Centennial. In 1861 this church extended a call to Doctor Lyman successor of Henry Ward Beecher in Plymouth church, Brooklyn, and as the author of many books upon religious subjects, and especially as editor of ■The Outlook.' he has stood for every progressive thought and movement which has appealed to his sense of jus- tice. "And it is my privilege and pleasure this afternoon to introduce Reverend Lvman Abbott, D. D., who will speak to' us on The Message of _ Puritanism for the Twentieth Century.' " 64 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. REV. LYMAX ABBOTT. D. D. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 65 SERMON BY REV. LYMAN ABBOTT, D. D. The Epistle to the Hebrews, the 12th chapter, the first and a part of the sec- ond verse. "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easih' beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus, the Author and Fin- isher of our faith." We have a right to believe that in this home-coming week of Meriden there will be guests here whom the eye will not see ; that those who have left the earthly for the heavenly courts will re- turn again to the home they loved on earth, to look upon their friends, and upon their children and upon their chil- dren's children, and to bring to them the benediction of their Father and our Father. It is in this faith that I_ speak to you this afternoon, endeavoring to interpret in some wise the message which they would bring to us. If our fathers are permitted to revisit and look upon the scenes they loved on earth, they will see much in this beginning of the twentieth century that might well amaze them had they not grown accustomed to it. Where there was a wilderness they will see smiling, fruitful farms ; where there were little village shops they will see great factories ; where there were highways with deep ruts, un- comfortable to travel over, they will see the noble highways which modern civ- ilization has constructed. Where they saw men and women chiefly journeying on horseback, they will see the railroad, the trolley car, and the automobile. But that is not all. They will see school houses and churches beyond the wildest dream of their imagination. They will wonder, perhaps, to see on the Sabbath day so many men and women not going to church, and so many using the day rather as a holi- day than as a holy day. And yet, if they look deeply, as surely they will, they can see this, that the churches are absolutely independent of state support and state control. They will see this : that those who go to church go not because they are com- pelled to, but because they wish to. They will see this: that the institutions of religion are the free-will offerings of a loyal, free people. And they will see this, not only in Meriden. not only in the New Haven and Hartford colonies. but they will look across the continent, and they will see this Greater New Eng- land with its churches and its school houses, with its free religion and its earnest faith separate from all state or political control ; and I think if they are still inclined to be a little hu- man there will be a great exultation which will be partly pride but chiefly gratitude. But they will also see some con- ditions of life which the\- will not like so well. They will be surprised at the agnosticism developed in a com- munity where in their time not even the word was known. They will think there is a strange lack of reverence, not only of children for elders, and of lay- men for ministers, but also of the com- munity for all the symbols and institu- tions of religion. And they will hardly fail to see in this country, where there was so much simplicity and lack of lux- ury or even of comfort when they were here, a development of selfishness and greed that is at once a folly and a crime. What will they want to say to us? What would be their message if they might give it to us to-day? What is the essential spirit of that Puritanism on which we are to reflect not only this afternoon but throughout this coming week ? Puritanism was more than a sect. It was more than a theological creed or an ecclesiastical organization. It was a religious movement. It was to be found in the seventeenth cenutry in the Episcopal church, and in the Presby- terian church, and in the Congrega- tional church. It came with new fresh- ness and power in the eighteenth cen- tury in tthe IMethodist church. The secret of that movement has been well interpreted by a writer whom I shall venture to quote because he will not be thought to be prejudiced by any eccle- siastical preferences. "The dominant idea of Puritanism," says Edward Dowden. the English literary critic, "was that the relation between the in- visible spirit of man and the invisible God is immediate rather than mediate." It set little store by tradition, be- cause God had spoken to men directly in the words of revelation. It dis- trusted human ceremonies because they stood between the creature and his Cre- ator."* This was the essential doctrme 'Edward Dowden : Puritan and Anglican. 66 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. of Puritanism ; that every individual stands in an immediate, direct personal relation with Almighty God. The Pur- itans objected not to bishops; for some of them remained in the Episcopal church. They objected to the divine right of bishops. They objected not to kings. Some of them were monarch- ists. They objected to the divine right of kings, to the doctrine that the king- is the Lord's annointed and that royalty descends by natural generation from father to son. They objected to the doctrine that the bishop is the Lord's appointee, and that his title descends by ecclesiastical appointment through the laying on of hands. They denied that the grace of God is piped and con- duited through generations of divine appointes either ecclesiastical or politi- cal. They believed that it descends as the gentle dew from heaven ; every flower may lift up its head and drink it in. That its breath is as inspiring and as universal as God's own pres- ence; every man may breathe it. This was the vital, essential, funda- mental faith of the Puritans, and this was the essential, vital and funda- mental doctrine of the democracy, ec- clesiastical and political, which they came here to establish. They came from across the sea, not fleeing from persecution. They were no cowards. They did not fear to meet the sword which their fellows met in England and met with success. They did not flee from across the sea to establish in this land merely a new form of gov- ernment, political or religious, nor to establish what has sometimes been called liberty, either political or reli- gious. They came to establish a theo- cracy ; a church without bishops, a state without a king, but still a church and still a state ; a divine church and a divine state, a church and a state founded on their faith in the universal presence of Almighty God. The Puritans have been criticised for attempting to fonud a theocrac}'. They were right. The only government which it is worth while to found is a theocratic government. They have been criticised for attempting to re-enact God's laws. They were right. The only laws which it is ever worth while to re-enact are God's laws. They have been criticised for laying too much em- phasis on law. Thev were right. Law is the foundation of all material civil- ization and of all moral civilization. They have been criticised for going to the Old Testament rather than to the New Testament. They were right. The New Testament is the book for instruction in individual life; the Old Testament is the book for instruction in social order; and the questions with which Puritanism concerned itself were these of the social order. They have been criticised for denying human lib- erty. They did, in some measure, deny human liberty. And yet their concep- tions of the social order embody the true basis of both political and religious liberty. They builded wisely; though they builded more wisely than they knew. These are the theses, with some practical applications, which I wish to put before you this afternoon. Austin, one of the great writers on English law thus defines it : "A command is an order issued by a su- perior to an inferior. It is the signifi- cation of a desire distinguished by this peculiarity, that the party to whom it is directed is liable to evil from the other in case he comply not with the desire." If you are able and willing to punish in case I comply not with the expression of your wish, the wish is a command. That is the doctrine of despotism, the doctrine that might makes right, that the power to hurt is the basis of law. That was the doctrine of the Stuarts and to-day it underlies certain modern conceptions of political philosophy'. The Puritans did not be- lieve in any such definition of law. No social order has proved to be perman- ent which has been founded on Austin's conception of law. It is a false con- ception. Law is the nature of any- thing CONCERNING W'HICH IT IS PRE- DICTED. Physical laws are the nature of ma- terial things. Moral laws are the na- ture of moral things. Divine laws are the nature of God. Law does not de- rive its authority from the one who issues it. Law is not an edict which is just because it can be enforced by penalty. The apple does not fall to the ground because some one says Fall. It is the nature of all material things to attract each other in a certain definite ratio. It is not wrong to steal be- cause Moses said "Thou shalt not steal." The right of property is in- herent in the social fabric, because society cannot exist unless that right is CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 67 recognized. The law is not external. It is internal. It is not our duty to tell the truth because God has forbid- den us to lie. '"Speak ye truth, each with his neighbor," says Paul, "for we we are members one of another." Mu- tual confidence is the social bond ; falsehood dissolves it. As the laws of society are the nature of society, so the law of God is the nature of God. He is a righteous God because it is his nature to do good. He is right- eous because, to take the Golden Rule as a definition of righteousness, it is the nature of God to do unto others as he would have others do unto him. Law does not depend upon the king, nor upon the council, nor upon the legislature nor upon the courts. These discover law, they do not make it, any more than Isaac Newton made the law of gravitation or Edison the laws of electricity. As little does law depend upon the will of the majority. The Puritans never believed that govern- ment rest, upon the consent of the governed. They never believed that the justification of law can be found in its popularity. They never believed that a majority has the right or the power to make law. All that majorities can do is to ascertain what are laws. When a mob burns a negro at the stake, though it has the power to in- flict harm, it is a lawless mob. Its act is not lawful because it is the act of a majority. A law is not just be- cause it is aproved by the ma- joritv. The majority of the people of Spain approved of the Inquisition. It was not just. A majority of the peo- ple of the United States prior to 1850 approved of slavery. It was not just. The Puritan was always ready to take an appeal from the edict of the major- ity, as he was always ready to take an appeal from the edict of the king. He did not believe any more in the divine right of bishops while Laud was exer- cising authority in England though the majority of Englishmen consented, than he did after Laud had been put to death. He did not believe any the less in the affirmation that the majority had a right to interfere with the lib- erty of conscience, after the majoritv had brought Charles the Second back to the throne again. The killing of Charles the First did not convince him and the return of Charles the Second did not convert him. It is not the doc- trine of Puritan Democracy that ma- jorities are divine. As the spirit of God breathes in all the people, it is more probable that all the people will eventually be right than that the king or the bishop will be right. It is bet- ter to submit to all the people than to submit to a king, or a bishop. But there is something superior to the law of kings, or hierarchies ; that something better is the law of God ; and that law of God is written in the universal con- science. A little while ago the question came before this country, was the Spanish- American war right or wrong? The majority said Right. I agree with that conclusion. I think it was a noble war. But the fact that the majority decided so does not make it so. A little later the question came before this country whether we should retain our authority in the Philippine Islands until we had educated the Filipinos so that they could govern themselves. The major- ity said Yes. I agree with that major- ity. But the fact that the majority said so dogs not make it so. There is al- ways a right to appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober. There is al- ways a right to appeal from the major- ity drunk to tthe roajority sober. I was looking over the records of your town this morning and I found that at one time there were twelve Abolition- ists, and some three hundred Demo- crats and Whigs. Those twelve Abo- lutionists undertook to hold a meeting, and the minister of this church, with the courage that belonged to the Puri- tan preacher then, and I think belongs to his descendants now, invited the Abolitionists to make their speeches in his church. The mob gathered and drove the people out of the church. It was twelve against three hundred. But the twelve have won the day. because they were co-operating with the eternal, immutable laws of God. The edicts of majorities are not always the laws of God, any more than are the edicts of kings or of hierarchies. Righteousness is conformity to God's own nature. Righteousness cannot ex- ist apart from a moral being, because righteousness is this nature of a moral being. There cannot be righteous- ness if there be not some being who is right. There cannot be sweetness if there be not some- thing which is sweet. There cannot be 68 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, courage if there be not some one who is courageous, nor honesty if there be not some one who is upright. Honesty, truth, justice, righteousness, courage, these are all qualities belonging to some personality. They cannot exist apart from personality. If they exist outside of man they exist in some per- sonal God who is more than man. Righteousness is not merely an edict issued from God. It is God's own na- ture. Neither is it an intangible thing, an attribute without a subject, or a quality without a character to which it attaches. Deep in the heart of the American people is their faith in God. I do not say their faith in my definition of God, or in your definition of God, or in any man's definition of God ; but in God. Pluck out of the heart of the American people their faith in some su- preme infinite Being, who is infinitely wise, just and holy, and you pluck out of the heart of the people their faith in the very source of justice, of right- eousness, of purity and of truth. Says Professor Bryce : "Looking in imagination at the throngs of eager fig- ures streaming through the streets of an American cit}^ — suppose that all these men ceased to believe that there was any power above them, any future before them, anything in heaven or earth, but what their senses told them of; and suppose that their consciousness of in- dividual force and responsibility, al- ready dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the multitude, and the fatalis- tic submission it engenders, were fur- ther weakened by the feeling that their swiftly fleeting life were rounded by a perpetual sleep, — would the moral code stand unshaken, and with it the rever- ence for law, the sense of duty toward the community and even toward the generations yet to come? Would men say, 'Let us eat and drink, for to-mor- row we die?' Or would custom and sympathy and a perception of the ad- vantages which stable government of- fers to the citizens as a whole, and which orderly, self-restraint oflfers to leach one, replace supernatural sanc- tions and hold in check the violence of masses and the self-indulgent impulses of the individual?" We have had experience enough al- ready in America to furnish an answer to that question. We have recently seen an experience abroad to furnish an answer to it. From the church the mu- sic is sounding, and hearts are beating with life and joy. All faces are wreathed in smiles. The flowers are ready to adorn the bride. Joy reigns. Suddenly a murderous bomb is ex- ploded in the midst of the bridal pro- cession. Instantl}^ it is turned into a funeral procession. Why? Because there are men — typical, representative men — who do not believe in law, because they do not believe in God; who be- lieve only in their own self-will. When the apostle of self-will comes down from the mountain-top the commands which he brings with him are such as these : Thou shalt have no God ; thou shalt do no worship; thou shalt honor no elders; thou shalt kill; thou shalt commit adultery ; thou shalt steal ; thou shalt bear false witness; thou shalt covet thy neighbor's goods. If we could conceive that the American people should ever become satisfied with a religion that is without God; satisfied to bow down before their own image in humanity worship ; satisfied to know law but their own self-will ; not only the end of Puritanism, but the end of law ,of liberty and of national life, will have come. I think, therefore, the first message of these Puritans would be to us some- thing like this : Children of your fore- fathers, if you wish to do so, lay aside their creeds, their forms of worship, their social customs, their political methods, but hold fast to these two fundamental life-principles : Their faith in God and their faith in man ; their faith in a personal God who is righteous and just, and in men as the children of God. who stand in such personal in- dividual relation to God that God's life is their life, His nature is their nature, and the laws of His being are the laws of their being. If what I have said is true, then the law of God does not depend for its sacredness upon revelation. The revel- ation is not the creation of law. It is the disclosure of law. It is the open- ing of law to man's intelligence. Be- fore the beautiful picture of the As- sumption of the Virgin painted Ijv Titian, and hanging in one of the galleries of Venice, I stand, and a critic at my side says, "This is one of the most beautiful pictures in the world." That does not make it beautiful. It is not beautiful because he tells me it is; he tells me it is beautiful because it is. beautiful. Moses says, "Thou shalt not CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 69 steal." His saying so does not make it wrong to steal. He says so because it is wrong to steal. The law precedes revelation. The law precedes the dis- closure or interpretation of law. Morse learns certain of the laws of electricity; he utilizes them and sets them to man's service ; but he does not create elec- tricity nor the laws of electricity. He discloses them. The Bible does not cre- ate the moral law. The Bible is written by men who learned what is the moral law and who interpreted it for mankind. The way to destroy reverence for the Bible is to make a fetish of it. The way to promote reverence for the Bi- ble is to interpret truly its nature and its function. The New Testament has very little to say bout the social order. Jesus Christ lived at a time when the Hebrew people had nothing to do with the or- ganization of the state. They were the subjects of an imperial despotism. They could not change a single legal enact- ment. They could not change a single form of the political organism under which they lived. Therefore Jesus said very little about political obligations, and the Apostles followed Him in that respect. On the other hand, the Old Tesltament prophets lived at a time when the Hebrews were the masters of their own destiny, and organized their own state. They formed and directed their own governments. Therefore, the Old Testament is full of explicit di- rections as to the laws of the social or- der. I shall not' undertake this after- noon to go into them at length. But I will take an illustration from them with which we are all familiar. The con- stitution of the Hebrew Commonwealth, is the Ten Commandments. What are these? Thou shalt reverence God; Thou shalt keep one day in seven free from the drudgerj^ of toil ; thou shalt honor thy parents ; thou shalt not kill ; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not bear false witness : thou shalt not desire to do these things. These are the foundations of the social order. Reverence for God, the preservation of some time for ministry to the higher life, respect for elders, the preservation of the rights of person, of property, of the family and of reputation, and this not from fear of penalty but from a sincere desire for the protection of human rights; — this is the Hebrew Constitution. Some scholars are of the opinion that jMoses got his political ideals from some earlier code of other peoples. They compare his code which they find in the first five books of the Bible with an earlier code of Egypt and think they find analogous provisions in both. But we may search the literature of the world — Greek, Roman, Phoenic- ian, Egy-ptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, East Indian, Chinese — and we shall not find anywhere such an epitome of the laws of the social order as are to be found in the Ten Commandments. I do not think anything needs to be added to them to make a complete code of the social order. I am sure that nothing can be taken from them without weak- ening the social order. If the Puritans, whom I imagine as gathering in our assembly this after- noon, were to look upon this country of ours, would they think it was time to close the Old Testament and take down the Ten Commandments from our churches and our schools? Would they see a nation universally reverent, or one whose greatest national vice is egotism and self-conceit? No one, I think, not even an American, believes that we are too modest. Would they then think that we spend too little time on the material things of life, or are too little energetic and too little enter- prising? When they saw men in this country willing to denude Mount Wash- ington of its garments of forest, and spoil the picturesqueness of its natural scenery to make money, when they saw men willing to despoil that unparalleled cataract of Niagara to make money, would they think that we cared too lit- tle for the material and too much for the esthetic? And yet we cannot ignore the spiritual witliout coming in time to ignore the esthetic. They are akin, one to the other. A nation that needs to be taught nothing further as to the wor- ship of God will not sacrifice its Mount Washingtons and is Niagaras. Would they then say, that at least, there is no need of teach- ing these people the second table of the law? We talk of our criminal classes ; will j-ou tell me where to draw the line? That senator who is going out of the Senate of the United States in order that he may, in all probability, take a position in a peni- tcntiarj', does he belong to the crim- inal classes? The two senators who are now under indictment and await- 70 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ing trial, do they belong to the criminal classes? Does the senator who bought his way into the Sen- ate by fraud and corruption so palpable that he was refused a seat and went back to get himself re-elected, does he belong to the crimiitnl classes? Do the men in high position in our financial centers who take funds of the widow and the orphan and squander them in gambling, men of eminent respectability and social standing, do they belong to the criminal classes? Do the men that take insurance funds and manipulate them to secure illegitimate profits for themselves, do they belong to the crim- inal classes? Surely but one answer can be returned. It is not time yet to take "Thou shalt not steal" down from our churches. It would not be a bad plan to put it on our mercantile ex- changes and in our factories. How then about "Thou shalt not kill?" A federal judge in the south last year reported the number of mobs that had taken place in the United States within the year and the figures showed that there was a greater disregard in the United States for life than in any other civilized country on the globe. In the greatest battle of modern times, the bat- tle of Moukden, ninety thousand men were killed, wounded or missing from the Russian army when the battle was ended. In the year that closed on the 15th of June, 1904, ninety-four thousand men were killed or wounded by Ameri- can railways. More men were killed and wounded by American railways in one year than were killed and wounded in the Russian ranks in the greatest battle of modern times. I think we still need "Thou shalt not kill" preached occasionally. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." I do not know what the figures are now, but twenty years ago, in this Puritan state of Connecticut, there was one di- vorce in every nine marriages, and yet you do not keep at the head of the procession. In some Western states there is one divorce for every four or five marriages. Some American humor- ist stated the truth in satire when he said that "the difference between the Mormon and the average American was that one drove his wives abreast nd the other tandem?" Do we not have reason to think that "Thou shalt not commit adultery" still should be taught? As to bearing false witness : Do you remember how great and supposedly reputable houses in Chicago have been sending out their cans of meat having printed on them, "Guaranteed by the Government," when the government knew nothing whatever as to the con- tents of the cans? I think, my friends, that these dis- embodied Puritans looking on this country of ours would recommend a renewal of preaching upon those old statutes. Thou shalt reverence the Lord thy God, Thou shalt keep one day holy, Thou shalt honor thy parents. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery, and Thou shalt not bear false witness. If it be true that these are the laws of the social order ; if it be true that they are not mere statements of la!w by Moses, that they are not mere edicts issued by God, but that they ars the laws of God's own nature, then, if these violations of law are allowed to go on, what must the end be? It means decay, dissolution, the disintegration of the community, and a relapse into moral barbarism. If it be true that the laws of man are the nature of man, and the laws of the social order are the nature of soci- ety, then liberty cannot be exemption from law, for society cannot be exempt from its own nature. There are three relations in which man can stand to law ; First, he may disregard it. Second, he may obey it. Third he may use it. He may disregard it. A man eats whatever he likes and gets the dyspep- sia. This is disregard of law. He goes to the doctor, the doctor tells him what he can eat and what he cannot eat. and reluctantly, he obeys and takes what is prescribed for him. Now he is obeying the law of nature. Then he becomes ambitious to be an athlete, goes to some one conversant with the science of physical culture and asks. What shall I do to acquire the strongest physical or- ganism possible? The physical culturist prescribes a course of training, and he enters upon it. This is using law. In the first instance he disregards the law. In the second instance he obeys it. In the third instance he uses human knowledge of the law for self development. Tlie Japanese arc a little race, a little over five feet high on the average. Their surgeon- general discovered that they were as high from the hips up as other people, that their smallness of stature was from CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 71 the hips down, and he conceived the notion that this was because thej' fol- lowed the custom of sitting on their heels instead of sitting in chairs. So he put his children under an instructor who required that they should sit in chairs, and as a result, every one of his children is six feet high. Now the Jap- anese require all the pupils to sit in chairs in the public schools. They are not merely obeying the law. They are using their knowledge of the law to de- velop the human race. That is liberty, and nothing less than that is liberty. It is not liberty to disregard law. It is liberty to make the law an instru- ment for spiritual, moral and physical development. We all understand and in some measure use this liberty in the physical realm. The other day some cattle gathered under a tree here in ISIeriden in a thunder storm. The tree was struck by lightning and the cattle were killed. Thej^ did not know enough of law to shun the dangerous shelter, and they paid the penalty for their ig- norant disregard of law. We put light- ning conductors on our houses to draw off the lightning, so that we may sit in safety. The bolt passes by. We have gotten far enough advanced to know how to escape the danger of electricity. We obey the law and are safe. Some- one discovered that the world itself is a great dynamo. Attach this dynamo with proper appliances, and we may use it to run our trolley cars and light our churches. We are now using the law and by obeying it we make it our ser- vant. What would be the message of these Puritans to us men and women in the twentieth century respecting liberty and law? I think it would be something like this : Children of the Puritans, sons and daughters of the men of strong faith and strong courage, we made a mistake in saying that only church members should vote. We made a mis- take in thinking that we could keep pol- itics pure by denying the suffrage to men who did not believe our creed, and did not participate in our worship. But you will make a much greater mistake if you members of orthodox churches in good and regular standing stay away from the polls and leave the others to carry on the government. I think that is what they would say, and I think they would be right. The Old Testament contains a story* which I think explains the secret of cor- ruption in American politics. It is a short one. "The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them, and they said unto the olive tree, reign over us. But the olive tree said unto them, should I leave my fatness wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? And the trees said to the fig tree, come thou, and reign over us. But the fig trees said unto them, should I forsake my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine, come thou reign over us. And the vine said, unto them, should I leave my wine which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said all the trees unto the vine. Come thou and reign over us?'' That is what we have been doing. We have been busy with our factories ; with our counting- rooms and class-rooms ; with our homes and our private families, and we have said that we wanted nothing to do with politics. We have practically and some- times formally said that it is bet- ter to pay unjust taxes than it is ^o spend the time to go out and struggle against corruption. We have been in the habit of saying, I cannot leave my vine, and my olives, and my figs to go and rule over the trees, and therefore, bramble, come thou and reign over us. It is our fault if he has come. It is often said that the best men in America take no interest in politics. That is not true. The worst men in America are the men who refuse to take an interest in politics. Men of the church, men of high station, should take part, and the more influential a man is. the more in- telligent and the higher his standing, the worse citizen he is if he fails to do so. If he is a citizen of this nation and takes no part towards making it a bet- ter, more noble, more worthy nation in which to live, the worse citizen he is. Look across the ocean. See what those men are doing and suffering in Russia in order that they may get some share in the government, and think then what it means. Oh, think what it means for us if the powers and- the privileges ■which our fathers won for us by bloody battles in England, and by privation and suffering here upon this soil, are not handed on to our posteritjr, and if we who have taken this scepter lay it down and say we are too busy with our figs ♦Judges 9 : S-15. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. REV. I. NEWTON PHELPS, Pastor All Saints' Church. REV. A. DE SEMONE. Pastor Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church ^^ ' -«»S(v ■ REV. N. E. X. SNEIDER, Pastor St. Mary's Church. REV. A. VAN OPPEN. Pastor St. Laurent's Church. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. IZ and our vines, and our olives, to take an interest in public aflfairs in order that we may pass on to our sons what our fathers gave to us. I wish I had the power to depict the faith of the Puritans whom I believe to be sharing in this great week. I wish I had the power to interpret their faith and their conscience. I think at least their message would be something like this : We have given you the power of leadership. Use it. We pointed to the book which contains the best epitome of the social order. Use it. We have in- terpreted to you the foundation and source of authority : law written in man's nature, and law written in God's nature. The seat of law, says Hooker, is the bosom of Almighty God. With reverence for that God, with faith in that law, with an understanding of the application of that law to our own times and exigencies, and with a realization of the power which liberty has given us in these latter days to use that law for upbuilding of our country and for the upbuilding of the world, it is for us, spiritual heirs of the Puritans, to build up a theocracy in America, founded not on church membership, not on clerical- ism, but on faith in the immediate pres- ence of Almighty God in the hearts and consciences and lives of all his children. and i\Irs. Ashley, Mrs. R. C. Tongue was present. Refreshments were served. Rev. Mr. Randall: — Let us stand and sing Hymn 1897 : "My Country, 'tis of Thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of Thee I sing." Rev. J. C. Wagner of Trinity M. E. church, gave the benediction, after which Mr. Marble played the postlude, Hosanna, by Wachs. ALL SAINTS'. Rev. A. Sprague Ashley, of the Holy Innocents' church, Albany, N. Y., preached the Centennial Sunday sermon at All Saints' IMemorial church to a large audience. Rev. Mr. Ashley was the first rector of All Saints' parish, and Saturday evening at the parish house the Ladies' guild tendered Mr. and Mrs. Ashley a reception. The rooms were prettily decorated with flags, bunt- ing and handsome rugs. Besides Mr. ST. PAUL'S. x\t St. Paul's Universalist church Rev. J. H. Holden preached an interesting sermon, taking for his subject, "A Cen- tury of Religious Progress." K special musical programme was rendered by the choir, under the direc- tion of Organist G. G. Marble. ST. ANDREW'S Rector A. T. Randall at St. Andrew's church at the 10 130 o'clock services preached a very interesting historical sermon, describing the organization and growth of the Episcopal church in Meri- den. The sermon was listened to by a very large congregation. Special music was rendered by the full vested choir. The altar, pulpit and lectern were prettil}- decorated with cut flowers and ferns. At 7 o'clock in the evening the annual Trinity Sunday ser- vice for the Sunday school was held in the church. ST. LAURENT'S. At both the services at St. Laurent's church Sunday morning Rev. A. van Oppen delivered an interesting sermon. At the high mass at 10 o'clock a special musical programme by an augmented choir and orchestra was rendered. Clrerubini's Coronation Mass with the Credo from IMozart's Twelfth Mass was sung. ST. MARY'S. The Centennial services at St. jMary's church was largely attended Sunday morning, an excellent musical pro- gramme was rendered and an interest- ing sermon was preached by Rev. Clem- ent Raab, of Butler, N. Y. OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL. The Centennial Sunday services at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church were largely attended. A low mass was cele- brated at 8 a. m., for the children of the school and church and at 10:30 a. m., a high mass for the religious and secular societies connected with the church. At vespers at 7 :30 in the evening a special 74 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. REV. A. J. LORD, Pastor iii-i rongregational Church. REV. J._H. HOLDEN, Pastor Universal ist Churcli. REV. A. T. RANDALL, Pastor St. Andrew's Church. REV. J. H. GRANT. Pastor Center Congregational Church. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 75 sermon was preached by Gaetana Caruti, of Bridgeport. At the high mass there was a special programme of music by an augmented choir and orchestra. The masses were celebrated by Father De Simone. HOLY ANGELS'. Rev. James W. Cunningham cele- brated the high mass at the Holy An- gels' church. South Meriden, on Cen- tennial Sunday. . The services were largely attended. The church was hand- somely decorated for the occasion. An excellent musical programme was ren- dered. ST. STANISLAUS'. At St. Stanislaus' church the Cen- tennial Sunday services were attended by large congregations. The societies of the parish attended the 10:30 o'clock mass in a body. GERMAN CATHOLIC CONVENTION The state convention of the feder- ation of German Catholics opened Sun- day morning with the following dele- gates present : Meriden — St. Bonifacius' society — John Morenz, John Kopiske, John Gordel, William Laskofski, Vincent Wollsch- lager, Joseph Affelt, Gustave Hoffman, Bernard Bucholz. Windhorst society — Martin S. Lemke, Andrew Reiske, John Sieg and Freder- ick Isbanner. New Haven. — St. Bonifacius' society — William Musark, Joseph Haegele, Jos- eph Droege. William Klaus, George Bahr, Adam Liebteig, Jacob Kuehn, Michael Etzel, Leo Misbach, Bernhard Wirkus, Anton Rorrer, Joseph Der- bacher. Hartford. — St. Stephen's society — Carl Felder, Carl Hess, Albert Frobel. New Britainj^ — St. Peter's society^ Emil Krause, Engelbert Mueller, Wil- liam Smith, John Schilling. Bridgeport — St. Joseph's society — Anton Wagner, Anton Harb, Franz Rumse, Willhelm Koch. St. Michael's societj^ — John Schwing, Joseph Metzger. Waterbury — Holy Family society — John F. Schell, Otto A. Harrmann, William H. Siefen, John J. Faix. Wallingford. — St. Francis' society — Albert Hoffman, August Post. Naugatuck — Holy Family society — William Froehlich. Bristol — St. Joseph's society — Eugene Blum. Derby. — St. Joseph's society — Carl Weindrack. Torrington. — St. Joseph's societj- — Clements Froeliger, Theodore Zander. The delegates marched in a body froin the State street headquarters to St. Mary's church, where Rev. Father Schneider, the pastor, celebrated high mass. Special music had been arranged for the occasion, and the singing of the well-drilled choir was particularly fine. Rev. Clement Raab, O. F. M., of But- ler, N. J., preached the sermon and he referred in a special manner to the close relationship which should exist between the German Catholic societies and the church itself, as they are an in- tegral part of the parish. St. Boni- facius' society of this city came in for due praise in honor of its silver jubi- lee and the good work accomplished during its twenty-five years of exist- ence. In the afternoon the opening session of the convention was held, and most of the work consisted in getting out of the way the routine business planned by the executive committee at the pre- liminary meeting Saturday evening. State President George Jacob, of New Haven, was chosen delegate to the na- tional convention which will be held in Springfield, O., next September. FINE CONCERT GIVEN. Company L armory was crowded in the evening on the occasion of the con- cert given in honor of the delegates, and the programme was most elaborate. Bishop Tierney was present and his re- marks were very cordially received. He referred to the gala appearance of the 76 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. city and hoped that all would enter thoroughly into the spirit of the Cen- tennial celebration. Mayor T. L. Reilly in his address of welcome extended the freedom of the city to the delegates and the visiting societies to the German Catholic state gatherings. Addresses which called out much applause were made by Rev. Clement Raab, mission- ary priest of Butler, N. J., who spoke on "The German Catholics of This Country," and Professor Sarg, of Eliz- abeth, N. J., the state secretary of the New Jersey German Catholics, who out- lined the work of German Catholic soci- eties. GEORGE JACOB, President. There were bright gems of oratory, which sparkled all through the pro- gramme, including addresses by Rev. A. van Oppen, of St. Laurent's church, and first pastor of the German Catho- lics; Rev. Father Schneider, of St. Mary's; President Jacob, of the state convention ; President John Kopiske, of St. Bonifacius' society; vocal and instru- mental music was interspersed, St. Mary's Choral club of forty rendering some splendid selections, while solos were given by Miss Cecelia Kopiske. John Hergert and Charles Faith. Lyons' orchestra of seven pieces was an added feature. THREE JUBILEE GIFTS. Not down on the regular programme was the presentation of three gifts to St. Bonifacius' society in honor of the latter's silver jubilee, which came this year in connection with the Centennial celebration. The first was a silver wreath from St. Bonifacius' society, of New Haven, the presentation by John Haigle. Next came a picture, represent- ing St. Bonifacius, fi*om the Windhorst society, Martin Lemke making the pres- entation, and a silver loving cup was presented by St. Peter's society, of New Britain, Engelbert Mueller accompany- ing the gift with appropriate remarks. John Morenz, chairman of the general committee, who introduced the different speakers at the entertainment, received the presents on behalf of St. Bonifacius' society with a neat speech in each in- stance. Altogether it was one of the most enjoyable occasions of the kind ever held in connection with the state convention of the German Catholics. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Monday morning the closing session was held in K. of C. hall and everything was done with dispatch in order that the delegates might have plenty of time to prepare for the afternoon exercises. The election of officers was the chief business, resulting as follows : President — George Jacob, New Ha- ven. Vice president — William Froehlich, Naugatuck. Secretary — Joseph Dubacher, New Ha- ven. Treasurer — Carl Felder, Hartford. Chaplain — Rev. H. Dahme, Bridge- port. Professor Frederick Sarg, state secre- tary of the German Catholics of New Jersey, was made an honorary inember of the Connecticut federation. It was decided to hold the next state convention for 1907 in Naugatuck. PARADE AND PICNIC. Promptly on time the parade formed on State street Monday afternoon, and the column moved soon after i o'clock, made up in this order : Platoon of Police, Sergeant Thayer, Officers Kimball. ToUes, Puffer and Pintal. Meriden Military band. State officers and delegates. DENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 77 St. Bonifacius' society, of Meriden. Windhorst society, of Meriden. New Britain society. Hartford society. National band, Wallingford. St. Francis' society, Wallingford. St. Mary's Catholic club, Meriden. New Haven and Bristol societies. John Lang was the mounted mar- shal, and acting for Grand Marshal John Lorenz was Joseph Semrau. The line of march was from State to East Main as far as Willow, coun- termarch to Colony as far as Home club, countermarch to West J\Iain to Linsley avenue, to Hanover, to Ter- race Garden, where was started the picnic, which was continued into the night, with music, dancing, refreshments and a jolh' good time for everybody. John Lorenz was the grand marshal of the parade and his aids were Joseph Semrau, Fred Isbaner and Joseph Karl. The visiting societies appointed their own aids. St. Mary's club appointed the follow- ing reception committee to entertain the delegates : George Schilke, Frank Wollschlager, Frank Weigand, Charles Schlayer, John A. Missik, Robert Spraffke and Theodore Uttenweiler. The committee of arrangements for the convention and celebration was made up of John Morenz, chairman ; Martin Lemke, secretary ; Andrew Reiske, treasurer; John Goerdel, John Kapichke. John Wollschlager. ^enry Wollschlager, Jacob Patzke, Ferderick Islaner, John C. Sieg, Lorenz Lirot, Dennis Buttner, Joseph Semrau, John Herger and Joseph Riedinger. THE STATE ORGANIZATION. It was nineteen years ago that the Staats Verband was formed in New Haven, composed of societies in New Haven. Bridgeport, IMeriden and New Britain. The chief object in institut- ing the state organization was to form new societies of German Catholics in other cities and towns of Connecticut. The second convention was held in Meriden the following year. 1888. and for the second time the German Cath- olics convened here in 1895. ST. BONIFACIUS' SOCIETY. Meriden has one of the oldest Ger- man Catholic societies in Connecticut. It is St. Bonifacius' society, that was organized in 1882, and that was in re- ality the precurser of the local German Catholic parish, known as St. Mary's. In 1880 the late Bishop McMahon sent Rev. Father van Oppen here to look after the French and the German Catholics, but the latter were not sat- isfied with the bishop's arrangements, and so the burden of building St. Lau- rent's church rested on the French Catholics, though the Germans attended mass there for several years. In 1890 Rev. Ignatius Kost was sent here to minister to the German Catholics and JUiiA 1'. .\u M\ I'.A/.. (Trand Marshal. the following year the present St. Mary's church was built. From the time of organization in 1882 St. Bonifacius' society strove hard to keep the local German Catholics united. There were twenty members at first, and of the pioneer band there are but five survivors — John Kopiski, Martin Sadroschinsky, Jacob Patzke, John Dumachofske and August Zeilke, The first president was Pius Loeffier, who was one of the earliest and most respected of the local German residents and who passed away a few years ago. The society continued to increase in numbers year by year, until the mem- bership reached 152. It has paid out 78 CENTENNIAL OF MKKIDEN. a large amount in sick benefits to the members and has always been a valu- able adjunct in building up St. Mary's parish. The present officers are : President — John Kopiski . Vice president — John Wollschlager. Recording secretary — Martin Lemke. Financial secretary — John Morenz. Treasurer — Andrew Reiske. THE WINDHORST. Another local organization, enrolled in the state body, is the Windhorst so- ciety that was instituted about ten years ago, with sick benefits as its main ob- ject. Many of St. Bonifacius' members also belong to the Windhorst society. The membership at present is in the neighborhood of sixty. It has the fol- lowing officers : President — Martin Lemke. Vice president — John Siek. Recording and financial secretary — Andrew Reiske. Treasurer — Joseph Riedinger. TURNER HALL, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 79 TWENTY-FOURTH TURN BEZIRKS TURNFEST The twenty-fourth Turn Bezirks Turnfest, which opened on Sunday continued through Monday and closed on Tuesday. It was held both at Turner hall and Schuetzen park and in the matter of work, attendance and enthusiasm was one of the best and most successful that has been held by the bezirks in many years. Gray-haired men whose grandsons took part in the contests, declared that the scenes and attendance recalled the good old days when the fests were visited by people from all the New England states. It certainly was a sight that would enthuse Turner or any person inter- ested in athletics. Early on Sunday, about the time of the opening of the contests, there were comparatively few people other than those who were to take part in the several events, at Schuetzen park. But as the day grew older and the sun sent the power of his rays on the backs of men's necks hundreds sought the cool shades of the park, and, then in ease and comfort, watched the athletes at work on the sun baked field near the headquarters of the Meriden Rifle club, i A large number of these men were not alone ; persons do not enjoy themselves that way. They were accompanied by their wives and children and it was a com- mon sight to run across family picnics in all parts of the grove. . The fakir was there. He had the scent of the coin in his nostrils and the earliest arrival found him in the park, ready for business. When he packed up late in the afternoon it was only because he was driven from the grounds with the others by the sudden and severe storm. He went away with pockets heavy with coin which he had exchanged for badges and souvenirs of all sorts and sizes. Everybody was not courting with fickle Dame Fortune. There were other things that were of more interest and of which they were sure that at least they would get their money's worth. They were the contests that were con- stantly going on on the athletic field. And it was a sight well worth travel- ing a long distance to see. In the cen- ter was placed a horizontal bar. At one side was a long leather covered ap- paratus that looked not unlike a dried porpoise stuck on four wooden legs. On the opposite field was another, only it had handles on the back. It was learned that the first was the "long horse" and the porpoise with the handles on its back the "side horse." A short distance from the side horse were the parallel bars. The novice knew what they were so he asked no questions. When all was in readiness the word was given, the classes from Meriden. Holyoke, New Britain, Hartford, Wa- terbury and New Haven summoned and the judges, Messrs. Klee. Elizabeth. N. J.. Knorr, Lawrence, Mass., Miller, Hartford, Stable, Brooklyn, and Weber, of Windsor Locks, took their places and the contests were opened. From that moment there was something do- ing on the field until late in the after- noon. The work of every individual was closely watched and then sorne kind of a figure was placed opposite his or her name. There were two pretty sights in the park during the day. Three little girls, Jessie and Vivian Stroebel and Flor- ence Davis, whose parents reside in this citv, were dressed in red, white and blue, and they were the objects of great admiration. There was another group of little misses ranging from eight to fourteen years, who came from Waterbury. They wore blue shirt waists and bloomers and black stock- ings. Thev were Freda Miller, Minnie Buck, Mary Shober. Margaret Borchar, Lizzie Newbert, Mildred Darr, Clara Weiss, Earna Cramer, Mark Cramer, and Mary Richenback. They accom- panied their parents and about 200 oth- ers from Waterbury. In the afternoon they gave an exhibition on the field that 8o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. was greeted with loud and repeated ap- plause. It was a fine illustration of what the German believes in — a thor- ough and systematic training of the body from childhood. In addition to the large body from Waterbury, Hartford sent about 150 of both se.xes to cheer its team. Three hundred came frim New Britain, about .«^^^ ">,',' FRED WEBER. President Turner Society. 150 from Holyoke and the same num- ber came up from New Haven. At the close of the class work and social events there were mass exer- cises on the field by the combined Turners, accompanied by the Meriden City band. This was an imposing sight, every man working as though controlled by an invisible wire. Then something happened that was not down on the bill and one person received the surprise of his life. To Herman L. Kraemer, instructor of the Meriden Turn Verein was much of the success of the feat due. He labored hard during the year to bring the fest back to its old time prestige and his labors were not in vain. He was sum- moned to the center of the field facing the massed Turners and then Charles Heineman in behalf of the Meriden Turn Verein presented him a hand- some, open faced, split second gold watch. To say that he was surprised is expressing it mildly ; he could only look. Finally he recovered his com- posure and in a voice choked with emotion expressed his thanks. The concert which was given in Turn Hall at night after the strenuous work at the park had no appreciable effect on the Turners. Early Monday morning they assembled at the hall on Pratt street ready and willing for a long hike through the streets in the parade to the park and there took part in an- other day of turning. A better day for that purpose could not be desired. Fleecy clouds chased one another and a strong west wind tempered the heat to a great extent. The rain of the pre- vious night had put the streets in good R. \V. MUELLER, Treasurer Turner Society. condition and no dust was kicked up by the marchers. Promply at the hour scheduled, o o'clock, the line of parade was formed on Pratt street at Turn hall. It did nor take the several organizations long to sret into line and Marshal May had no CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 8i tedious wait for some delinquen:. He gave the signal, there was a prehminary muffle of the snare drum, followed by an inspiring march step by the Meri- den City band and the procession started on this route: Pratt to East Main, to Willow street, countermarch to Col- ony, to Washington, countermarch to West Main, to Capitol avenue, to HERMAN KRAEMER. Instructor Turner Society. Schuetzen park. It was a hard grind but no one complained. Even the girls stepped off as bravely as the men and they made a pleasing picture in their light summer gowns. The streets of the city through which the parade passed were crowded and the police stationed at intervals and on the corners of the principal streets had their hands full in preventing the public from encroaching on the marchers. All along the line the organizations were greeted with clapping of hands and cheers, especially the women. Marshal May and two aides headed the parade. He was followed by the Meriden City band and then came the boys' class of the Meriden Turn Verein. Following were the Meriden Verein with Instructor Kraemer in charge. 6 There were forty men and twelve girls and then came fifty of the old fellows who at this time of life have not lost interest in the verein. Hartford Turn Verein had twelve men and twelve wo- men in line, Holyoke fifteen men and twenty ladies. New Haven twelve men and twelve girls, New Britain sixteen men and eight women and Waterbury ten men and twelve girls. Then came the Military band head- ing the Meriden Saengerbund of forty men, with the Cosmopolitan club of thirty men next. The Meriden Rifle club had twelve men in line and the Lyra Singing society had thirty men who were followed by twenty men of Meriden lodge, O. D. H. S., whose ban- ner was followed by forty men. Teu- tonia lodge, I. O. O. P., had sixty men in the ranks and they were followed by C. J. HEINEMAN. Chairman General Committee. twenty men of Court Schiller, F. of A., and an equal number from the Work- ingmen's Sick and Death Benefit society, the German Mutual Aid society and the Alsace-Lorraine society. Immediately after the parade the turners resumed the work in the class events and this was followed by fenc- 82 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ing, wrestling, running and jumping. At the close of these events the exhi- bition of the varied exercises in the ladies' classes began. This apparently was what those at the park were wait- ing for and as soon as the events were called the field was surrounded by a throng of people. The ladies were warmly applauded for their excellent work. MAX LANGE, Treasurer General Committee. This closed the work of the twenty- fourth turnfest of the Connecticut Turn Bezirks. The judges and the auditing committee went into session and at 5 o'clock the prizes and diplomas were awarded. The results were announced by Paul Stoeckel, of Hartford, secretary of the State Turn Bezirk. They were as follows : New Britain, first, 83.72 points; Hol- yoke, second, 83.63 ; Hartford, third, 79.83; Waterbury, fourth, 79.76; New Haven, fifth, 77.58; Meriden, sixth, 77.14; Rockville, seventh, 74.10. In the individual work on apparatus, first class, usual exercises, these awards were made: Rudolph Zimmerman New Britain, 72.52; G. Nyack, New Britain, 72.20; W. Kossurg, New Britain, 71.55. Second class — Difficult exercises, G. Engel, New Britain, 79.90; Albert En- gel, Holyoke, 77.75 ; Edward Winger, New Britain, 74.95. First class — Most difficult exercises, Jacob Rutrschauser, Waterbury Vor- wartz, 84.10; H. F. Foster, Holyoke, 76.10; Arthur Kraus, Holyoke, 76. In the field sports these announce- ments were male by Secretary Stoeckel : First class — Charles Nyack, New Britain, 13^70; Rudolph ZimmerrrKan/, New Britain, 13.70; Walter Kossurg, New Britain, 13.30; P. Pietsch, Hart- ford, 11.50. Second class — James Parker, Holy- oke, 18.90; George Engel, New Britain, 18.90; Christian Volk, New Britain, 16.70; Albert Bohne, Holyoke, 16.30. Third class — E. W. Hertig, Hartford, G .GEEHRING, Asst. Sec'y General Committee. 19.60; W. Riley, New Haven, 18.70; E. Steinman, Hartford, 17.10. Hop, skip and jump — E. Schaefer, Rockville, 9.70; H. Bohne, Holyoke, 9.50. Pole vaulting — R. Untendoefel, Holy- oke, first and George Engel, New Brit- ain, second. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 83 Running race — E. Schaefer, Rock- ville, first and A. Bohne, Holyoke, sec- ond. For individual work, first class, the awards were as follows : Rudolph Zimmerman, New Britain, 64.5 ; Walter Kossurg, New Britain, 63.25 ; George Nyack, New Britain, 62.50. Second class — George Engel, New JOHN BUECHLER, Chairman Reception Committee. Britain, 70; Albert Engel, Holyoke, 68.75 ; Harry Heinzmann, New Britain, 67; H. F. Foster, Holyoke, 66.50. The Holyoke turners went down to defeat before the New Britain Turn Verein in the turnfest which closed with a grand ball and concert at night in Turner hall. The contest was a close one and the losers were only two- tenths of 100 points behind the victors. One record was broken. That was when Emil Schaefer, of Rockville, made 9.70 in the broad jump. The pre- vious Turner record was 8.10, which imtil then had never been equalled. COMMITTEE IN CHARGE. The General committee, composed of Charles J. Heineman, jr., chairman; John Buechler, treasurer; Charles Linke, first secretary; Gotthold Geehr- ing, second secretary; Herman Krae- mer, William Sehl, Louis Kraemer, Fred Weber and Richard F. Dossin worked on the details of the festival for many weeks and feel convinced that in point of attendance and interest, this Turnfest will establish a precedent for the German celebration in this section of New England. HISTORY OF MERIDEN TURN VEREIN. The Meriden Turn Verein was founded in 1866, with a society of twenty-five members. The year before several Germans, including Charles Weber, sr., Gustav Rebstock and a few others, made the first attempt towards organizing a society of its kind, but ow- ing to lack of encouragement did no't succed until a year later. The organ- ization took place on February 21, and RICHARD F. DOSSIN. Chairman Music Committee. as the meeting was of a jolly and enthu- siastic nature and lasted until after mid- night, it was decided to set the date of the birth in honor of the first president of the United States, hence the anniver- 84 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. saries of the society are held on Wash- ington's birthday. The officers elected at this meeting were Theodore F. Gel- bart, first speaker; Henry Weber, sr., second speaker; Henry Christian, secre- tary; Albert Hart, turning master; Charles Martin, cashier; and Gustav R°bstock, janitor . WILLIAM SEllL, Chairman Refreshment Committee. The first athletic exercises were held at Charles Martin's hall on State street, where the Turners remained nearly a year, and from there removed to Frank- lin hall at the corner of East Main and Broad streets, to a building which was torn down a number of years ago. In spite of many trials to which the so- ciety was subjected there was consider- able ambition shown by its few mem- bers, and many of the old German resi- dents recall with pleasure the happy hours and incidents at the gatherings of the society. The festivities were often marred by an element which at- tempted disturbances whenever an op- portunity offered, but soon came to grief at the hands of the old German pioneers, especially through the es- teemed Christian Handel, who made himself peace maker at all such emer- gencies, and it is due to him to a great extent that these disturbances finally subsided. At the organization meeting a para- graph was annexed to the statutes pro- viding a sick benefit to its members by donating one-fifth of all proceeds from entertainments given by the society, which, however, was not of a lasting nature. Sick benefits amounted to $4 per week for adult members and $2 re- spectively for its pupils. Christian Wuterich, a well-known citizen, was thte first scholar interested in the junior class. During the year 1866 a dramatic section was also formed under the able direction of the late August Hirschfeld, who was ever will- ing to assist in such affairs when called LOUIS KRAEMER, General Committee. upon to render his services. The financial condition of the soci- ety at the beginning was not very en- couraging, and it had a hard struggle to meet its necessary payments, money being loaned in order to defray ex- penses. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 85 The minutes of the meetings between the years 1867 and 1868 were lost, but as near as the older members can as- certain, Charles Martin was then speaker of the society. In 1869, the society had increased to seventy-six members. The same year the first Connecticut Turnerbund festi- val was held in Meriden ,and a guar- antee fund was raised ky which each member was assessed $5, which re- sulted in reducing its membership twenty-three names. The financial re- sult of the state festival, however, was contrary to expectations, and although it rained continually a large sum was raised. On September 7, 1869, the section known as the "Turner Frauen Verein" was organized, a society which has many times aided the society financially since its organization. The next year William Balzer was elected first speaker ; August Hirsch- feld, second speaker; Conrad Bauer, secretary; Herman Duis, cashier; Her- man Schuerer, turnwart, and H. Peters, janitor. The insurance on the property owned by the society was $300. In 1870 the society removed from its hall at the corner of Broad and Main streets, to Hill's block on State street, which build- ing was at one time used as a post of- fice on Colony street, and is now owned by Mr. Woolley, on Center stret, where it can still be seen standing in the rear of his establishment. The semi-annual election of officers resulted in Charles Weber being elected turnwart ; Bernhard Lahl, secretary ; Julius Huebler. cashier, and Gustavus Gehrmann, janitor. In the election of officers in 1871 H. Peters was elected first speaker ; Hugo Reama, second speaker; Frank Hugo tutor; Bernhard Lahl, secretary; A. Diehl, cashier, and G. Gehrman, janitor. On September 5, 1870, Herman Krae- mer, now one of the foremost members and present instructor of the society, was accepted from the junior class and initiated as a member of the Meriden Turn Verein. Mr. Kraemer has been indefatigable as an active Turner, and has held the position of instructor for many years. Henry Goebel was elected second speaker at the semi-annual election in 1871 ; Gustav Rebstock, secretary, and J. Walz, janitor. The same year Wil- liam Balzer, August Hirschfeld and Charles Weber, sr., were elected the first trustees of the society. The finan- cial condition of the society at this time amounted to $51. June 15, 1871, the soceity again re- moved its headquarters, this time to Miller's hall on Liberty street — at one time a Baptist church — which formally stood where the one now stands at the corner of Crown and East Main streets. The old building was eventually re- moved to Veteran street. On May 8, 1871, only a few months after being accepted from the junior section, Herman Kraemer was elected master turner of the active class. The new selection of officers resulted in William Balzer being elected first speaker, and N. Permandie, janitor. The next 3'ear the first speakership changed hands, Henry Goebel being elected first speaker; Papa Gehrmann, second speaker; Bernhard Lahl, secretary; A. Diehl, cashier; George Becker, janitor, and Adolph Ruckk, tutor. On the first day of January, 1872, the society had a membership of forty- five, not including twenty junior mem- bers and fifteen scholars, and property valued at $970, with an indebtedness of $613. At the semi-annual election of officers in 1872, Papa Gehrmann was elected first speaker ; Charles Wachtelhausen, second speaker; B. Lahl, secretary; Herman Schuerer, tutor , and Fred Kraemer, drum major . On July I, 1872, August Hirschfeld and Charles Weber, sr., were made honorary members of the society. The death of Mrs. Emilie Tittel, one of the prominent members of the Frauen Ver- ein section, occurred that year. The dramatic section of the society was reorganized in 1872, Miller hail being enlarged by adding a suitable stage, which was furnished in the fall of that vear and dedicated December 8 with the drama "Mathilde." At all theatrical programmes at that time the hall was usually overcrowded to such an extent that unless the patrons ar- rived considerably before the time set for the performance, it was often diffi- cult to even gain admittance, a matter, which it is said, does not occur to-day. The Meriden society has always borne the reputation of possessing excellent dramatic talent and to some of the members it seems strange that in com- 86 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. parason to former years the dramatic productions are so feebly patronized, as it has the tendency to discourage the participants. At the present time very little is offered to the German public in the dramatic line, although occasional histronic efforts are rewarded with financial as well as artistic success. It is thought that the cause of this is the many associations and sections which have been formed, which do not always allow the different members to con- centrate on a specific programme. At the semi-annual election the fol- lowing year, 1874, Charles Glock was elected first tutor ; Herman Kraemer, second tutor; and Frank Rabel, Janitor. In August of that year the state Turnfest was held at Hemlock grove, which was a failure financially, a de- ficit of almost $175 being the result. Membership in the society July i, 1874, had dwindled to fifty-eight and in the junior class to twenty-six. The property on hand at this time was $1,700. The German population at the same period numbered about 1,200. The next year the officers selected were Charles Becker, first speaker ; Adolph Ruckk, second speaker ; Charles Wachtelhausen, secretary; H. Goebel, cashier; Frank Rabel, janitor; and Au- gust Schletter, tutor. December 26, 1874, an extra meeting was called, and it was resolved to join the North America Turnerbund. On April 4, 1875, the junior class was sep- arated from the society and given in charge of Gustav Rebstock and later to Charles Weber as instructors. A de- bating club was also formed among the members but was of short duration. At the semi-annual election of of- ficers the same year Adolf Ruckk was elected first speaker ; Charles Glock, second speaker ; Charles Wachtel- hausen, secretary; Charles Weber, jr., tutor; H. Goebel, cashier; and G. Reb- stock, janitor. In 1876 the society donated $50 towards representation at the Centen- nial exposition in Philadelphia, and also the net receipts of an entertainment for the benefit of the German American Teacher seminary. The officers selected in 1876 were Charles Glock, first speaker; Louis Kraeber, second speaker ; Theodore Hax, secretary; Fred Kraemer, first tutor; H. Goebel, cashier; and G. Reb- stock, janitor. At the semi-annual election the same year Michael Oefinger was elected first speaker; Will Kerner, first tutor; and Louis Kroeber, stage director. The membership in June of that pe- riod was fifty-six, with a junior class of seven. There were also twenty scholars. The next year Michael Oefinger was elected first speaker ; Herman Kraemer, second speaker; William Kermer, tutor; Richard Mueller, secretary; H. Goe- bel, cashier; and F. Rabel, janitor. On July I, 1876, the rent of the hall was reduced from $5.20 to $4. The amount of property at this time was valued at $1,100. In 1877 a band was organized. The semi-annual election the same year re- sulted in Henry Goebel being elected first speaker; Henry Meyer, cashier; and Richard Kroeber, stage director. June 18, 1877, it was suggested that the Turn Verein should build a hall of its own, and a committee consisting of August Hirschfeld, Charles Glock, Ja- cob Messner, Michael Oefinger and Christopher Brennecke were appointed to elaborate plans. August Hirschfeld drew the plans and specifications, amounting to $7,500 for the building. Preparations were made to commence building in the spring, and a building lot, owned by Chris Brennecke, was partly secured but was reciprocated in the February of that year. The next month the death of First Speaker Henry Goebel occurred. On April 3, 1878, the singing section, known as the Turner Liedertafel, was brought into existence under the able direction of August Hirschfeld. This was an important factor in the history of the society, as this section has played a prominent part in sustaining the soci- ety since its existence. The members feel that too much praise cannot be given to its director, August Hirsch- feld, who sacrificed himself to make the new section a success without being compensated for his trouble. A num- ber of years ago the Liedertafel pro- duced an operetta entitled "Princess of the Cannibals," under the musical direc- tion of Mr. Verheige and Fred Kraemer as stage manager. The performance was a decided success and enabled the Liedertafel to realize a big profit. In the election of 1878 Charles Glock succeeded Michael Oefinger as first speaker of the society; Theodore Hax CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX, 87 was elected second speaker; Herman Kraemer, tutor; Fred Mueller, secre- tary; Henry Meyer, cashier, and Charles Tartter, janitor. The German school which was being erected at that time, was reorganized by the Turner society, of which the late German- American school was an offspring. March 16, 1879, a building was pur- chased from Mr. Camp, situated on State street, opposite the freight depot. It was resolved that the new hall was not to e.xceed the sum of $1,000. The contract for the building was awarded to M. F. Fitzgerald for $1,600, and was finished and dedicated three months later, and the society incorporated the following year under the name of "Mer- iden Turn Verein." Several years later the hall on State street was enlarged by some important additions . In 1886 the Bezirks Turnfest was held in Meriden, but was marred some- what by the continued rain during the festival. The political agitation of the work- ing class was a marked feature in the Turn Verein at the time, and as its principles are also based upon support- ing labor and industry, it naturally re- sulted at times in creating arguments and discussions among its members. The society had at this time accumu- lated a large number of books, most of which had been donated by members. In 1890 the society resolved to again change its quarters, and appointed a committee to look for a suitable lot. The committee, after examining several available situations purchased the prop- erty on Pratt street, opposite its present hall, where the engine house now stands. The price paid for the property was $5,000. An exchange was then made for the old police station and en- gine house, the latter being remodelled into a commodious hall. Fred Weber, who was then first speaker of the society, was mostly in- strumental in having the work of the new hall enhanced, and his untiring ef- forts arc worthy of praise for the task he successfully completed. The build- ing was finished and dedicated Novem- ber 7, 1894, the entire German popula- tion of Meriden and vicinity taking an active part in the exercises. A disastrous fire badly damaged the hall a year ago but the building was rapidly repaired. The society at the present time is in a flourishing condi- tion, having a membership of over 200. The officers who were elected at the last meeting of the society are, Fred Weber, president; John Miller, vice president; R. Thomas, secretary; R. W. Mueller, treasurer; Charles Kurz, col- lector, and Lucas Helcher, vice secre- tary. The reception committee for the festival Centennial week consisted of John Buechler, chairman; Julius Kuntze, Richard W. Mueller, Medrick Marchand and Henry Schrader. The Decoration committee was com- posed of John Buechler, chairman; An- drew Oefinger, Gustav Hickish, and Adolph Edler. The Press committee consisted of Richard Dossin, chairman ; Herman Kraemer, and Charles Heineman. The Park committee was composed of Herman Kraemer, chairman ; Hugo Thomas, Oscar Fletcher, Richard Lange and William Russell. The committee on quarters consisted of Louis Kraemer, chairman ; Max Lange, Gotthold Gehring, and Charles Heineman. The Entertainment committee was composed of Edward Dueniber, chair- man ; Lucas Helcher, and Gustav Hick- ish. The Music committee consisted of Richard F. Dossin, chairman; John Miller and Charles Linke. The Refreshment committee was com- posed of William Sehl, chairman; George Miller, and Charles Hoesch. The Committee on Badges consisted of Richard F. Dossin, chairman: Her- man Kraemer, and Charles Heineman. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Monday, July 11 — Opening Day The weatherman took pity on the cel- ebrants and made the day an ideal one. Thousands of former Alcridenites and thousands of visitors arriving every hour, coming to a city most beautifully decorated, with welcoming arms extend- ing in all directions, made the opening of the secular part of the Centennial celebration an event not only long to be remembered, but probably unsurpassed by any that ever took place in the state. The muggy weather with the inter- mittent rains of Saturda y night and Sunday gave place to sunshine and the transformation was complete. The midway showmen, with their as- sistants and their picturesque, circus- like baggage, had already begun to erect their tents. The fakirs appeared from out of nowhere, and soon held all the street corners, crying their wares. Some who had not decorated put forth the colors on their business houses and homes, which soon completed the harmony of coloring that was one of the chief features of the week. The parades began to form early in the morning, the conventions transacted important business, while the crowds that thronged the streets grew larger and larger, every face wearing an ex- pectant smile of enthusiastic interest in the great event ; men, women and chil- dren all bravely decked out in their best, and for the most part wearing flags, flowers or some emblem, as a token of the occasion they were helping to com- memorate. The diflferent events of course at- tracted the people, but thousands of them seemed content to walk up and down the streets, never tiring of the noise of the bands, the cries of the hawkers and the whole attendant excite- ment and enthusiasm of the celebration. EXPOSITION OPENING. The Manufacturers' and Varied Arts' exposition opened at Hanover park in the morning, and this feature of the Centennial was very popular and well patronized. The pure food exhibit was in the Ca- sino and the industrial section was lo- cated in the merry-go-round building. A covered passage way connected the buildings. The entire floor space in the two buildings was taken up by nearly forty manufacturers and merchants. In the Casino the Aeolian company had a section in the center and showed several of their instruments. This was one of the largest displays in the ex- position. The Meriden Gas Light com- pany and the Frank Goetz Bakery also had prominent displays there. The Mer- iden Grain and Feed company had two prettily arranged sections in the Casino, as had the Egg-0-See company. Across in the Industrial section there were several interesting exhibits. The Jennings & Grifhn company, of Yales- ville, had a large display in the center section. This company showed the man- ufacture of augur bits and had a min- iature factory in operation. The C. F. Monroe company had a beautiful ex- hibit. Their famous cut glass articles made a verj- pretty showing. This com- pany also had a plant in operation show- ing the manufacture of cut glass. The A. J. Hall company showed their hand-painted china ware which was a very neat display. The Meriden Cut- lery company, the Curtis-Way company. The Journal Publishing company and the H. S. Shiner company had sections in this part of the exhibit. Besides the above-mentioned the fol- lowing had floor space in the show : Wilcox & White company. New Eng- land Supply company, W. A. Hartung, C. A. Haberling, H. Harcourt, H. C. Bibeau, J. V. Campbell. H. E. Bush- nell. Loft and Dray, the Fleischman company, Moxie Nerve Food company, H. W. Booth, the Modox company, Satin Gloss Polish company, E. A. Baudreau, Apothecaries' Hall company. Schules Grape Wine company, Allen Bros., Rus- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 89 GEN. J. S. STOKES, Grand Marshal Civic Parade. CAPT. G. E. PROUDMAN, Aide, Civic Parade. C. B. BOWEN, Aide, Civic Parade. m- s] JULIUS AUGUR, Aide, Civic Parade. 90 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. sell-Miller Milling, company, Miner, Read & Garrett, E. H. Roy, the H. O. company. National Spring Bed com- pany. A feature of the exhibit was the daily concerts by Rounds' Ladies' Orchestra and Concert company. The company played from 2 to 8 p. m. The entire exposition reflected great credit on Messrs. Greene and Rowe, who had charge of the aflfair from the start. The committee in cliarge was com- posed of the following Meriden men : Food and Industrial Exhibit — H. C. Bibeau, chairman ; Fred Fenner, C. F. Monroe, B. W. Collins, C. P. Bradley, James H. White, W. H. Lyon, George H. Wilcox, D. L. Bishop, H. E. Bush- nell, M. W. Booth. Manufacturers' Exhibit — C. F. Mon- roe, chairman ; C. F. Rockwell, secre- tary; William Zerfass. C. P. Bradley, C. W. King and George H. Wilcox. THE CIVIC PARADE. A stroke of the fire bells at 2 o'clock in the afternoon started the big civic and industrial parade, one of the star features of the Centennial, from the City park on its march of four miles, seen and admired by thousands of eyes. Bands played, flags floated, horses pranced and the multitudes applauded. It was the biggest, grandest, longest procession Meriden has had in many a day. It was a credit to the Centennial. It was really two parades in one. The civic, a splendid line that held one's closest attention, came first and was led by a calvacade of horsemen, all mounted on spirited, showy steeds, and the indus- trial end of it, representing the varied business interests of the municipality, dressed in their finest colors and pre- pared as only Meriden merchants can, brought up in the rear. People who saw the procession, and it doesn't seem as if there were many who didn't, agreed that it was the real thing. At 1 :30 the paraders began assem- bling at the City park, forming on Camp streeet and Bunker avenue. The in- dustrial marchers were formed on North Broad street. The procession was to have been in motion at i :30, but it was 2 o'clock before the fire bells sounded the start. The horsemen and horsewomen, too, made a fine beginning for the monster procession, all riding like veterans. Af- ter them came the marshal and his aides and they led the long line down Center to Pratt, to Broad, to East Main, to West Main, to North First, counter- march to West Main, to Colony, to Wil- cox avenue, countermarch on Colony, to Camp, to Cejiter and — well, here's where each parader broke ranks, sighed wearily but contentedly and remarked to his neighbor. "That parade was some- thing like, eh?" First should be mentioned the mar- shal and his aides. They did nobly. Next came the men who tramped along, doing more work than they would oth- erwise in a week, for the good of their town and the Centennial. More power to them And the music ! Such music ! Nothing like it ever heard in Meriden in a bunch. The horses? Say, nobody ever imagined there were so many good ones in the whole town. They deserve praise. Now for the floats and the "indus- trialers." The one that came first in the line and attracted favorable com- ment all along the streets was the much talked of one of Division 15, L. A., A. O. H. A bevy of pretty girls seated comfortably on high perches was a prin- cipal attraction to be sure. Six gray horses drew the wagon, which was draped with the colors of the order. The young women on the float were tastefully gowned in green and white and waved energetically flags of red, white and blue. The motto, "Unity, Friendship and Charity," was in a con- spicuous place. This float was similar to the one that captured first prize in Hartford two years ago ,and the banner that was won at that time was given prominence. The Meriden lodge of Elks had a very creditable float in the procession. Drawn by six horses, a wagon was draped in the B. P. O. E. colors, purple and white, in which were several young people in costume. On the highest elevation was a girl draped with American flags to rep- resent the Goddess of Liberty and be- side her stood cavaliers in old colonial dress. On the sides of the wagon were the Elks' banners. The float of Meriden camp, 7,711, Modern Woodmen of America, was most unique. It represented, and did it well, too, a woodmen's camp, with the CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 91 CAPT. JOSEPH DE CANTILLON, Aide, Civic Parade. I^^^^I^H ■ B >*°«^^ ^^w p M^''^^'' '^^W ^A 1 COL. S. E. CROCKER, Commanding P. O. S. of A. CARL DIEL, Commanding D. O. H. JEROME BAILEY, 'ikSto Assisant Chief Fire Department. 92 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. husky campers sitting about a fire, at the entrance to a neatly constructed log cabin. It well merited the applause. St. Jean de Baptiste society showed a pretty float and it received many a hand clap along the line. It was a large four-horse covered wagon decked with evergreen and bunting, and inside rode a little miss clad in sheepskin and standing beside a sheep. A. MOZZI, Com. Christopher Columbus Society. The officers of the East Side Social club rode in a carriage trimmed gaily with national colors, as did the officers of several other organizations. The Y. M. T. A. B. society was out in force, and the sturdy members made a credi- table appearance for their society. The Elks carried a mammoth Ameri- can flag outstretched. The following were in the civic pa- rade, or rather as many of them as it was possible to note as the pageant passed along: Mounted cavalcade under command of George L. Clark. Marshal, Joseph S. Stokes. Aides, Captain C. B. Bowen, Captain Joseph DeCantillon, Captain George E. Proudman, John H. McMahon, Julius Augur, George R. Hubbard and Albert A. May. Police Escort Hatch's band, of Hartford. Myrtle Lodge, 4, K. of P., Chancellor John Kay commanding, with Visitors. Meriden City band. Ancient Order of Hibernians and invited guests. Division i, John H. McMahon, com- manding. Djvision 2, Robert Lodge commanding. Division 3, Dr. O .D. Flanagan, com- manding. Footguard's band, of Hartford. W. C. LUCAS, Commanding Fire Department. T. A. B. society, John F. Renders, com- iiianding. Band. Meriden Lodge, B. P. O. E., and guests, E. L. K., Daniel Donovan, command- ing, with Middletown Elks accompa- nied bv American band of Waterbury. Band. CENTENNIAL Op MERIDEN. 93 Silver City Council, K. of C, G. H., Heiir}' Cashen commnading. Band. Meriden Aerie of Eagles. East Side Social club. Band. Silver City lodge, I. O. A. B., L. Fried- man, commanding. St. Stanislaus Church society. Fifty Men. Michael Ferren, president. White Eagle society. I20 Men. Waltey Malywajek, president. St. Stanislaus Branch, No. 655. Eighty-five Men. Barnslaw Markoweski, president. Society Poluskie Drum Corps. Twenty Men. Leader Szilewa. Society Cokol Pol. Forty Men. Stanislaw Truanjecki, president. Society Peter and Paul, Branch 491, Twenty-four Men. Joseph Pichnareik, president. Armour's Champion Team of Horses with attendants. Colt's Band of Hartford. J .F. FENDERS, Commanding Y. M. T. A. B. Society. Meriden lodge, 276, D. O. H., Carl Diel, commanding. Meriden Rifle club. Chrisotphcr Columbus society, Pres. Alfred Mozzi, commanding. Victor Immanuel, 3, society. Meriden Camp. Dolbec camp. St. Jean Baptiste society, Wilbrod L'Heureaux, commanding. St. Laurent's T. A. B. society. Italian Protective society, E. Tomas- etti, marshal. UNITED POLISH SOCIETIES. Kosciusko society band. Twenty Men. John Klotc, leader. Society Recearcz, M. B. C. Z., Sixty Men, Capt. John Zydkiewcizy, commanding. J. H McMAHON, Commanding Div i, A. O. H. Veteran Firemen's association and in- vited guests. Veteran companies of Hartford, with band. New London Veterans and the Active Hook and Ladder company of New London, with band. 94 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Philharmonic band of New Britain. Eagle Hose company of Ansonia, Seventy-five Men. Band. Meriden Fire Department, Chief W. C. Lucas commanding, and Assist- ant Chief Jerome Bailey. Fire companies, regular department and volunteers, with apparatus. O. D. FLANAGAN, Commanding Div. 3, A. O. H. THOSE WHO MADE FINE EXHIBITION. The industrial parade was fine, con- sidering a number of circumstances, and those merchants who turned out did themselves proud. The Armour Beef company had its celebrated six horse champion, blue ribbon team in line. It was greeted with "Ah's!" and "Oh's!" from the horsemen on all the streets. David Higgins, the milk dealer, had five gaily-colored wagons in line as clean and spick and span as the most fastid- ious would wish. A. Greenbacker & Son, the florists, displayed a floral wagon. The vehicle contained beautiful potted plants and was completely hidden by decorations, as was the horse's harness. It was a fine piece of work. Lacourciere & Co., the painters and decorators, were out in force. All their men rode in two decorated wagons and dressed in white suits. They looked great. One of the prettiest rigs in line was driven by Walter Shaw, proprietor of the Shaw's horse sales stables. He had a neat pair of steppers hooked to a fine vehicle that was prettily trimmed with flowers. R. W. Barrows, the florist, drove a very pretty pair of ponies hitched to a small glass covered wagon that was filled with choice plants. The Journal Publishing company turned a cannon on the multitudes. For- tunately, it was only a paper gun, though. This company's display was in D .J. DONOVAN, Commanding Elks. the shape of an army field piece, drawn by si.x horses, properly mounted by boys of Compny I, C. N. G. The gun, though it was made of paper, weighed about 1,000 pounds, and was mounted on a truck, just the same as they are in the United States army. It was a clever and ingenious thing, the folks along the streets said. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 95 Julius Augur, the marketman, had two of his wagons trimmed prettily, in line. Peter Levin, the Veteran street mar- ketman, showed two calves and drove a fine team of black horses. Little, Somers & Hyatt had a wagon full of pretty girls and made a hit uj the way they advertised their painting and decorating business. Mrs. G. H. Flynn, of Center street, gave a lot of nice looking, well dressed youngsters a ride and labelled them "Future painters." The Meriden Grain & Feed company had three well dressed wagons in line and attracted favorable attention. The Meriden druggists had a wagon in the parade with a huge mortar and pestle, gilded nicely, upon it, "1806 and 1906" shown out prominently. Other exhibitors were : Soapine, Dr. Smith's veterinary medicines, G. Schlaak, milk; G. F. Knell, grocer; S. Kennedy, baker : H. Scholefield, milk ; Ozone soap ; Gustav Marx, milk ; J. Greenbacker, milk; Boehle & Dresch- ler, bakers; E. E. Brainard, baker; F. L. Bradbury, baker; Fleischmann Yeast company; Baileys laundry. VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. The Meriden Veteran Volunteer Fire- men's association had as their guests the Hartford Veteran Firemen's associa- tion and the Rescue Fire company of Stony Creek, the Hartford company, of which ex-Chief Henry J. Eaton is pres- ident, brought down their engine which is the oldest working engine in this country, being built in 1792, for the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., and after thirty years service in that city was sold to the town of Essex, Conn., and thirty years ago was purchased by a member of the Hartford association for $50. Of the 130 members belonging to the Hartford association 109 came to Mer- iden on the 8 :56 train, accompanied by their ladies and were at once taken to Company I armory, where refreshments were served. The Stony Creek company of thirty members came in on the 10:30 train ac- companied by the Cornet band of twelve pieces and a large delegation of their friends. They were all escorted to the armory and at 11 130 o'clock dinner was served the visitors by the local vets, who were ably assisted by Mrs. John D. Roberts, Mrs. George R. Tryon and Mrs. James Pearce, and the following young ladies: Misses Elizabeth Reb- stock, Jessie Milroy, Meryl Babbitt, Lil- lian Howe, May Roberts, Grace Hub- bard, Beatrice Spink, Elmore Sutter- land, Mildred Miller and Estella Spink. At the conclusion of the collation the members of the visiting organization with the Meriden association, formed in front of Palace block, and marched to the City park and the fine appearance made by the visiting and local Vets was highly commented on. Foreman E. F. JOHN KAY. Commanding Knights of Pythias. McKiernan and Secretary Thomas Stan- ard were in charge of the Capitol city Vets, and Foreman George G. Bishop and Assistant Foreman Harry Allis and John Dower had charge of the Stony Creek company. President Eaton walked at the head of the Hartford association. After the parade the veterans returned to the ar- mory where lunch was served and the out "of towai guests were entertained in royal style. One of the most enjoyable incidents y6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. of the morning was the concert given by Colt's famous band of Hartford, here with the Veteran Firemen's association of that city as the guests of the Meri- den Veteran Firemen's association. At II o'clock the band gave a num- ber of selections in front of Palace block, where the local veterans had estab- lished their headquarters and a great crowd listened to the fine music. Several of the pieces played were varied by singing by the members of the band and the vocal feature was a most pleasing innovation. Scott Snow, the accomplished leader, and his men entered fully into the spirit of the day and the band was never heard here to better advantage. STATE BANKERS' CONVENTION The annual convention of the Con- necticut Bankers' association was one of the notable gatherings of the Centennial. The Home club was the headquarters of the bankers and the hospitality of the club was thoroughly enjoyed. The business session was held shortly after li o'clock, at which ex-Governor Chamberlain, president of the associa- tion, presided and made a brief speech of welcome. The governor was in his best vein and the welcome was most cor- dial and appropriate. The reports of the secretary and treas- urer were read and gave interetsing facts about the year's work of the association. REPORT OF SECRETARY. Secretary C. E. Hoyt, of South Nor- walk, presented the following report : "During the year the officers and ex- ecutive committee have held two meet- ings, one at Meriden and one at Hart- ford, at which meetings special attention was given to the preparation of a gen- eral banking bill to be presented at this session by the executive committee. "By the treasurer's report for 1905 there were seventy-eight banks, bankers and trust companies enrolled as mem- bers of the association ; there has been added to the roll during the year eight banks, seven trust companies and three private banking houses, making a gain in membership of eighteen and a total membership of ninety-six. "There remains in the state only one trust company, three state banks and fifteen national banks that are not mem- bers of the association. This is a con- dition worthy of note as it speaks well for the harmony existing between the various banking institutions doing bus- iness in the state and is in marked con- trast to the friction between them in states where all are not compelled to carry the same reserve and not under the supervision of the bank commis- sioners. "I desire to call the attention of the association to the effort put forth by other states to secure representation on the executive council of the American Bankers association ; the New England states have not a representative in the council, and if proper attention was giv- en to the matter it might result in gain- ing the honor for Connecticut." treasurer's REPORT. The report of the treasurer, Charles C. Barlow, of New Haven, showed that during the year the sum of $940 had been received from ninety-four members which with the balance on hand at the beginning of the year, $2,023.77, made the total on hand $2,963.77. The disbursements for the year were $542.18, leaving a balance on hand of $2.43 1 -59- The officers of the association who served during the year were : President Hon. Abiram Chamberlain, Meriden ; vice president, Alfred Spen- cer, Jr., Hartford; secretary, Charles E. Hoyt, South Norwalk; treasurer, Charles C. Barlow, New Haven; execu- tive committee, William E. Atwood, New Britain, Frank B. Furlong, Hartford, James H. Welles, Norwich, Isaac W. Brooks, Torrington, Charles H. Nettle- ton, Derby. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 97 The following officers were elected for the coming year: President — Alfred Spencer, Jr., Hart- ford. Vice-president — W. E. Atwood, New Britain. Treasurer — Floyd Curtis, Meriden. Secretary — C. E. Hoyt, South Nor- walk. N. G. OSBORN. Executive committee — F. M. Benham, Bridgeport ; C. C. Barlow, New Haven ; H. N. Whipple, New Haven; L. N. Van Buren, Waterbury; R. C. Markham, Middletown. CARRIAGE DRIVE. Following the business session a lunch- eon was served under the direction of Steward Maynard of the Home club and then the members of the associa- tion were taken in carriages for a drive through the city to see the Centennial sights. They also visited the parks and were delighted with what they saw, es- pecially at Hubbard park. Returning from the drive- they sat down to an elaborate banquet in the big "ball room of the club which was hand- somely decorated. The guest of honor at this function was ex-Attorney Gen- eral John W. Griggs of New Jersey, who arrived on the 9 o'clock train from New York in company with Clarence E. Breckenridge, formerly of this city and a director of the International Sil- ver company. Messrs. Griggs and Breckenridge were among those who greatly enjoyed the carriage drive through the parks. Attorney General Griggs gave a short informal talk to the bankers. Colonel N. G. Osborn of New Haven was also an honored guest and a most entertain- ing speaker. There are few better after dinner speakers than Colonel Osborn and he was listened to with great enjoyment by the bankers. He and General Griggs received hearty applause for their speeches. W. E. ATT WOOD, BANKERS PRESENT. Among the bankers present at the ban- quet were the following: W. E. Atwood, New Britain; L. Hoyt Pease, New Britain; H. B. Boardman. New Britain; William H. Fields and F. C. Burroughs, New Haven; Fred Strong, New Haven; Charles S. Leete and F W. Chatterton, New Haven; H. C Warner and H. N. Whipple. New 98 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Haven ; J. T. Manson and C. C. Barlow, New Haven; W. B. Curtis and D. B. Lyman, New Haven ; C. E. Curtis and M. Loyd, New Haven ; H. P. Price, Nor- walk; E. O. Keeler, Norwalk; D. H. Miller, Norwalk; L. C. Green, Norwalk; Charles W. Gale, Norwich ; C. L. Hop- kins, Norwich; William H. Reeves, New London ; S. E. Hopkins and A. H. Day- ton, Naugatuck; S .S .Green, New Mil- ford; Andrew R. Sloper and Ed. N. Stanley, New Britain; F. Gildersleeve and J. H. Sage, of Portland; Isaac W. Brooks, Torrington; J. H. Seaton, Tor- rington; Willis Gowdy, Thompsonville. C. S. Boies, Seymour; R. H. Golden and C E. Hoyt, South Norwalk; F. G. Sanford, Stafford Springs; R. G. Dem- arest, Southport ; E. H. Mathewson and J. M. Layton, South Norwalk; C. G. Watkins and F. G. Vibberts, South Man- chester; Guilford Smith and H. C. La- throp, Willimantis; B. G. Bryan, Water- burv; F. D. Hallett, Winsted ; C. H. Tib- bits, Wallingford ; Robert W. Hill, Wa- terbury; F. M. Benham, Bridgeport; H. B. Terrell, Bridgeport; H. S. Shelton, Bridgeport; L B. Prindle, Bridgeport; George H. Willliams, Danbury; M. H. Griffing, Danbury; Charles H. Nettle- tQn, Derbv ; Cashier, Deep River Nat. ; Charles F". Mitchell, Waterbury; R. E. Holmes, Winsted ; F. G. Camp, Middle- town ; Frank C. Sumner, treasurer Hart- ford Trust company; Charles H. Phelps, Merchants' National bank, Norwich. H. A. Hoadley, cashier Citizens', of Waterbury. E. K. Wilkins, Middlesex National,. Middletown; M. J. McFarland, treas- urer Canton Trust Co., Collinsville; of- ficer United States bank, Hartford; F. L. Bunce and L. P. Broadhurst, Phoe- nix National, Hartford. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 99 Tuesday, July 12 — Grand Army Day This was another lucky day, as the morning dawned cool and clear, bring- ing a cloudless, dustless day that was ideal for a celebration where people marched and moved about continually. There was not perhaps the rush that was noticed on Monday, but there was a deeper interest shown that was par- ticularly gratifying to all who were con- cerned in the preparations for the var- ious events. The day's programme was a varied one, with three parades that were par- ticularly attractive. The Schuetzenfest parade started at 9 o'clock and was a brave display aided by the Meriden Rifle club and visitors. Then came the auto- mobile parade at 10 :30, followed by the G. A. R. state parade at 4 o'clock in the afternooon. The midway and the street fairs be- gan to be looked upon as an accepted thing and the shows were thronged from the opening time. Thousands of visitors came in on the early trains, while thousands more came by trolley, automobile or carriage and they took up the sidewalk procession that was one of the great features of the week. The loan exhibit, the varied arts ex- position and the other attractions were very well patronized and it seemed as if Meriden's celebration had a start that meant a complete success. AUTOMOBILE PARADE There have been automobile parades and automobile parades and yet it is doubtful if anything as elaborate, as attractive or as generally satisfactory, was ever held in Connecticut before that could be compared with this pro- cession of "whizz" carts. One hundred and sixty-two machines of every sort and description traveled over the prin- cipal streets of the city down lanes of enthusiastic people who applauded vig- orously the handsomelly decorated cars. The cars were really beautiuflly dec- orated, no two of them alike and yet a great many of them should have been awarded prizes had there been enough to go around. The honor list of cars in the prize contest was almost as long as the procession. Flowers in profu- sion, vines and greens, flags and bunt- ings, plumes and every other variety of trimming that the artistic eye and in- genious hand could devise were used by the competing owners and the result was bewildering. The judges, Mrs. L. E. Savage, W. H. A. Maynard and F. E. Sands, were hard put in making their decisions be- cause of the successful efforts of the competing chauffeurs. It was unani- mously decided to award the first prize to Dr. F. L. Murdock and his hand- some big Thomas car. This car which was filled with charming girls, was a symphony in pink and green with flow- ers forming an arch over the riders. A swan was perched on the hood. The second prize was given to Pub- lic Works Commissioner W. A. Pen- field, whose Pope-Toledo was arranged with a charming conceit. It was all in purple, the Elks' color, with 1806 and lOO CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. iifpilp^^lipii^pi W. H. A. MAYNARD, Auto Parade Committee. DR H. A. MEEKS, Auto Parade Committee. I. L. Holt. Auto Parade Committee. F. E. !?_\\u>. Auto Parade Judi CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. lOI 1906 on either side of the hood and in front of the radiator was a great elk's head and from the antlers purple rib- bons ran back to the dash. I. L. Holt's Autocar was acclaimed winner- of the third prize and this was a popular verdict. There were ladies in this car and all were dressed in white. DR. F. L. MURDOCK, Marshal Auto Parade. Huge white chrysanthemums formed the basis of the decorations of Mr. Holt's car and it was decidedly an artistic suc- cess. But there were many cars and they were so prettily decorated that they should be mentioned. The official pace maker, W. A. King's car, with Ray King driving and two buglers led the way. The parade formed on City park, then coming down Camp street to Col- ony, to West Main, to Linsley avenue, and then to Hanover and out East Main to Pratt, then to Broad, up Broad to Curtis, wheeling there and down to East Main, then to Colony and Britannia street, where they were dismissed. Following the official car came Miss Anne Rust with her runabout prettily arranged with red poppies. Then came Mrs. E. H. White and her car was very attractive in white and pink. Mrs. E. H. Fennessy's car was very sweetly ar- ranged with a floral effect that was one of the hits of the parade. Dr. McMa- hon's car in pink and green ; Dr. Cooke's a dream in green and white ; Dr. Smith's in flags and bunting, and many others were deserving of special praise. Adam Engelhart's Autocar in yellow and white was also very effective, while the car driven by Mrs. Recihert of New Haven was warmly received. Paul Booth's car in yellow, green and white, was warmly applauded as they passed the crowds at various points. There were many out of town peo- ple in line and some of their cars were very attractive. DR. T. S. RUST, Aide, Auto Parade. MERIDEN AUTOISTS. Although there is no regularly organ- ized automobile club in the city of Mer- iden there are a number of machines and some of them expensive. They are of all makes and some of them cost as much as $7,000. but the average figure about half that sum. For weeks many 102 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. of them had been in the hands of the decorators and otherwise had ben given a general and thorough overhauling. Among those who are the owners of au- tomobiles in Meriden are : I. L. Holt, Clarence R. Sharp, Dr. Harold A. Meeks, W. F. Parker, W. D. Palmer, Frank C. White, A. R. Cham- W. A. KING. Aide, Auto Parade. berlain, Frank H. Hastings, Louis H. Perkins, J. L. Kinney, W. A. King, Louis Fisk, John S. Lane, Dr. F. L. Murdock, Benjamin Page, D. E. Hall, Paul C. Booth, Walter S. Billard, Geo. J. Terrell, A. E. Miller, W. C. Homan, Victor E. Walker, A. E. Austin, Joseph R. Marchesscault, A. Bowe and Son, James Duffey, H. H. Fenn, William A. Penfield, Mrs. A. H. Shailer, Charles T. Dodd, Edgar A. Bennett, Irving J. Sper- ry, Arthur E. Cook, F. D. Smith, Edwin S. Davis, James B. Tracy, William C. Lucas, William J. Fredericks, Jr., Ar- thur A. Fogg, Dr. A. C. McMahon, Dr. Benjamin H. Carter, Henry L. Smith, Waldo L. Upson, Arthur S. Lane, Ar- thur E. Hobson, E. W. Smith, Richard B. Wood, Andrew F. Fox, R. S. God- frey, Ambrose B. Clark, George E. Sav- age, Allan H. White, Mary C. White, Joseph A. Cooke, Charles H. Aichler, Herman Minkwitz, S. B. Hall, A. J. Aubrey, W. H. Bigelow, Leland Strong, George A. Fay and C. S. Palmer. The committee who had the parade in charge were Dr. Murdock, Dr. T. S. Rust, W. F. Parker, I. L. Holt, Wal- ter A. King and Dr. Harold A. Meeks. From the moment the plan of an au- tomobile parade was proposed these gen- tlemen worked most assiduously in the interests of the parade, and also the city of Meriden. They received assurances that there would be a great display of machines from other cities in the state and from other states. W. F. PARKER, Aide, Auto Parade. Dr. Harold A. Meeks, who was one of the members of the committee, is one of the best known physicians in the city. He has been a member of the hospital staff since its organization. Dr. Meeks was born in Preakness, N. J., on July 27, 1868, and came from an old Knick- erbocker family. He is a descendant of Abra Clarke, one of the signers of the CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 103 Declaration of Independence and of Captain Francis Van Dyke who was in- strumental in the capture of Major An- dre. He attended school in New York city and graduated from Phillips Exe- ter academy where he prepared for Col- umbia college. He studied medicine at the Bellevue Hospital Medical college, from which he graduated and was awarded the degree of M. D. in 1890. In the following year he came to Meri- den, since which time he has built up a very lucrative practice. For three years he was town physician of Meriden and has been city health officer since 1901. He was married in 1892 to Florence Austin, of Meriden. and has two sons. Dr. Frederick L. Murdock is one of the most enthusiastic automobilists in the city of Meriden and from the start worked night and day for the success of the automobile parade. He is one of the leading dentists of the city and for years has occupied handsomely furnished rooms in the Wilcox block. He was born in England and came to America when a boy and received the greater part of his education here. After grad- uating at the High school he took a course in arts and upon receiving the degree of B. A., he returned to Eng- land where he studied dentistry for five years. When he received his permission to practice he went to Montreal, Cana- da, where he took a post graduate course. He located at first in Syracuse, N. Y., and in 1891 came to Meriden and began the practice which he has continued ever since. He is both well known and popular. Dr. Theodore S. Rust of East Main street has owned an automobile ever since they have been on the market and at the present time is the possessor of three machines. He has a fine garage in the rear of his residence and is an expert in the handling of the machines. He is also something of a machinist and manufacturer. In a room in the base- ment of his residence is a small but complete machine shop. • The lathes, drills, saws and other machines are run by electricity and Dr. Rust built the mo- tors. He has also made all the tools he uses and a short time ago he completed a camera. Dr. Rust worked hard for the success of the automobile parade and in speaking of it said he expected there would be at least 150 cars in line. Dr. Rust has a high reputation as a dentist. He started in practice forty-eight years ago and has been located in this city ever since. GRAND ARMY CONVENTION Hundreds of the gray-haired vete- rans of the Civil war, filled with the stirring spirit of the joyous occasion, came to town by every train, accom- panied by women folks, to attend the thirty-eighth annual encampment of the Department of Connecticut, which last- ed two days. Immediately upon arrival the visitors were taken in tow by their Meriden brethren. "You own the town while you're here," they were told. "Have a good time," and the young-old surviv- ors of the great struggle proceeded to follow directions. The commodious G. A. R. building on Colony street was the gathering place for the "vets" and there they swappped reminiscences and re- newed old acquaintances. If any peo- ple enjoyed the celebration of the looth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Meriden, they seemed to. Every one did his share to make it pleasant for the honored wearers of the blue. In groups many of the visitors started out soon after they arrived to see the sights. "I'm going to do this Midway," one lively old soldier declared and it wasn't long before his example was being followed by many of the oth- ers. "A great time. Meriden is doing herself proud," was the verdict after they had seen only part of the big show. Judging by the enthusiasm displayed 104 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. GRAND ARMY HALL, Headquarters of G. A. R. Convention. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 105 EDWARD HARLAND, First Commander of Connecticut Department, G. A. R. io6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. by the vets and way in which they en- tered into the festivities, "old soldier" is a misnomer. The first business of the day was the meeting of the council of adminis- tration at Department Commander Al- ber A. May's headquarters in the Mer- iden house at 9 a. m. Those permitted to attend this conference and who were present were : OFFICERS. Commander, Albert A. May, Post 8, Meriden ; S V. Commander, Franklin Ball, Post 13, Bristol; J. V. Com- mander. L. W. Scofield, Post 23, Stam- ford ; Chaplain, William F. Hilton, Post 50, Hartford. OFFICIAL STAFF. Assistant Adjutant-General, John H. Thacher, Post 50, Hartford ; Assistant Quartermaster General, Wm. E. Mor- gan, Post 17, New Haven; Inspector, Wm. Ferguson, Post 4, South Manches- ter; Chief Mustering Officer, L. A. Northrop, Post 36, Wallingford ; Judge Advocate,, J. F. Simmons, Post 33, Winsted ; Senior Aide-de-Camp, James R. Sloane, Post 8, Meriden. COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. Thomas Boudren, Post 3, Bridgeport; D. C. Kilbourn, Post 80, Litchfield; L. D. Phelps, Post 71, Rockville; Henry F. Royce, Post 30, Willimantic. The council transacted routine busi- ness only and, acting as an auditing board on financial statemen,ts, found everything O. K. By their session much work was relieved from the encamp- ment. At 10 o'clock the encampment was called to order in the auditorium of the Town hall, only the representatives of the various posts of the state being ad- mitted. Reports were read. The report of Commander May is summarized as follows : ADDRESS OF THE DEPARTMENT COM. Comrades of the Department of Con- necticut, Grand Army of the Repub- lic. Members of the Thirty-ninth Annual Encampment. Through the kind dealings of a Gra- cious Providence, we are permitted to gather in this beautiful city in annual encampment. To-day marks the com- pletion of another year of our existence and we are still spared, as monuments of God's mercy, to meet and greet each other in glad reunion. One year ago, by the expressed wish of the members of the thirty-eighth an- nual encampment, you elected me to the high and honorable position of depart- ment commander. I accepted the posi- tion with fear and trembling. I had some conception of the duties of the office, but feared my ability to discharge those duties, or meet the requirements. The year has come and gone. Every question, every phase of the work of the Grand Army of the Republic, and all the duties of the department com- mander have been met and settled as they have come up, without fear or fa- vor. The year has come to a close ; my record as department commander is completed ; and to-day I come before you, to give an account of my steward- ship, whether it has been good or evil. MY STAFF. No commander ever had a better staff. I feel that I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by associating with the members of the staff, all of whom have performed their duties to the entire satisfaction of the commander, and I believe to the department as well. Where all have done so well it is hard to meet out praise to one that does not apply to them all. In selecting the staff I did not consult any one, but selected those whom I believed would be con- genial and companionable and true Grand Army men. The feeling comes to me that every choice was a wise one. It must be borne in mind that the staff has been led a hard and strenuous chase up and down the state, and none of them have felt quite equal to the task, but I have almost always been accompanied by one or more. I feel that I should be remiss in my duty if I did not say a "word in reference to at least three members ; namely, the A. A. G., he A. Q. M. G. and the' patriotic instructor. Comrades Thacher and Mor- gan are too well and favonably known to you all to need any special mention, yet I desire to say that two better, more painstaking and careful officers it would be hard to find. I have ever found them kind, courteous and ready to as- sist in every way possible. After the meeting of the national en- campment it became my duty to appoint CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 107 ALBERT A. ^lAY, Department Commander, Connecticut G. A. R. io8 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. a patriotic instructor, who hccamc a nunilicr of the staff. The position was tciidcrcd to Comrade Nelson L. Bish- op, of Norwicli, and after much per- suasion lie accei)ted. lie has been zealous, active and i)roKressive, and has formulated plans that nuist he of great advantage to the departmtnt. lie has GEN. FRANKLIN BALL, Senior Vice Department Commander. proved himself to be the right man in the right place. To every member of my staff I ex- tend my personal thanks for their uni- form kindness and courtesy. We have been a happy family, and I love you all. Many of the aides, both regular and special, have done good work in visit- ing with me, in cheering, and encour- aging me on my way, and to them I express my sincere thanks. .SOUIIERS' HOMK. Your commander has taken a very active interest in the home. He has visited it a great many times. Some times the officers knew he was coming, and at other times they did not ; but lie has always found them ready and dressed for company; it has always been the same. (Jn July 8, 1905, together with his ex- cellency, Governor Roberts, the mem- bers of my staff, the soldiers' hospital board, the sdldiers' home cf>mmiHee and the council of administration, a visit was made to the home. The lack of suitable sanitary accommodations was pointed out, and it was voted to liave this defect remedied. The com- mander also called attention to the lack - churches, were of a ver}- high order and fully in keeping with the noble objects for which the home is established. no CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 1 therefore recommend that as a de- partment we fully endorse the work of tlie W. R. C. in estalilislnnjj this liomc, aiid pledge them our inlluonce and our support. SPECIAL COMMITTEKS. December 31. 1905, the commander appointed a committee oi one comrade WM. E. MORGAN. Assistant Quartermaster General. from each post in Fairfield county to take into cotisideration the formation of a county organization, similar to those in the state of New York. The organ- ization has not yet ben completed. I be- lieve it is a good thing and should be tried. December 22, ick)5, word was received that there was danger of the Eldridge collection of war relics being purchased and sent out of the state. Relieving this rare and complete collection ought to remain in the state, a committee of three was appointed to take this mat- ter into consideration, with the result that a public meeting was held in Unity hall, Hartford, and a committee of eight gentlemen from different parts of the state was selected to arrange with Mr. Eldridge to keep the collection in the state until after the meeting of our next Legislature. I feel we ought to use our best exertions to have this collection remain in Connecticut. hedications. Your commander was invited and participated in the dedication of three monuments; namely, June lO, in New Haven, October 4, in North Haven, and October 7 in Ludlow. Vermont. NATIONAL ENCAMTMENT. 1 doubt if a more congenial party ever left Connecticut on a more perfect day than did the party of 147 that started lor Denver Friday, the first day of Sep- tember, iyo5, and from the time the train started until we reached Denver there was practically not one thing to DR. LEVI TEWETT. Medical Director, G. A. R. disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the party. To describe minutely each inci- dent of the trip, each scene which pre- sented itself to our view in going over mountains and through valleys, would take too much valuable time, and make altogether too voluminous a journal of CENTENNIAL OF MKKIDKN. I I I proceedings, so I can only toncli upon what was to me, and 1 (liiiik to most of llio parly, a conlinnal rcvi-lation of llu' ho.iuty and grandeur of this onr hc- lovcd conntry. Tlio picluros(|Ui- scrn- (.ry of tlu' LcliiKh valloy, tlic Allogliony monnt.-iins, and tlu- villages nestling among them — who can descril)e it all, as one scene ;ifter aiiotlier ojiened nj) COL. N 1:1. SON 1.. i^isnop. Department I'.itriotic Instrncfor. lufure us as we sped .along ; and when night closed in upon ns, it found us str.aining onr eyes to catch glimpses of still other scenes. We reached Chicago :diont 1 o'clock S.iturday, resuming our journey just hefore midnight, and reached Omaha at noon Sunday. All ;ifternoon, all night, and part of the next day, we traveled, crossing the great state of Nebraska. I never re.alizrd the greatness, tlie vast- ness of tliis conntry, as I did wliile passing through some of those gre.it states. I know there must be great at- tractions in the state of Nel)raska, but to us, traveling over the V. P. railway, it was a dreary outlook. I'^or miles and miles, as far as the eye could reacli no living thing was to be seen, but here and there a prairie dog. We reached CiuNrmic Monday morn- ing, and here some of us decided to stop for the day, ;md witness the sports of what is c.ilied "l'"rontier Day," and we felt well repaid, for the scenes were truly nerve-trying and soul-stirring to the 10,01x1 or more jieople who .assem- bled to witness them. We left Cheyeime .at h.iif p.ast 7 Tues- (i.iy inorning, reaching Denver, the ob- jcciivc point of our trip, about noon. riu- Inst impression we had of Denver was that il was packed solid full of luopie; that there could never be room lor the v.ast throng th.at w.as |)ushing and elbowing its way up I7tli street; found tii.it the city coubl even a nnicli Larger mun- we soon care of but t.ak iuT. ( )n evi-r_v the liliMlglll hand wore eviilences of .and precaution taken by LA lb; 1. 1;. inwii', Past Commander Coim. (j. A. R. the committee of arr.mgements and the connnittee of entertainment, and of the taste and ability displayed by the com- mitte of decorations. Flags and bunt- ing everywhere, and at night the elec- tric lights in many designs and colors m.ide a brilliant and enchanting specta- cle. 112 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Wednesday, the day of the parade, was a perfect day, and we venture to say that no encampment of the G. A. R. ever had a more propitious opening. Connecticut certainly made a grand showing with sixty men in line, headed by a quartette of Denver young ladies dressed in the national colors, acting as escort, which was certainly a taking feature. HON. MORGAN G. BULKELIA', Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. The National convention assembled at ID o'clock Thursday morning, and was a very successful and harmonious convention. After the close of the convention, we spent a few days in Denver in sight- seeing. We took a trip over the Switz- erland trail, and no words of mine can fully describe it. It was grand beyond anything my imagination could have painted. Wednesday, the 17th, we wended our way towards the Pacific coast, as far as Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, where we spent ten delightful days. We visited and bathed in the great Salt Lake, visited the Mormon tabernacle, and many other places of note . Sunday, the 24th, we turned our faces homeward, where we arrived the 30th day of September, after the most delightful trip of my whole life. VISITS. Your commander, figuratively speak- ing has had his headquarters in the saddle during the year. He has vis- ited very nearly all the posts, and some he has visited two and even three times. Everywhere he has ben received with a warm, loyal, soldier's welcome. April 23, 1906, we attended the an- nual gathering of the Second company of the Governor's Foot Guard of New Haven, which was exceedingly pleasant. April 25, 1906, we visited the annual convention of the Sons of Veterans in Hartford, and had a pleasant visit with them. May 9, 1906, we visited the annual convention and camp fire of the W. R. C. in New London, and received a very cordial reception. WILBUR F. ROGERS, Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. TYLER POST, 50 — LEWIS W. SMITH. Fairly in my administration a con- troversy arose in Tyler post. No. 50, as to who was the senior past post com- mander. The matter was referred to the department commander, and by him to the judge advocate. In the judge advocate's report you will find the pro- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX, 113 ceedings and recommendations. . Tyler post has petitioned the department com- mander to have the honors restored to Comrade Smith. I most heartily rec- ommend such restoration. PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR. The wisdom of the national encamp- ment in creating a new staff officer, N. BURTON ROGERS, Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. "Patriotic linstructor," to my mind has been illustrated by the increased inter- est that has been taken in this and other states in diffusing the spirit of patriotism among the children of the public schools. This matter is fully and properly brought to your attention in the report of the department patriotic instructor. Your commander recom- mends that in the future, in this state, the last school day before Memorial day, be set apart as the day for visit- ing schools, and for them to have their patriotic exercises. OBITUARY. During this year the department has been called upon to mourn the loss of four of our esteemed comrades and past department officers ; all good soldiers, good officers, good comrades, good 8 men, true to the best interests of the G. A. R., honest with their fellow men and citizens of exemplary character, ^lay their memory remain with us to cheer us : Irving W. Phelps, of Win- star, past junior vice department com- mander, died at his home August 24, 1905, and was buried in Winsted by Palmer post. No. 3^. William H. Pier- pont, past department commander, died in Springfield, Mass., December 27, 1905, in his seventieth year. He was buried in Fair Haven with Masonic honors, although the G .A. R. took a part. The department commander was in attendance. Isaac B. Hyatt, past department commander, died at his home in ]\Ieriden, April 28, 1906, just past his fifty-eighth birthday, one of our youngest and best comrades. He was buried in Walnut Grove with full G. A. R. service, and his was one of JUDGE A. B. BEERS, Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. the largest funerals ever seen in Mer- iden. The department commander was present. John K. Bucklyn, past depart- ment commander, died at his home in Mvstic. Mav 15. 1906. He was seventy- one vears "of age. The funeral was held in his school room and was very 114 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, impressive; he was buried with G. A. R. service, by Post 55. The depart- ment commander was present. My comrades, it behooves each of us to be also ready, for in an hour when, we think not the Son of Man cometh. CHARLES L. UPHAM, First Junior Vice Com. Conn. G. A. R. CONCLUSION. My comrades, in concluding this my address or report ,1 do so with mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. Joy at what has been accomplished during the year, joy at what has come to me per- sonally in my intercourse with the com- rades and their friends throughout the state, joy that God in His infinite mercy has been so kind toward us. Sorrow that I have not accomplished more, sorrow at the thought of the small posts who are struggling to re- tain an eixstence, sorrow that I cannot shake hands with every indiviudal mem- ber of the department of Connecticut, and tell them hov/ grateful I am for the honor and confidence they have reposed in me. In closing let me again thank you for your uniform kindness and courtesy to me. I have endeavored to do my duty as I found it, and I cannot recall a single ofhcial act of mine that I would change, were I called upon to render another decision under like cir- cumstances. The department was never in better fraternal condition than now ; peace and harmony, good will and love pre- vails the entire length and breadth of the state. I am to surrender to another the au- thority you placed in my hands one year ago. I bespeak for my successor, whoever he may be. the same loyal sup- port you have given me. I pledge my hearty support to whoever follows me, and assure you, my comrades, that my interest in the G. A. R. will not grow less after my retirement liom office. Anything I can do at any time for my post or individual member, you have W. C. HILLARD. Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. but to command and I will obey. Re- membering always that "None are fit to command who have not first learned to obye." God bless and keep you. Submitted in F. C. and L. ALBERT A. MAY, Department Commander. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 115 REPORT OF ADTUTANT GENERAL. A. A. May, Department Commander, Department of Connecticut, G. A. R. Comrades: To you and through you to the com- mander of the department I have the honor to make my report, in accord- ance with the rules and regulations of GUSTAVUS D. BATES, Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. our order, for the year ending June 30, 1906. Members in good standing De- cember 31, 1905 3,936 Gained by muster 42 Gainted by transfer 29 Gained by reinstatement .... 250 Total gain 311 4,247 I.ost by death 149 Lost honorable discharge .... 14 Lost transfer 45 Lost suspension 100 Lost delinquent 43 Total loss 351 Remaining in good standing, 3,896 We have lost one post by surrender of charter, Post 83, Simsbury. A net loss of one post and forty comrades, not a bad showing when you take into consideration the death rate of 149, and delinquent report of forty-three, which practically made a gain of three over last year as this post has since made good. It has been the busiest year in the department for a long time. Energy and life seemed to be infused into it. I am pained to have to report the passing over of so many of the com- rades, a good proportion my personal and dear friends. It makes my task harder to perform to lose them and sadder to report and know it. I am assured that the work of the depart- ment has been faithfully cared for in so far as the other officers are con- cerned, and I trust my own will meet IRA E. HICKS, Past Commander Conn. G. A. R. the approval of yourself and the de- partment at large. To you I have only the warmest words of thanks for the large amount of work you have done that naturally belonged to my office, and personally my sincere regard. If I have met your ii6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. approval and merit the honor conferred on me in your appointment I am more than repaid. Yours in F., C. & L. JOHN H. THACHER, Assistant Adjutant-General. DEPARTMENT REPORTS. Following is a brief summary of the reports of the G. A. R. department of- ficers and committees : QUARTERMASTER MORGAN. Assistant Quartermaster General W. E. Morgan, of New Haven, receipts during the year of $1,590.78, and dis- bursements of $1,670.81, leaving a bal- ance with cash on hand at the begin- ning of the year of $5,045.38, of $4,965,- 35. Other property inventories $609.- 39 so that the total assets of the de- partment are $5,574.74. MEDICAL INSPECTOR. Department Medical Inspector Levi Jewett, of Cobalt, reported that there had been no unusual cases of disease and death during the year. He had visited the Soldiers' home and found everything satisfactory. DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR. Department Inspector William Fer- guson, of South Manchester, said he had no report as there was no inspec- tion as formerly and he would recom- mend the abolishment of the office if it were not foir the opportunity of serving as staff officer. MUSTERING OFFICER. Chief Mustering Officer Lewis A. Northrop, of Wallingford, reported on the installations of officers of the var- ious posts during the year. CHAPLAIN HILTON. Department Chaplain William F. Hilton, of Hartford, reported that fif- ty-three posts had attended Memorial day services and so reported to him, 2,351 comrades participating in the ser- vices. There were 12,371 graves deco- rated. He reported that 703 graves of soldiers were without headstones and suggested activity along that line. soldiers' HOME. William C. Hillard, chairman of the Soldiers' Home committee, reported that they had visited the home and detailed some of the improvements made. He reported the home in excellent condi- tion and well managed. He expressed thanks to Governor Roberts for his in- terest in this matter. PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR. Patriotic Instructor N. L. Bishop, of Norwich, reported that a circular let- ter recommending school exercises and the introduction in the schools of the "Salute of the Flag" had been sent to sixty-two posts. Reports from twenty- eight posts indicated that the "Salute to the Flag" is generally practiced in public and private schools in their jurisdiction and that the authorities have generally co-operated in promot- ing school memorial exercises. JUDGE ADVOCATE. Judge Advocate F. L. Simmons, of Winsted reported but one case of dis- sension, that in Tyler post, of Hart- ford, over the past post commander, which had been satisfactorily settled. The reports were then referred to the proper committees. The other mat- ter of public interest was the grateful acceptance by the encampment of the invitation to be present at the exer- cises at the First M. E. church when Susan Carrington Clarke chapter, D. A. R., presented a memorial tablet to the Curtis Memorial library. ENCAMPMENT ADJOURNED. The encampment adjourned at noon and convened again at i 130. Then bus- iness of minor importance was tran- sacted, and at 2 o'clock the veterans marched over to the First M. E. church. At 4 o'clock the soldiers assembled at the Town hall for the big G. A. R. parade, a splendid procession and one that elicited favorable comment all along the line. The formation was on Main street. The order of formation was as follows : Marshal, Department Commander Al- bert A. May and staff. Police Escort. Band. Department Posts, according to Post Numbers. Merriam Post, No. 8. Route of March : East Main to Col- ony, Colony to opposite State school, countermarch on Colony to West Main, to Butler, countermarch on West Main to East Main, to Pratt, to Center and dismiss. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 117 At 8 o'clock at night a camp fire was held at the auditorium of the town hall. Music was furnished by the Mer- iden Military band and the New York Glee club, of which William Heaton, formerly of this citj', is a member. The exercises were opened with a se- lection by the band, after which the invocation of the Divine blessing was made by Rev. I. N. Phelps, rector of S. B. HORNE, Past Commander, Conn. G. A. R. All Saints' church. The quartet then sang "The Bugle Song." after which Commander James R. Sloane, of Mer- riam post welcomed the visitors in » bright, happy speech, in which he paid eloquent tribute to what Meriden did for the nation in the Civil War. Commander Sloane was followed by Mayor T. L. Reilly, who in a neat speech welcomed the encampment in behalf of the city. He said that the presence of so many veterans of the civil war in the cit\' and the inspiring parade of the af- ternoon was a lesson which the people of the city will not soon forget. He extended the freedom of the city to the G. A. R. men and said that he was confident that the freedom would not be abused. His speech was received with cheers. x'\fter a selection by the band De- partment Commander May, responded to the address of welcome, speaking in part as follows: "I can hardly find word.s to express my feelings on this occasion. I have listened to the words of the post commander and our mayor with much interest. If I were a resi- dent of some other city it would be easy to respond to them, but I am a resi- dent of the city in which the depart- ment of Connecticut is a guest. I am proud that we have such a post com- mander and such a mayor, whose words have the right ring. I rejoice that the encampment came here on such a week, when the city is bedecked out for the holiday which we are all enjoying. I am pleased with our accommodations. We are the first people to occupy thiis splendid building, which has been fitted up especially for our benefit. Com- rades, you did not elect me a year ago because I was a speechmaker and I will SELAH G. BLAKEMAN, Past Commander, Conn. G. A. R. introduce Department Chaplain Hilton, who is better able to respond for the de- partment than I am." CHAPLAIN HILTON. Chaplain Hilton said in part : "Com- mander, this is a peculiar honor thrust upon me at a time when it seems that other voices should be heard. The Sil- ii8 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ver City is well named. It has the ring of true hospitality and the tone is no uncertain one. His Honor, the mayor, sized up the true spirit of the Grand Army when he said that the freedom of the city so cordially ex- tended to us will not be abused by a ^1. A. R. man. We are here as G. A. R. men ; men of character, who will stand for all that is right and demand all good things be sustained. It was right. Commander, that the G. A. R. should dedicate the auditorium of your new town hall. Here we stand on the floor of the house where the tone and color well symbolize the spirit of patriotism. As you look on the drap- ery let the spirit that its colors symbol- ize fill your hearts. Your Honor, we accept your hospitality. We are here, your servants ar.d the servants of the republic which we all love and uphold, God bless Aleriden. May you always stand, not always as the silver city, but may you rise up as the golden gate of the east. In the name of the depart- ment commander, I accept 30ur wel- come. After another song by the quartet, which was enthusiastically encored, Governor Henry Roberts was intro- duced by Department Commander May, who at this point took the chair for the rest of the evening and presided. As the governor rose to speak the band played "Hail to the Chief" and the vet- erans arose and gave three rousing cheers. Governor Roberts spoke eim- pressively of what the Grand Army had done for the nation, and of the great battles of the Civil War, in which the Connecticut troops had a prominent part. BAY STATE COMMANDER. In introducing the next speaker Com- mander May said that when it was de- cided that the encampment was to be held in Meriden during the Centennial he at once began correspondence with Commander-in-Chief Tanner and urged him to come. Commander-in-Chief Tanner was unable to do so, but de- tailed Department Commander J. Pay- son Bradley, of the department of Mas- sachusetts, who made one of the most interesting speeches of the evening. It follows in part : "I take it that you are all friends of the Grand Army. Your presence here testifies to that fact. Comrades, I come in a dual capacity, as a representative of the commander-in-chief, and as a comrade. Six years ago we had a Grand Army of 600,000 but we have been meeting the enemy and have not been able to repulse him as well as we did forty years ago. He's been mak- ing inroads into our ranks. Our num- ber has been cut down to about 300,000. Then we stood shoulder to shoulder. Now the shoulder touch is gone, but we touch heart to heart (applause). "Our flag is being supported and its ideals and the principles it represents are upheld as firmly as it was forty years ago. (Applause). "Comrades, some of you remember 'Corporal' Tanner as hot headed and impetuous and some of you did not like his actions. Comrades, Corporal Tan- ner is older and more conservative. Commander Bradley spoke of the friendship of President Roosevelt for the G. A. R., telling of his action when about to be inaugurated, and members of the committee said that the soldiers would march at a quickstep and the G. A. R. men would not be able to keep up as they were too old. President Roose- velt said : 'Gentlemen, the Grand Army will march in that parade and they will be my immediate escort for, were it not for them, there would be no inaugura- tion.' " (Cheers and applause). The speaker, "That's the kind of a presi- dent we've got at Washington, Theo- dore Roosevelt!" (Cheers.) Commander Bradley was bugler to the First Mass. Commander May asked him to bring his old bugle with him. When he showed it, battered as it is. it was received with cheers. xA.s he blew the "tattoo" the enthusiasm knew no bounds. Many of the men in the room heard the same bugle at Cold Harbor. Some one called for more bu- gle calls. Commander Bradley shouted : "I'm not going to blow sick call, be- cause every mother's son of j'ou would go to the surgeon and get your dose of quinine and the 'chaser,'* principally the chaser. (Laughter).) "Comrades, you have done the city of IMeriden a signal honor by coming here to-day. As his honor, the mayor, said,, you have been an inspiration to all who see you. I could not close without one word : When we were at the front I remembered those at home. If there was anything that nerved us at the front and CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 119 Strengthened our arms more than an- other it was our own dear mothers, wives and sweethearts, praying that God would- enable us to put down the rebellion that threatened to disrupt our nation. I have seen many monuments to the soldiers of the nation but I have never seen one to the women of the nation who suffered as much, nay more, S--5L ^ REV. JOSEPH J. WOOLLEY. First Com. IMerriam Post, G. A. R. than we. Such a monument shouuld be of the purest marble, lasting as the ages. "Comrades, be true and be strong, true as the steel with which we met the ene- my forty or more years ago. We are a united Grand Army now as we were then and we shall never sounds "taps" but always the 'reveille.' Here Com- mander Bradley sounded the reveille amid the greatest of enthusiasm. "Com- rades, I want to send word to Com- mander-in-Chief Tanner that the boys of Connecticut in annual encampmest, stood on their feet and gave three rous- ing cheers for the grand old flag." The audience arose and gave the cheers with a will. May introduced as the principal speak- er of the evening, Attorney General William A. King, whose address was exceedingly interesting. In beginning his address Attorney General King said : "I am glad to see you and glad that j-ou look hospitable and I can feel at home. Any man ought to feel at home in the city where Abiram Chamberlain lives (Applause). I asked him once where his parents found the name of Abiram. He told me that it was in the Bible. I've never been able to find it. But I've found that behind the name I ha\e learned that there was a man of noble character, whose ideal of public office was to support the best interest of the commonwealth." (Applause.) He made a great hit when he After a medley selection by the quar- tet and an encore number Commander SAMUEL FESSEXDEX. On Roll of Honor, Conn. G. A. R. touched up the coal trust, the insurance investigation and the Chicago beef scandal in characteristic fashion. He said, among other things, that though trusts did not fear the law it was just as well to have a little law on hand. He made a strong plea for the primary election law, so that a caucus or con- 120 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. vention cannot be controlled. Public sentiment, he said, is stronger than law. Public sentiment drove McCurdy to Eu- rope, Alexander to an asylum and De- pew into retirement. The next number was a pleasing se- lection by the band, after which Com- mander Eugene A. Blake, of Merriam post, recited part of a speech delivered at the national encampment in San Francisco. The quartet then sang "The Phantom Hand," after which a verse of "America," and the exercises were over. SECOND DAY'S SESSION. The second day's session began at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with about SCO members on the voting floor and the gallery packed with veterans. The most important business of the day was the election of officers, which resulted as follows : Department commander — Virgil F. McNeil, of New Haven. Senior vice commander — Thomas L. Bartholomew, of Bridgeport. Junior vice commander — Henry B. Lawrence, of New London. Medical director — Dr. Levi Jewett, of Cobalt. Chaplain — William F. Hilton, of Hartford. Council of administration — Thomas Boudren, Bridgeport ; H. L. Beach, Hartford ; James R. Sloane, Meriden ; Henry Robbins. Waterbury, and Charles Fenton, Willimantic. Delegates to the national encamp- ment at Minneapolis. Minn., in August — William L. Schaffer (at large), Hart- ford; M. B. Schenck, Meriden; Ira B. Wildman, Danbury; William H. Loo- mis, Rockville; S. L. Schofield, Stam- ford ; Wallace S. Chase, Norwalk, and G. B. Sperry, New Britain ; Alternates — A. W. Healey, Winsted ; James A. Church, New Haven ; George A. Tuck- er, New Haven ; Ebenezer Bishop, Put- nam ; Christian Quinn, Danbury ; Henry M. Brown. Ansonia, and George Greenman, Norwich. All the other offices are appoitive and, with the exception of the assistant ad- jutant general, were not chosen until later on. In the afternoon Department Commander-elect McNeil announced the reappointments of John H. Thach- er, of Hartford, a most efficient and obliging officer, as assistant adjutant general, and William E. Morgan, ,of New Haven, as assistant quartermaster general. The other members of the command- er's official staff, as they are now, are : Inspector — William Ferguson, South Manchester. Chief Mustering Officer — L. A. North- rop, Wallingford. judge Advocate — J. F. Simmons, Winsted. Senior aide de camp — James R. Sloane, Meriden. NOMINATIONS. When the encampment began its ses- sion, the first business was the reading of the committee reports. It was fol- lowed by Francis Atwater's remarks in connection with an alleged unfriendly feeling on the part of the Bristol post toward the Dorence Atwater monument at Terryville. After discussion on that subject candidates were placed in nom- ination for ^ the various offices and the nominating had no sooner started than it was plain that there was a stirring battle on between the supporters of Vir- gil F. McNeil and Edward Griswold, both members of Admiral Foote post, New Haven. There wsa talk of spring- ing a dark horse from Litchfield county, but nothing came of it, and the matter simmered down to a hot struggle be- tween the two candidates of the same post. Foote post supported Mr. McNeil, and General Embler, of New Haven, placed his name in nomination with a stirring address. Griswold's advocates were a close second in boosting their man and soon an oratorical contest was on that lasted over an hour. Mr. Griswold's home is in Guilford. When the smoke had cleared away Comrade McNeil had 203 votes and Comrade Griswold 168. Mr. McNeil took the stage, in re- sponse to calls for a speech, and thanked the veterans for the high hon- or accorded him. He said that he would discharge his duties as best he knew how for the interests of the Grand 'Army and asked the members to give- him their advice at all times. His election was pleasing to Merriam post, of Meriden. " A vote of thanks was extended to the citizens of Meriden, to Merriam post, to the W. R. C, to the press and to all CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 121 who made the stay of the members of the Connecticut Department of the Grand Army so enjoyable. At I o'clock adjournment was taken until 2 p. m. At that time Chief Mus- tering officer Lewis A. Northrop, of Wallingford, installed the new officers and other business of minor import- ance was transacted. \^-:i^ ^^M \ *^*^ M ^m ' ^^ j»>iaj^^^ ■^r^ ^^ ^^"^M ^ ■| ■■■ ?r ■ HJI _iiii^B ™lP^MflPMMM^PMP"M^^ JUDGE DAVID TORRANCE, On Roll of Honor, Conn. G. A. R. It was claimed tht this w'as one of the largest encampments that the de- partment ever had and the .vets imited in saying that it was certainly the most enjoyable. They were heartily appre- ciative of Meriden's hospitality to them. VIRGIL F. m'nEIL. Virgil F. McNeil, of New Haven, the newly-elected department commander, gives the following concise autobiogra- phy : "I was born in the town of Sheffield, Mass., March i8, 1843. Our family moved to Salisbury some two years af- ter, where my time was spent in farm- ing, and trying to get a district school education during the winter season, un- til eighteen years of age when I enlist- ed in the Seventh C. V., the then Col- onel Alfred H. Terrv and Lieutenant Joseph R. Hawley being the two prin- cipal officers. Served in the Seventh C. V. three years. Department of the South, Army of the James, and since returning to Connecticut have contin- uously been engaged in business ; some years in the iron business and the bal- ance of time in insurance, having es- tablished that branch in New Haven in 1885, and now representing some twen- ty-seven lire companies and other com- panies for different lines, boiler liability and plate glass, etc." MR. ATWATER'S APPEAL. Francis Atwater, brother of Dorence Atwater, who was given the privilege of addressing the convention, made th.e following appeal : Gentlemen — I appear before you to- day to ask you to disapprove of the HON. JOHN G. ROOT, On Roll of Honor, Conn. G. A. R. action of your subordinate post. Gil- bert W. Thompson, of Bristol, which, in my opinion, passed a vote uncalled for, most unjust, and reflecting discredit upon a soldier whose forethought pre- served to this nation the names of 13,- 000 soldier dead, and only for whom 122 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. their graves would be unidentified and unmarked in the great national ceme- tery at Andersonville, where only two months ago, it was my pleasure to pass through, noting that each grave was provided a substantial headstone and over all floated the stars and stripes that their lives had been sacrificed for. The vote of the Gilbert Thompson post I refer to is the one it passed ex- pressing its disapproval of a memorial erected in Terrj^ville, this state, com- memorating the patriotic deed and hero- ism of Dorence Atwater, who kept the death list at Andersonville. For more than a score of years I have sought high and low to have jus- tice done to my brther. I first asked the aid of his native town and it was freely given. Your Legislature nobly seconded my efforts. I appealed to Merriam post and was enthusiastically supported. Your state encampment was prompt to sanction the relief sought, and through its influence the matter was brought to the attention of the na- tional encampment which passed favor- able resolutions of support. With this backing I asked Congress to restore to Dorence Atwater the good name that he deserved. I appeared be- fore the Military committees of the Senate and House, and told of the great work he accomplished while a soldier, a boy in his teens ; of his confinement in Andersonville prison for twenty-two months ; his notifying the government, upon his arrival home, that he had copied secretly the appalling mortality list ; of the request of Secretary Stan- ton that he return to Washington im- mediately, which he did, although still very weak from starvation and sick- ness ; of the arrangements made in the war department to copy his names ; of his honorable discharge as a volunteer and re-enlistment in the regular army ; of his trying to have his rolls returned as agreed, so that they could be pub- lished to let the people of the north know where their kindred were buried ; of his offer later to identify the graves at Andersonville, which was accepted ; his going there with joiners and let- terers to erect headboards, and of be- ing obliged to have his own list to work with, which he subsequently kept, claiming it as his own property; of his arrest, imprisonment in the old capitol at Washington ; of the sitting of the court martial whose verdict was that he had stolen his own property; of his sentence of eighteen months at hard labor in Auburn state prison ; being fined $300 and to stand committed until his rolls were returned ; of his being taken from Washington to Auburn, N. Y., in irons, which the officer in charge ordered made damned tight; of his ac- tually serving three months at hard labor until General Ben Butler appeared in the case when Secretary Stanton or- dered his discharge immediately. It was simply a discharge and not a pardon, and though he served as United States consul for twenty-six years the peculiar feature is that his sentence stood against him. He never served his time; he did not pay the $300; nor did he ever return the rolls. The Military committees reported fa- vorably and both houses passed the res- olution that set aside the action of the court martial and granted him an hon- orable discharge. I may add upon the authority of the late General Hawley, it was the first and only verdict of a court martial set aside by Congress. Now, with the endorsement of the people of his native town, the state of Connecticut, the United States, the local Grand Army post, the state and national encampments, it passes my comprehen- sion what motive Gilbert Thompson post could have to go out of its way to slur the name of a man who did his country only good ; though penniless, refused an offer of $10,000 from a New York Publishing company for his An- dersonville list, and replying that his object in keeping the record was simply to let the friends and relatives know where their loved ones could be found. I may add further that the memorial erected was paid for by private sub- scriptions from friends and comrades who believe Dorence Atwater is de serving of the honor. In conclusion, I will say in the forty- one years that have passed, my brother has suffered in silence the humiliation and disgrace ; has never asked anything of the government, and the setting aside of the court martial and erecting the memorial has been without his knowledge or consent. May I ask you, comrades, in the name of decency and justice, to disap- prove Gilbert Thompson post's action. A committee to investigate the trouble was appointed but was later discharged CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 123 and it was decided to let the matter stand with the understanding from Gil- bert W. Thompson Post, of Bristol, through its commander, that the post is in hearty sympathy with the monument to Dorence Atwater at Terryville and fully recognizes his unusually creditable and wonderful war record, and any dif- ALBERT F. HALL, Past Com. Merriam Post, G. A. R. ference of its members as to the project would be satisfactorily adjusted. MR. ATWATER's service. Probably every member of the Grand Army of the Republic will recall the history of Dorence Atwater, who kepi the records of Andersonville prison, rie is a son of Henry Atwater, of Ply- mouth, Conn., and when a boy was a clerk in the store at Terryville. Colo- nel A. H. Fenn, in writing of Mr. At- water,' says he "has better claims to enduring remembrance than that of any other person from the town of Ply- mouth who went into the war.'' The details of his life would read like a ro- mance. At the age of sixteen, on the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in the first squadron of Connecticut Cavalry, afterwards attached to the Harris Light Cavalry of New York. He served for nearly his full term, participating in the hard campaigning and sharp battles that commanded experience, and was finally captured and taken to the terri- ble Andersonville prison pen, where so many brave Connecticut boys met their death. He was an excellent penman and for this or some other reason he was detailed there for work in the surgeon's office of the hospital department, where it was his duty to keep a record of tlie dead, their regiments, number of their graves, etc. While doing this he man- aged to keep an extra copy of the rec- ord for his own use, and this he brought away with him when he was paroled, concealing it under his clothing. Ar- riving at his home in Terryville, wasted almost to a skeleton by sickness, induced by army exposure, he was for a while danc;en>ush- ill. Meantime the war de- WM. H. HARVEY, Past Com. Merriam Post, G. A. R. partment heard of the valuable records and summoned him to Washington, and purchased a right to copy the records, which were of invaluable service to the government and to friends of soldiers in determining the fate of many miss- ing men. His carefully kept list con- 124 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. tained the names of thirteen thousand soldiers dead. His rolls were copied according to agreement, and when Miss Clara Barton, the noble friend of Union soldiers, went on her expedition to An- dersonville after the war to identify and properly mark the graves of the dead, Atwater was detailed for service with her, and his records were placed in her possession and were the only re- liable records obtainable for identifica- tion of the graves. The details of Mr. Atwater's subsequent experiences with the war department show the most cruel case of injustice of a government to- wards one of its faithful servants of which we have any knowledge. We will not enter into the particulars of the experience now. He was made to suffer a cruel wrong. In 1868, still suffering in health from his hardships, he was appointed United States Consul to the Seychelles Islands, in the Indian Ocean. Three years later he was transferred to the United States Consulate at Tahiti, in the South Pa- cific. He was a faithful and valuable official in both positions, and only re- signed after he had served over a score of years. He married a Tahitian lady, and' by this marriage is allied to the royal family. Her father was an Eng- lish gentleman for many years in bus- iness in Tahiti. Mr. Atwater still makes it h'is home in the South Pacific, coming to San Francisco once or twice a year. DELEGATES TO ENCAMPMENT. The representatives to the encamp- ment are as follows : SEDGWICK POST — NORWICH. Vine S. Settson, Edward Caryl, A. A. Walker, S. S. Stocking, J. A. Caryl, James Mofifit Chauncey H. Fields Chas. Burke. Henry Wright, S. L. Peck, James J. McCord, Bela P. Learned, Samuel R. Knapp, Wni. A. Thompson, George S. Smith, Amos D. Allen, Willis W. Clarke, John M. Brewer, J. H. George, F. W. Faulkner, Wm. H. Palmer, Jr., George Kampf, Geo. Greenman, Henry Merriman, Edson S. Bishop, James Harvey, Wm. A. Aiken, N. L. Bishop. NATHANIEL LYON POST — HARTFORD. Herschel C. Young, Henry Heise, Thomas Killian, George T. Parish, Ho- bart W. Deming, DeWitt C. Graves, John W. Drew, George Jones, Eugene D. Ames, P. J. Callahan, Robert Pyne, Charles Jackson. ELIAS HOWE, JR., POST — BRIDGEPORT. Henry J. Seeley, Edgar Dean, El- bert L. Ruggles Frank Miller, S. C. Dickinson, A. S. Bodine, W. H. Weicht, Almon H. French, C W. Scarritt, Henry A. Hurd, C. E. D. Patterson, A. B. Beers, R. S. Beers, Wm. E. Disbrow, Wm. H. Lyon, Thomas Boudren, G. L. Stewart, John R. Hull, T. L. Bar- tholomew, Samuel J. Chaffee, James H. Smith, William R. Palmer, Russell Glenn, Jas. Wheeler, George D. Phillips, Richard Fitzgibbons, Walter P. Bryan, John W. Thompson, W. W. Porter, A. S. Hunt, A. F. Fargo, Chas. E. Moore. DRAKE POST — SOUTH MANCHESTER. M H. Keeney, E. M. Burdick, T. H. Blish, H. W. Hastings, M. S. Chap- man, Wm. Ferguson, F. A. Perry, Geo. Schildge, W. W. Gammons, H. W. Bar- rows, Wm. Naylor. John Loomis. EDWARD A. DOOLITTLE POST — CHESHIRE. Eri D. Woodbury, Wm. H. Doolittle, Geo. F. Tyler, Henry S. Allen, Geo. Keeler, F. A. Hotchkiss, E. A. Atwater, A. E. Smith, Geo. N. Griffin, C. S. Spaulding, H. A. Brooks, Geo. E. Tucker. MASON ROGERS POST — BRANFORD. Chas. H. Frisbie, Oscar M. Weed, E. M. Thayer, Joseph Lee, George W. Beach, J. Edwin Towner, N. R. Ter- hune, E. C. Johnson, A. B. Barker, J. A. Linsley, E. C. Johnson, H. W. Hubbard, S. G. Cook, E. J. Bird, E. D. Sheldon, G. Bush. MERRIAM POST — MERIDEN. James R. Sloane, James B. Tracy, George B. Lawton, Albert L. Bartlett, George S. Wilcox, M. B. Schenck, John S. Lane, Ansel J. Doolittle, Frank J. Carter, Isaac B. Hyatt, Wm. G. Galla- ger, Fred A. Higb\-, Wilbur F. Rogers, Constans C. Kinne, Julius Augur, Al- bert F. Hall, H. L. B. Pond, Chas. S. Kelsey, Jacob McCall, C. A. Brecken- ridge, Byron C. Harvey, Frank Han- cock, Hector C. Haydn, Albert A. May, Thos. A. Benham, Eugene A. Blake, Emerson O. Puffer, William H. Har- vey, Timothy E. Hawley. MORTON A. TAINTOR POST — COLCHESTER. Joseph A. Gardner, Charles Clark, John H. Huntley, Levi M. Chapman, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 125 John C. Ladd, George Brown, Joseph H. Talbert. STANLEY POST NEW BRITAIN. Ezra Sprague, Wm. F. Sternberg, Juhus O. Deming, Homer F. Damon, A. G. Henderson, Fred C. Scharff, Henry L. Porter, Wm. McNary, Ed- ward Yates, Ira E. Hicks. Charles H. Beaton, Wm. H. Gladden, Patrick I\Iarr, Francis H. Smith, George H. C. C. KINNE, Past Com. Alerriam Post, G. A. R. Beckett. C. B. Erichson, Alexander Eades, Huber Bushnell, Edward A. Al- press, Loren D. Penfield. Abram How- ell. Wm. H. Relyea, Richard Cassady, Wm. E. Latham, Chas. E. Kempshall, William W. Pinks. Addison G. INIcKee, Wm. E. Stewart, Gilbert J. Bentley. BUCKINGHAM POST — NORWALK. F. S. Middlebrook. Chas. W. Bennett, Richard J. Cutbill. David E. Godfrey, Edwin H. Baldwin. John E. Howard, Wesley M. Niblock, James L. Lyon. GILBERT W. THOMPSON POST — BRISTOL. Geo. T. Cook, Geo. H. Bates, Aaron C. Dresser, Harrison S. Judd, Clarence H. Muzzy, Franklin Ball, Wm. Hub- bell, Z. Fuller Grannis, W. H. Hutch- inson, Captin T. B. Robinson, Geo. Merriman, W. C. Hillard, Herman W. Weeks, Captain Ira B. Smith, A. C. Loomis, Irving W. Tvler, John • Wal- ton, B. S. Keith, F. W'. Perry, Wm. A. Ambler, Geo. W. Raymond, Chas. F. Loomis, G. I. Buxton, A. A. Hauschild, J. P. Grossman, William A. Kellogg, Thomas Bradley, Alonzo Wheeler, John Henry, Aaron Decker, James E. Wixon, Fletcher Pierce, John F. Love- joy, Jarvis Kellogg, Edward E. Pelton, M. W. Robinson, Bradley B. Baker, Edward M. Lees, Chas. H .Olmstead, Peter R. Foot. UPTON POST — NEW MILFORD. Joseph C. Wiley, J. F. Williams J. Titus, Peter Peterson, David E. Soule, N. H. Root, Henry Kinney, Dan- iel, G. Marshall, S. R. Hill, L. W. Mosher, G. W. Anthonv, C. A. Way, M. A. Strong, W. H. Dougal, David W. Konwles, W. W. Whitlock, Rev. Henry Upson. JAMES B. TRACY, Sen. Vice Com. Merriam Post, G. A. R. TRUMBULL POST — SOUTHINGTON. Chas. H. Johnson, Chas. H. Clark, A. J. Brothcrton, Levi Andrews, Geo. W. Edwards. Stephen Walklev, Chas. A. Keves, Wm. L. Ames, S. E. Whit- ing. Thos. C. Hancock, Thos. Walker, Dwight W. Clark, James V. Johnson, 126 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. William S. Ward, W. F. Toelles, J. A. Brooks, Robert Smith, Enoch Nich- ols, G. A. Ely. ADMIRAL POST — NEW HAVEN. Thos. E. Benedict, Geo. G. Reynolds, Geo. W. Dadmun, Virgil F. McNeil, A. C. Hendrick, N. Easterbrook, T. E. Worthington, Fred G. Hastings, Geo. A. Tucker, James A. Church, Hy. A. Peck, Lawrence O'Brien, William H. Nichols, Geo. A. Barrett, N. T. Bur- lingame, Wm. H. Warren, John N. Leonard, Wm H. Huntley, Henry T. Mix, Wm. E. Whittelsey, David Ask- ley, T. P. Dickinson. Wm. L. Benton, Wallace Hurlburt, Nathan B. Hoyt, Frank D. Sloat, Wm. H. Pierpont, Rob- ert R. Russell, David C. Monson, Wil- bur F. Gray, Wm. F. Smith, David R. Adams, Fred H. Waldron, Henry F. Peck, David W. Sharpe, Simeon J. Fox, James N. Coe, Lewis B. Brown, Edw. E. Tisdale, Wm. E. Morgan, Edward Coe, Theron R. Hull, Jason D. Thomp- son, Chas. B. Foster, L. O. Lombard, Edwin C. Dow, Chas. Rawling, M. D., Fred S. Snow, Edward E. Sill, W. S. Isbell, David B. Horton, John M. Crowe, Andrew H. Embler, Lynde Harrison, Joel C. Page, Chas. F. Mar- vin, J. T. Hutchinson, M. D., J. H. Bilson, Jesse H. Rice, James Fenton. JAS. E. MOORE AND NELSON WHITE POST John W. Landegon, Albert A. Scott. Chas. H. White, David H. Miller, W. H. Hitchcock, Christian Quein, Mar- cus Comstock, Joel G. Foster, N. Bur- ton Rogers, Ira R. Wildman, P. C. Lounsbury, Hiram Davis, Charles F. Brown, Wm. E. Craig, James S. Mc- CuUom. L. Beach Clark, Chas. F. Mc- Han, Thos. McCorkle, Chas. H. Hoyt, Lewis Carley, Walter M. Phillips, Wm. A. Cougle, Charles Bailey, Sydna A. Smith, Willis J. Mallory, Edwin R. Gilbert. HOBWE POST — STAMFORD. George O. Bliss, Elias E. Palmer, Lewis W. Scofield, James Halpin, Wil- liam H. Crabb, John L. Jessup, Bannis- ter H. Jones, George W Toms, Geo. M. Sinclair, Charles J. Brown, William S. Taylor, Geo. W. Olmstead, Elah Ballard, Edw. A. Williams, Matthias J. Barron, George W. Fowler, John H. Brown, William H. Banks, John Bir- mingham. LOMBARD POST — GREENWICH. Silas E. Mead, Wm. H. Bailey, Si- mon J. Davis, E. S. Peck, Benjamin Wright, Isaac S. Mead, Joshua Lyon, Thomas A. Haight, N . L. Husted, Thomas P. Hunt. MATHER POST — DEEP RIVER. Harry Epright, Willoughby A. Hull, Charles Silliman, J. W. Bailey, Daniel M. Damon, George B. French, Joseph S. Lynde, John Hanscom. KELLOGG POST — DERBY. S. O. Dwinell, Henry Spencer, J. A Conklin, James Ewen, Dennis Crowe, J. A. Conklin, F. W. Curtiss, David Torrance, W. H. Ford, S. E. Chaffee, S. G. Blakeman, Andrew Dean, Sam- uel Miller, George H. Crook, C. M. Scranton, C. E. Hawkhurst, A. W. Phil- lips, E. W. Peck, D. F. Lynch, Edward Davis, D W Hager, Thomas J. Chad- eayne, Chris. Dolan, James Forbes, C. E. Huntington, Charles Rowell. m'gREGOR POST — DANIELSON. Charles A. Potter. William N. Ar- nold, William C. Sherman, Vine R. Franklin, Benjamin E. Rapp, Henry F. Clark, S. M. Woodward, Theodore D. Pond. FRANCIS S. LONG POST — WILLIMANTIC. Earl S. Cranston, John J. Brierly, William H. Buckingham, William F. Gates, Charles Clark, Charles H. Cole- grove, Samuel Miller, Benajah E. Smith, Elisha C. Boden, J. Dwight Willis, Thomas Handley, George A. Murdock, Jerome B. Baldwin, Arthur P. Benner, Frank S. Shaffer, Andrew W. Loomis, Charles Fenton, Luke Flynn, William C. Lyman, Thomas Ash- ton, William C. Rarbison, Rainsford P. Williams, John Bolles, Henry F. Royce, James Haggerty. PALMER POST — WINSTED. Samuel U. Brewer, A. J. Miller, James Baker, William A. Currie, Al- bert Dugal, Samuel B. Home, Chas. L. Hewitt, Georgt L. Andrews, B. F. Marsh, S. V. Beckwith, George M. Van Ostrem, Geo. C. Hagar, R. C. Kemp, John F. Simmons, H. B. Morse, John N. Lyman, William Schultz, E. S. Beecher. L. M. STEELE POST — TORRINGTON. William W. Davis, Thomas J. Hub- bard, Frederick O. Hills, E. T. Mil- ler, William H. McCarthy, F. G. Alldis. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX. 127 C. H. Lockwood, William Spittle, E. L. Steele, A. Gray, A. Wilman. ARTHUR H. DUTTON POST — WALLINGFORD. John Upham, W. H. Rawson. Chas. E. Smith, Arthur L. Post, William F. Lane, William N. Mix. C. A. Harrison, L. A. Northrop, John S Parker, M. W. Tattle, Silas L. Hall, David Ross, Ja- cob Joab, P. M. Twitchell, E. L. Weld. WILBUR W. HART, Officer of Day, Merriam Post, G. A. R. GEORGE VAN HORN POST — MILFORD. Albert A. Porter, Joseph R. Clark, Charles W. Baldw^in, Joel C. Smith, C. O. Isbell, Edwin B. Baldwin, E. Van Horn, Wallace S. Chase, George W. Coy, Albert C. Tibbals, Nelson L. Stowe, Henrv E. Tucker, Roger S. Baldwin, Frederick Cornwall, Willis S. Oviatt, Caleb Smith. UPSON POST — SEYMOUR. Wilbur W. Smith, W. S. Cooper, Henry Duester, Rufus J. Spencer, James E. Buckley. John H. Riggs, Rob- ert Healev, H. S. Chamberlain, John W. DeForest, Zera B. Davis, Herbert C Baldwin, George L. Bartlett. PARMELEE POST GUILFORD. Samuel J. Griswold, Hart Landon, William F. Isbell, A. W. Morse, Chas. Griswold, L. O. Chittenden, A. G. Som- mer, J. W. Oughton, E. R. Davis, Fran- cis Beattie, Alexander E. Ingraham, William H. Lee. ISBELL POST — NAUGATUCK. Chas. C. Chipman, Michael Cronan, William Moyer, Josiah Coleman, Amos Werts, ]\lichael P. Coen, Horace E. Jones, T. J. Northrop, F. S. Nichols, N. S .Wilmot, Miner S. Baldwin, R. W. Lewis, Seth D. Bingham, D. D. Gibbud, John Noble. WINSTED POST — STAFFORD SPRINGS. Anthony Adams, A. H. Simonds, A. L. Howard, John S. Arnold, John Mc- Carthy, Reuben J. Burley, G. B. Marble, A. N. Nichols. WILLIAM F. HILTON, Department Chaplain G. A. R. BYRON D. SMITH POST — VOLUNTOWN. William A. Weeks, Joseph O. Cross, Alfred A. Davis, Dexter A. Johnson, Jared A Gallup, William A. Wicks, Orin S. Rix, Simon Brown, Joseph E. Bacon, George H. Lamphier, Asel Youngs. CUSTER POST — SANDY HOOK. Ephraim D. Briscoe, Charles E. Haw- ley, Edward Toy, Charles M. Parsons, 128 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Henrv B. Coger, William B. Sniffen, Albert W. Peck. W. W. PERKINS POST — NEW LONDON. John S. Noland, Lafayette W. Starr, S. G. Jerome, Englebert J. Santer, Jas. M. Carrol, Charles H. Niles, George Havens. John C. Bliss, John C. Nich- olds, H. B. Smith, C. M. Monroe, B. F,, Gates, E. N. Crocker, Fred Gallup, J. M. Bacon, W. S. Davies, Francis Bracken. DOUGLAS FOWLER POST — SO. NORWALK. Charles F. Hallock, James L'Hom- medieu, John W. Craw, James L. Rus- sell, Oscar St. John, Frederick Keating, C. Wood, Samuel Mott, H. E. Wing, James W. Davis, Hiram F. Brundage, William A. Hendricks, Thomas Mc- Quillan, Stephen R. Wilcox, H. D. Perry. WADHAMS POST — WATERBURY. George Robbins, Levi H. Toucey, Andrew Winter, Edgar W. Calhoun, John Higgins, Homer F. Northrop, Charles J. Bromberg, Harrison Whit- ney, Oscar W. Cornish, John M. Galla- gher, George L. Piatt, John S. Hayes, William E. Quigley, E. A. Pendleton, John S. Stevens, Chauncey Seeley, William Melton Imri A. Spencer, John T. Egan, Frederick Korngiebel, Mi- chael Kavanaugh. ROBERT 0. TYLER POST — HARTFORD. Edmund D. Riley, W. H. Shaffer, Henry C. Storrs, Francis B. Allen, Nor- man L. Hope, Charles W. Emerson, Fred H. Williams, E. H. Lane, W. E. Cone. C. H. Hills, William Huntington, Charles J. Fuller, Franklin Dart, John H. Thacher, Charles W. Clark. John G. Root, John N. Wilsev, Henry F. Hart, Adrian P. Sloan. Sidney M. Glad- win, John S. Stannard, John W. Long- don, Francis A. Cummings, Horace P. Fox, Henry E. Babcock, C. W. Driscoll, Julius Weed, Henrv W. Burrill, George R. Bodge, H. C. Dwight, James B. Mc- Namar, Lewis W. Smith. HENRY C. MERWIN POST — NEW HAVEN. Philip Ryan, Thomas Murley Timo- try Rafter, Philip Ryan, James F. Bran- nagan, John Garrity, William Gleason, John J. Brennan. MANSFIELD POST — MIDDLETOWN. Curtis C. Atwell, Joseph J. Noxon, Frederick M .Sizer. Charles A. Pelton, Michael Lucey, William J. Chadsey, A. B. Robinson, George Washington, Ed- win Bywater, F. D. Brewster, James H. Osborn, Michael S. Dunn, Henry R. Young, Thomas M. Durfee, H. Oscar Shailer, Albert O. Reed, George Har- rison, Alex G. Bethel, Theodore A. Sage, Levi Jewett, John C. Fisher, A. J. Mallory, Delmar R. Lowell, Charles A. Appel. A. G. WARNER POST — PUTNAM. C. M. Green, Joseph McKachnie, Horace H. Pierce, Oscar Tourtelotte, George L. Prentice, James Miller, C. W. Grosvenor, A. A. Buchanan, Henry W. Johnson, Samuel K. Spalding, Jo- seph E. Rawson, Chauncey Morse, G. D. Bates. G. A. Hammond, Caleb Blan- chard, Newton S. Phillips, H. T. Stearns. WILLIAMS POST — MYSTIC. George W. Keigwin, Nelson Mozyer, F. B. Mavo. J. G. Packer, R. J. Wil- bur, J. K." Bucklyn, P A. Irons, J. W. Poole, Horace Clift, R. S. Watrous, Charles Bennett. SAMUEL BROWN POST — THOMPSONVILLE. Jabez P. Davis, N. S. Cole, William A. Raymond, R. E. Abbe, C. M. Pom- eroy, Lyman A. Upson, Jonathan Mil- ler," Andrew Gordon. T. M. Benton, N. P. Palmer, F. E. Hastings, John Mc- Cready. Abraham Cope, Hiram Old- royd, C. F. Til den, George C. Howe. NEWTON S. MANROSS POST — FORESTVILLE. M. H. Tvler, J. F. Douglass, Henrv W. Buys, Henrv W. Porter, H. P. Woodard, R. A. Potter, Henry Fry, M. H. Barnard, George W. Atkins, John W. Gray, Abel Griswold. E. C. Wil- liams, John Talmage, Martin W. Fris- bie, John J. Lloyd, M. A. Potter, S. M. Shelton, William E. Bunnell. 0. H. KNIGHT POST — LAKEVILLE. J. J. Traver, George Frink, C. H. Ball, W. .B. Peabody, W. C. Lemley, Thomas L. Norton, H. L. Ayres, C. A. Hollister, P. Turner. H. H. Mason, E. F. Sanford. George Cook. George Frink, M. H. Sackett, Moses Lyman. JOHN M. GREGORY POST — SHARON. Charles C. Dean. L Butler, A. C. Slover, Charles H. Cadwell, A. C An- drews, W^illiam Connor, W. W. Knight, L. Van Alstyne, G. W. Studley. D. S. COWLES POST — CANAAN. Milton J. Kilmer. James E. Green, James Reel. Wm. R. Weddle. George W. Schovell. Albert P. Briggs. Ed- ward S. Roberts, H. Schermerhorn, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 129 Milton J. Kilmer, George L. Parsons, T. L. Sackett, H. P. Morse, E. D. Norton. SAMUEL p. FERRIS POST — NEW CANAAN. Israel Wood, Andrew F Jones, Looniis Scofield, William A. Havi- land, Norbert Bossa, Francis E. Weed, Dewitt C. Ruscoe, Isaac A. Lee, W M \ KL\(. Attorney General State of Conn. Charles L. Barton, John T. Fancher, Charles Veitenheimer, Wm. I. Brant, Charles W. Hall, Frederick Bauzhof, John W. Bell, C. H. Demeritt. A. E. BURNSIDE POST UNIONVILLE. A. J. Brewer, George S. Booth, John Scantlin. S. N. Wadsworth. R. H. Rust, J. T. Ball, Charles Brandegee, J. W. Curtiss, James R. Jenkins, T. B. Brooks. HARRY m'dONOUGH POST — WESTPORT. (Charter surrendered January I, 1905.) D. C. RODMAN POST — EAST HARTFORD. Elias Dickenson, Henry A. Bradley, John F. Arnold, Francis PL Graham, John F. Whaples, L. Cotton, A. G. Olmsted, E. J. Carroll. D. C. Clark, C. M. Hills, George A. Starks, C. A. Les- ter, Charles A. Rhodes, W. H. Brewer, 9 Josiah H. Smith, J. F. Arnold, Elihu Olmsted, C. S. Roberts, George Teed. JOHN M. MORRIS POST — WETHERSFIELD. Frederick W. Smith, Wm. B. De- Bloise, H. J. Mildrum, H. A. Tyler, E. G. Woodhouse, Thomas N. Hammer, Stephen Morgan, George W. Adams, W. J. Stevenson, Henrv J. Lankton, Al- len W. Hale, F. W. S'mith, Eugene F. Atwood. J. H. CONVERSE POST — WINDSOR LOCKS. Wm. E. Brown, George Glover, John Young, Charles A. Porter, Jeremiah Lynch, A. W. Converse, Henry M. Adams, Eleazer Cook. C. L. RUSSELL POST — THOMASTON. John N. Watrous, Wm. H. Alford, Marshall Grilley, Robert G. Hassard, Charles E. Morse, John J. Fischer, Jul- ian F. Watrous, Henry Ploucquet, Da- vid A. Bradley. JAMES R. SLOAXE, Com. IMerriam Post, G. A. R. BURPEE POST — ROCKVILLE. E. F. Loveland. AnthonV Stevens, William Mann. Willard Griswold, A. B. Parker, L. D. Phelps. Thomas S. Pratt, Charles W. Wood, James Baxter, H. H. Doyle, John Hirst, D. F. An- i-?o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. drews, B. L. Burr, S. K. Ellis, W. D. Emerson, A. Park Hammond, Wm. H. Loomis, T. A. Lake, Charles W. Marsh, Julius H. Newell, Wm. J. Noad, John A. Ogden. CHAPMAN POST — WESTBROOK. D. W. Grosvenor, Charles McVee, Zadoc E. Morgan, S. Leander Stev- ens, Carlos H. Chapman, H. D. Red- field, Geo. Kirtland, Wm. G. Bushnell. T. M. REDSHAW POST — ANSONIA. A. P. Kirkham, Charles S Totten. George B. Bissbee, J. H. Olin, E. O. Hill, B. A. Cramer, Charles French, George W .Goodall, S. M. Blair, Chas. H. Hayes, H. M. Brown, Wm. E. Cur- tiss, George Lyon, C. R. Buckingham, J. D. Hotchkiss, John E Reamer, Clark H. Davis. GEN. VON STEINWEHR POST — NEW HAVEN. Chris. Rothhaar, Fred. Brill, Fred. Ruden, John Aarens, L Oppertshauser, Charles Staude, John Schenk, H Hoflf- meister. JAS. B. KILBOURNE POST — CENTRAL VILLAGE J. P. Pellett, Wm. Dean, Wm. Sim- mons. EDWIN R. LEE POST — NEW HARTFORD. Weston Barnes, Martin Wilcox, Charles Wilson, Oliver J. Tuttle, Henry R. Jones, Jacob Weidmer, J. Nelson Brown, William Case, J. Jay Cushman, Grove Fanning, Anson W. Bristol, Jo- siah Woodbury, J. Manchester. T. G. BROWN POST — CHAPLIN. Harvey Whitmore, Charles Henry, John A. Lawton, Darwin Bead, Eber Harris, Albert L. Church, Wm. Dor- rance, Darwin Tracy, E. M. Russell, David S. Weaver, P. S. Richards, H. H. Converse, T. L. Neff, Thomas W. Hewlings. SETH F. PLUME POST — LITCHFIELD. S. A. Whittlesey, Patrick Herbert, George W. Mason, Anson W. Healey, S. M. Griswold, A. B. Shumway, L. D. Leonard, John Q. Ames, Charles Merri- man, Wm. H. Plumb, C. W Hinsdale, George W Newcomb, D. C. Kilbourn, Edgar A. Alvord, H. R. Stockbridge. HANCOCK POST — WESTERLY, R. I. Walter Price, Wm. F. Hawkins, Amos P. Chapman, A. N. Crandall, Abel Babcock, Judson N. Crandall, Charles H. Holdredge, Frank E. Rich, Joshua M. Clark, Wm. H. Burdick, F. T. Brightman, Nathan W. Lewis. J. F. TRUMBULL POST — STONINGTON. Charles T. Stanton, Orson C. Rogers, Charles O. Browning, E. H. Sheffield, B. Frank Tracy, Jerome S. Anderson, Charles Holts, George E. Brayton. H. W. KINGSBURY POST — OLD LYME. (Charter surrendered January i, 1905.) WM. T. MINOR POST — STAMFORD. Stephen Smith, Alfred C. Arnold, Alex G. Gourley, Robert Kerr, Robert, Bunten, William H. Ritch, E. B. Law- rence, Samuel A. Wood, Charles E. Seeley, George V. Wood, Samuei M. Bouton, Samuel Fessenden, George B. Christison, Solomon Close, S. L. Sco- field, Henry Huss. SKETCH OF GRAND ARMY. The history of the Grand Army of the Republic is one of inspiring inter- est. The details concerning its incep- tion, few in number, disclose with elo- quence and force the comradeship that united the Union armies through the Civil war. The first steps toward or- ganizing the veterans throughout the country in a common Grand Army of the Republic were taken at Springfield, 111., in March, 1866. Surgeon B. F. Stephenson and Chaplain W. J. Rut- ledge, of the Fourteenth Illinois In- fantry, originators of the Grand Army idea, conferred with a few comrades in Springfield concerning the adoption of plans. The first post in the United States was organized at Decatur, 111., April 6, 1866, Surgeon Stephenson mus- tering in the members and granting a charter. The first department en- campment was held in Springfield, July 12, 1866 and the first national encamp- ment was held at Indianapolis, Ind., in November of that year. Surgeon Stephenson acted as provisional com- mander. At this first national en- campment S. A. Hurlbut was elected commander-in-chief. The second na- tional encampment was held in Phil- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 131 adelphia, January 15, 1868. At this en- campmeut, which marked the crucial period in the history of the Grand Army, General John A. Logan was elected national commander and Gen- eral Joseph R. Hawley, junior vice commander. The selection of Gener- als Logan and Hawley for these posi- tions placed the Grand Army on a solid footing and ensured the magnifi- cent success that has attended its ca- reer. In addition to General Hawley, who died March IS, 1905, Connecticut has had three junior vice commanders- in-chief, Charles L Buckbee, of New Haven, who died November 5, 1896, Ira E. Hicks, of New Britain, and Francis B. Allen, of Hartford. CONN. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZED. The organization of the Connecticut department of the Grand Army took place in Hartford, April 11, 1867. At the beginning of 1867 General Edward Harland, of Norwich, and Colonel Hiram • B. Crosby, also of Norwich, were made members of the Grand Army, being "initiated into the new order" by Colonel Russ C. Hawkins, of the Hawkins Zouaves, of New York city. On returning to Connecticut General Harland and Colonel Crosby became apostles of the new faith, hav- ing comradeship and loyalty for its foundation, and inaugurated steps to- wards permanent organization. Eight veterans of the war were mustered in at the start. Hartford was visited and upwards of a dozen more men were mustered informally. April 11, 1867, the first convention of the or- der was held in Hartford, delegates from different sections of the state taking part in the deliberations. At this convention General Harland, of Norwich, was elected department com- mander. Edward W. Whitaker, of Hartford, senior vice commander, Charles L. Upham, of Meriden, junior vice commander, Bela P. Learned, of Norwich, assistant adjutant general, and Charles M. Coit, of Norwich as- sistant quartermaster general. The members of the First Council of Ad- ministration were Thomas J. Gilbert, of New Haven; Edward J. Rice, of Waterbury; Major Henry C. Dwight, of Hartford: John Thompson, of Mid- dletown, and Colonel William H. No- ble, of Bridgeport. The department was divided into four districts, corre- sponding with the congressional dis- tricts in territory. General Theodore G. Ellis, of Hartford, was placed in command of the First district; Colonel Charles L. Upham, of the Second; Colonel Hiram B. Crosby, of the Third, and Colonel William H. Noble, of the Fourth district. ORIGINAL OFFICERS LIVING. An order was issued by the national department, February 29, 1868, abolish- ing the Grand Army districts and the posts of the state department assumed number and rank in accordance with the date of muster. This placed Mer- riam post No. 8 in line. Of the or- iginal officers of the department Gen- eral Harland, of Norwich; Colonel Charles L. Upham, of Meriden; Assist- ant and Adjutant General Bela P. Learned, of Norwich, and General Henry C. Dwight, of Hartford are still living. General Harland graduated from Yale college in the famous class of 1853 and took up the legal profes- sion, which he has pursued for half a century. He commanded Harland's Brigade at Antietam and Fredericks- burg, which was composed at Antietam of the Eighth and Eleventh Connecti- cut, the Fourth Rhode Island, and the Sixteenth Connecticut regiments. The Twenty-first Connecticut was subse- quently incorporated in the brigade. GEN. EDWARD HARLAND. General Harland was a beloved gen- eral officer in the old Ninth corps and has retained the admiration and friend- ship of his men since the war. In 1869 he represented Norwich in the General Assembly, the Hon. O. H. Piatt being speaker of the House at that time. In 1870 he was a member of the Senate from the old Eighth district. He has been a member of the Board of Pardons since its organization. His present term will not be concluded un- til the first Monday in June, 1907. Gen- eral Harland is one of Connecticut's most honored citizens. LIVING PAST COMMANDERS. There are eighteen past department commanders now living. They are General Wm. E. Disbrow, of Bridge- port, who was quartermaster general on the staff of Governor George E. Lounsbury; George S. Smith, of Nor- wich; Judge Alfred B. Beers, of 1^2 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. O ^; I — I o o H W H < CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. ^33 Bridgeport; General Prank D. Sloat, of Washington, D. C; General Sam- uel B. Home, of Winsted, who was a member of Governor P. C. Louns- bury's staff; Benajah iS. Smith, of Willimantic; Wilbur i<\ Rogers, of Meriden; Selah G. BlaKeman, of Bir- mingham; John M. Brewer, of Hart- ford; Oscar W. Cornisn, of Water- bury; G. D. Bates, of Putnam; Henry R. Jones, of New Harrrord; Thomas Boudren, of Bridgeport; N. Burton Rogers, of Danbury; United States Senator Morgan G. Bulkeley and Wil- liam C. Hillard, of Bristol. THE HONORED DEAD. Fifteen department, commanders have died. The list comprises the names of General Theodore G. Ellis, of Hartford; William H. Mallory, of Bridgeport; General L,. a. Dickinson, of Hartford; Charles J. Buckbee, of New Haven; Frank G. Otis, of Meri- den; Charles E. Fowler, of New Ha- ven; Isaac B. Hyatt, of Meriden; William Berry, of Hartford; John T. Crary, of Norwich; Judge Henry E. Taintor, of Hartford; William H. Pierpont, of New Haven; John C. Broatch, of Middletown; Henry N. Fanton, of Danbury; William Edgar Simonds, of Hartford, and John K. Bucklyn, of Mystic. Department Com- mander Frank G. Otis, of Meriden, died in office. He was buried with Grand Army honors, August 12, 1878. General E. S. Greeley, or New Haven, acted as marshal ana the bearers were General L. A. Dickinson, of Hartford; Captain Charies J. Buck- bee, of New Haven; James R. Sloane, of Hartford; W. F. Smith, of New Britain; Lieutenant Joseph Beach and Sergeant J. G. Farnham. The mili- tary escort was furnished by Com- pany I, Second regiment, Captain H. B. Wood commanding^. •I'he Rev. I. J. Lansing, of the Menaen Methodist church, officiated in the absence of the Rev. A. H. Hall, of the Corner Congregational churcti, who was the pastor of Commander Otis. He had been in office only six months. He was a man of Christian cnaracter and life. He had served with honor in the army and had lost an arm at Ap- pomattox. Department Commander Hyatt, of Meriden, whose death occurred a few weeks ago, was an able and success- ful Grand Army leader, and the order under his administration in 1883 largely increased its membership Commander Hyatt was chief of the Meriden fire department at the time of his death, and deservedly popular in his field of activity. BROTHERS WERE COMMANDERS. In one case in the history of the Grand Army in Connecticut brothers have risen to the rank of department commander. This distinction has fall- en to the lot of Wilbur riske Rogers, of Meriden, who was at the head of the department in 1893, and N. Burton Rogers, of Danbury, wno was depart- ment commander in 1902. Past De- partment Commander Rogers, of Mer- iden, was born in Saybrook, July 18, 1841, being the son of Elam Hervey Rogers. He was living in New York when the war began. He enlisted in the Fourth New YorK, which was known as the Scott Life Guard. All of the officers of the regiment had served in the Mexican war. The date of his enlistment was April 17, 1861. He was in the battle at Big Bethel, and was at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The regiment volunteered to go into the battle of Chancellorsville, notwithstanding the fact that its time had expired. It was mustered out May 5, ls63, and on Its return to New York was given the honor of a review by General Scott. Commander Rogers re-enlisted in the Thirty-fifth New Jersey Zouaves, and served until the end of the war, tak- ing part in Sherman's March to the Sea and the Grand Review in Wash- ington. He was a sergeant in both regiments. He is a prominent citizen of Meriden. and has taken an influen- tial part in public life. He is a mem- ber of the Army and Navy club, of Connecticut, and belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution. In 1880 he was on the staff of National Com- mander Wagner, and was a delegate in 1886 to the national encampment at St. Louis. He was married January 1, 18 67, to Mary Jane Corbin, niece of Philip Corbin, of New Britain. At that 134 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. time, sbe was teaching in the Meri- den schools. The children are Bur- ton Cephas Rogers, secretary of the Connecticut Telephone company, of Meriden, and Zula Elizabeth Rogers, who was a teacher for six years in the Meriden High school. Department Commander Rogers was in the silver plating business in Meriaen from Feb- ruary 16, 186G, until January 1, 1903, when his firm was sold out to the In- ternational Silver company. N. Burton Rogers, of Danbury, the brother of Wilbur F. Rogers, was de- partment commander In 1902. He was born in Saybrook, July 6, 1848, and was educated at the Russell Military school in New Haven. He was a drummer boy in the Seventh Connec- ticut regiment. He is a member of the Danbury post of the Grand Army, and of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut. He is president of the Rogers Silver Plate company, of Dan- bury, and is a man of superb business qualifications. He is widely known throughout the state. It was largely through his instrumentality that the Danbury State Normal school was es- tablished. MEN OF PROMINENCE. The department commanders in this state have been men of promi- nence in politics and business. Mor- gan G. Bulkeley holds the oflSce of United States senator from this state. William Edgar Simonds was speak- er of the House, congressman from the First district and United States com- missioner of patents. Judge Alfred B. Beers, of Bridge- port, is president of the Soldiers' Hospital board, and General Frank D. Sloat has been state comptroller. Ira E. Hicks is postmaster at New Britain, and John M. Brewer is con- nected with the internal revenue de- partment. Henry E. Taintor was judge advo- cate general on the staff of National Commander Lucius Fairchild, of Wis- consin in 1886. General Samuel B. Home has held the office of United States consul at Hayti. Selah G. Blakeman has been a mem- ber of the General Assembly. Henry R. Jones is on the retired list in the regular army. Isaac B. Hyatt had been a member of the General Assembly from Meri- den. G. D. Bates, of Putnam, is one of the leading men of Windham county and deserving in every way of the public honors that have been bestowed upon him. POSTS AND MEMBERSHIP. At the present time there are sixty- two posts in th.e state department. Joseph R. Toy post, of Simsbury, sur- rendered its charter January 1 of this year. The total membership is 3,900 in round numbers. The silver anniversary of the Grand Army was celebrated at the state en- campment in Danbury, February 9, 1892, Henry N. Fanton, of Danbury, was department commander. The event was signalized by the presence of the national commander-in-chief, General John Palmer, of Albany, N. Y. The Connecticut department reached its high water mark in 1890. The total membership was 6,946, and the amount expended in relief that year was $10,596.87. This was under the administration of Department Com- mander John C. Broatch, of Middle- town. The membership was kept up in excess of 6,000 until 1896, when it dropped to 5,930. CHARITY EXPENDITURES. From 1887 until 1904 inclusive, the amount expended for charity by the Grand Army posts in the department was $128,605.86. The amount of relief funds reached the highest figure in 1888, the total that year being $65,- 760.19. The amount at the end of 1904 was $41,890.65. The membership in 1904 had dropped down to 3,936. The work of the Connecticut depart- ment is deserving of the highest admir- ation and praise. The posts have liberally provided for the sick and des- titute among the veterans and cared for the widow and fatherless. It has performed a beneficent work in its own way and in keeping with the true principles of comradeship. COL. CHAS. L. UPHAM. The first junior vice commander of the Connecticut department, Colonel CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 135 Charles L. Upham, is an honored citi- zen of, Meriden. He served through the Civil war in the Eighth and Fif- teenth Connecticut regiments. He commanded the Sixteenth at the bat- tle of Fredericksburg, wearing at the time the shoulder straps of a captain of infantry. He was made lieutenant colonel of the Eighth in March, 1863, and was placed in command of the Fifteenth, succeeding Colonel Dexter R. Wright, of New Haven. After- wards he was made colonel of the reg- iment and was its chief officer through the balance of the war. Colonel Up- ham was a man of undaunted courage in the field, and a man of the most attractive personality. He was vice president of the Army and Navy club, of Connecticut, in 1879 and 1882, and president in 1884. His first vice presi- dency of the organization was under General Hariand, his old commander in the Virginia campaign. ASST. ADJ. GEN. LEARNED. The first assistant adjutant general, Bela P. Learned, of Norwich, was in the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery in the war. He is the private secre- tary of vjcneral Hariand and is a man of admirable character. GEN. H. C. DWIGHT. General Henry C. Dwight, of Hart- ford, who was a member of the First Council of Administration, served in the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts in- fantry, and has been president of the Regimental association twenty-five years. He has been mayor of Hart- ford and was on the staff of Governor Henry B. Harrison, of New Haven. REV. H. C. TRUMBULL. The Rev. H. Clay Trumbull, of Hart- ford, whose death took place in Phila- delphia within a couple of years, was the first chaplain of the department. His Civil war service was in the Tenth Connecticut. He was a loyal repre- sentative of the Grand Army through the whole of his life and a devoted friend of the Civil war veterans. ROLL OF HONOR. Permanent membership in the en- campment is a badge of honor. It is held by some of the ablest and most representative men in the state. This roll of honor comprises the names of Chief Justice Torrance, General Har- iand, of the State Board of Pardons, United States Senator Bulkeley, Judge Lynde Harrison, of New Haven, the Hon. Samuel Fessenden, General Eras- tus Blakeslee, of Boston, Judge A. B. Beers, of Bridgeport, D. C. Kilbourn, clerk of the Litchfield County court, John G. Root, president of the Farmers and Mechanics National bank, of Hart- ford, Major Sidney M. Gladwin, treas- urer of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut, Wilbur F. Rogers, of Mer- iden, the Rev. Henry Upson, of New Preston, chaplain of the old Thir- teenth, General A. H. Embler, of New Haven, treasurer of the Southern New England Telephone company, General William E. Morgan, of New Haven, H. L. B. Pond, treasurer of the H. Wales. Lines company, the Hon. M. S. Chap- man, of Manchester, United States Marshal Ed.son E. Bishop, Colonel Wil- liam H. Tubbs, of New London, and General Henry C. Dwight, of Hart- ford. NUMBER OF PAST COMMANDERS. In round numbers there are 750 past post commanders in the department. There have been eighty-six posts of the Grand Army in ths state, since the beginning of the department in 1867. This includes the old Stedman post, of Hartford, which was disbanded more than thirty years ago. This post was named in honor of Colonel Griffin A. Stedman, of Hartford. DEPARTMENT OFFICERS. The department officers and official staff of the present time are: Commander — Albert A. May, Post 8, Meriden. Senior vice commander — Franklin Ball, Post 13, Bristol. Junior vice commander — L. W. Scofield, Post 23, Stamford. Medical director — Dr. Levi Jewett, Post 53, Middletov/n. P. O. address. Cobalt. ^aaplain — Wm. F. Hilton, Post 50, Hartford. OFFICI.^L STAFF. Assistant adjutant general — John H. Thacher, Post 50, Hartford. Assistant quartermasrer general — Wm. E. Morgan, Post 17, New Haven. Inspector — Wm. Ferguson, Post 4, South Manchester. Chief Mustering officer — L. A. Northrop, Post 36, Wallingford. 136 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX. CENTENNIAL PARADE ON WEST MAIN STREET. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ^6/ Judge advocate — J. E. Simmons, Post 33, Winsted. Senior aide-de-camp — James R. Sloane, Post 8, Meriden. DEPT. COM. A. A. MAY. Department Commancer Albert A. May was elected at the state encamp- ment in Bristol, held June 6, 1905. He serveu with honor in the Civil war, being in twenty-seven battles from the first engagement at B\\\\ Run and 'ending at the capitulation of Lee at Appomattox. He was wounded six times, and received a bayonet thrust in the nose at Falls Church, Va. At the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, his right leg was shattered by a "bullet. Just before the capitulation tof General Lee he received two bullet wounds in the same leg. The remain- ing three bullet wounds were not of a (dangerous nature. Department Com- mander May enlisted in Company I, Second Vermont Infantry, in April, 1861, and was mustered into the United States service, June 6, of that year. He was discharged, July 25, 1865. He went to the front as g, private in Company I, and returned as first lieutenant in command of the 'Company. He was only seventeen years of age at the time of his enlist- ment. He became a member of John A. Andrew post, of Boston, in April, 1867. Afterwards he was a charter member and first junior vice com- mander of C. W. Carroll post, of Ded- ham, Mass. On removing from Ded- ham to Salem he transferred his membership to Phil H. Sheridan post, of that city. He removed to Meriden eleven years ago, and transferred to Merriam post. He was elected com- mander in December, 1899, and served in that capacity through the terms of 1900 and 1901. He has been the adju- tant of the post since January, 1904. He is a member of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut. He is a past master of Liberty lodge, F .& A. M., of Beverly, Mass., and a member of Meridian lodge, of Meriden. He is engaged in the business of an under- taker, and belongs to the Funeral Di- rectors' association of Connecticut. Department Commander May was ;born in Northfield, Vt., oelng the son of Houston May. He has been identi- fied with veteran interests in this state for a number of years, holding the office of judge advocate of the de- partment in 1904. His administra- tion of the department during the past year has refiected credit in every way and will rank him with the most effi- cient commanders that the depart- ment has had. MEDICAL DIRECTOR JEWETT. Medical Director Jewett and As- sistant Adjutant General John H. Thacher are old and trusted standbys in the department. Dr. Levi Jewett was medical director at the time of the silver anniversary in 1892, and the assistant adjutant general has been in office since 1887, receiving his original appointment from Depart- ment Commander Henry E. Taintor. Dr. Jewett was born in Griswold, in 1835. and was educated at the State Normal school. He graduated from the New York Medical college in 1857. He went to the war in 1862 as assistant surgeon of the Fourteenth Connecticut regiment, and was in most of the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from Antietam to the siege of Petersburg. He was severely wounded at the battle of Reams' Sta- tion. After that he was contract surgeon in the hospital department until the end of the war. He is a member of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut, and is a past com- mander of Mansfield post, of Middle- town. He is a member of the present General Assembly and was on the Committee on Military Affairs during the session of 1905. He was engaged in medical practice in New York city for a number of years, but retired in 1883. He was married in 1857 to Mary Taylor, of Middle Haddam, and It is confidently hoped that his golden anniversary will be celebrated in 1907. Since his retirement from medical practice he has been engaged in li- brary and educational work. ASST. ADJ. GEN. TIIACHER. Assistant Adjutant General Thacher was born in Hartfora. October 29, 1846, being the son of Sheldon P. Thacher, of the noted dry goods firm of Thacher, Goodrich & Stillman. Pro- 138 CENTENNIAL OF MERIUEN. lessor Thomas Thacher, of Yale col- lege, was his uncle. He was a mem- ber of Company G, of the Twentieth Connecticut, and served in the Army of the Potomac, the Army of the Cum- berland and the Army of the Tennes- see. He is a member of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut, and is a past commander of Robert O. Tyler post, of Hartford. He is also a mem- ber of Washington commandery. Knights Templar, of Hartford. Since October, 1870, he has neen connected with the Connecticut Fire Insurance company, and has been its cashier for years. He has long been a member of the committee on credentials in the National encampment. CHAPLAIN W. F. HILTON. The department chaplain, William F. Hilton, of Hartford, was educated at Girard college in Philadelphia. In the Civil war he served in the Twen- ty-third and One Hundred and Nine- ty-second Pennsylvania regiments. He has been a member of the clerical corps in the Phoenix Mutual Life In- surance company for many years. He was first appointed chaplain in 1903. CHIEF OF STAFF SLOANE. Department Commander May's chief of staff, James R. Sloane, is the pres- ent commander of Merriam post, of Meriden. He was born in Enfield, January 1, 1847, being the son of An- drew Sloane. He enlisted from Mer- iden in Company C, of the First Con- necticut Heavy Artillery, December 23, 1853, and served until September 25, 1865. He was in Grant's last cam- paign at Richmond and Petersburg. After the war he located in Hartford and became a member of Nathaniel Lyon post. He was one of the found- ers and first commanders of Brown post in Thompsonville. He returned to Meriden in 1883, and has taken an active part in business and politics in the city. He has served four years in the Council and two in the board of aldermen. At present he is a town auditor. He is cashier of the Charles Parker company, of Meriden, and is a man of slpendid business attainments. He is a member of Charter Oak lodge, of Odd Fellows in Hartford, and is state grand receiver of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has been married twice. His first wife was Sarah E. Hills, of Hartford. She died March 16, 1899, leaving five daughters and one son, all of whom are married. His second wife was Mrs. Mary E. Rodman, of Lynn, Mass., A^hom he married October 16, 1905. MERRI.\M POST, NO. 8. The Meriden Grand Army post, one of the oldest and most influential in the state department, was nanied in honor of Lieutenant Edwin J. Merriam of the Seventh Connecticut regiment, who died at Fortress Mon- roe from the effects of wounds re- ceived August 16, 1864, in the battle of Deep River, Va. The first meet- ing at which steps were taken towards organizing the post was held at the residence of Rev- Joseph J. Wooley in January, 1867. Mr. Wooley, who had ben a chaplain In the war, serving in the Eighth Con- necticut, was at the time of this meeting pastor of the Center Con- gregational church in Meriden. He was thoroughly in sympathy with the Grand Army movement which Vas the rapidly spreading through- out the west and north. Chaplain Wooley presided at the meeting and Lieutenant Heber S. Ives of the Seventh Connecticut was secretary. The first meeting for permanent or- ganization of the post was held at the armory of the Meriden Veteran guards in the Town hall, February 1, 1867. An application for a charter was filled out and signed by Albert T. Booth, first lieutenant in the Eighth Connecticut, William H. Minchin, corporal Company F, Fifteenth C. v., Henry A. Kirtland, Heber S. Ives, lieutenant Seventh Connecticut infantry, Emerson O. Puffer, ser- geant Company D, Thirty-first Mass- achusetts, Norman S. Wood, color sergeant Seventh Connecticut, Fred H. Parker, Company K, Eighth C. V-, and George C. Geer, Company K, Eighth C. V. These vetrans became the charter members. The first officers of the post were elected at the meeting for permanent organization. Chaplain Wooley was made post commander. First Lieutenant N. Pomeroy Ives, senior vice commander; Emerson O. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 139 Puffer, junior vice commander; Charles S- Gallager, adjutan; Lieu- tenant Heber S. Ives, quartermast.3r, and Charles W. Yale officer of the day. Senior Vice Commander N. Pomeroy Ives and Quartermaster Heber S. Ives were cousins and had been line officers in the service. They were nephews of John Ives of the firm of Ives, Upham & Rand- X. Pomeroy Ives, who was a first lieutenant in the Eighth Connecticut, was United States commissary at Point Lookout, Md., during the last year and a half of the war, having charge of supplies for the camp of Confederate Prisoners of War. The first commander. Chaplain Wooley, is now a resident of Pawtucket, R. I. The first junior vice commander, Emerson O. Puffer, is now engaged in business in Boston. The charter of the post, which was not received until the first convention of the Grand Army posts of the state, held in Hartford, April 11, 1867, dated April 15, 1867. Merriam post was represented in the first state con- vention of the Grand Army at Hart- ford. Colonel Charles L. Upham was present and was made junior vice department commander. At the second state encampment held in Hartford, January 8, 1868, Colonel Upham was elected senior vice department commander and Com- mander Wooley was made a member of the council of administration. At the very beginning of its career Merriam post became an act- ive and influential force in the state department. There was a hiatus for some months in 1868 in the meetings of the post, which at that time had not ben formally named. This suspen- sion of regular meetings failed to be prejudicial to the interests of the or- der. The Meriden men kept up the spirit and comradeship of the Grand Army. During the first of November, 1868, meetings were resumed in Circle hall in the Hicks building. Frank J. Carter, now of Chicago, succeeded E. B. Goodyear and Jos- eph J. Wooley, both of whom had oc- cupied six months' terms as com- mander during the suspension of reg- ular meetings. The meting for nani- ing the post was held November 16, 1868, The vote was unanimously in favor of Merriam in honor of Lieu- tenant Edwin J. Merriam of the Sev- enth Connecticut regiment. Lieu- tenant Merriam enlisted in the Sev- enth from the town of Durham. After three years of service in the ranks, he re-enlisted as a veteran and was made second lieutenant in Company C, which was commanded by Ira E. Hicks of New Britain. SKETCH OF E. J. MERRIAM. In the History of Connecticut dur- ing the Civil war, prepared by Crofut & Morris, it is stated concerning Lieu- tenant Merriam: "He was a Christian soldier, following with equal fidelity the cross and the flag." When his time expired he said: "I have deter- mined to re-enlist in order that I may during three years to come try to do good to the souls of my fellow sol- diers." Chaplain Wayiand, of the Seventh regiment, said of him: "He was the best man I ever knew, uniting more virtues with fewer weaknesses." In conversation with Chaplain Eaton, Lieutenant Merriam once remarked, and the words came rrom his heart: "I am willing to give up all my world- ly interests and enjoyments, if I can thereby secure the invaluable bless- ings of universal justice and freedom to those who shall live after me." It was in the companionship and comradeship of men like Chaplain Wayiand, Valentine B. Chamberlain, Lieutenant Bacon, son of Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven, Major 0. S. Sanford, of Meriden, Colonel S. S. At- well, of Meriden, now of Providence, R. I., Daniel C. Rodman, lieutenant colonel of the regiment, Charles E. Palmer, William H. Pierpont, Morton A. Taintor, of Colchester, Ira E. Hicks, of New Britain, and Major Je- rome Tourtellotte, of Putnam, that Lieutenant Merriam developed and ripened as man and soldier. It was a noble comradeship, full of manliness and courage. Of the old officers of Lieutenant Merriam's day in the Seventh only half a dozen remain. They are Colo- nel S. S. Atwell, of Providence, who was the last commanfler of the regi- ment; Major Jerome Tourtellotte, Captain John Thompson, of Middle- I40 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. CITY MISSION BUILDING, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 141 town, Captain Hicks, or New Britain, Captain Daniel G. Francis, of West Hartford, and Lieutenant Phillips, of Springfield, Mass. Captain Thompson, who was in command of the Seventh in the engagement at Deep Run, said in his report: "Lieutenant Merriam had been wounded in the engagement of the Fourteenth, but resumed his command and was again wounded, while nobly discharging his duty; and too much praise cannot be awarded him." Lieutenant Merriam's wound soon proved fatal, "and the state," wrote Chaplain John M. Morris in his history, "lost no more devoted son." Lieutenant Merriam was a man of the noblest impulses, wholly unselfish, and one of the best of friends and companions. He died in the cause that commanded his absolute allegi- ance and devotion. His life was given without lament, freely, joyously even, for the defense of the republic. The position of commander of the post was resigned by Commander Car- ter, August 23, 1869, and Past Com- mander Wooley was cnosen Septem- ber 13, in place of the retirng official. The first annual election of officers by the post took place December 23, 1870. Prior to that time the elections had been semi-annual. Chaplain Wooley was elected commander for the first term of one year, and was re-elected for 1871. Hector C. tiaydn was ad- jutant for the latter year, serving with marked success in that capacity. He has been adjutant under four different commanders since 1871. It was dur- ing the year 1871 that Commander Wooley resigned, the date being Oc- tober 6. The occasion for this course was the removal of Comander Wooley from the state. He had been a tried and true friend of the post, and his departure from Meriden was looked upon with great regret by the veter- ans. Commander Wooley was suc- ceeded by that nobleman of a soldier, Frank G. Otis, who was also com- mander in 1872. At the annual meet- ing, December 31, 1872, Wm. H. Mor- gan was elected, but on account of business alliances, demanding the whole of his time, he resigned the commandership. Past Commander Otis was again placed at the head of the post. His adjutant through the three years in which he was com- mander was Isaac B. Hyatt, whose death occurred here April 28, 1906. William L. Stoddard was commander in 1875, and J. H. Chapman in 1876. Isaac B. Hyatt became commander in 1877 and held the position through three consecutive years. His adjutant was Hector C. Haydn. The commanders and adjutants of Merriam post, since 1879, with years of office have been: COMMANDERS. William G. Gallager 1880 * Wallace A. Miles 1881 Fred A. Higby 1882 Wilbur F. Rogers 188a C. C. Kinne 1884 * E. R. Merriam 1885 Julius Augur 1886 Albert F. Hall 1887 H. L. B. Pond 1888 C. S. Kelsey 1889 * Allen W. Harvey 1890-'91 Jacob McCall 1891 C. A. Breckenridge 1892 *H. J. Church 1893 * Fred H. Carter 1894 Byron C. Harvey 1894 * J. C. Twicheil 1895 Frank Hancock 1896 '97 S. Y. Clark 1898 H. C. Haydn 1899 Albert a. May 1900-'C1 Thomas A. Benham 1902 Eugene A. Blake 1903 William H. Harvey 1904 James R. Sloane 1905-'06 C. C. Wilcox 188a * Deceased. ADJUTANTS. J. D. Proudman 1881 H. C. Haydn 1882 * E. R. Merriam 1883 J. L. Rutherford 1884 A. F. Hall 1885 * J. C. Twicheil 1886 William G. Hooker 1887 V. E. Hitchcock 1888 H. C. Haydn 1889 James R. Sloane 1890-'91-'92 George E. Flint 1893 James R. Sloane 1894 James R. Sloane 1895 George Southworth 1897 H. C. Haydn 1898 142 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, S. Y. Clark 1899 * Charles Brewer 1900-'01 H. C. Haydn 1902 Albert A. May 1903-'04 Four of tue past commanders, Isaac B. Hyatt, William G. Gallager, Wallace A. Miles and Constans C. Kinne, now of Glastonbury, served in the General Assembly, of Connecticut. George W. Couch, Theodore F. Byxbee and George O. Higby, of Meriden, have also been members of the Legislature. Henry C. Damon, of Berlin, who was formerly a member of the post, has been a rep- resentative in the Legislature from that town and George L. Hotchkiss, also of the post, has represented the town of Cheshire. Merriam post has furnished four de- partment commanders, Frank G. Otis, 1878, Isaac B. Hyatt, 1883, Wilbur F. Rogers, 1893, and Albert A. May, 1905. Department Commander Otis died in office and w^as buried with Grand Army honors, August 12, 1878. He had serv- ed with honor in the Union army and had lost an arm at Appomattox. There was sorrow throughout the Grand Army in Connecticut on account of his death. Past Department Commander Hyatt, who died the last of April, was chief of the Meriden fire department for many years and was held in the high- est esteem as a public man and citizen. Past Department Commander Wilbur Fiske Rogers has been highly honored by the citizens of Meriden and is not unfamiliar with public service. He has held a distinguished place in the husiness life of the city. Department Cammonder May has made an admirable impression in Grand Army circles since he took the department commandership, one years ago. He is the present adjutant of the post. Merriam post was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1887. The incorporators w^ere Wallace A. Miles, Wilbur F. Rogers, A. F. Hall, J. C. Twichell, Thomas A. Benham, William G. Hooker, A. H. Fairchild, Dr. E. C. Newport, Julius Rogers, C. A. Brecken- ridge, B. C. Harvey, F. A. Higby, V. E. Hitchcock, 0. D. Blakesley F. J. Car- ter, W. L. Stoddard, Isaac B. Hyatt, William G. Gallager, Constans C. Kinne, E. R. Merriam and Julius Au- gur. The act of incorporation was signed by Governor Phineas C. Louns- bury, April 13, 1887. Governor Louns- bury, who had served in the Seven- teenth Connecticut regiment, was a member of the Grand Army. The total number of veterans, who have been enrolled in Merriam post, is 657. The number of members at the present time is 159. The officers are: James R. Sloane, commander; James B. Tracy, S. V. C; George B. Lawton, J. V. C; Albert A. May, adjutant; Ju- lius Augur, quartermaster; T. W. Kil- bourne, surgeon; George W. Kelly, chaplain; Wilbur W. Hart, 0. of Day; Jacob McCall, O. of Guard; Frank Hancock, sergeant major; Charles L. Taylor, Q. M. sergeant; Jacob Kline, sentinel; T. W. Kilbourne, librarian; George R. Southworth, pianist. The post contains a large number of influential business men in Meri- den. Colonel Charles L. Upham and Philip C. Rand of the host are both members of the firm of Ives. Upham & Rand, Thomas A . Ben- ham is secretary of the Meriden Cutlery company and a member of the school board, Martin B. Schenck is also a member of the school board and a well known manufacturer of hardware. George W. Couch, w^ho has been a member of the Legisla- ture, is a fire commisioner and has served with much acecptance on the Soldiers' Hospital board. William H. Catlin is vice president of the Meriden Savings bank. Emerson O. Puffer has a large clothing estab- lishment in Boston and Constans C. Kinne is living in retirement in G-as- tonbury. John L. Rutherford is secretary of the Foster-Merriam company. The post is represented on the police force by Edwin A. Puffer, who served in the First Ver- mont cavalry, and Charles D. Lewis, who was in theFirst Connecticut cav- alry. Theodore F. Byxbee is one of the wealthiest men of this city. Past Commander H. L. B. Pond is paymaster for the H- Wales Lines company and George E. Flint is treasurer of the Wilcox Silver Plate company. Past Commander A. F. Hall is paymaster for the ]\Ianning & Bowman company. William G. Hooker is manager in the Horton Printing company. John S. Lane is president of the Lane Construction corporation company. A. L. Barclett CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 143 is one of the earliest members of tue post and a member of the finance committee. Byron C. Harvey, W. H. Harvey, eGorge W. Kelly, John H. McCormick, Jacob McCall, Byron G- Paddock, who escaped from Auder- sonville, Edson Sanford, Charles L. Taylor and Prank Hancock, .ianitor at the New Haven post oflice, are well known men in Meriden and re- spected veterans of the Civil war. Norman S. Wood is a foreman at the Meriden Britannia company's works and Charles A. Breckonridge is with Edwin Miller & Co. The past com.- mander, James R. Sloane, is cashier at the Parker works and is a man of solid attainments businesswise. He has won political honors in the city and is one of the town auditors at present. Department Commander May, ad- jaiant of the post, is engaged in the Tindertaking busines'i and is poi)ul':ir throughout the city. Juliu3 Augur, quartermaster of the post, is a mem- ber of the Board of Fire commis- sioners. He wa.s commander in 1886 and has been quartermaster fifteen years. He wa!< a nephew of Lieutenant Edwin J. Merriam in honor of whom the post was named. He enlisted first in the Fifteenth Connecticut August 8, 1862, and was discharged in February, 1863, from Chestnut Hill hospital in Philadel- phia on account of disability. He re-enlisted In Hartford, December 31, 1863, in Company C of the Sev- enth regiment. He was discharged at Goldsboro, N. C, July 20, i865. He became a member of Merriam post, January 27, 1871. He is a member of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut. Quartermaster Augur is engaged in the market bus- iness. He is popular in the post and out, being a man of attrtictive per- sonality. Past Commander Charles ;^. Kel- sey is a mounted letter carrier and Past Commander Hector C. Hayden is with the Bradley & Hubbard com- pany. The judge of probate, John Q. Thay- er, is one of the foremost members of Merriam post. He was a private in Company I, of the Eighth Connecticut, and was mustered in the Grand Army January 20, 1871. He is a member of the Army and Navy club of Connecti- cut and one of the most respected Civil war veterans in the state. He has held the office of probate judge for a number of years, discharging the duties of the office in an able and satisfactory manner. Merriam post has received much rec- ognition and honor from the national department. The list of appointments from that body is: Aides-de-camp, William H. Morgan, 1878, John C. Rob- inson, of New York, national com- mander; Wilbur Fiske Rogers, 1880, Louis Wagner, of Philadelphia, nation- al commander; Emerson 0. Puffer, 1882, Paul Van Der Voort, of Omaha, Neb., national commander; A. H. Fair- child, 1883, Robert B. Beath, of Phila- delphia, national commander; William F. Graham, 1885, S. S. Burdett, of Washington, D. C, national command- er; C. A. Breckenridge, 1887, John P. Rea, of Minneapolis, national com- mander, and J. D. Proudman, 1889, R. A. Alger, of Detroit, national com- mander. James R. Sloane and Isaac B. Hyatt were assistant inspector gen- erals, the former in 1879 and the latter in 1881. William G. Gallager, Constans C. Kinne, Wilbur Fiske Rogers, Julius Augur and Wallace A. Miles constitute the list of national delegates. James R. Sloane was alternate in 1882 and William G. Gallager in 1883. William G. Gallager was a member of the Na- tional Council of Administration in 1885. In 1900 Department Commander May was on the staff of Commander-in- Chief Leo Rassieur of St. Louis. In 1903 Hector C. Haydn was on the staff of Commander-in-Chief John C. Black, of Chicago, and Albert C. Hall is at presnt on the staff of Commander-in- Chief James Tanner, of New York. T. W. Kilbourne, A. J. Doolittle and George W. Couch are trustees of the post. The initial steps towards the erec- tion of the soldiers' monument at the head of East Main street were taken by Merriam post. It is a splendid tes- timonial from the patriotic citizens of Meriden and the post, representing the veterans of the war. At an en- thusiastic public meeting in 1870 the sum of $10,000 was appropriated by the town for the monument. The mo- tion for the appropriation was made by Rev. Joseph J. Wooiey. The Hon. 144 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. SALESKI BUILDING, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 145 Orville H. Piatt seconded the idea in a graceful and impressive utterance, attesting his own and the public's in- debtedness to the Union soldiers. It was a charactensrrc speech. It may be said in this connection and ought to be said that me veterans from Connecticut never had a better or nobler friend in the United States Congress than Senator Flatt. Merrl- am post contributed $1,000 towards the monument. The dedication took place in 1873, General Joseph R. Haw- ley delivering the oration. The floor cannon, which occupy positions on the site of the monument, were donated by the United States government, through the influence of Congressman Stephen W. Kellogg, of Waterbury. They were captured from the rebels by Union troops. Merriam post has one of the best equipped Grand Army halls in the state. There is a cluD room and li- brary connected with the headquar- ters, where the members and friends of the post can meet at any time through the day and evening for social objects. The library furnishes an en- joyable means of entertainment. The hal is located on Colony street, and is easily accessible from the railroad station. The first meetings of the post were held in Circle hall in the Hicks building. Afterwards they were held in what was known as the "Flat Iron" building, at the corner of Main and Crown streets. At the end of three months the post was compelled to leave the "Flat Iron" and move in- to a larger hall in Stone's building on State street, which was used by the Meriden Veteran Guards for an arm- ory. The third removal, which took place during the fall of 1S70, was to the hall of Pacific lodge of Odd Fel- lows. It was in this hall that the first annual meeting of the post was held. The present headquarters have been occupied since October 5, 1874. Frank G. Otis was commander of the post at that time and took great interest in the change. He felt it was a step to- wards the prosperity and success, which were anticipated for the post. These anticipations have been more than realized during the past thirty years. Merriam post hall has been a well spring from which the beneficience of the Grand Army has flowered, giving comfort and relief, where needed and iiTspiring comradeship and loyalty in all. It is in this hall that the veterans of Meriden have groMm old together. The place is full of sacred memories. In the heart of the city, it is a center and source of the highest patriotism. The block in which the hall is lo- cated is the property of Merriam post, having been bought a number of years ago from Horace Wilcox. The rentals furnish an ample income for the post. The purchase of the block was an admirable business transac- tion. With the exception of J. H. Con- verse post, of Windsor Locks, Merri- am post has no rival in the depart- ment in the way of property owner- ship. The handsome Memorial hall that is owned by Converge post was given by the venerable philanthropist, Charles E. Chaffee, of Windsor Locks, who will be eighty-eight years of age the last of this month. The sum of $25,000 was given by Mr. Chaffee for the hall. Merriam post occupies an enviab'^ place in the community. Said H. Wales Lines a few days ago, voicing the public feeling: "Whatever Merri- am post wants in Meriden, it can have." It has been nobly dealt with and has nobly deserved the public ad- miration and confidence. JO 146 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. D. A. R. MEMORIAL Meriden having furnished its quota of soldiers in the war of the Revolution there are many of their descendants, men and women, in this city. It is, there- fore, appropriate that there should be chapters of the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution here. There are two of them in existence, the Ruth Hart chap- ter and the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter. Each has about 150 members. The Ruth Hart chapter is the oldest of these organizations. On November 29, 1892, a meeting of ladies interested in the formation of a chapter of the daughters met in the parlors of the Winthrop hotel and listened to an ad- dress by Mrs. De B. Randolph Keim. From that time the Daughters of the American Revolution has been in exist- ence. It was not until April 8, 1893, that the charter was secured. IMrs. Levi E. Coe was the first regent and Aliss Fan- nie L. Twiss, secretary. It was decided to name the chapter Ruth Hart in honor of the wife of General Selah Hart, who commanded the Connecticut militia in the war of the Revolution. From the start the chapter prospered and at each meeting new members were admitted, but after a while dissensions arose. It was as to the proper spelling of the name of the chapter. Some de- clared it should be Hart while others were of the opinion that Heart was cor- rect. No agreement could be reached and on October 8, 1895, twenty-four of the members dropped from the roll. The\' formed a rival chapter and named it Susan Carrington Clarke chapter. Mrs. Kate Foote Coe was elected re- gent and she has occupied that office ever since. For some years the two chapters had no interests in common and held aloof from each other. But that is now a thing of the past. Centennial week and the incidents pertaining thereto brought them in close bonds of friendship and one and all were hard at work for weeks preparing for the celebration. Officers and members took the deepest interest in the celebration and the unveiling of the tablet to the memory of the soldiers of the Revolution. Some of the souvenirs which were gathered by the daughters jmd which were on exhibition were of great inter- est. One of them was a chain made of steel. Pendant from it is a small disk also of steel. Set in gold and one side is a head of Washington and on the other one of Lafayette. Although strongly made the chain is very light. One of the exhibits that was of interest to the men who served in the Civil war was a pack of cards. They were car- ried on many a battlefield and while made in 1863 did not show signs of hard usage. They were loaned to the daugh- ters by ]\Irs. Laura A. Payne. Mrs. Kate Foote Coe, the regent of Susan Carrington Clarke chapter, is a resident of New Haven. She is the widow of Judge x\ndrew J. Coe and was born in Guilford, Conn.. ]\Iay 31, 1840. , Her ancestry on her father's side includes General Ward of Revolutionary fame, and Colonel Andrew W^ard, an officer in the French and Indian wars. After obtaining an education she be- gan her career as teacher, first presiding over the district school of her native village. Later she taught at the Hart- ford. Female seminary. In 1863 she went south and taught among the negroes during the latter part of the Civil war. From Beaufort, S. C, she went to St. Augustine, Fernandino and Jackson- ville, Fla. She was accompanied by her sister, Harriet Ward Foote, who became the first wife of the late Senator Jo- seph R. Hawley. After the close of the war she continued teaching. The work of her pen has delighted the readmg public and she has contributed to the best magazines. For fifteen years while she was the Washington correspondent CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 147 of the Independent she secured the ful/ confidence of man}- famous men and women. Mrs. Coe has traveled exten- sively in this and foreign lands. Her first trip abroad was in 1872 when she spent a year in Europe. In her travels she found and improved the opportun- ity to study the people of the Philip- pines, Mexico, Jamaica and Trinidad. Upon her marriage with Judge Andrew Coe she spent a winter in Caracas, \^enezuela. After the death of her hus- band she removed to New Haven, tak- ing up her residence with her sister, Mrs. Edward H. Jenkins, whose hus- band is director of the Agricultural E.x- periment Station of Connecticut. For many years she has been a leader in the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion. Mrs. William H. Catlin is the regent of Ruth Hart chapter. One of her an- cestors was a passenger of the May- flower when that vessel made its second voyage to this country. Her great- grandfather was in the Revolutionary war and was officer of the day when IMaior Andre was hanged. She is also a direct descendant of Governor Prince and Elder William Brewster. Mrs. Charles E. Morgan for the past two terms has been the corresponding secretary of Ruth Hart chapter and while in office has endeared herself in the minds of her associates. She is the daughter of Ransom Baldwin and was born in this city, as were her father and grandfather. She graduated from the Meriden High school in 1892 and from the Emerson College of Ora- torv of Boston three vears later. Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion, was the chief figure at the exer- cises in the afternoon at the unveiling of the tablet, that bronze memorial which was given by the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter, and contains the names of the Revolutionary soldiers and mil- itiamen from the parish of Meriden, 177s to 1783. Services of a very im- pressive nature were held in the First Methodist church under the aus- pices of Susan Carrington Clarke chap- ter, and that the memory of the dead is still held in the hearts and minds of the people of the present was shown bv the large number who were in attend- ance. There was not a vacant seat in the church, and many were obliged to stand; even that they were willing to do in order to attend the exercises. All invited guests and members of the D. A. R. were seated in the body of the church, and the galleries were opened to the public. Previous to the exer- cises the members of the local D. A. R. assembled in the parlors of the church at the Pleasant street entrance. The exercises opened with music by the glee club, which was followed by an historical address by Mrs. Kinney. The presentation of the tablet was then made by Mrs. Louis K. Curtis. In the address she said : PRESENTATION SPEECH. Madam State Regent, Madam Re- gent, visiting daughters and friends — This is to us a very joyful occasion. There is always great satisfaction in the consideration of work accomplished, a task well done. We forget all the weary hours of labor, the arduous toil in the grand consummation, yet it is not all joy, for we remember with love the one who stood at the head of our com- mittee, our chairman. Miss Emma Sav- age, who loved the work so dearly, and who has passed on to other activities. If the dear Lord permits, I am sure she is very near us to-day, rejoicing with us in the work achieved. In the War of the Revolution the soldiers of Connecticut stood in the fore front battling for their rights and on the roster stand the names of many high in the military rank. To the gen- eral, the colonel, the major are given fame and honor, while to those of lesser rank is given the work leading to that honor. Meriden's roster has no general, no colonel, no major, but over the names of t,he 113 loyal soldiers who did the work so nobly, over their names we have set the palm branch as an em- blem of our love, and loyalty and de- votion. Madam Regent, the tablet committee have the honor to announce that the tab- let has been placed in the Curtis ]Me- morial library. There was music by a trio and then Mrs. Kate Foote Coe. regent of Susan Carrington Clarke chapter, presented the tablet in the following address : 148 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. > MRS. SARA T. KINNEY, State Regent, D. A. R- CEXTEXNIAL OF MERIDKN, 149 KATE FOOTE COE. Ladies of the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter and visiting friends : We all theoretically approve, yes like peace. But when it comes to the set- tlement of great questions, the greatest questions, we settle them by an appeal to arms. "There is nothing worse than war," said an army officer once in my hearing. He had been giving us some reminis- cences of our Civil war. "Yes, there is," said a sudden voice ringing out like a bugle call. We all looked up in surprise ; it seemed as if there could be no contradiction of that statement. "Yes," said the second man, also an officer— "a cowardly peace." But apparently there is no other way as yet. So we have had our two great wars, the one of 1776, the other of 1861. The first put us on the road to being a great nation ; the second held us there. The battles and the soldiers of 1776 are far back in our history, so far that —as they give sainthood to the Catholic church long after the saint has been dead, a hundred years or more — we feel now that every man who carried a mus- ket, who drove an army team, whose name is in any office, is on the muster rolls of the Revolutionary war, whether he bled and died, or came home alive to his family and friends, we feel that all these men deserve the sainthood of having their names preserved and in- scribed where men shall see them and remember what they stand for. This is why we have this tablet — this is wh\- we have come here to-day. It has been a labor of love, and Mer- iden has sent her beauty and chivalry to the entertainments we have offered, and this when they knew, when we un- blushingly admitted, that we wanted them to put their hands in their pockets and help us. And the chapter stood by nobly. You upheld the committee — the committee who bore the brunt of the whole thing. Your chairman has spoken of Miss Sav- age, beloved, but gone from us. T can only add my own regrets and the feeling of personal loss in her death. The chapter found and knew a true artist when they saw him, and TMr. Gudebrod has given us of his best work. When vou see the tablet, note the clearness of the lettered names, that scroll of honor of JNIeriden's men; note the grace of the figure that stands mod- estly aside, yet bears the palm above them ; the palm, that emblem of mar- t\'rdom and of victory. Mr. Curtis, we have the pleasure of giving into your custody in the Me- morial library this result of our labors and anxieties. It will have its lesson for those who throng there. It will add to the beauty of the gift Mrs. Curtis has made to the town, and we thank you for this opportunity you have given us. MRS. KIXXEV'S ADDRESS. Mrs. Kinney gave the principal ad- dress at the memorial exercises. She spoke as follows : It is always a happiness to me to be the guest of Daughters of the American Revolution, and especially on such an occasion as this. It is no ordinary event that has called us to- gether this afternoon. We are here for the purpose — among other pur- poses — of extending our felicitations to the town of Meriden upon its good for- tune in having safely weathered not only its infantile woes but the stress and" turmoil of j-outh. and of having finally attained to its full majority. We have also to congratulate Meriden up- on the very artistic and historically valuable work of art which comes to the town -to-day as a birthday gift from the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter, D. A. R., and surely our congratula- tions are due to the chapter itself upon the consummation of a most in- teresting and truly patriotic labor of love, and we may all draw from its example fresh courage and hope for the future of our work, and for the great society which we have the honor to represent. There are always good reasons to be given for the wisdom and progressive spirit which is dis- played by certain towns, and it isn't necessarj' to go far afield to find at least one entirely satisfactory and sig- nificant reason for Meriden's present position as one of the foremost towns of the state. The fact is. Meriden has a larger constituency of Daughters of the Amer- ican Revolution than any other town of Connecticut, and this alone speaks vol- umes for the Silver City, as we see i=;o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. and know it to-day. But for the ex- istence of the Susan Carrington Clarke and Ruth Hart chapters, D. A. R., it is to be feared that Meriden's Old Home week would have lacked some of the essentials now so apparent in the splendidly brilliant event which thousands of her well wishers are en- joying at this time. I suppose it must be admitted that Meriden differs some- what from Daughters of the American Revolution as well as other Daughters of Eve, in her frank willingness to tell her age. Aleriden rejoices and desires every one to rejoice in the fact that she is lOO years young, and that she is just now making plans for a long and useful career which may possibly reach its meridian five hundred or a thousand years hence. May the best of good fortune attend the town in the centuries that lie before it. The Daughters of the American Rev- olution are gathered here this after- noon to do honor to the memory of the men from this locality who fought to make us a nation, and we in turn, are honored by the presence and the interest in our exercises of men who fought to preserve us a na- tion. It is possible that never before had there been, and perhaps never again in the history of this country will there be such an inrush into the hearts of both men and women, of ethical loy- alty to patriotic ideals as was^ manifest during those fateful years from 1861 to 1865. The sundering of family ties, the severing of lifelong friendships, the at- tempted outrage upon the fundamental principles which underlie the founda- tions of our republic were staggering blo;ws. But as fierce fire melts and welds particles of metal into unbending and unbreakable bars of steel, so this inherent consciousness of the chaotic nature of the secession movement welded together the rank and file into an invincible and unconquerable army of men who fought and bled and died for good citizenship add an unwaver- ing loyalty to an ideal government of the people, by the people and for the people. The men who fought under Grant, Sherman, • Sheridan, Sedgwick, Terry, Hawley and Mansfield, under Farragut, Foote, Porter and many an- other gallant leader will never be for- gotten by us. They have given us a legacy of honor and of hope — and their unsullied rep- utations will be forever held in the tender keeping of a grateful republic. Veterans, we thank you for your pres- ence with us to-day. The Daughters of the American Revolution salute you ! As most of us know, the national so- ciety, Daughters of the American Rev- olution, is the largest patriotic heredi- tary organization in the world. It is chartered by the Congress of the United States. It has a membership of over 50,000 and these members may be found in every state and territory in the Union, in Canada, Hawaii, the Philippines, — in England, France, Italy — and even in far off' India. All through this dear land of ours, and especially throughout the commonwealth of Connecticut, the Daughters of the American Revolution are doing the kind of patriotic, histor- ical, commemorative and educational work which is theirs to do, by right of inheritance, and in accordance with the requirements of the National Society of which each and every "Daughter" is a member. This society was formed for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of the men and women who gave material aid to the cause of liberty during the War of the Revolution, and is a me- morial established by lineal descendants of patriots, that the names and services of those same patriots may be remem- bered in years to come, as a part of the nation's history. Its historical value is now so fully acknowledged, that it is, and will always continue to be es- teemed a privilege and an honor to come into its membership. For the past 200 years this country has been exceed- ingly busy making history. We are now beginning to mark history. We are real- izing as never before the need of reach- ing out and gathering up the threads that lead to, and are explanatory of this, that, or the other historic event and of weaving them into intelligible stories which may be graven on stone or moulded in bronze, and placed in our public buildings, by the wayside, in parks or in busy city streets. These stories do not so much concern the in- dividuals whose names may chance to be identified with them, as they do the loyalty to high ideals which actuated the dramatis personae in the historic events wdiich are recorded thereon, and as a rule these stories are so briefly told, so strong in their simplicity and CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 151 so clear in their conclusions, that thj: wayfaring man or woman even though unable to read a word, need not err in his or her understanding of them, nor of their raison d'etre. From Maine to California this dear land of ours is being starred b_v Daughters of the American Revolution with stories in bronze and sermons in stones, and every one of them is a leaf out of United States history. Perhaps in no other country are such lessons in history more needed than right here in our own United States. No other ruler in the world has such a composite constituency as has the President of the United States. And this constituency includes a much larger proportion than it should, of unedu- cated and lawless men and women who have little or no respect for the laws of God or man — men and women who are practically without a country and without homes. One of the missions of the D. A. R., of all patriotic organiza- tions, in fact, is to reach and teach these people the real meaning and value of law ; the real meaning and strength of loyalty to one's country — the real mean- ing and beauty of pure homes. If from no higher motive, than in the interests of political economy alone, these people should be saved from themselves in spite of themselves. I believe that the effort to accomplish this, or at least some part of it, is one of the strong, underlying purposes of the D. A. R. They wish to be factors for good in their respective communities ; they wish to add their strength to the world-wide effort to uplift humanity — they wish to do what they can and may do to make this world a little brighter, a little better, and a good deal more patriotic than we sometimes have reason to be- lieve it is. After the fashion of wom- en we must, of course, do this work in our own wa}^ We may not go into the pulpit and preach our sermons to a little coterie of men and women whose beliefs are the same as our own. Our way, one of our ways at least, is to carve our sermons on stones or mould them in bronze, and set them up where people of all creeds or no creed at all, may read them. We may not enter the more or less sacred pre- cincts on Capitol hill in Washington and join our distinguished congressmen in the business of making laws for 80,- 000,000 people. But, the Daughters may and do invite them to come to us and co-operate in our business of setting up by the wayside these fadeless pages out of the history of our state where they may be seen and read of all men. Within the past ten years and in ad- dition to a phenomenally large amount of work along other lines of effort, be- tween fifty and sixty such memorial stones and tablets, fountains and gate- ways have been placed by the Connec- ticut D. A. R. to mark historic spots or to record the virtues, the sacrifices and the ideals of our Revolutionary heroes and heroines. The debt of gratitude which we all owe 'to the makers of the Republic can never be paid in coin of the realm, but the Susan Carrington Clarke chap- ter, D. A. R., will to-day in some meas- ure, at least, discharge its share of the moral obligation which is laid upon every patriotic heart to keep green the memory of the men and women who achieved American independence. This town sent 113 men into the ranks of the Revolutionary army. You recall the story of the dauntless seven who fell in the battle of Lexington — Brown, Hadley, Monro*, Parker, Porter and the two Harringtons : "Harrington lies on his doorstep dead, But, oh, ye six that round him lay And bloodied up that April da\-, — As Harrington fell, ye likewise fell — At the door of the house wherein j'^e dwell. As Harrington came, ye likewise came, And died at the door of your house of fame." During the war which followed, each colony and each locality had its Har- ringtons, its Parkers and its Porters. You had your Halls, Yales, Rices, Mer- riams. Atwaters, Harts, Couches and Shaylors, and many another patriotic martyr, who in his own day and gen- eration, gave the best that was in him for home and country. In en- during bronze the name of each of the 113 men who went from this local- ity to fill his own particular niche in the epoch-making days of 1776 will for decades to come serve to indicate to fu- ture generations something of the splen- did story of the valor and sacrifices of Meriden's Revolutionary heroes. This memorial should stand for something in this communitv. The storv which 152 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. wo read between the lines suggests only that which was fine and noble, helpful and progressive in the lives of men who once walked these streets. The}' are long since dead to this world. "Their bones are dust, their good swords rust, Their souls are with the Lord we trust." But to-da}- they are speaking to us through the undying inHuence of their valorous lives. This beautiful and significant tablet is the gift of an organization of rep- resentative women, each one of whom is a lineal descendant of a Revolu- tionary sire, and each one is pledged to the ideals which make for right- eousness, and tend to elevate homes and country. It is the belief of such women as these that "A people which takes no pride in the achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered by remote descendants." These are Ma- cauley's words, but in a very true sense they belong to the creed of the D. A. R. Therefore, in erecting a tablet in this city, upon which is graven the names of Meriden's Revolutionary soldiers, the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter not only fulfills its unwritten vow to keep green the memory of the heroic dead of a century and more ago, but it honors itself and the splendid or- ganization to which it has pledged its allegiance, and its name will pass on into history as one worthy of remem- brance by remote descendants. I bring to the Susan Carrington Clarke chapter the thanks of sister chapters throughout the state for having so suc- cessfully added to the list of the com- memorative achievements of the Con- necticut Daughters, and I am happy to testify to my conviction that the mem- bers of this chapter have amply justi- fied their birthright to that most hon- orable title of Daughters of the Amer- ican Revolution. MR. Curtis' acceptance. In accepting the tablet in behalf of the directors of the library, Mr. Cur- tis said: It is a beautiful tribute that you are paying to the memory of the Revolu- tionary sons of the parish of Meriden. On imperishable bronze, in letters in- scribed beneath the outstretched hand of the genius of fame bearing the palm branch of victory, you are preserving the names of those men who served their country with courage and devo- tion, of those who, leaving homes and friends, endured with fortitude and patience the many years of campaign and privation, and when the war was ended and the victory theirs, like the noble Roman of old, laid down their arms and returned to the plow, content to have done their duty, and proud to have served their country when danger was great. I have browsed so long among the ancient records, that these men seem like old friends. By day and by night they have been my companions, until I have scarce known whether my morning greetings would be paid to Capt. John Couch, Capt. Divan Berry or Lieut. Joseph Shaylor, or to those whom I had left in flesh and blood the day before. That their names are preserved for this and unborn gener- ations in a manner so beautiful, artis- tic, and permanent, is a fitting memor- ial of respect and admiration from you, who have done so much to keep alive the memory of the historic deeds of the fathers. It is inspiring, and long may it preserve its power to kindle in youth and manhood that love of country and devotion to duty which is the highest civic virtue of which we are capable. Speaking for the directors of the li- brary, I can assure you that we esteem it a sacred trust that v/e are to be the custodians of this tribute of respect and veneration. It will grace and hallow our walls, and will always have our un- bounded care and protection. There is one man on this roll of fame who has never had paid to him the jus- tice and honor he deserves. I do not disparage that gallant officer, Capt. John Couch, but he was not a young man when hostilities began, and he was cap- tured by the British in the latter part of 1776, and after serving some months in prison his vigor seems to have been impaired, and he was incapacitated for military duty of an arduous nature dur- ing the rest of the war. The tnan I re- fer to is Lieut. Joseph Shaylor. He began his service at the time of the Lexington alarm, and apparently served almost continuously until the declara- tion of peace in 1783. After the north- ern campaign of 1775, under General CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 153 Schuyler, Lieut. Shaylor was taken sick at Putney, Vt., and among the ancient records preserved in the capitol at Hart- ford, I hnd his bill for medical attend- ance, lasting sixteen days ; and then fol- lows the item for hire of horse and man to bring him home, a distance of one hundred and ninety miles, at a to- tal expense of i6-i6s-i8d. But this ex- perience did not quench his courage for he was soon on duty again, valiant and plucky as ever. I have read his letter, under date of Feb 12, 1781, written from Constitution Island, near West Pointf in which, with a thrill of enthus- iasm, and cheerful, as usual, he says : "I arrived safely in camp in four ■days after leaving Meriden. Camp af- fairs are as usual, all hands hearty. We have just enough to keep soul and body from parting, but hope for good times. Our New England lines have done themselves immortal honor in bearing with patience those inconveniences for which the Southern troops have revolt- ed, though they were much better pro- vided than our line." He was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains, and was one of that picked body of men who took part in the storming and capturing of Stony Point imder Mad Anthony Wayne, on July 15, 1779, one of the most brilliant exploits during the war. His record was stirring, and he was recognized as daring and courageous, and after the war he was deemed wor- thy of admission to the Order of the Cincinnati. Notwithstanding his long and ardu- ous experience during the Revolution, his military ardor was not quenched, for as captain he raised a company in this town and served in the unhappy General St. Clair expedition, of 1781, against the Miami Indians, in the then North- west territory, and his son, a lad of fifteen, accompanied him on the expedi- tion. Several of the Meriden men were killed, and the poor boy was slain and scalped by the Indians, and in the old Broad street cemetery we may read the inscription : "In Memory of Mr. Joseph Shaylor the only son of Major and Mrs. Rachel Shaylor, wlio was slain by the Indians at Fort Jefferson, Feby. 11, 1792 Aged 15 His surviving Sisters consecrate this Inscription to his Memory." Major Shaylor settled in Ohio at the close of this war, and, so far as I know, there are none of his descendants now living in IMeriden. Would that some of them were present, so that we might pay to them the consideration and honor to which the gallant mili- tary service of Major Shaylor makes any one of that name entitled. During his residence in Meriden he was a part owner of what we now call Baldwin's Mill, then known as Hough's and his home was on Gravel street, a short distance south of Baldwin avenue. Peace to his ashes. He is deserving of our praise and memorv to-day. After the acceptance of the tablet by Mr. Curtis, "America" was sung, af- ter which the benediction was pro- nounced by Rev. A. J. Lord. At the conclusion of the exercises many went to the library to view the tablet which has been placed on the east side of the main entrance. Last October the members of Susan Carrington Clarke chapter at an in- formal meeting discussed the advisa- bility of erecting some kind of a me- morial to the men of the parish of Mer- iden who fought in the War of the Revolution. It was the opinion of all those present that no more fitting time could be selected than some day in the week when Meriden celebrated her Cen- tennial. The idea at once bore fruit. Other meetings were held and no de- cision was reached as to the form of the memorial, whether it should be a shaft or a boulder. Finally one of the members offered the suggestion that the memorial be in the form of a tab- let to be placed in the Curtis library. The suggestion was immediately ac- cepted and the committees were ap- pointed and went to work with the re- sult that the tablet now adorns the li- brary wall. It was designed by Louis E. Gudebrod, a Meriden bo\-, a pupil of St. Gaudens. and was cast by the John Williams company, of New York. 154 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. THIRTY-SEVENTH SCHUETZENFEST OF THE SOUTHERN N. E. SCHUETZENBUND The thirty-seventh scliuetzenfest of the Soutliern New England Schuetzen- biind began at Schuetzen park in the morning with a large attendance and every indication of being recorded as an- other Centennial success. The six shooting organizations com- prising the S. N. E. bund met at the station, the five out-of-town companies being received by the Meriden Rifle club. Shortly after 9 o'clock the line of march was formed with Gottlieb Anschuetz, of the ]\Ieriden club, as the mounted mar- shal and a short parade was made in the following order : Koscuiszko Band, Meriden. Company I, 2nd Regt., C. N. G., Cap- tain G. E. Proudman. Independent German Rifle club, New Haven. Hartford Schuetzen Verein. Springfield Rifle Club. Taftville Rifle Club. Meriden Fife and Drum Corps. Meriden Rifle Club. Carriage containing ]\Iayor Reilly, Chairman G. ^I. Curtis, Select- man Miller and Town Clerk Hess. Carriages containing ladies of the S. N. E. and other guests. The procession went from State to East Main street, countermarching at Willow, to Colony, countermarching at Washington, to West Main, to Capitol avenue, to Steuben street, to Schuetzen park. Arriving at the park Mayor Reilly welcomed the members of the bund to ]\Ieriden, referring to the prominent part the German organizations were playing in the Centennial and express- ing the hope that the aim of the rifle- men at the target of good fellowship and good citizenship would be as true as at the targets on the range. Chairman Curtis expressed the hope that the visit to ^M^idcn would be thor- oughl}- enjoyed and the shooting festi- val a great success. The schuetzenfest was then opened by Ma^'or Reilly firing the first shot at the Centennial target and scoring a bull's eye, as did Selectman IMiller and Chairman Curtis. The shooting at the nine targets then began in earnest and continued all day. Elaborate preparations had been made by the local club for the enter- taining of the visitors, and it was a most enjoyable time. The make-np of the clubs was as fol- lows : Independent German Rifle company, of New Haven — Chas. H. Halm, cap- tain ; Chas. Koelle, Herman Schultz, Herman Glas, Harry Young, Charles Stelzie. E. Gerken, Carl Rosenthal, Fred. Horn, A. H. Donner, Wm. Kitt- ler, Chas. Scholl, Otto Ginz, Henry Konold, Chas. Wirtz, John Oed, Adam Uhl, Louis Uhl, Fred Reisinger. Hartford Schuetzen Verein — George Zimmer, captain : J. Sterl, J. Hunzirker, P. Conrad, H. Oppermann, C. D. Me- long, Gus. Buettner, F. Becher, J. Goetz, Ed Clausen, E .A. Glaus, Henry Jan- sen, Joe Hammer, Leo. A. Grzywacz, Ch Winter, Martin Schmidt, Chris Vo- gel. Otto Schneider. Taftville Rifle club — Michael Jacob, captain ; Richard Heller. A. Krodel, A. Grimms, A. E. W^riht, John IMurphy. E. Madden. Springfield Rifle clula — H. Buchholz, captain ; Wm. Stock, F. C. Ross, J. D. Anderson, G. Baer, M. Flosdorf New Britain Schuetzen Verein — N. J. Heidi, captain; W. Heidi, jr.. F. Zim- merman, Otto Leopohl, Geo .Duer, E. Mucke. P. R. Vogelgesang, Arthur Valz, Geo. Webber. J. Baumgartner. Meriden Rifle club — Ch. Heckler, cap- tain ; John Glassnap. Robert Philippi, Martin Glassnap. Chris. Glassnap. Emil H. Kroeber, Fritz Langner, Max Stro- bel, H. Winterhalder, Aug. Mever, Fred CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 155 Weber, A. Oefinger, O. Elster, William Seery, W. . D. Palmer, C. G. Havens, F. Anschuetz, F. Yost, C. F. Fox, J. Kimtze, W. Corves, jr., W. Corves, sr. Company I, in khaki uniform present- ed a business-like appearance, and did the escort duty in a most soldierly man- ner. EMIL H. KROEBER, Chairman Schuetzenfest. All of the targets were busy and the men in the butts did not have an idle moment from the time the shoot start- ed until the call came for lunch. Af- ter an hour's rest the shooting was re- sumed and kept up during the day and was brought to a close Wednesday night when the large assortment of fine prizes were distributed among the eager ri- flemen and women shooters. It was late in the evening before all the dele- gates were off the grounds and on their wa}' to their respective homes. About 6 :30 p. m., all shooting ceased and by direction of Captain Chris Heck- ler all the people in the grove formed a grand march and made a tour of the park with the band in the lead, returning to the prize booth which they surrounded. President John Glassnapp spoke a few words and then introduced mem- bers of the schuetzenbund, who made eloquent speeches congratulating espe- cially the Meriden Rifle club on their generosity and hospitality. Band selec- tions followed the speeches and loud cheers were given for the local club. Charles Johnson, of the New Britain club, was awarded the king medal, hav- ing made the best score at the target of honor, sixty-seven out of a possible seventy-five. Miss Rose Anschuetz pinned the medal on Mr. Johnson's coat and then the band struck up a tune. The queen medal for the best score at the ladies' target of honor was awarded to Mrs. F. M. Zimmerman of New Brit- aain, who had a score of sevent\-. A. CHRIS GLASSNAP, Schuetzenfest Committee. / R. Cooley of Springfield won the Au- brey shotgun and W. B. Hall, of New Britain, the tea set. Mrs. Jacob Sieebe, of Hartford and Mrs. John Goetz. of Hartford, were second and third win- ners in the queen target. The military medals were hotly con- tested for by members of the local mil- itia and the results, were as follows: 156 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Captain H. B. Young, of New Haven, first prize gold medal ; Captain Joseph DeCantillon, of Company L, second prize, gold medal ; Private August Lu- schinks, Company I, third prize, silver medal, Captain George E. Proudnian, get and it took considerable time for the people to choose them. Almost every one secured a prize and went away well satisfied with the two days' outing. The next schuetzenfest will be held in Taftville in 1907. WINTHROP HOTEL, SHOWING DECORATIONS. Company I, fourth prize, silver medal ; Private Ralph Palmer, silver medal ; Sergeant R. W. Babbitt, Company I. silver medal. There were scores of prizes for both ladies and gentlemen on the honor tar- On the general prize target which was for sweepstakes, the winners were M. Doerler, $40; Fred Ross, of Springfield, $30; H. P. Young, New Haven, $25. Two of the oldest men on the grounds and the most enthusiastic were Captain CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 157 Charles Hechler of the Meriden Rifle duh and A. H. Merriman. The former is eighty-one years and the latter ac- knowledged that he was sevent\'-seven and would show some of these young fellows how to shoot. HISTORY OF MERIDEN RIFLE CLUB. Shortly after the close of the Civil war, about 1865, a few of the German residents of the city of Meriden met and discussed the advisability of forming a shooting club. Each was, in a measure, familiar with the handling of rifles and muskets. They were Christopher Han- del, John Theisen, Christopher Haaga, ^^^ ■ ■ ^■j |r^?^i^il| r ^fifl^''^^^^^ ^^^^s| p ^w ^^H^^rr JM ^ ^j^^M 1 1 1 .^^^^^^1 C. F. FOX, Schuetzenfest Committee. August Meyer. Charles Stockder, Leo- pold Wolfe and Fred Muntz. The idea at once met with favor. The Meriden Rifle club was then organized. The first president was Christopher Handel, and John Theisen was the secretary. Only one of the organizers and charter members is alive. He is August Meyer, and he is as active as a ten-years-old boy, and would put the believers of Dr. Osier to shame. Of course, at the start, the club did not amount to much. It was new and the older rifle clubs in the state did not pay much attention to it. But that did not last long. In a short time the old JULIUS KUNTZE. Schuetzenfest Committee. fellows began to sit up and take notice. Something was being done in Meriden. Records were smashed to smithereens- and new ones made by the youngster. The first range the club had was at what is now called the Peter Kintz place, located on the South Meriden road. There each week the club met for practice. For a year they did not say much, but sawed a lot of wood, and in the meantime became more profic- ient in the use of the rifle. The club went to its first state shoot in Bridge- port in 1867, and surprised the natives of that city by carrying home the first prize. That was the time when the old fellows sat up and looked in astonish- ment on the newcomers. From that time to the present they have been reck- oned as something to look out for in the shooting line. In 1865 the club ^58 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. made a record, and two years later in New Britain got another tirst prize. When the Meriden Rille club was in- corporated there were twenty-five men on the roster. There are now thirty- two active members, and all of them good shots. One of them has a record CHRIS HECKLER, Schuetzenfest Veteran. that has never been beaten. He has made a score of 74 out of a possible 75. in three shots at 200 yards, and no sighting shots allowed. That was done in 1902. From the start the club began to prosper. About thirty years ago the club built its present home in Schuet- zen park, near the shadows of the Hanging hill, to the west of the city. Tt has an excellent range and a most delightful picnic ground. No more ideal spot for such a purpose could be found in the state. The scenery is magnificent and the air sublime. No wonder the members of the Meriden Rifle club make such good scores. A day's loitering even about the grounds will be well repaid with a refreshing night's sleep. As has been said before there arc some star shots in the Meriden Rifie club. First and foremost is Gottlieb Anschuetz, the shooting master. He was born in Germany and came to this country and Meriden twenty-seven years ago. Ever since he was able to toddle he has been accustomed to the hand- ling of firearms, and at present is a con- tractor in the Parker gun shop. He became a member of the club about twelve years ago, and at the start be- gan to make records. He has made a score on an inch and one-half bullseye at 200 yards that has never been equalled. In 1902, in three shots, he made 74 out of a possible 75, and that, too, without a sighting shot. At the bund shoot in Springfield last year he GOTTLIEB ANSCHUETZ. Marshal Schuetzenfest Parade made the highest score of the Meriden delegation, 58. Emil H. Kroeber is another excel- lent shot. He can pink the bullseye now and then when a good score is wanted to carry off the prize. Mr. Kroeber was born in Saxony, in 1872, and when he was a child his parents CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX. 159 removed to this country, going to Dal- ton and then to Pittsheld, Mass. The family came to this city where he at- tended the public schools. He was a glass decorator until 1891 when he be- came a caterer, in which business he has prospered. He is held in the high- est esteem by his fellow associates and the people of the city. John E. Glasnapp is the president of the Meriden Rifle club. He has held that office for the past eight years, off and on, and was elected for a term in 1901. So well has he presided over the ■destinies of the club that since then, year from year, he has been returned to the chair. He came to Meriden in 1876 and ten years later he joined the Meriden Rifle club. In that short time he has won two medals and this year he will be the shooting king. This year, in accordance to the rule that prevails among the German shooting societies, he is the president of the Southern New England Schuetzen- tund. The oldest member of the Meriden Rifle club is Christian Hechler. The age applies in the point of years, not m the membership of the club. He is eighty-one years old, and, truth to say, he does not look as though he had passed the Biblical allotment of three score and ten, or anywhere near that number. Wurtemburg, Germany, is the place of his nativity. He is a veteran of many wars in which he fought un- der the flag of the Hohenzollerns and not content with that record he had to make a new one in the Civil war. He came to this country in 1854 and at the breaking out of the Civil war he en- listed in Company H, Sixth C. V., and was mustered out of the service on September 20, 1864. Captain Hechler came to Meriden in March, 1858, and lias resided here ever since. August ]\Ieyer, the quartermaster of the Meriden Rifle club, is the only sur- viving charter member of that organi- zation. He was born in Germany and at the age of thirteen years, he came to the United States and to Meri- den, of course. He went to New Britain for a while, and then came back to this city, when he entered the employ of E. IMiller & Co. and has been with that concern ever since. One of the most enthusiastic mem- bers of the Meriden Rifle club for the success of the schuetzenfest is Andrew Oeflnger. He is one of the committee of arrangements and from the begin- ning to the present has been most ac- tive in pushing the shootfest to a suc- cessful issue. He is a native of Ger- many and in 1877 he chose Meriden as his home. Mr. Oefinger is one of the best shots in the club and will be on the team this year. For the past fifteen years he has been employed in the fac- tory of the Miller Bros. Cutlery com- pany. William H. Seerj-, the ex-chief of the Meriden fire department, is too well known to the people of this city for any extended comment, as he says. He is not so old as some people might think. It is when he picks up a rifle that he shows he is just as young as the rest of them. At the fest in July 6-7, 1903, he won the title of shooting king, some- thing that is not to be sneezed at. The secretary of the Meriden Rifle club is Robert Phillippi. He was born in Germany, where, indeed, they teach the young to shoot, and in a short time after his arrival in this city he joined the Meriden Rifle club. He has made a few records but since the time he was elected to the secretaryship of the club he has not had the time to devote to the practice. Time after time he has been elected to his present position and from all appearances it looks as though he will die in the harness. He is a good man and the club does not intend to lose him. Julius Kuntze, the cigar manufactur- er on East Main street, is one of the most popular members of the club. He was born in Germany in 1858 and came to the United States in i88r. He lo- cated in New York for a short while and then went to Cincinnati. After a few years in the west he came east and worked at his trade as cigarmaker in New Haven. Since 1893 'le has been a resident of Meriden where he has es- tablished an excellent business. Mr. Kuntze has been a member of the Rifle club for the past six years and in that time has made some good scores. i6o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. There is one person who is connected in a way with the Rifle club who should not be overlooked and that is Mrs. Emil Kroeber. She is no novice in the use of the rifle. She now holds the title of queen shot as at the shoot in Springfield last year she made seventy- one out of a possible seventy-five. Chris. F. Fox is one of the leaders of the Meriden Rifle club and has won several medals. He was born in Ger- many in 1861 and when he was four- teen years old he came with his pa- rents to this countr)'. He came to Mer- iden in 1889 and from that time has con- ducted a very successful business. He is a jMason of high degree, being a member of Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. One of the best shots of the Meriden Rifle club is Christopher Glasnapp. Al- though a young man he has won two medals. He was born in New York in 1874 and has been a member of the club for the past ten years. He is now the possessor of the gold medal, his score being 127 and 128 in six shots. At a recent practice shoot he made six bulls eves in succession. GUY RESIDENCE, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, l6l Wednesday, June 13 — Labor Day While this was officially designated as Labor Day in the programme still the Grand Army encampment and the Schuetzenfest, as well as the other fea- tures, were things of much importance. The crowds of the day were even great- er than those of yesterday, as yester- day's thousands outnumbered those of the day before. It was like Carnival time in Venice or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with all the jollity, the crowds and the good humor of these great gath- erings. At night dense crowds surged along the walks in such a press that if one wished to move bej'ond a slow walk he had to take to the street. The bandinage, the confetti and the little ticklers or dusters furnished unending enjoyment for the thousands who kept up the procession until late into the night. To-day the outside crowds that had swelled yesterday's population came back for another good time and they brought others with them from all parts of the state and even Massachusetts and Rhode Island being well represented. The police arrangements were perfect, as was every single detail for the great celebration and there was no hitch in any department. In the evening there was a variety of amusements ; the labor celebration at Terrace Garden with firewor'-s, the Centennial concert, the fireworks up- town, the Midway, the street fairs and the various other things which made up a great day. Ideal Laljor day weather, with all its autumnal invigorating accompaniments, was what greeted the labor unions for their big parade and picnic. In fact, the perfect weather conditions which ushered in the morning's programme were but a continuation of what had prevailed since the Centennial opened its secular festivities on Mondav. Many of the labor men were active bright and early and the beautiful weather had an inspiring effect on the II general committee, who had been all wrapped up in the day's celebration for man}^ a week. It recalled the old-time Labor day demonstrations in Meriden when the parade was such a prominent feature and everybody made it a holi- day. The contrast, too, from the pa- rades held previously during the week was rather striking. Countless surprises were sprung when the floats began to move towards the starting point at City park. Some of them showed most artistic design and workmanship, besides being highly appropriate for the occasion, and they gave the parade a very unique appear- ance. The uniforms for the most part were characteristic of the trades repre- sented, so that all in all it was truly a labor day parade in its full significance. Prominent among the floats was that of the H. Wales Lines company, de- signed by L. C. Hiller, of Wallingford, formerly designer for the Meriden Sil- ver Plate compan}-. It was built on one of the company's large wagons, drawn by four gray horses, and represented archways, with a brick chimney in course of erection. Ben. Robinson, an old employe of the Lines company, and wearing one of Air. Lines' broad hats, was at work, trowel in hand, and close beside him were a mortar bed and ma- son's helper. The figures 1864 and 1906 were in large characters, and on either side was the inscription : "Have not missed a weekly pay roll in 42 years." Probabh' the most unique float in the procession was that of R. P. Dooley. following the Carpenters and Joiners' union. It represented the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, and thirteen little girls in costumes appro- priate to the different seasons and also representing the thirten original colonies were seated in the float and a frequent refrain of the young vocalists was "Mr. Dooley," the song that everybody used to sing at one time. The display of stuffed birds and animals was all the l62 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. handiwork of Mr. Dooley, and repre- sented weeks of time in getting it to- gether. James Kane also had a big float in line, immediately following the Brick- layers and Masons' union. The in- scription, which occupied a conspicuous place, was : A. P. DOSSIN, Chairman General Committee. "Meriden's champion, James Kane, for a wager laid 3.500 bricks in five hours and thirty-five minutes, on an eight-inch wall, July 26, 1886. at Bridgeport, Conn." The Cigar Makers' union had an at- tractive float, giving a cut of the union's label and containing a number of the union's mottoes. The John F. Butler company's float represented a Roman architectural de- sign, brought down to modern times, and it attracted a good deal of atten- tion. To the Carpenters and Jomers' union is the credit due for having the largest number of floats, representing any one trade in the procession and there were some pretty ones, notably those of Morehouse Bros., with men at work; M. Charest, with a joiner shop and part of a blacksmith shop in operation ; M. F. Fitzgerald, decorated wagon with ten little girls in white; W Lanoue, house in miniature; W F. Miller, Z. J. St. Cyr, A. J. Lyman and Garry Bloomfield, all with decorated wagons and trade designs. Next to the master carpenters and joiners, in point of numbers with floats, were the master painters and decorat- ors. Besides the Butler company, Lit- tle, Somers & Hyatt had a fine dis- play, with Artie Harris impersonating L^ncle Sam, surrounded by a number of Columbia's daughters. Flynn's float was another that showed the artistic skill of painter in design and finish. The group of little boys in white, showy uniforms was a distinguishing W. F. LANGE. Secretary General Committee. feature. J. Lacourciere was also in line with a decorated wagon. There were likewise a large number of hacks in line, containing in some cases representatives of local unions, who were unable to turn out in a body and also delegations from outside CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 163 unions. Many of the out of town union men fell right in with the other crafts to which they were affiliated Every one of the twenty-three organi- zations making up the Central Labor union was in some way represented in the parade. GEORGE J. STANLEY, Marshal and Treasurer. Prominent among the visitors were the Danbury hatters, 200 representa- tives of the different branches of the union being in line and making a most creditable appearance. In addition there were twelve delegates from the Central Labor union, bartenders and other union representatives, so that Danbury will surely be in high feather with Meriden labor unions for all times to come. THE PARADE STARTS. The delay in starting the parade was due to the arrival of the Danbury vis- itors on the 10:20 train. The time had been arranged for 10:30 but it was 11:15 before the column began to move. Most of the unions had their positions around City park before the Danbury men were escorted to the rendezvous. The parade was made up in the fol- lowing order: Grand Marshal, G. J. Stanley. Police escort. Meriden Military band, T. H. Ma- guire, leader. Carpenters and Joiners, George Wiggins, marshal, 120 men. Floats — R. P. Dooley, Morehouse Bros., M. Charest, W. Lanoue, W. F. Miller, M. F. Fitzgerald, Z. J. St. Cyr, A. J. Lyman, Garry Bloomfield. Painters and decorators, Fred Gol- nick, marshal, 155 men. Floats— John F. Butler Co., Little, Somers & Hyatt, G. H. Flynn, J. La- courciere. Meriden plumbers, J. J. Liddy, mar- shal, 50 men. H. C. KLEIN, General Financial Secretary. New Haven plumbers, 25 members. Pulaski Drum corps. Bricklayers and ^Masons, R. F. Mor- rissey, marshal, 80 men. Floats — James Kane, H. Wales Lines Co. Building Laborers, Frank Stevens, marshal, 75 men. 164 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Electrical Workers, J. Richardson, marshal, 35 men ; S. N. E. Telephone company's decorated wagon. Sheet Metal Workers, twenty mem- bers in full conve\ance. Slate Roofers in team. Meriden City band, John Fearnley, leader. AIAURICE SULLIVAN. Recording Secretary C. L. U. Cigar Makers, Julius Stremlau, mar- shal, 35 men. Float — Union label, decorated wagon. Grinders, Edward White, marshal, 30 men. Typographical union, members and visitors in carriages. Buffers and Polishers, Wallingford union, J. F. Kenney, marshal, 75 men. Meriden union, J. F. Madden, mar- shal, 150 men. Bartenders' union, Meriden, Danbury, Hartford, Waterbury, Middletown, New Britain and Williman'^ic represen- tatives in carriages. Butchers' clerks, officers in carriages. Barbers, visiting delegates in car- riages. Brewery workers, M. Kelly, marshal, 25 men. Brewery company's four horse wagon. Printing Pressmen, W. H. Marshall, mounted marshal, visitors in carriages. Meriden Fife and Drum Band. Iron Molders. Dennis Costello, Marshal, 125 Men. Bakers in Carriages. Retail Clerks in Carriages. Kennedy Drum Corps, Danbury. Danbury Hatters. Capt. Simon Blake, Marshal, 200 Men. With the formation of the parade on Camp and Franklin streets, the line of march was to Center, to Pratt, to Cat- lin, to East Main, to Colony, to Camp, countermarch to West Main, to North First, to Hanover, to Terrace Garden, where the picnic was promplty inaugu- rated to be continued well into the night. FRANK K. FOSTER, Orator Labor. MAYOR REILLY SPEAKS. The garden was comfortably crowded in the afternoon about 2 o'clock when Mayor Reilly formally opened the pic- nic with the following address : After extending a welcome to labor men in behalf of the city. Mayor Reil- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 165 ley said that it was most appropriate » that organized labor should take the prominent part it has taken in the Cen- tennial, for the Centennial was a graphic object lesson of what organized labor meant. "If the labor connected with this Centennial had not been organized and F. SCHEURER, Chairman Picnic Committee. well organized, there would have been no Centennial to bring you together to- day," he said, "everything would have been in a chaotic state, and in the end nothing would have been accomplished. Those supposed to have charge of cer- tain things would be working at cross purposes and all would be confusion. It was only by organizing the affair thoroughly, having the details carefully attended to, and having it under com- petent officials that the whole proposi- tion has been brought to a successful issue. "So it is with any matter involving labor. There must be organization or there will be nothing accomplished. What applies to big undertakings or special occasions applies to labor in the industrial world. Tf) be effective, to obtain the best results, for itself and those in any way connected with it, there must be thorough organization and efficient and honest management. This lesson of the Meriden Centennial should not be lost. "It is most proper, too, that the labor unions of Meriden should be identified so prominently with the celebration as it is identified to-day, for it is to labor, associated with capital, that Meriden owes its life as a flourishing industrial community; for few cities have less natural facilities for growth than our hill encircled home. It is the co-oper- ation of labor with capital that has made Meriden worthy of celebrating its Centennial. May the good feeling ALEX HART, Chairman Music Committee. now existing continue, and may the let- ters on your banner (C. L. U.), mean not only Central Labor Union, but Central Labor Unity." , STATE president's ADDRESS. President Charles F. Donahue, of the State Federation of Labor, was next i66 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. introduced by President Albert Dos- sin of the Central Labor Union. He spoke for about ten minutes on the condition of labor at the present time as compared with loo years ago. He dwelt at some length on legisla- tive conditions and the rtifficultv labor General Assembly out of a membership of 255, which showed, said the speak- er, the disadvantages the labor people have to contend with. President Donahue spoke of the la- bor laws in the other states and the advantages the working people of BUECHLER BLOCK, SHOWING DECORATIONS. men have in obtaining favor, as out of the 128 towns in Connecticut, Mr. Don- ahue said that about forty of them were manufacturing towns where ninety per cent, of the people of the state reside and those towns have only eighty rep- resentatives in the lower house of the Massachusetts had over their Connec- ticut brethren in the courts on damage suits. The speaker said that the legislative committee propose to work harder than ever to have the labor laws of Connec- ticut brought up to the standard of CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 167 Other states during he nex General As- sembly. F. K. Foster's address. The principal speaker of the after- noon was Frank K. Foster, of Boston, whose subject was: "Trade Unions, in Their Civil Relationship," and his ad- dress was as follows: O. R. BRANDENBERGER, President Typographical. "The citizens of your thriving and beautiful city are to be congratulated upon the civic good sense displayed by them in inviting the organizations of labor to join in this celebration. Es- pecially is this true at this period, when certain misguided people, under the baleful influence of the Citizens" Alli- ance, are advocating a policy of hos- tility and repression towards the ef- forts of associated labor. There is nothing more hostile to our American conception of democracy than the at- tempt to arouse an embittered class feeling whether it emanates from men like Parry or Post or from those in the ranks of labor who declaim against all property rights and property hold- ers. "There is surely no portion of any community having naturally a deeper concern as to all that goes to make up its general welfare than the men who live by selling their daily labor for daily bread. The workman is moro than any one else dependent for the comfort of himself and family upon the nature of the civic administration un- der which he lives. "A rich man can send his children to private schools, but the eductaion of the poor man's child rests with the pub- lic institutions of learning, for which your state has been so long and justly renowned. "The rich man can hire attendants to look after his personal safety; an ef- ficient police is essential for the secur- ity of the workman's family. "The rich man's family may spend the time abroad or at fashionable re- H. C. MAYDWELL. Secretary Typographical. sorts in his own land, but the family of the workman lives in the commun- ity the year around and the purity of the water supply, the facilities of trans- portation, the cleanliness and lighting of the streets, the quality of the public 1 68 CENTENNIAL OF INIERIDEN. institutions and u hundred and one oth- er details tlnis become a matter of greater personal moment to those whose entire exisence is expended among them. "So, also, no one is more affected by an extravagant or inefficient adminis- R. F. MORRISSEY, President Bricklayers & Masons. istration than the man of limited means. If the public money is squan- dered and the tax rate increased he ultimately, by increased rents and costs of living, has to bear the largest por- tion of the burden. "But if this concern of the manual laborer and responsibility for the civic well-being is apparent, it is equally evident that so is his cairn for recogni- tion as an honorable factor in all that goes to make up a city's greatness — its enterprise, its development, its his- tory. As it was said of ancient Ath- ens, not her walls but her men con- stituted her real defences, so it may be said to-day that the real glory of a city consists not merely in its busy mills and marts of trade, its fine build- ings and palatial residences, l)ut in the standard of life reached by the masses within its gates. '■ 'Cloud-capped palaces and solemn temples," splendid architecture and beautif'il works of art, have existed in all ages, side by side with the mis- erable dwellings of the poor. Even the republics of old time were erected on a foundation of slaves. It has re- mained for our own age, under the in- spiration of free institutions and free men, to lift up the level of life of the industrious poor and to give oppor- tunity to all. "And this brings us to the consider- ation of the part played by the asso- ciations of labor in the improvement of social and industrial conditions. With all due and proper estimate of all other influences which have worked together to this end, it must be con- ceded that the trade union has been a poent and powerful agent in securing CHARLES M. NELLIS, President Barbers'. material and moral benefits to the wage-earner. "The last half century, even the past few years, has worked a marvelous change in the way the organization of labor is regarded by enlightened com- munities. I have just been reading the CKXTRNNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 169 new work of George Howell, one of the British trade union pioneers, upon the early history of the movement, and in America, as in Great Britain, the early unions suffered prosecution and gross injustice. One instance of this in particular, stands out vividly in a TOM^IASO D. BUONO. Secretary Barbers'. long line of similar cases, i. e., where seven laborers in Dorchester, England, were transported as criminals upon no other charge than that they had or- ganized themselves into a society for their mutual protection. That era would surely have been a gladsome time for our friends of the Citizens' al- liance. "But the trade union is as much an organic growth as any other social in- stitution and it has come to stay. Over seven millions of English speaking peo- ple now carry trade union cards. The union is now not alone conceded to be morally justified. "We do not assert that all these or- ganizations are always conducted with the greatest wisdom or that the union leaders do not make mistakes, for all human institutions are fallible and all men liable to err. but we do claim that for honesty of motive, loftiness of pur- pose and power of conferring benefits, the trade union movement has few peers and no superiors among the as- sociations of mankind. "The state of Connecticut has ever occupied a foremost position among the American commonwealths. Its early conception was broad and liberal, less theocratic than that of the other New England colonies. Her institu- tions were democratic, her citizenship intelligent, her mechanics* unexcelled in skill, her patriots numerous and high minded. The land of the judicious Hooker and the wise Wolcott may well continue to develop along tolerant lines. No reactionary policy should be able to take root here as to the great industrial problem which looms upon the horizon." j().sl':Pll MA'l'.Uill, President Building Laborers'. HISTORY OF MERIDEN LABOR UNIONS. Meriden has for over twenty years been considered one of the strongest labor union cities in Connecticut, and the organizations were never on a more 170 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. solid basis or more widely distributed among the workingmen of various crafts than at the present time. Every union in the city is affiliated with the Central Labor Union, and the twenty- three locals represented in the parade, vied with one another for some time in making the Centennial Labor demon- stration an important event of the week. cient young chairman and president of the Central Labor union. Albert P. Dos- sin, as well as every member of the committee. THE GENERAL COMMITTEE. The following is the. efficient list of officers and delegates of the various unions making up the above committee. A. P. Dossin, chairman; Joseph Tra- JOURNAL OFFICE, SHOWING DECORATIONS. On the general committee, made up of delegates to the central body, were the recognized hustlers of the local unions, and on them devolved the ar- duous task of arranging all the de- tails in connection with the parade and picnic. The thorough manner in which they have performed their duties re- flected volumes of praise on the effi- han, vice-chairman ; W. F. Lange, sec- retary ; George J. Stanley, treasurer ; H. C. Klein financial secretary; F. Scheur- er, Vendal Stumpf. Maurice Sullivan, Ed. N. White, William Wass, William McCarthy, John Cody, Alex. Hart, Wil- liam Gannon, John Madden, Joseph Mc- Veigh, Peter Lyman, John J. Morris- sey, Martin Nill, Charles Murphy, Wil- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 171 Ham Fitzgerald, Charles Nellis, George Gallon, Charles Arnold, John Nash, R. P. Ditman, J. B. Dunlop, George Smith, P. H. McLaughlin, P. F. Smith, T. F. Sullivan, C. G. Havens, Joseph Heck, Fred. Penfield, H. W. Sehl, Jr., W. The- bo, Charles Stremlau, Eugene Shea, Frank McNabb. STEPHEN DOLAN, President Carpenters' & Joiners'. SUB-COMMITTEES. The General committee .•were sub- divided as follows : Souvenir — Chas. Stremlau, M. Sulli- van. A. P. Dossin, Geo. Stanley, T. F. Sullivan, H. W. Sehl, Jr., W. F. Lange. Parade — Geo. Stanle}-, AI. Sullivan, H. C. Klein, Wm. Fitzgerald, Chas. Ar- nold. Picnic — Jos. McVeigh, John Nash, F. Scheurer, Wm Fitzgerald, Fred. Pen- field, H. C. Klein. Invitation and Reception — P. F. Smith, Wm. Waas, H. C. Klein, Wm. McCarthy, Chas. Nellis. Sports — Joseph Trahan. R R. Dit- man, Chas. Stremlau, P. F. Smith, Ed. N. White. Press— H. W. Sehl, Jr, A P. Dossin, P F. Smith. Music— Alex. Hart, John Cody, M. Sullivan, John Nash, Wm. Fitzgerald. FIR.T LABOR MOVEMENT. As early as 1880 Meriden had labor organizations representing individual trades, such as the Iron Molders, Bricklayers and Masons and Hod Car- riers, each looking after its own inter- ests, but the first step taken towards a concentrated labor union movement here was about 1883, when the Knights of Labor was started. It was like a contagious disease, for in a short time it spread so rapidly that the whole town seem impregnated with the K. of L. K. OF L., NO. 2,501. An organizer was sent to Meriden from the K. of L. headquarters, and as a result of his labors Mechanics' As- sembly, No. 2,501, was instituted in the MICHAEL AIOORE. President Retail Clerks'. old Circle hall on Colony street. The Knights of Labor admitted every one to membership except lawyers and liq- uor dealers, and a good deal of amuse- ment was occasioned by the barring of these two professions. The lawyers wondered why they should be classed with the saloon men and vice versa. 172 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Mechanics' Assembly continued to grow in membership until it became 600 strong, and as politics was the pre- dominating feature of the order the assembly was at once reorganized as a political power. In fact a test was given in the election of two members J. P. TWINING, Secretary Cigar Makers'. as representatives to the General As- sembly. George O. Higby was the candidate chosen on the Democratic ticket and his associate was William Wallace Lee, whose nomination had really been forced on the Republican party by the Knights of Labor. It was in this way the power of the K. of L. was shown, by electing a man on each of the tickets. Prominent among the early members in Mechanics' assembly was the late Samuel C. Camp, the first master work- man ; E. C. Bingham, the second chief officer, who has since taken up farm- ing in Cheshire, and R. H. Guilmont. of 487 West Main street, who was also a master workman and one of the strongest advocates of the K. of L. principles. The present city and town clerk, Herman Hess, was likewise on the roll of membership, and it was> really the influence back of the K. of L. that prompted him to accept, with a good deal of reluctance, his first polit- ical nomination from the Democrats. He was successful from the start and has never yet suffered a political de- feat. DIFFERENT ASSEMBLIES FORM. But there came a cry for trades' as- semblies about the time that Mechan- ics' assembly was at the height of its prosperity, and the Metal Workers, Burnishers, Polishers and Buffers and other crafts soon organized under their own K. of L. banner. Such a move- ment naturally drained the membership of Mechanics" assembly and it then lost its prestige. VENDAL STL'MPE, President Bakers'. The Knights of Labor boomed for four or five years in Meriden but a period of disintegration came on, and about 1889 the K. of L. practically broke up in this city. The order was after- wards reorganized here, but did not last long. Through all the troubles the Polishers' and Buffers' assembly, the banner one in Meriden, remained firm CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 173 to the K. of L., and it was not until the American Federation of Labor had gained supreme mastery in the state and the membership considered it to their detriment to hold out any longer that the Polishers withdrew from the K. of L. and enrolled under the F. of L. J. J. LIDDY, President Plumbers'. When the Knights of Labor had be- come strongly intrenched in Meriden there was also a central body known as the Central Labor union, and in justice to the K. of L. it might be said that that order prepared the way for the movement which led to the big labor day demonstrations since 1890. Many of the old K. of L. members have re- mained steadfast to the labor unions under the American Federation of La- bor, and even now some of the strong K. of L. principles are being pushed to the front. CENTRAL LABOR UNION. The Meriden Central Labor union was organized September 21, 1890, and has a general oversight of all the af- filiated unions in Meriden. There are twenty-three unions affiliated with the central body as follows : Bakers No. 60, Barbers No. 88, Bar- tenders No. 159, Brass Molders 167, Brewery Workers No. 51, Bricklayers and Masons No. 9, Buffers and Polish- ers No. 88, Building Laborers, No. 12, Carpenters and Joiners No. 920, Cigar- makers No. 484, Retail Clerks No. 56, Electrical Workers, No. 351, Iron Mold- ers No. 74, Meat Cutters No. 67, Mus- ical No. 55, Painters and Decorators No. 685, Plumbers No. 21, Printing Pressmen No. 156, Stereoiypers No. — , Street Railway Employes No. 163, Teamsters No. 169, Typographical No. 314, Grinders, No. 15. The officers are as follows : President, Albert P. Dossin ; Recording Secretary, M. Sullivan ; Treasurer, George J. Stan- ley; Vice President, Joseph Trahan; P. F. SMITH, Secretary Plumbers'. Financial Scecretary. Charles Arnold ; Sergeant-at-Arms, W. F. Lange. 3UIL1)ING LABORERS, NO. 12. The Building Laborers' union of Mer- iden was first organized in April, 1880, and is the oldest labor organization in 174 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. BRUNSWICK HOTEL, SHOWING DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 175 the city. Its first officers were William Cross, president; Thos. Dorgan, vice- president; Michael Cotter, secretary; Roderick Whalen, treasurer; Harry Brewster, Thomas Clarke, Denis Mur- phy, executive committee. After three years it disbanded, but in 1887 reorganized with Wm. Cross. O. G. HAUSCHILD, President Iron Molders". president; Roderick Whalen, vice-pres- ident; Charles Whitney, secretary; Bernard Ames, treasurer. The follow- ing year it was represented at the con- vention where the International organ- ization was organized-. It was always affiliated with the Central Labor union, and its delegates took an active part in all questions that came before that body, always advocating supporting la- bor candidates for legislative eoffices. During its existence the condition of its members has been materially im- proved ; higher wages and shorter work day have been their reward. In 1900. through circumstances un ■ avoidable, the organization had to gn under cover, but the union spirit still existed, and in 1904 again vmfolded the banner, electing Joseph McVeigh, pres- ident; James Henderson, vice-presi- dent ; Peter Lyman, treasurer ; Frank Stevens, secretary. Believing that there was no aristocracy in the ranks of wage earners, and that to be successful all organized labor should be affiliated un- der one head for the good of the com- mon causes, the organization joined the B. T. C, from which it has gained many advantages. The union has seventy members in good standing and is in good financial condition, in harmony with all mason contractors ; having an agreement signed for one year. carpenters' and joiners' no. 920. The local union, No. 920, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, was reorganized Oc- tober 9, 1901, the first union. No 49. '■'•■ '^^^^^^^^& ^H j| pHm^i ^^■Hm ™™ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiyiitiitJiiiiiiiii, HENRY J. HART, President Meat Cutters'. having lapsed by reason of hard times and little or no work, but in justice to 49, it must be said, they were amon.? the pioneers in the labor movements in the city, and by their hard work and good judgment they laid the solid foun- dation and furnished material for the new one. 176 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. One of the members of 49, C. E. Wil- liams, seeing the need of organizing, se- cured the first forty members with their contributions and the new union was put to work witli the past experience as a guide ; they have pushed ahead and to- day they hold the best of feeling with contractors in the city, and with the GEORGE LIDDELL, Secretary Meat Cutters'. public in general, taking an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the city, and in securing the best men to serve in public office. The first officers of 920 were J. F. Hart, presi- dent; Fred Holman, vice-president; E. Elmendorf, recording secretary ; H. E. Tracy, financial secretary ; H. Stecker, treasurer. polishers' and buffers', no. 8. The Buffers' and Polishers' union was organized July 6, 1886, and i.'? one of the oldest and strongest in Meriden At the time of its organization the Knights of Labor was in its prime, and was under able leadership, and a most progressive organization it proved to be in matters of legislation affecting the interests of labor, and took a very active part in agitating that in order to get justice labor must elect her own repre- sentatives, and Meriden and several of the larger towns in the state did so. In the following two or three sessions of the legislature the K. of L. had twen- ty-five to thirty members in the hou^e. and it was during that time that most of the important labor laws were passed, such as the weekly payment law, the prohibition of child labor in factories and mills, etc. The Buffers 'and Polishers' union was also one of the organizers of the Central Labor union, and has since been one of the staunchest supporters. The Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, Brass Moulders and Brass and Silver Workers' International Union of North America pledge themselves to labor unitedly in behalf of the following prin- GEORGE ODLUM, President Grinders'. ciples : Reduction in hours of the work- day, enhancement of wages, municipal ownership of all public utilities, govern- ment ownership of national monopolies and abolition of government by in- junction in controversies between cap- ital and labor. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 177 BRICKLAYERS AND MASONS , NO. 9. The Bricklayers" and Masons' union. No. 9, of Connecticut, local branch of the International union of America, was organized March 28, 1887, with six char- ter members. The first president was Robert Ougb- ton, an old mason contractor, now dead, JOHN CONRAD KLRZ, President Brewery Workers'. and the vice-president was B. A. Rob inson, who is still in the ranks. The union has always been in good financial condition, has never had any strike on its hands or trouble of any kind with the boss masons, always tr} ing to treat everybody fairly, and onlv asking for the same treatment in re- turn. The union is affiliated w'ith the Building Trades Council, and the C. L U. The present officers are : President, R. F. Morrissey; vice- president, Wm. Seibert; recording sf'c- retary, A. Greenwood ; financial secre tary, Charles M. Arnold; treasurer. William L. Moses; sergeant-at-arm,s, John Clancy. barbers', no. 88. The local branch of the Journeymen Barbers' International Union of .Am^-r- 12 ica, was organized in 1890 by ten of the leading barbers of Meriden and in- cludes all the better class of barbers in the city, excepting those in the cheap and unsanitary barber shops. The work of the union has been in the intere--^ of patrons as well as members in the matter of clean and sanitary condi- tions, and members are benefited by shorter hours of labor and the aboli- tion of Sunday work. teamsters', no. 169. The Teamsters' union was organized on June 21, 1900, and affiliated with the International Teamsters' union of America. At the recent Turner hall fire, its charter, books and supplies were destroyed, and shortly after, with the assistance of the national organizer and the Central Labor union, reorganized R. P. WHITNEY, President Pressmen's Union. at meetings held in St. Jean's hall, and is now making good progress with an increased membership. brass molders, no. 167. The Brass Molders' union was re- organized on June 19, 1901, with a mem- bership ■ of forty-eight, and affiliatv-r. 178 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. HEADQUARTERS MERIDEN EAGLES, SHOWIXG DECORATIONS. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 179 with the National union of the Metil Polishers. Buffers. Platers, Brass Work- ers and Brass Molders of North Amer- ica. The Brass Molders' union took a prominent part in the organization of the Central Labor union fifteen years ago, and also in the Labor day parados that followed. The union, at the pres- J. H. TRAHAN. Vice Chairman. ent time, has an increased membership and is in a prosperous condition. bartenders', no. 150. On March 10, 1901, about forty men following the occupation of bartending, assembled in Musical union hall, on State street, for the purpose of organ- izing themselves into a fraternal society, to be known as Local, No. 159, a branch of Hotel and Restaurant Employes, In- ternational Alliance, and Bartenders' In- ternational League of America. Their object was to lift up their standing in the community, further the interest of their employers, and better their own conditions in time of sickness or dis- tress. The present officers are : President, Wm. Gannon ; vice-presi- dent, Edward O'Brien ; recording 3ec- retary, Oscar Funke ; secretary and treasurer. John C. Hoban ; inspector, John Mead;' inside guard, William Ru- dolph; chaplain, Joseph McCallan; board of trustees, James Lyon, chair- man ; James Cashman, Joseph Gilbert. BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL. The Building Trades council is or- ganized along the same lines as the Central Labor union, and is composed e.xclusively of unions employed in the building trades, all of which are also affiliated with the Central Labor union, the object of which is to more closely unite and concentrate their efforts to protect and promote their interests with regard to number of hours of daily la- bor and rate of wages. C. W. STRILMLAU, Chairman Souvenir Committee Also for the better protection of life and limb in their daily occupation ; against the use of cheap and danger- ous stagings, scaffoldings, etc., used by a certain class of contractors in the construction and repairing of buildings. i8o CENTENNIAL OF M1:KI1)EN. The State I-'ederatioii of Labor, at the request of unions employed in building trades, presented in the legislature of 1897, a bill, the provisions of which were to guard against these dangers and similar to laws passed by otner states, and was ably supported by in- terested union men, and at the hearing before the Committee on Labor it was shown that only a few weeks previous a painter in Hartford lost his life by a defective staging giving way upon which he was working, and falling to the ground, was instantly killed. But, notwithstanding the merits of this bil'. the lobbying of its opponents against it was successful, and it met with de- feat. Life and limb in their estimation was cheaper than extra precaution and a few e.xtra pieces of material. The affiliated unions are: Bricklay- ers and Masons, Carpenters and Join- ers, Painters and Decorators, Building Laborers, Electrical Workers, Plumb- ers and Sheet Metal Workers. Secretary P. F. Smith, of the Plumb- ers' union, is chairman of the Build- ing Trades council. THE ALLIED PRINTING TRADES. The Allied Printing Trades council is also organized along the same lines as the Building Trades council, and is composed exclusivelv of unions 'm- ployed in the printing trades, all of which are also affiliated with the C. L. U. The orgain'zation was effected last year. The printing trades organizations arc among the oldest and most progressive in the country, and have accomplished a great deal in reducing the hours of la- bor by the use of their label. On January i. 1906, the eight hour day went into effect in Meriden, and the book and job compositors now enjoy the eight-hour day, like the newspaner men. There was no break in the friend- ly relations between employer and em- ployes when this matter was in pro- cess of settlement. PRINTING PRESSMEN, NO. 156. The Printing Pressmen's union was organized in April, 1903, and is one of the unions composing the Allied Prini- ing Trades council, and also affili;ited ■with the Central Labor Union. The objects of this organization arc to cherish and protect the interests and rights as workingmen, to cultivate the social ties existing between members of the craft, thereby securing a better un- derstanding and fraternal feeling l)c- tween those who are so closely allied by the nature of their respective trades. The motto : "One for all and all for one." STEREOTYPERS', NO. 27. This union was organized May 24, 1897, by the stereotypers of New Ha- ven. Hartford and Meriden, who had for some time realized that they needed an organization of this kind if they were to better the conditions under which they were then working. !t was decided to form a state organiza- tion, as there were not enough mem- bers of the craft in any one city or town to form a local union. The mem- bership was very small at the begin- ning, but what they lacked in numbers was made up in push and enthusiasm, so that to-day they are one of the best organized crafts in the state, having eighty-five per cent, of all the stereo- tvpers in the state enrolled as members. When it is understood that there are only two cities in the state where there are more than three eligible members of the craft, it will be seen that therv? has been a great deal of work done to organize a trade, the followers of whicn are so widely scattered. But their efforts have not all been expended in the direction of increasing their membership, as they have also succeeded in reducing the number of working hours and raising the standard of wages for themselves, with very lit tie friction between themselves and employers. This union is affiliated with the Al- lied Printing Trades council and the Central Labor union wherever thev have members. TYPOGRAPHICAL, NO. 314. The Meriden Typographical union en- tered the ranks as a regular labor or- ganization in February, 1892. and dur- ing the past fourteen years manv changes have been brought about in the industry, most important of which is the reduction of working hours per day. At the present time nearly all compositors in Meriden are enjoying the eight-hour schedule. Another matter of importance was the establishment of the union label in Meriden. which is the emblem of pur- CKNTEXNIAL OF MERIDKN. l8l ity, honest labor and fair conditions, as distinguished from the product of a tenement house, sweat shop and penal institution. This label was used until a few years ago, when still another ad- vance was made by the formation of the Allied Trades and the introducti')n of the allied label, with a view of bind- ing more closely the relations of the craft in this city. The following are the present ofti- cers of the organization : President, O. R. Brandenberger. Vice-president, E. H. Whiting. Secretary-treasurer, H. C. Maydwell. Auditors, E. H. Whiting, Jennie Wat- son and Edward Hart. Executive Committe, Thomas Law- lor, Antoinette Reiman, W. F. Pow- ers, F. W. Wiggins and Adolph Lahl. Delegates to Central Labor, W. 1". Lange, Wm. Thebo and Edward Hart. painters' and decorators', no. 685. Labor union, No. 685, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhaug- ers of America, was organized June 4, 1902, with a charter membership o: forty. The following officers vvere elected: J. O. Hug^tp, pre-ident; James Manning, vice-president; John Wed- lake, financial secretary : A. Root, re- cording secretary ; J. Falvey, treasurer ; Lambert Delisle, precentor: A. Bucss, •conductor ; George Bailey, warden. The first movement towards orogress was made September t, 1902, employer:-; granting the demand that eight hours ■constitute a day's work. Affiliated with the Central Labor union, the members have always re- spected the authority and leadership of that body. On February 17, 1903, the local affiliated with the Building Trades council, which has done good work in the past for the building trades of Mer- iden. March i, 1904, the minimum wa.go scale, $2.50 per day, was agreed upon, to the satisfaction of all concerned The local holds agreements signed bv practically every contractor in Meriden to employ none but union men, work union hours and pay union wages. The relations have always been of the friend- liest with bosses. The dues are fifty cents per montli, which includes an insurance in case of death, or wife's death, and disability claim, besides protection of the trade. The officers at the present time are. President, J. B. Dunlop; vice-pre.^- ident, A. Buess ; financial secretary, Wm. Williams ; recording secretary, W. G. Einecke ; treasurer. J. Falvey; con- ductor, G. Root; precentor, G. Miller: warden, F. N. Barber. ELECTRICAL WORKERS', NO. 35 1. The Electrical Workers' union war^ organized January 31, 1903. and is af- filiated with their National union, the Building Trades council and the Cen- tral Labor union. The Electrical Workers have made good progress in the past and at the present time are in a prosperous con- dition. plumbers', no. 21. The Plumbers' Union was organized May 10, 1900, and is affiliated with the National Association of Plumbers. Steam Fitters, Gas Fitters and Steam Fitters' Helpers of the United States and Canada. They are also affiliated with the Central Labor union and '■'ne Building Trades council. The union is at the present time in a prosperous condition. Among the officers recently elected were President J. J. Liddy and Record- ing Secretary P. F. Smith. bakers', no. 60. The Bakers' union was organized in 1886 and now has a membership of twenty-six, including all the bakers of Wallingford, who have been affiliated with Local No. 60 for some time past. In 1893 a bill was presented in rhe Connecticut legislature regulating the sanitary conditions and hours of labor, but was defeated ; again by the same party in 1897 and after a hard fight finallv passed. The general public, as well as consumer, have reason to feel grateful to the labor unions for their good work in the interests of public health and safety and humanity. They have just signed new contracts with the master bakers and they feel that thev are now working under bet- ter conditions than ever before. MEAT cutters', NO. 67. The Meat Cutters union was organ- ized in December, 1899. It has nearly all of the butchers' clerks enrolled ni its membership. They have always tak- en an active part in bettering the coti- ditions of their craft, and since organ- ized have improved their conditions l82 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. grcatlv. reducing the hours of labor, and helping to support and encourage all movements which are for the good and welfare of the laboring class. The officers at the present time are : President, H. C. Hart; vice-president, Joseph Hirst; secretary, George Lid- dell; treasurer, William Gorman. MUSICAL, NO. 55. The Meriden Musical Protecti^-e its seventeenth anni\'ersary last May. The union also took a promincr.L part in the organization of the Central Labor union. It has jurisdiction over towns within a radius of ten miles, and has members in Middletown, Wallingford, South- ington and New Britain. IREWERY workers', NO. 5I. The Brewerv Workers' union wai RECORD BUILDING, SHOWING DECORATIONS. union was organized on May 29, 1881), and affiliated with the American Fed- eration of Musicians in June, 1900, which organization is composed of about 350 local unions, and a member- ship of about 40,000. The Meriden Musical union feels proud of the distinction of being the oldest one in the state, and celebrated organized in 1894, and affiliated with the National union of the United Brewery Workers of the United States. This union has accomplished a great deal in the matter of improving their condition by reducing the number of long and weary hours which they were formerly called on to work, and also, by increasing their wages. CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 183 John Conrad Kurz is president of the organization. RETAIL clerks', NO. 56. The Retail Clerks' union was organ- ized in June, 1901, by I. A. Sullivan, who was afterwards elected mayor of Hartford. The union is affiliated with the national organization which is coni- 1 posed of about 1,000 locals throughout the United States and Canada, and has about 50,000 members. To the Clerks' union belongs the cred- it of having the stores close on certain evenings and holidays. The union is also affiliated with the Central Labor union. iRON HOLDERS, NO. 74. The Iron Molders' union is one of the oldest in Meriden, and is affiliated with the Iron Molders' union of North America, which was organized in Phil- adelphia, July 5, 1852, by Local, No. i, of that city, and Local No.' 2 of Troy, N. Y., and has had a continuous exist- ence since that time, and is now one of the strongest organizations in the country. The Meriden Local was one of t'lc organizers of the Central Labor union, and took a .prominent part in all the Labor day parades here, and at the present time is in good condition finan- cially and numerically. The officers are: President, O. G. Hauschild; vice- president, Wm. F. McCarthy ; financial secretary, John Maloney; recording secretary, P. H. Costello; treasurer, John Meade; corresponding representa- tive, Michael P. Meade; inductor, Wm. T. Waas; doorkeeper, J. J. Murray. STREET RAILWAY EMPLOYES', NO. 163. The Meriden Street Railway Em- ployes' union was organized in 1802 and was at that time affiliated with and working under the laws and jurisdic- tion of the Knights of Labor. But when that organization passed out of existence, they were reorganized under the American Federation of Labor and became a part of the Amalgamated As- sociation of Street Railway Employes of America. During its history the union has brought about a great many reforms, such as shorter work days, from fou:"- teen and fifteen hours to ten and eleven hours per day, and an increase in wages from sixteen cents per hour to nine- teen and twenty cents per hour. grinders', no. 15. Lodge No. 15, T. K. G. N. U., was organized in 1894 under the Grand Lodge of Table Knife Grinders Nation- al union of North America. The latter was instituted June 4, 1885, and has un- der its jurisdiction ten out of twelve shops. It has been very successful in the way of reducing working hours and increas- ing wages. It is affiliated with the Cen- tral Labor union, and the Americ.m Federation of Labor. The officeps are : President, George Odium ; vice-presi- dent, O. J. Weisgraber; secretary, Edw. N. White ; treasurer, Eug. Susson. cigar makers', no. 484. The Cigar Makers of Meriden were members of the New Haven union foi many years, but realizing that they could improve the local cigar making industry by having a local union here, applied for a charter from the Cigar Makers' International union of Amer- ica, in August, 1901, which was granted the same month, and known as Local No. 484. Ever since receiving their charter they have taken an active interest m all local labor matters, and have sue- ceded in increasing their membership. The members of local 484 are trying at all times to impress upon the minds of all users of the weed that cigars are a luxury and should be made under clean and health}^ conditions, and in or- der to protect the smoker from the filthy, disease-laden product of the Chinaman, tenement house and sweat shop, they ask all smokers to see that the blue label is on the box from which they are purchased. J. P. Twining is the recording secre- tary of the local union and C. W. Stremlau, the delegate to the Centra! Labor union. 1 84 CKNTliNNIAL OF MKKIDliN. HORSE RACING AT TROTTING PARK All favorites won at the trotting park- Tuesday. Odds on some of the step- pers ran into rtgures over 200 as on C. O. D. after a splendid showing made in the preliminary heat. In spite of this handicap business was brisk at the ring- side and when Ben Madden ran neck and neck to the turn in the final heat of the 2:18 class there were plenty of the fraternity who considered that they had a "good thing in the bay gelding. The crowd at the park filled up the greater part of the grand stand and spread itself thickly along the white fence bounding the course. It reminded one of state fair days with the numer- ous teams drawn up on the hillside and the automobiles converted into ideal vantage points in all directions. The races started at i :30 p. m. Her- bert C. Bingham, of the Charter Oak circuit, was the starter. George Mes- senger, of Southington, J. H. Bronson, of New Haven, and W. A. Penheld. of Meriden, were judges. Fred Beloin of New Britain, was head timer. ■The first heat was that of the 2:35 trot and pace for a $200 purse. The heat was run off at a lively clip. Prince Oatley, owned by Broderick, of Middle- town, easily taking first place. The sec- ond heat for this class was almost a duplicate of the first, the horses finish- ing in exactly the same order. The best time was 2:26 1-4. The horses in the 2:35 class and their jilaces were as follows : Full View (Martel), New Haven. 2 2 Commoner Boy (Regan), Water- bur}- 4 4 Prince Oatley ( Broderic'c ), Mid- dletown i i Rafiles (Bulkelev). Soutliport .. 5 5 Sam F. (Curtin), New Haven .. 3 3 In the 2:22 class ($200 purse), there was considerable trouble in the startina; due to accidents and the jockeying of the drivers. The race was won by Johnnie Mack, with Toskey Maid and Grace M. alternating in the two heats for second honors. The best time was 2:21 1-2. The places in the 1:22 das'- were won as follows : Toskey Maid (Maplehurst sta- bles), Windsor 3 2 Johnnie Mack (Martel), New Haven i i Grace M. (Atwell), Middletown 2 3 Mayo (McC^rail), Branford 5 5 Bertie Barker (Curtis), Water- bury 4 4 The great race of the day w'as the 2:18 class, also for a $200 purse. C. O. D. was the favorite at the start, al- though Lunda, Gene Cuyler and Ben Madden had their friends. Owner Bra- zel had all sorts of trouble with the Middletown horse, delaying the start considerabl}-. Brazel lacked the re- quired weight in the first place, and af- ter securing this a girth broke, causing Ben Madden to rear and buckle togeth- er the sulky wheels. When the horses finally got away the pace was terrific. In 'the first heat C. O. D. and Ben Madden led the bunch after the first tour of the course, but C. O. D. was an easy winner. The second heat was the prettiest of the race. Neck and neck the two horses kicked up the dust until the last turn was reached. Then C. O. D. pulled away with ease, and John Ball creeping up, Brazel's driver was forced to use the whip to maintain his posi- tion. The time was 2:20 1-4. The positions of the horses was in this order : C. O. D. (Ferguson), New Ha- ven I I Ben Madden (Brazel). Middle- town 2 2 Lunda ( Vandenburg). Bridge- port 3 4 John Ball (Stal'-er). Hartford.. 5 3 Gene Cuyler (Bulkeley). South- port 4 5 Banner Bov (Smith). Waterburv. 6 CEXTF.XMAr, ()|- MI'.IUDKX. 185 The free-for-all proved a star event and in both heats the horses were hunched all around the track. Colonel Taylor winning out by a neck with Joe Wilk, a close second. The local race for seventy-five bushels of oats was a fast one. Prince Oatley again carried off honors, winning the 2 130 trotting race for $200. Summaries : 2:30 class, $200 — Prince Oatlev, Brod- erick, won; Ban Gillie, Doyle, second; Rollie, Hayes, third. Time, 2:25 1-4. Free-for-all, $200— Colonel Taylor, Stalker, Hartford, won ; Joe Wilk, Bonkley, second; General Shafter, Brown, third. Time, 2:17 1-4. Local Race, 75 bushels of oats — Billie Boy, Sears, won ; Coco, Holton, second ; Teddie B., Weisner, third. Time. 2:},'^) 1-2. CENTENNIAL BALL GAME The game between the New Haven and Waterbury teams of the Connecti- cut league at the Hanover park grounds in the afternoon proved to be the star attraction in the sporting line of the day. It netted the Centennial $50. Both pitchers were given fine sup- port at critical times which held the fans at fever heat throughout the con- test. The former members of the Mer- iden team who were playing with Wa- terbury were given an ovation when they stepped to the plate, and Frank Burke of the New Havens, was also remembered. The features of the game outside of Corcoran's great work in the box were running catches by Swander in left gar- den in the fifth inning, when he made a circus catch of F^itzpatrick's drive which looked good for a two-base hit a running catch of a foul fly by O'Ha- gan and a stop of a liner by Fitzpat- rick in the ninth period which nearly broke his hand ofif. The score: WATERBURY. ab. r. h. po. a. e. McAndrews, ss, 400160 McCabe, cf, 3 i i 5 i Swander, If, 401400 Nichols, rf, 4 i o i o i O'Hagan, ib, 3 i 11 o o Trackera, c. Rice, 2b, Baker, 3b, Rogers, p. 301300 200020 300100 30001 I Totals 29 2 4*26 10 2 *Bunyan out for tunning out of base line. NEW HAVEX. ab. r. h. po. a. e. Connell, rf. 4 I Fitzpatrick, 2b, 3 2 2 Hannifin, ss. 4 2 4 Burke, If, 4 I 2 I I Hayward, 3b, 4 I 3 2 4 I Bunyan, ib. 3 I 13 Wade, cf, 3 I 4 I Jope, c, 4 I I Corcoran, p. 4 I 5 Totals, 33 3 8 -V 16 3 New Haven, 020 I 0- -3 Waterbur}-, 200 0- _2 Summary: Two base hits, McCabe, Hayward ; sacrifice hits. Wade, Rice : stolen bases. Wade, Jope, Hayward, O'Hagan ; hit by pitcher, Fitzpatrick, McCabe; struck out, by Corcoran i, by Rogers i ; bases on balls, off Rogers i ; left on bases, Waterbury 2, New Ha-, ven 6 ; time, 1 :30 ; umpire, Malone. CENTENNIAL LUNCHEON A charming aft'air was the Centen- nial luncheon given in the afternoon by Miss Zerfass, of Lincoln street. ]Mrs. Marshall L. Forbes acted as chaperon, and those present were Mrs. Howard E. Boardman, Mrs. Sherman F. John- son and the Misses Deckerd, Merriam. Nickerson and Birdsey. A dainty luncheon was served and a souvenir appropriate to the Centennial was found by each guest. Miss Zer- fass proved herself a charming hostess. i86 CKNTI-IXXIAL OF MERIDEN. CENTENNIAL CONCERT The Centennial concert at the First M E. church in the evening was a great success and was attended by an audi- ence that completely filled the large edi- fice. The local orchestra of twenty pieces did excellent work, and the chor- G. FRANK GOODALE, ]\Iusical Director. us of 125 voices was the best ever heard in Meriden. The music, both vocal and instru- mental, was vulder the direction of G. Frank Goodale, and many complimems were given the singers, players and di- rector. The long programme was car- ried out without a break, and the con- cert will be recalled as one of the mc^.st enjoyable events of the great Centen- nial celebration. The first part of the programme w;i^ made up of modern music and things worthy of special mention were IMr. Goodale's "Stars of the Summer Night," which was sung without accompaniment and which received most hearty and de- served applause. Frank Treat Sonth- wick's "The Lord Himself," the Cen- tennial anthem, a beautiful composition, was delightfully sung, and like Mr. Goodale, Mr. Southwick was compelled to bow his acknowledgements. In the second part one of the gems was the singing of the "Old Folks at Home," bv Mrs. A. M. Brooks and FRANK TREAT SOUTHWTCK, Composer of Anthem. chorus. The audience would not be satisfied until the number was repeated. The well-known hymns that were on the programme were sung with a spirit that thrilled the audience, which united in the singing of "Auld Lang Syne ' CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEX. 187 and "Aleriden, My Meriden," the Cen- tennial song written by Thos. L. Reilly and sung to the tune of "Maryland, Mv Maryland." To end the ver}- successful concert the audience and chorus sang two stan- zas of "America." Only words of praise were heard tor the concert and every one connected with it. The soloists of the concert were : Sopranos — Miss Bertha P. Hobson, iMiss Myra E. Marshall, Mrs. E. S. Montgomery, Mrs. A. E. von Tobel. Altos— Miss Lottie E. Bartlett, Mrs. Arthur M. Brooks, Mrs. Wm. E. Gra- ham, Miss Susie P. Spencer. Tenors — Richard H Bourne, Albert H. Hart, William Heaton, Alfred B. Savage, Harold L. Wheatley. Basses — Lewis M. Robotham, Harrv H. Smith, Claude V. Sutliffe. Director — G. Frank Goodale. Organist — Frank Treat Southwick. Pianist — Aliss Clara M. Scranton. The orchestra was made up as fol- lows : First violins — John I^ranzen, concert- master; C. M. Bryne, Henry Felix. Second violins — A. C. Butler, M. Ke- gan. Viola— John H. Hill. Cello — Joseph A. Hill. Bass— J. H. Meehan. Flute — Herman A Sievert. Clarionets — Fred Bourque, Roy H. Martindale. Trumpets — John W. Fearnley, Ed- ward Schulz. French horns — Paul F. Schuman, Ed- win A. Hirschfeld. Trombone — Fred E. Frost. Tympani — H. J. Martel. The programme was carried out as follows : FIRST PART. War March of the Priests, Athalia Mendelssohn Hallelujah Chorus, Mt. of Olives .. Beethoven Song, Stars of the Summer Night, (unaccompanied) . .G. Frank Goodale Solo by Mr. Robotham. Chorus, What from Vengeance (Sex- tette from Lucia de Lammermoor) Donizetti Miss Hobson, Mrs. Brooks, Mr. Heat- on, Mr. Bourne. Mr. Robotham, and Mr. Sutliffe. Song, When Spring Comes Laughing Eaton Faning Anthem, The Lord Himself Frank Treat Southwick Solos by Miss Marshall, Miss Spencer, Mr. Hart and Mr. Smith. SECOND PART. Auld Lang Syne. Song, Sound the Loud Timbrel Charles Avison Mrs. von Tobel, Mrs. Graham, ^Ir. Savage and Mr. Smith. Comic duet. Dost Thou Love Me, Sis- ter Ruth John Parry Mrs. Montgomery and Mr. Wheatley. Hymn, Denmark (Before Jehovah's Awful Throne) M. Madan Song, Old Folks at Home ....Foster Solo by Mrs. Brooks. Hymns : (a) Majesty Billings (b) Portland Maxim Song, Cousin Jedediah H. S. Thompson Solo by Mrs. von Tobel. Song, Strike the Cymbal Pucitta Solos bv Miss Hobson, Miss Bartlett, Mr. Hart and Mr. Sutliffe. Hymn, Jerusalem, My Glorious Home Dr. Lowell Mason Centennial Song, Aleriden, My Mer- iden Thomas L. Reillv i88 CENTEX XIAL OF M I:KI1)1;.\ , MERIDEN SAVINGS BANK. SHOWING DKCORATIOXS. CENTENNIAL OF MEKIllEN. 189 Thursday, June 14 — Military Day The great crowds early in the week were utterly eclipsed to-day by the thousands upon thousands who thronged the streets from early morning as every train and every trolley car came into the city loaded to its capacity. Car- riages and automobiles brought others and by the time the Drummers and Fif- ers parade started, the main thorough- fares were so blocked that pedetrians could make but little headway. It was the same good natured crowd that made all the evenings a joyous carnival. Everybody was on a holiday, there was no ill nature, no trouble and no intox- ication or anything that was at all of- fensive. The spectacular features had much to do with the increased attendance and the two parades were among the most noteworthy of the features of the week. The street fairs, the midway, the loan exhibit, the numerous other things all received a liberal patronage. The seventeen-gun salute was fired on BucVwheat hill in the morning from the field piece which Agent King secured for the occasion. Lieutenant Page and Sergeant Lanphere. of Battery A, Bran- ford, had charge of the firing. They were assisted by a member of Company' T as powder boy. The men worked like clock work and fired the salute with great precision. There was some com- ment because the gun was placed so far away, and it was decided that it would have to be brought nearer the center of the city. With varied colored uniforms thirtv- two drum corps marched through the principal streets of the city in the morn- ing. Thev started shortlv after dav- break and kept it up until long after the noon hour. There was hardly a mo- ment when a person's ears were not greeted with the shrill notes of the fife and the rattle of the drum. The occa- sion for all this was the annual con- vention of the Connecticut Fife and nnim association and incidentallv to assist in the celebration of the Centen- nial of Meriden. The several corps gathered at the City park and on their arrival reported to Chief Marshal W. J. Brunelle. He took their money and then gave the leaders cards which assigned them to their places in the line. The parade was scheduled to start at 10:30, but it was a half hour before the word was given and the line moved. The first division w^as composed of the modern Fife and Drum corps class. The sec- ond division was led by the Deep Riv- er Drum corps, of Deep River, with sixteen men in the line, and the thun- der of their drums is still echoing in the ears of many of the residents of this town. This bunch made enough noise to awake the dead. The third division was made up of the flute and piccolo bands. Their uni- forms were natty and they were well applauded all along the line. There were only three bands in this division. In the fourth division there were the Jewell Belting Drum .corps, of Hart- ford. The others in this division all came from Hartford, and they were Bolden Drum corps. Charter Oak Drum corps, and the IMcLean Drum corps. The division that excited the most interest was the fifth. In this was the most famous of the Drum corps of the present day. It was the Nineteenth Sep- arate Co. of Poughkeepsie. N. Y. There were thirty men in the ranks and in their grenadier uniforms they were cheered from one end of the line C'f march to the other. They were the heroes of the morning and they well deserve all the praise showered upon them. MAKE-UP OF PARADE. From the time it became known that the annual field day of the Connecti- cut Fifers and Drummers' association was to be held in this city, something I go CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. was doing. The Meriden Fife and Drum corps to a man did not allow a day to pass that they were not busy preparing for the event. They hustled as only the young men of Meriden can, and the field day will go down in his- tory as the best that has been held in the annals of the association. Handsome and valuable prizes were secured. The Meriden Drum corps, under whose auspices the convention was held, was organized August 20, 1902. It immediately forged to the front as the best modern fife and drum corps in the state. Frmii the liea'inninir of its ex- GEOKv^x. y. HADLOCK. Pres. Conn. Fifers & Drummers. istence it has won prizes at each con- vention. It defeated the ?ililitary Fife and Drum band of Southington at New Britain in 1903 in a fancy drill contest and the Young Men^s T. A. B. drum corps of New Britain at Bridgeport in the following vear. At the convention in Deep River last year they carried off the honors. William F. Feldhouse, who has been the leader since the corps was organ- ized, has won many prizes as individ- ual fifer and is considered in the first rank as a drum corps leader and fifer. W. J. Brunelle, who is the major of the corps, has for many years been the champion baton swinger of the state. He has defeated such men as W. E. Newton of Holyoke, and Drum Major Shea of Waterbury, and many others of fame. The Meriden corps took no part in the contests. They acted as host to the visiting fifers and drummers and made their visit to Mer- iden one long to be remembered with the greatest pleasure. The corps, who were the guests of the Meriden corps, were : The 19th Separate compainy, Fife, Drum and Bugle corps, of Poughkeep- sie, N. Y., twenty-five men. The of- ficers were Alberland Comfort, major; J. C. Alverson, fife sergeant ; Emil Ra- danke, fife corporal ; Harry Leckstran. drum sergeant ; St. Clare Lake, drum corporal ; Fred Van Elter, bugle cor- poral. Bethel Drum corps. Bethel, Conn., 14 men. E. D. Fiske Drum corps, Guilford. Conn., 10 men, with F. D. Sweet, fife sergeant, and W. H. Dolph, drum ser- geant. Lancraft Drum corps. New Haven, 15 men, F. S. Howard, leader; Ed. Rai- ney, fife sergeant, and F. S. Howard, drum sergeant. Charter Oak Drum corps, Hartford, ID men. with John Leach as leader. Ed. Ritchie, first drum sergeant ; Sid- nev Bacv, second drum sergeant, and W. J. Lindsay, drum corporal. Morgan G. Bulkeley Fife and Drum corps, Hartford, 15 men. Major Guy H. Bockus ; Michael J. O'Brien, sergeant fifer; Daniel J. Conlin, corporal fifer; Aaron R. Blumenthal. sergeant drum- mer, and James H. Malone. corporal drnmmer. American Fife and Drum corps. New Britain, 13 men; Charles Burkhardt, leader; Ed. Tracy., fifer sergeant, and Samuel Samuel son. drum sergeant. Oriental Flute and Dmrn band. Stamford. 18 men. Maior John F. Mat- thews, with A. S. Clark, leader, and C. P. McGuinness. drum corporal. Regimental Drum corps. Greenwich, 15 men; Fred Ferguson, fife sergeant; Olin S. Boom, second fife sergeant; Daniel ^lunroe, first drum sergeant; Frank Slieehan, second drum sergeant. Jewel Drum corps, Hartford, q men ; Harold Davis, major, and Stuart F. Hills, sergeant drummer. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 191 Plainville Fife and Drum corps, Kennedy Guards, Danbury, 16 men. Plainville, Conn., 15 men. American Graphophone Drum cofps, Y. M. T. A. B. Drum corps, New Bridgeport, 15 men. Britain, 16 men; John Kiley, major; A. S. and K. Drum corps, Hotch- P. McCram, leader, and Frank Welsh, kissville, 14 men. drum sergeant. Deep River Drum corps, Deep River, Allen Drum corps, Hartford, 17 18 men. men; A. J. Allen, major; F. Dickinson, Liberty Drum corps. New Britain, 14 men. Grenadier Drum corps, Milford, 14 men. Wallingford Drum corps, 16 men. Pratt & Reed Drum corps, Deep Riv- er, 16 men. R. H. Comstocx Drum corps. Ivory- ton, 14 men. Portland Drum corps, 15 men. T. M. Russell Drum hand. Middle- town, 15 men. L. E. PRATT, State Secretary Drummers. drum sergeant, and J. O'Neil. flute ser- geant. Cathedral Father Matthew Drum corps, Springfield, Mass.. 18 men. with A. J. Trapp, major; B. A. Holland, leader; J. D. Shea, drum sergeant, and T. Lynch, fife sergeant. Eureka Fife and Drum corps. Plain- ville. Conn., George Livingstone, man- ager. Glastonbury Drum corps, 13 men. Military Drum band, Southington. 18 men. New London Drum corps. 15 men. Sacred Heart Drum corps. Water- bury, 16 men. St. Ann's Drum corps, Waterbury. 15 men. Second Regiment Drum corps. New Haven, 10 men. W. J. BRUNELLE, Marshal Drummers" Parade. Bolden's Drum corps, Hartford, 10 men. McLean's Drum corps. Hartford. 10 men. Sacred Heart. 2nd Regiment Drum corps. Springfield. M;iss., 24 men. Father Matthew Drum corps, Hart- ford, 17 men. 192 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX, Red Men's Drum corps, New Lon- don, 14 men. Bine Ribbon Drum corps, Bridge- port, 15 men. H. G. Hul)barcl Drum corps, ]\Iid- dletown, 18 men. East Hampton Drum corps, East Hampton, 14 men. success of the held day for weeks, were as follows: General Committee of Arrangements : — J. B. Eeldhouse, chairman; C. L. Heckler, E. A. Everard. Sub-committee on Suvenirs and Pro- gramme — W. F. Eeldhouse, chairman, W. J. Brunelle, Charles Corbin. RESIDENCE OF E. J. DOOLITTLE, SHOWING DECORATIONS. Derby Drum corps, Derby, 14 men. St. Mary's Drum corps, Derby, 15 men. Boys' Club Drum corps, Meriden, 15 men. The committees that worked for the Ladies' Reception Committee — Mrs. C. L. Heckler, Mrs. J. B. Eeldhouse, Miss Kathryn McLaughlin, Miss Agnes Eeldhouse, Miss Annie Tresselt, Miss Margaret McLaughlin, Miss Anna Driscoll, Miss Bertha Tresselt, Miss CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 193 Margaret Watts. Miss Anna Beatty, Miss Pauline Dubord, Miss Bertha Lippold, Miss Pearl Goss, Miss Lizzie Driscoll, Miss Nellie Scott, Miss Kath- erine Donahue, Miss Katherine Russell, Miss Catherine Curtin, Miss Mary Everard, Miss Kittie Maney, Miss Marie Lynch, Mrs. E. Newbaum, Miss Mav Feidhouse, Miss Nellie Driscoll, J. B. FELDHOUSE, Drummers' Field Day Chairman. Miss Kittie English, Mrs. W. J. Bru- nelle, Miss Annie Cook, Miss Julia Fallon, Miss Fannie Keegan, Miss Katherine Walsh and Miss Mae Carroll. The musical judges were Charles Mueller, New Britain, technical ; Fred Guilford. New Haven, expert flutist; Daniel J. Crummins, Hartford, expert drummer. Military judges, Lieut. A. D. Budd, First U. S. Infantry, Fort Jay, New York; Major W. W. Bullen, First regi- ment, C. N. G., New Britain. At the close of the parade in the afternoon the corps went to Hanover park where the open air contests were held. In the evening the contests were resumed in the auditorium and while the judges were engaged in making up 13 the awards dancinig was indluged in by the young people present. About i o'clock in the morning Secretary L. E. Pratt announced the prize winners. They were as follows : For best appearing corps in line — -A large red silk banner, Poughkeepsie Drum corps. For best appearing drum major in line — A large black fur drum major's shake, A. J. Allen, of Hartford. For most ancient appearing corps in line — A hand decorated tobiicco jar, Deep River corps. First prize, ancient drum corps — Deep River, large silver cup. First prize, modern fife and drum corps — Silver prize cup, T. A. B.'s of New Britain. Second prize, modern fife and drum ^vxSJwwx*^^ E. A. EVERARD. Aide Drummers' Parade. corps — Pair bronze figures, "Game of Grace," Father Matthew's corps, Hart- ford. Second prize, ancient fife and drum corps — Silver trumpet. Lancraft's Drum corps, of New Haven. First prize, flute and piccolo band — Prize cup, Oriental 1)and. Stamford; 194 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. second prize, flute and piccolo band — Prize cup, Allen Drum band, Hartford. First prize, drum corps without fifes — Street snare drum. Charter Oaks, Hartford. First prize, fancy drilling by corps — Gold mounted, hand decorated lov- ing vase, T. A. B., New Britain. First prize, individual snare drum- ming — F. Fancher, New Haven. First prize, individual bass drumming — Gentleman's English cigar case and bill book, George S. Cook. Second prize, individual bass drum- ming — Pair of engraved silver napkin rings, Edward Smith, Liberty corps. New Britain. First prize, individual fife, anci'ent class — Thirty-eight calibre revolver, James Bonney, Southington. Second prize, individual fife, ancient class — Silver pepper and salt cellars, J. C. McCran, Liberty corps. New Britain. First prize, individual fife, modern class — Set of silver knives and forks, T. D. O'Connor, St. Francis' T. A. B., Naugatuck. Second prize, individual fife modern class — Silver cup, James Bonney, South- ington. First prize, individual piccolo — Pair of hand painted Melleu vases, E. Ber- nardo, Stamford. Second prize, individual piccolo — Sil- ver cup, Chauvelot. Stamford. First prize, best drum major baton swinging — All metal drum major's ba- ton, B. W. Wrinn, Southington. Second prize, baton swinging — Med- al. C. Walker, New Britain. Special prize, fancy drilling — Hand- some glassware. Father Matthew corps. Springfield. PARADE OF SECOND REGIMENT, C.N.G Twice within the memory of man the Second regiment has captured the town of Meriden. It was in the latter part of the last century that the first capture was made, to be more exact on May 6, 1898, that the regiment de- scended upon this town and took it and all the inhabitants, especially the young women, by storm. On that occasion Company I defended the city from the assault but what could such a small handful of men do with an army? This time Company I was one of the invaders and the city was captured hip and thigh. Early in the morning the trains un- loaded the men from the cities to which they belong and a quick formation was made on State street and in columns of fours the regiment marched to Pratt street, where a big dining tent had been pitched. It was there later in the day that the men were fed. While the drummers were parading the streets the militiamen strolled about the city singly or in groups. Man without a uniform was a nonentity. Not a girl in the city had any use for him. It was a repeti- tion of sixteen years ago. But the time comes when there is an end to all flirtation and when the din- ner bell sounded the soldiers fled from their charmers and ran to the place where the inner man could be satisfied for they knew they had a long and hot march before them. Immediately after dinner the regiment formed for the pa- rade of the day and was prompt on the line at the hour set. There the men were obliged to wait for the civilians to get in line and when that had been accomplished the word was given and the march began. All along the line the companies were cheered. There were no favorites. Each and every man in the regiment was a guest of the city for the day and the public rec- ognized that fact and the cheers were given with a will and impartiality. Colonel Geddes was in command. The regiment was divided in three bat- talions. Captain Carter of Company A. of Waterbury, was in command of the first battalion. Major Tilson having been elected commander of the Span- ish War veterans, and was at the head of that organization in the parade. Ma- jor Norton was in command of the sec- ond and Major Isbell of the third bat- talion. The Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pvthias followed the Second regi- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 195 ment. This body was under the com- mand of Brigadier General Joseph S. Stokes. Colonel G. P. Tryon of this town commanded the First regiment and Colonel Osborne the Second. There were eleven companies in the former and twelve in the latter. The United Spanish War veterans brought up the rear of the procession but not the rear in the matter of the cheers that weree handed out with great prodigality. The people appreciated what had been done only a few years ago and were quick to refute that old saying to the effect that the public soon forgets and looks for some new excite- ment or hero. So well were they cheered that the new commander blushed under his tan and the faces of the men beamed with pleasure. FEEDING THE SOLDIERS. Executive Agent King and Caterer W. H. A. Maynard, who looked after the feeding of the Second regiment, the Spanish War Veterans and the Knights of Pythias, fed 1,200 of them at the big tent on Center street, at noon. This was one of Mr. King's worries that was, however, as successfully carried out as all the other details of the great event. There was not a hitch in the catering line. The military boys and the others filed into the big tent and were served with an excellent luncheon by "Pop" Maynard's skilled waiters and every one was satisfied. Colonel Geddes expressed his appre- ciation of the success of the affair, es- pecially that not a detail that looked to- wards their comfort was overlooked. HISTORY OF THE SECOND REGIMENT, C.N.G, When one SD'^aks of the history of New Haven colony he must in almost the same breath mention the Second regiment. They are co-existent. One is and has been for centuries depend- ing on the other for support. In a case it is a Darby and Joan form. Every schoolboy knows when the dissenters came to the southern part of the state to found a colony in which they could worship God in their own way and the trials and tribulations which they met in their endeavor. The name of John Davenport will always be reverenced wherever a Christian bends his knees in his silent prayer. The church has been blessed but there has nothing been said about the pool soldiers who waded through snow and slush and storm and sleet and often times went "^'ithout a meal to sustain them in the fight that was to come on the morrow. There is where the Sec- ond regiment's history is co-existent with that of New Haven colony. « There is many a youth in the ranks of the Second regiment who proudly carries his musket who does not know the least bit about the history of the command of which he follows the col- ors. If he did he would carry his head a few inches higher. As has been said before, the history of the Second regiment and New Haven colony are, and have been for ages, running in the same channel. There has been no divergence and when one has prospered the other gained some sort of a benefit. The Second regiment, Connecticut National Guard, is beyond a doubt the oldest military organization in the United States. It has been in contin- uous existence ever since the year 1639, when the old training days were in vogue. But the real time that the Second regiment came into existence was when it was put under the com- mand of a major and that was in 1673. Previous to that time there was only a squad that reported for drill duty. Then came a reorganization under the command of Captain Turner. He merged all of the companies at that time under one organization and named it the Second regiment, Connecticut National Guard. It has been in con- tinuous existence ever since. There has not been a break in the colony and the officers of the regiment can point with equal pride to the record of the regiment. The first commissioned commander of the Second regiment was Robert 196 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Treat. He was commissioned major in August, 1673. Sir Edmond Andros in November, 1687, appointed him a colonel, and from that time a colonel has been in command of the Second regiment. The next colonel was Samuel Ells who was appointed in October, 1739, When the War of the Revolution broke out the ranks of the regiment were thinned by the young men going to the front. They gave a good ac- count of themselves and their bones are scattered from the coast of Massa- chusetts to the land of the Seminoles. Members of the Second regiment were OFFICE OF WILCOX & WHITE CO. and from that date the history of the regiment is lost to the historian, in a sense. Under the command of Major Treat the regiment did excellent work in the Indian wars, so much so that in the year 1675 Major Treat was made a deputy governor for his gallantry in the war against King Phillip. withj General Washington when Corn- wallis surrendered on that eventful day in November in 1781. After the close of the War of the Revolution the regiment had a rest for a few years and then all of a sud- den the war of 1812 loomed up on the horizon. Again the young men of the CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 197 regiment went to the front and the records show that they acquitted them- selves in a manner that was a credit to themselves and their commanders. And then came the Mexican war and once more the Second must be heard. This time the prestige of the regiment was kept up and there are men in the GEN. E. E. BRADLEY. state who went to the front at that time and who are now drawing pen- sions. Soon there will be none of the old guard left. From the time of Samuel Ells the regiment had several colonels. They were selected from all walks of life, but it was under the command of Al- fred H. Terry that the regiment made the record of all records. When Pres- ident Lincoln made his call for troops the Second regiment, almost to a man, volunteered. That was early in 1861 and Colonel Terry led the regiment to the field. The discipline was such and the esprit de corps was so perfect that the regiment was complimented in special orders by General Keyes, a regular army officer, who was in com- mand of the division on that day. The regiment, or portions of it, were heard of from time to time throughout the war. Many regiments were the nuclei, if such a word can be used in this instance, of the old Second, of Connecticut. After the close of the war the regi- ment remained idle for a time and spent the interval in the work of reor- ganization. All it did for years was to go in annual encampment and es- cort the newly elected governor to the state capitol. In April, 1870, u^der the command of Colonel E. E. Bradley it was called to Charles Island, at the mouth of Milford harbor to quell a prize fight that was to be pulled off by a gang of New York toughs. The reg- iment fell into line, went there and, to the credit of the officers and men, a very few of the toughs escaped. But this is not all. The Second reg- iment had an unusual honor paid to ALViPR ! it by U. S. Grant when he was Presi- dent. The regiment had made all ar- rangements to attend the inauguration of President Grant in March, 1873. Owing to some delay, that to this day has not been explained, the regiment did not get to Washington until the 198 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. day after the inauguration. When President Grant heard what had hap- pened he at once ordered a special re- view for the Second regiment on the next day. To say that the regiment was well received is expressing it mildly. From one end of Pennsylva- nia avenue to the other there was noth- ing but cheers and shouts of welcome. And when the regiment passed the re- viewing stand bedlam let loose. No National Guard regiment was before, or lias since, been so honored. Since that time honors have been heaped on the regiment. When Pres- ident Grant came to New Haven to at- tend the encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1873, he chose the Second regiment as his es- cort. He knew what the regiment did and what it could do when called upon. And the best of it is he was not disap- pointed. From that time on to the present the Second has always taken the lead in everything in a military sense. That is shown each month in the report of the adjutant general. The figures of merit tell in a short space what kind of people are in the old Second. And look at the scores that are made by the officers and men of the different commands! Few regiments of the several states of the Union can show such records. Private rivals captain and, when it comes down to a pinch, a general is no better than the man without a chevron when he gets in the rifle butts. Each and every one works for the honor of the regiment. That is the secret of the success of the long and remarkable career of the Second regiment, Connecticut National Guard, which was organized in 1639 and has kept up its continuous existence to this day. CO. B, CITY GUARD. The City Guard was organized by a number of young Germans early in 1861. It was not until the fall of the year that the organization was completed, and at a meeting on the night of September 14, 1861, the com- pany went into existence. George A. Basserman was selected the first cap- tain. For those times he was consid- ered a wealthy man, being a brewer, and in a short while ne became the colonel of the regiment. He was suc- ceeded on April 14, 1866, by Carl En- gel, who when he died was a major of the regiment. CO. E, LIGHT GU.\RD. This company was organized in 1862. Benjamin N. Tuttle was the first captain. The company has held an honorable record in the National Guard ever since. Many men who en- listed in the ranks of this command have won medals for bravery on the fields of battle, not alone in this coun- try, but in other lands and under oth- er flags. Graduates of the Light Guard shoulder muskets and parade with the Old Guards of New York and The Ancient and Honorable Artillej-y of Boston. CO. C, SARSFIELD GUARD. The spread of Know Nothingism was in a measure the cause of the or- ganization of the Sarsfield Guard. In 1855. Companies D ana E and the Rifle company, of Bhmingham, now Derby, were composed of sturdy young Irishmen. They were disbanded in that year, and the young men formed an independent company, which they called the Emmet Guard. This was the nucleus of the famous Ninth C. V., which did such good work under Gen- eral Benjamin Butler in the War of the Rebellion. When the volunteers returned from the war in 1865 a meet- ing was held, and the Sarsfield Guard was organized. Joseph H. Keefe, a veteran, was elected captain and be- fore he died he became a major of the regiment. CO. F, THE GRAYS. Early in 1816 a young graduate 01 Yale and a lawyer of some promise, gathered a number of his friends about him in the old state house and suggested that they should form a military company. His idea met with popular favor and in a short time the Grays was organized. It was first called the New Haven Light Infantry. By a unanimous vote the company decided to wear nothing that was not made in America. Its uniform was a dark gray and when the company made its first appearance the public by acclaim named the company "The CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 199 Iron Grays." From ttiat time to the present, the company has been known as the "Grays." The cumpany was or- ganized on September 13, 1816, and Sophos Staples was its first captain. The first public parade of the com- pany was on May 5, 1817. The com- pany has had a continuous existence ever since. CAPT. ALLING. CO. D, THE BLUES. In the early part of the year 1828 a small number of men gathered in the lecture room of the Baptist Meet- ing house in New Haven. They talked over the advisability or forming a military company. Inrantry, cavalry and artillery were proposed and af- ter several meetings had been held it was decided to form an artillery company. This was on jime 28, 1828. M. A. Durand was elected the captain of the new company, and in a few years after the men got tired of nus- tling around guns ani v/ent in the in- fantry line. Then the Blues were formed, and the company has been an honor to the regiment ever since. CHAMEERL.AIN GUARD, CO. L. When the National Guard was reor- ganized by an act of the Legislature and was made into twelve companies, Company L of Meriden was formed. For years there had been only one company of the National Guard in the city of Meriden and the ranks were at all times full and there was a big waiting list. The young men of the city were quick to respond to the call to arms and in a short time the full complement of six- ty-eight men was enlisted- Joseph De- Cantillon, who had been a hard work- er for the success of the company, was elected captain and has held that office ever since. CO. I, EATON GUARD. Co. I of Meriden can trace its history back to verv strenuous davs- It was CAPT. E. O. GRUEXILR. during the time of the draft riots in the civil war in 1863. Men in those days did not know who was friend or foe. .A. feverish an.xiety existed all through the north and in few states was there any semblance of military organization. In this state it has been completely 200 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. broken up and the cities and towns were practically defenseless. About this time was organized the Union league, the purpose of which was to maintain at all hazards, and at any cost, the Union undivided. The Union league saw the danger which existed in this state and at once took steps to avert it. Col. Dexter R. Wright had been admitted to the league in New Ha- ven, William Wallace Lee in Birming- ham, and they were the only two in Meriden. They at once saw the need of it and determined that the league should be organized in Meriden as soon as possible. One day it was circulated about town that Lee had united a num- ber of Masons to go to New Haven with him and visit Wooster lodge of Free Masons. They did go and visit the lodge but it was for a short time. Then they went to another place and were initiated into the Union league. They returned at midnight and met the next day at O- H- Piatt's office, organ- ized and admitted O. H. Piatt, Jacob Eaton and Rodney L. Smith. The next night a meeting was held over Bela Carter's store when Mr. Carter and Maior Byxbee were admitted. They had just got well organized when the draft riots occurred. The old Light Guard had been disbanded. A committee met Gov. Buckingham by ap- pointment and secured the loan of 200 muskets from the arsenal. The guns were met about 3 o'clock the next morning near Berlin and escorted to this city and stored with a guard on duty. The next night the members of the Union league met in the Town hall and organized two companies of volunteers, 100 men each, known as senior and junior companies. The seniors were over thirty-five and Levi E. Coe was captain. Of the juniors, men under thirty-five, Jacob Eaton was chosen captain, E. W. Bliss first lieutenant, and later captain. This was the beginning of Company I of Meriden. The members of the junior company stuck to their drills and aimed to perfect themselves in military knowledge. Taken altogether they were a fine body of men. When Captain Eaton first proposed that the company go into the state mil- itia only a small minority fell in with his idea, but by his gentle and persua- sive manner he won the entire com- pany over to him. On Oct. 5, 1863, it was formally voted to organze as a company of the state militia, only a few who had been in the volunteers failed to sign the roll. Meet- ings were held for drill but the ranks were constantly being depleted by en- listments in the army. In the summer of 1864 Captain Eaton determined to enter again the regular service. The members made no effort to restrain him and the company went down to hear him preach his farewell sermon. He is buried in the quiet lit- tle cemetery in Cromwell, Conn. The company turned out with eighty men in 1864 at the inauguration of Gov- ernor Buckingham. In May, 1865, the company turned out loi men in the pa- rade at Hartford and in the fall of that year went into camp at New Haven with ninety-seven men in the ranks. When Captain Eaton resigned, E. W. Bliss was elected captain. In the sum- mer of 1865 Captain Bliss left Meriden and resigned and Lieutenant Adams was elected. Looking over all the years that have passed since Co. I was organized no bet- ter class of young men had at any time been gotten together in Meriden. The company has furnished one state comp- troller, Luzerne I. Munson, in 1885-6, three state senators, Wm. A. Hall, 1868, R. T. Cook, 1883, Wm. H. Golden, 1884, The company also furnished one mayor to the city of Meriden, E. J. Doolittle. From that time on the history of the company is well known to the present generation. At the annual encamp- ments of the National Guard at Nian- tic it has always won the commendation of the higher officers. The recent captains of the company are as follows : Dexter W. Parker, Theodore Byxbee, Henry B. Wood, Os- car L. Bradley ad George E. Proud- man. Captain Proudman enlisted May 26, 1850, promoted corporal June i, 1892; discharged May 26, 1895, re- enlisted and reappointed corporal. May 26, 1895; promoted sergeant Jan. i, 1897; discharged, re-enlisted and reappointed May 26, 1897: promoted first sergeant August 12, 1898; appointed first lieu- tenant March i, 1900: appointed captain January 16, 1906. COLONEL JAMES GEDDES. Enlisted in Company A, Second reg- iment, Waterbury, on June 6, 1887, and rapidly rose to tne rank of ser- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 20 1 geant. Second lieutenant, November 23, 1891; first lieutenant, January 2, 1893; captain, March 15, 1893; major, December 5, 1899; lieucenant colonel, January 10, 1901. On the death of Theodore Sucher last year he was BP ^ ■ 1 ^^^^^r . 'y^^^^^P ^^ ^K -It j^H 1 ^pi 9 ^ ^H 1 ■ 1 J 1 ^^^^B B fl^K s imi y H 1 ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^r jS^^^^^^ „'i M^^B s ^^rf. 4^ CAPT. GEO. E. HALL. elected commander or the regiment on January 4 of the present year. LIEUT. COL. CHARLES P. m'C.-\BE. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, January 28, 1884, and rose from the ranks until June 29, 1891, when he was commissioned second lieutenant; first lieutenant, October 27, 1891; captain, May 10, 1893; major, August 3, 1900. Was promoted to lieutenant colonel on the election of Colonel Geddes. MAJOR JOHN Q. TILSON. Enlisted in Company P, Second reg- iment, January 1, 189s, and got leave of absence during tluie of Spanish- American war, when he acted as sec- ond lieutenant in the sixth U. S. Vol. Infantry. Was honorably discharged September 20, 1898, and re-enlisted in Company F, October }, i898. Elected captain of Company D, the Blues, May 18, 1899, and major of the Sec- ond regiment, January lO, 1901. MAJOR HENRY NORTON, JR. Enlisted in Company K, Second reg- iment, August 17, 1883. Rose from ranks and was commissioned second lieutenant September 18, 1888. Re- signed June 17, 1891. Commissioned second lieutenant November 17, 1891; first lieutenant, Novemoer 24, 1896; captain, December 1, 189S, and major, December 14, 1904. MAJOR ERNEST L. ISBELL. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment. May 13, 1889; second lieuten- ant, July 6, 1899; first lieutenant, Oc- CAPT. GEORGE KRAET. tober 19. 1899; captain, January 31, 1901; major, January 14, 1906. CAPT. THOMAS T. WELLES. Private Battery D, Third Infantry, April 4, 1871; first sergeant Company F, First regiment, August 1, 1871; first lieutenant. November 21, 18S1; resigned, February 3, 1885; captain and adjutant. Second regiment, April 202 C I-: N TE N N I A L O F M E R 1 1 ) l". N . 2, 1885; major, July 1, 1889; resigned, January 22, 1890; captain and adju- tant, July 10, 1893. CAPT. JAMES F. KANE. Enlisted in Company C, Second regiment, June 1, 1897; first lieuten- ant, January 29, 1901; captain and quartermaster, July 5, 1901. CAPT. CHAUNCEY P. GOSS, JR. Enlisted in Company A, Second reg- tant, November 22, i896; resigned, January 23, 1901, and on January z9 of the same year was appointed pay- master, with the rank or captain. FIRST LIEUT. JOHN G. KRAFT. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, November 5, 1894, and rose from ranks until he was commissioned second lieutenant. Commissioned first lieutenant. Battalion adjutant, July 1, 1903. RESIDENCE OF MRS, II. M. BILLARD. iment, November 1, 1899; corporal non-commissioned staff, January 24, 1901; first lieutenant, commissary, July 16, 1901; captain and commis- sary, December 31, 1903. CAPT. DWIGHT E. BOWERS. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, July 22, 1891, and was made battalion sergeant major July 22, 1896; first lieutenant, Battalian adju- FIRST LIEUT. JOHN R. NORTH. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, November 9, 1898, corporal non-commissioned staff, July 15, 1901; first lieutenant. Battalion adjutant, July 23, 1904. SECOND LIEUT. A. C. HITCHCOCK. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, January 17, i894, and re- mained until Novemuer 6, 1895. En- CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 203 listed in Company A, October 31, 1903; second lieutenant, Battalion quartermaster, Decemt)er 15, 1903. SECOND LIEUT. JAMES I. WEBB. Enlisted in Company F, Second reg- iment, July 10, 1902; second lieuten- ant, quartermaster Battalion, Janu- ary 14, 1904. LIEUT. COL. C!L\S. P. MCABE. SECOND LIEUT. A. D. BLAKESLEE. Enlisted in Company E, Second reg- iment, January 18, 1904 ; commission- ed second lieutenant ana quartermas- ter of Battalion, January 23, 1904 . COL. JOHN H. BARIO. Colonel John H. Bario. the only col- onel from Meriden who ever command- ed the Second regiment, dropped dead at his home, Butler and Hanover streets, this city at 10:10 o'clock on Saturday morning, January 2, 1892. Death was due to apoplexy and the shocking an- nouncement startled the community. He had not been a well man for over a week but to all his friends he suc- ceeded in concealing evidences of his illness- On the night previous to his death he and several friends called upon Mayor-elect Tracy and a very pleasant hour was spent in which Col. Bario was the life of the party. The next morning he complained to his wife of severe pains in his stomach and Dr. Hughes was sunmioned. After prescribing for his patient the physi- cian went to the kitchen for some hot water. He had hardly left the room han Col. Bario, who had been as- sisted to bed, showed signs of exhaus- tion. Dr. Hughes and Dr. Bradstreet, who had been summoned in the case, and Mrs. Bario went to his aid and he was again placed in bed. But the stroke had come and the kind-hearted husband lay dead in his wife's arms. Both physicians said that death was caused by apoplexy, due to the burst- ing of a blood vessel. John H. Bario was born in Middle- town in 1845. His education was ob- CAPT. JAS. F. KANE. tained in the public schools of Middle- town, Williamsburg, N. Y., and Hart- ford. When he came to Meriden in 1859 he was a young man of fine ap- pearance and soon made himself popu- lar. • When the first call was made for troops at the breaking out of the civil 204 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. war was ready to respond. He en- listed Aug. 24, 1861, in Co. C, Seventh C- Vv was mustered in September 6 of the same year, re-enhsted as a vet- eran December 22, 1863, was promoted April 6, 1864, and mustered out July 20, 1865. He had served through the war and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. CAPT. \V. li. SPKNCKR. During the last two years of service he was aide-de-camp to Gen. Hawley and frequently had Gen. Hawley com- mended him for his marked ability in the discharge of his duties. His title of colonel was obtained in 1874 when he received the appointment as the head of the Second regiment, C. N. G. As he was one of the organ- izers of the Eaton Guard, Co. I, of this town, the appointment gave general satisfaction. He was popular as town and city clerk. He was elected to the former oflfice October i, 1866, and was Meriden's first city clerk, being chosen August 12, 1866, and served until May 29, 1873. Again December 6, 1873, he was chosen and served until December 19. 1876. He was a Republican until .1874 when he joined the Democrats and he at once became a more pronounced favorite with that party than with the other. In 1888 he was made a post office inspector. While in that branch of the government service he made a brilliant record. On New Year's day, 1892, he received no- tice of his dismissal. No reason was given as to the course. His dismissal was as unexpected to him as it was to his friends. "I suppose it was politics," he said- "A presidential election com- ing on and I could not be assessed." Col. Bario was a member of Meridian lodge. A. F. & A. M., Keystone Chap- ter, R. A. M., Myrtle Lodge, K. of P., Merriam Post, G. A. R., Meriden Coun- cil, Chosen Friends, Meriden lodge of Elks and Meriden Mutual Aid. CAPT. GEO. C. ABBOTTj CO. K. George C. Abbott, captain of Com- pany K, Second Regiment, C. N. G-, CAPT. HENRY CARTER. of Wallingford, has been a member of that organization for thirteen 3'ears and is now serving his third consecutive year as the head of that company. He enlisted in Company K on June 2, 1893, and served three years as a private. He re-enlisted on February 14, 1897, and was appointed corporal on April 21 of CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 205 the following year. He was elected second lieutenant December i, 1898, and on June 20, 1899, he was chosen first lieutenant of the company. He served in that office for five years and on Jan- uary 5, 1904, the company elected him as their captain. At one time he was a member of the Hubbard Hose com- pany of Wallingford and is at present MAJOR JOS M TOWXSEXD a member of Court Robert Wallace, A. 0. F., of that town. He was born in Milford, Conn., and took up his res- idence in Wallingford, August 4, 1889. CAPT. DANIEL FITZPATRICK, CO. G. Enlisted in Company G, July 30, 1883; second lieutenant October 19, 1886; first lieutenant November 15, 1887 ; cap- tain February 3, 1899. CAPT. JOSEPH DECANTILLON, CO. L. Enlisted in Troop I, Fifth U. S. Cav- alry, June 14, 1898; discharged at Por- to Rico, May 2, 1899. Enlisted in Co. 1, Second Infantry, March 3, 1901 ; ap- pointed corporal in 1901 ; appointed cap- tain of Co. L, Nov. ID, 1903. MAJOR JOSEPH H. TOWNSEND. Major Townsend is a New Haven boy, born and bred. He is a graduate of the Yale Medical school and at pres- ent is the secretary of the state board of health. On July i, 1891, he enlisted in Co. F, Second Regiment. Was ap- pointed assistant surgeon by Captain John B. Doherty, in September, 1892, and surgeon, with the rank of major, by Col. Lucien F. Burpee, June 11, 1856. He has since held that office. LIEUT. EDWARD S. MOULTON. Lieut. Molton is a native of New Bed- ford, Mass. He is a graduate of the "^'ale Medical school of the class of 1894 On No\ ember 19, 1895, he en- listed in Co F, Second regiment, and was appointed assistant surgeon of the CAPT. E. S. MOULTON. regiment on Jan. t, 1904. He will soon be the surgeon general of the state bri- gade. CAPT. ARNON A. ALLING. CO. D. Enlisted in Company F, November 7, 1897, second lieutenant Co. D, Jan- uary 31, 1901 ; captain, January 14, 1906. CAPT. GEO. E. HALL, CO. E. Enlisted Company F, January 21, 1896; second lieutenant Company E, 206 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. E, March 31, 1898; first lieutenant, July 5, 1898; captain, April 30, 1901. CAPT EDW. 0. GRUENER, CO. F. Enlisted in Company, r, August 12, 1886; corporal July 30, 1890; dis- charged and re-enlisted August 12, 1891 ; sergeant and discharged August 12, 1893 ; sergeant and discharged August 12, 1893. ^nd re-enlisted; sergeant No- vember 5, 1893 ; discharged and re-en- listed August 19, 1895; sergeant June i. 13, 1898; second lieutenant September 1897; discharged and re-enlisted March 7, 1898; first lieutenant, November 9, 1898; captain, September 5, 1900. CAPT. WM. B. SPENCER, CO. C. Enlisted in Co. C, April 2, 1897; cor- poral Feb. 12, 1898; sergeant March i, 1899; second lieutenant. May 11, 1899; first lieutenant, June 12, 1903; captain, December i, 1903- CAPT. FRANK PAULV, CO. B. Enlisted in Company B, Second Reg- iment, May II, 1892; corporal July 22, 1895; sergeant, February 6, 1896; dis- charged May II, 1897, and re-enlisted on same date ; first sergeant November 17, 1897; second lieutenant, December 7, 1898; first lieutenant, January 19, 1899; captain December 13, 1899. CAPT. HENRY B. CARTER, CO. A. Enlisted in Co. A, Dec. 24, 1883 ; corporal, Aug. 12, 1885 sergeant, Nov. 15, 1888; discharged Dec. 24. 1888, and re-enlisted on same date; first sergeant Aug. 9 ,1890; discharged Dec. 24, 1890, and re-enlisted on same date; sergeant major March 11, 1891 ; second lieuten- CAPT. G. E. ABBOTT. ant Co. A., Jan. 2 ,1893; first lieuten- ant, March 15, 1893 ; captain Dec. 26, 1899. HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS Founded on the love which Damon had for Pythias, the Knights of Pyth- ias were organized in Washington, D. C, on February 19 ,1864. by Justus H. Rathbone, a government ofificial. He saw in that time of carnage and death the germ of an order that should prove a power in dispelling the warmth of sec- tional strife and restoring the health of men to a basis of universal brotherhood. For years the fires burned low upon the altars of the young and struggling brotherhood, but as time passed the or- der grew until it now has gained a per- manent foothold in everv state in the Union and has even gone be^'ond the seas ; there are lodges in England. In a short time after the Knights of Pythias was organized there were only three subordinate lodges with only sev- enty-eight members. The brotherhood appealed so strongly to the young men of the coulitry that it rapidly grew in favor until at the present time there are at least 600.000 members in good stand- ing. The intentions of the order are to visit the sick, relieve the distressed; to watch over the dying; to bury the dead; to comfort the widow in her affliction : CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 207 to exercise a guardianship over the or- phans ; and. in fact, to fully follow out the Golden Rule : "Whatsoever we would that men should do unto us and ours, do we even so unto them." It is a secret organization — the sec- ret of a family circle — for the purpose of protecting those who join its ranks, in C. E. SHIVELY, Supreme Chancellor Knights of Pythias order that they may know one another — the talismanic Brotherhood of Knights of Friendship. By no means is the Knights of Pythias a labor union. It takes no part in disputes between em- ployer and employe. In the lodge room millionaire, laborer, mechanic and pro- fessional man meet upon the broad and level plain of equality. Each deposits, as in a safety fund, his monthly contri- bution and thereby secures a sufficiency to meet the wants and rigors of winter. It is also the aim of the order to se- cure employment for such of the mem- bers as who may be without it. Sect or religion does not count. All that is necessary is that an applicant should be a white male and believe in the Father- hood of the Lord and the Brotherhood of Man. The motto of the Knights of Pythias is "Friendship, Charity and Benevolence." The membership of the Knights of Pythias extends over the best part of this continent. There are fifty-four Grand domains, having a total of 6,008 subordinate lodges, with a membership of over 443,615 loyal knights. In ad- dition there is a uniform rank of twen- ty-one brigades, of ninety-two regiments with an addition of nineteen corporate regiments, with a total uniformed mem- bership of about 50,000. There is also in the Knights of Pyth- ias an endowment or insurance rank with 2,355 sections, with a membership of 37,000. The endowment rank is rap- idly meeting with favor and the mem- bership is constantly increasing. J. S. STOKES, Brigadier General U. R. K. P. In this state the Knights of Pj-thias is popular. There are tifty-iive subor- dinate lodges with a membership of nearly 6,000. These lodges have cash on hand to the amount of $47,182 and total assets of $56,378.88. Thousands of dollars are paid out each year in relief funds. 208 CKXTEXXIAL OF MERIDK.V, >8 :^ C ■ c S > ? P3 > ~ C f- > > ^ > ^; n Q ^ C •^ >. o " — - [^ i S : CENTENNIAL OE MERIDEN. 209 There is also in the state a brigade of the uniform rank consisting of two regiments of twenty divisions and a membership of 800. There are twenty- five sections of the endowment rank in the state. At the present time it costs from $10 to $25 to join the order. CUL. C. E. PEARSUN. The intention of the body is to dis- seminate and teach to all mankind, who are worthy and will listen, the doctrines and precepts that are the foundation of this order, and by doing so give to these principles their true meaning and widest application. A true knight is a friend of his brother knight, and will ever aid him in all worthy efforts. Char- ity is the perfection of friendship, and without it friendship is of little worth. The benevolence of the order and of its friendship, challenges the admira- tion of the world, and merits the grati- tude of the widow and the orphan. One of the strongest features of the Knights of Pythias is the endowment rank. It is the beneficial branch of the order, providing a cheap, equitable and perfectly reliable endowment of $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 to members of the or- der exclusively who are not over fiftv 14 years of age. It is endowed by and un- der the Supreme lodge of the world. The endowments are paid in full im- mediately upon the receipts of proof of death. GEN. JOSEPH S. STOKES. Joseph Stephen Stokes, brigadier gen- eral of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, and past eminent commander of St. Elmo commander}-, Knights Tem- plar, was born on Wednesday, June 8, 1845, in England. He is the son of Ste- phen and Martha (Birch) Stokes, and his father, an industrious gun-lock mak- er, who came to this country with his es- timable wife and small children, to take an important position in the works of the Wesson Fire Arms company, at Springfield, in 1867. Some years later he came to Meriden, and became asso- ciated with his son at the Parker Gun shop, where he continued until his re- CAPT. A S-MITH. tirement from active labor. He died at his home in 1887, and was followed by the death of his estimable wife two years later. Joseph S. Stokes received a thorough training in the "three R's" and at an early age began to learn the trade of FACTORY E, INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO. FACTORY E. INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO. CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 211 gun-lock maker. Under his fatlier"s guidance he became a skilled workman, and before he had been employed at the bench a great many years became a con- tractor at the shops in his native town. It was in 1869 that he came to this countr^• and to Meriden, where he read- CUL. C. A. S'i'L'RDY. ily secured a position in the Parker Bros.' gun shops. His skill as a me- chanic and reliability were at once rec- ognized by the concern, and within the year he was rewarded for his indus- triousness by receiving a contract. This was followed by others, and he contin- ued as a contractor at the same factory continuously from 1879 to 1904. when he retired from active business with a com- petency, and possessing the good will of the seventy-five men whom he employed. Having taken a most responsible part of the manufacture of the superior guns made at the large plant where he de- voted so many years, he is given full credit for earning a share of the high reputation of the concern which it is accorded by the trade. Perhaps no resident of Meriden is more favorably known and popular in fraternal organizations than he : and this is the result of his sincere interest in the welfare of the several secret bodies of which he has been for many years affiliated. He has received the highest honors within the gift of the state in the Knights of Pythias, having served as grand chancellor commander. He has served several different terms as chan- cellor commander of Myrtle lodge, of Meriden. His interest in that order prompted him to form the local com- pany of the uniform rank, and which company bears his name. In 1901 he was honored with the rank of brigadier general of the uniform rank and with the exception of the year 1905, when detained at home from the effects of a slight shock of paralysis, he has never failed to accompany his order to dis- tant cities upon all occasions. General Stokes has been connected with the different Masonic bodies for COL. G. R. TRVOX. many years, and has been likewise hon- ored by that estimable order. He is one of the past masters of Center lodge. 97, V. & A. M., past high priest of Keystone chapter, 27, R. A. M., a past illustrious master of Hamilton council, R. & S. M., and eminent commander of St. Elmo 212 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. conimandery K. T. He is a member of Meriden lodge, 35, B. & P. O. Elks, of which lodge he has served as exalted ruler and in addition to that has held the office of district deputy. He is a past chief, ranger of Court Excelsior, 6, Foresters of America, and while a del- egate to the national convention of that COL. H. C. OSBORNE. order held in Detroit, settled the agita- tion and controversy over the color line. Mr. Stokes resides in his own com- fortable and hospitable home, at 14 Queen street. He was one of the most valued members of the committee arranging the Centennial celebration of Meriden, and served as chairman of the Committee on Parades. General Stokes became a member of Myrtle lodge, of Meriden, in Septem- ber, 1870. He passed through all the chairs, and for several terms he held the office of chancellor of the lodge. He next went into the Grand lodge, and it was twenty years before he accepted an office. He was elected grand vice- chancellor on October 19, 1897, at the meeting of the Grand lodge in New Haven. He became grand chancellor m 1898, and in the following year supreme representative. When the Uniform Rank was instituted he became a mem- ber of the J. S. Stokes company, of this city, and served for years in the rank and file. He was appointed assistant adjutant general on the brigade staff of the state, and in 1900 was elected briga- dier general of the Uniform Rank and was re-elected in 1904. He still holds that position. COL. CHARLES E. PEARSON. Colonel Pearson has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for the past eighteen years. He has been chancellor commander of the Naugatuck lodge and is a member of the Grand lodge. For several terms he has held the office of district deputy and has been a member of the Uniform Rank since its institu- tion. COL. W. E. THOMS. Colonel Pearson is an ardent worker in the interests of the Uniform Rank in the domain of the state. He was ap- pointed assistant adjutant general im- mediately after the death of H. G. Bestor of Hartford, and was commis- sioned on November 15, 1905. COLONEL GEORGE R. TRYON. George R. Tryon, the commander of the Second brigade of the Uniform Rank CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 213 of the Knights of Pythias, is a member of Myrtle lodge of Meriden. He has been an active worker in the order for the past twenty years and always has the interests of the Knights of Pythias at heart. He is a member of the Grand lodge and is now serving as master of work CAPT. J. A. WIGNALL. in the lodge. He has filled several positions in the Uniformed Rank. As colonel of the Second regiment he has won the admiration of his associates and commendation of his superior officers. CAPTAIN A. B. SMITH. Captain A. B. Smith is a comparative- ly new officer on the brigade roster of tlie Second regiment of the Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias. For the past fifteen years he has been an ac- tive worker in the Pythian brotherhood. He has made a good record and his rep- utation is of the best in the state. He is genial, kind and modest in his manner and has hundreds of friends in and out of the. order. CAPTAIN JOHN KAY. John Kay is the captain of the J. S. Stokes company of this city. He was born here in 1878 and attended the pub- lic schools. During the Hispano-Amer- ican war he enlisted in Company L. With that organization he went to Fort Knox, on the coast of Maine, and from there to Virginia. When he was mus- tered out of the service he returned to Meriden and enlisted in Company I six 3'ears ago. He became a member of Myrtle lodge. Knights of Pythias, in 1891. At the present time he is the chancellor commander of that lodge. He is a manly young man with a frank and open countenance and is sure to be heard from later in the ranks of Pythianhood. He was a member of the Veteran Hose company and at present is in the employ of the Britannia com- pany. HORACE O. CASE, G. K. R. AND S. Horace O. Case, of Hartford, is be- yond all question, the most popular man in the Knights of Pvthias in this state. HORACE O. r\.^l He is held in the highest esteem by all who have the pleasure of his friend- ship. For more than twenty-five years he has held his present office in the order of which he is a shining mark. At the meeting of the Grand lodge in 1879 he was elected grand keeper of records and seals and ejfch year there- after he has been re-elected, not a can- 214 CENTKNNIAL OF MERIDEN. didate for that arduous office appear- ing against him. He was introduced to the mysteries and benefits of the Knights of Pythias in Washington lodge of Hartford. He passed through chairs and was then chosen to his pres- ent position. He is sure to be re- elected at the next annual assembly of the Grand lodge. ADJT. AND CAPT. WIGNALL. James A. Wignall, captain and adju- a staff appointment under the late reg- imental commander and was appointed adjutant, with rank of captain under Colonel George H. C. Osborn, of Nor- wich. COLONEL GEORGE H. C. OSBORN. In Pythian circles, Colonel Osborn has always been active to advance the interests of the order. He became a member of Wauregan lodge, No. 46, of Norwich, and rose to be past chancel- CURTIS HOUSE, SHOWING DECORATIONS. tant of the First regiment of the Knights of Pythias, became a member of the order when he joined the Joseph T. Dowdall lodge, of Bridgeport. He filled various positions in the subordi- nate lodge and became a member of T. M. Smith Co., No. 4, of that city. In a short time he became its captain but retired a few 'years ago. He is a mem- ber of the Grand lodge. He received lor which position of trust he occupied for several years. He served in the uniformed rank as battalion major. His extreme courtesy, geniality and evident desire to build up the order to the highest plane, and especially the First regiment, resulted in his being elected at the last assembly as colonel of that body. He is a member of the Grand lodge. CENTEXXIAL OF .Ml-:Rir)KX. 21 COL. GEORGE A. STURDY. The record of Colonel George A. Sturdy, assistant quartermaster general on the brigade staff of the Knights of Pythias, in the order has been one of exceeding usefulness ever since he be- came a member of TrtmibuH lodge of New London. He became chancelllor commander of that lodge which he rep- resented in the Grand lodge. For sev- eral years he has been active in frater- nal correspondence. As battalion adju- tant of the First regiment, his ability and work attracted the attention and commendation of his superior officers. It resulted in his appointment on the brigade staff. GRAND CHANCELLOR THOMS. William E. Thoms, the present may- or of Waterbury ,is the grand chan- cellor of the Grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias of Connecticut. He was elected to that exalted position in Knighthood at the last annual session of the Grand lodge held in Waterbury on October 17, 1905. Grand Chancellor Thoms was created a knight in Com- stock lodge and passed through the sev- eral chairs. He was elected grand out- er guard of the Grand lodge in 1900. His progression was rapid until his elec- tion to his present office. His term will expire at the annual assembly of the Grand lodge in October of this vear. THIRD ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT OF THE UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS The third annual encampment of the Connecticut department of the United Spanish W^ar Veterans was concluded here in the afternoon. Seventy delegates attended the encampment, which began Wednesday, and the Centennial made their visit a most enjoj-able one. The following were elected for the ensuing year : Department commander — ^fajor John Q. Til son, New Haven. Senior vice commander — H. H. Saun- ders, Hartford. Junior vice commander — S. E. Mag- son, Hartford. Judge advocate — F. E. Johnson, Hartford. Chaplain — C. S. Bullock, Stratford. Surgeon — Dr. J. W. Wright, Bridge- port. Inspector — Irving D. Wilmot, Nor- walk. Council of administration — H. N. Godfrey, Norwalk ; W. J. Rawlings, New Britain ; Charles Anders, Bridge- port ; Harvey A. Leonard, New Haven ; N. G. Valentine, Hartford ; Charles Gollnick, Meriden. Delegates to National encampment — F. E. Johnson, Hartford ; Fred A. Hill, Norwalk ; F. S. Cornwell, New Ha- ven : B. S. Honce, Branford ; W. W. Bullen. New Britain ; E G. Dygert, Nor- wich : W. H. Rees, Meriden ; Ernest P. Leonard, Bridgeport; H. H. Saunders, Hartford. 2l6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Friday, June 15 Wallingford Day While the spectacular features were not so much in evidence to-day and the crowds were not quite as large as yes- terday still the interest in the big Cen- tennial events- of the week kept up to the highest pitch. The arrival of the famed Putnam Phalanx at noon was an event and they were warmly cheered as they got off the train. Wallingford day meant an elaborate programme of addresses which were given in the afternoon at the First Con- gregational church. These exercises were particularly appropriate as the Centennial celebration here marks the setting off of the Town of Meriden from Wallingford. Organist W. P. Vinal played an m- troduction, which he followed with the grand old hymn, Coronation, sung by the audience. The invocation was then given by Rev. John J. Blair, pastor of the First Congregational church, of Wallingford. Rev. Joseph E. Wildman gave a most interesting summary of early church life in Wallingford under the heading of "Sketches of the Three Colonial Churches in Wallingford." E. R. Brown, of Cheshire, gave a summary of Cheshire's affiliation with the town of Meriden. He spoke on ■'Glimpses of Cheshire's Early History and Representative Men." Mr. Vinal gave another organ volun- tary and this was followed by an ad- dress by Judge Leverett M. Hubbard, of Wallingford, who spoke upon "Walling- ford in the Revolutionary Period." A son of Wallingford who has done great things as a soldier and who is now living at Hyde Park, Mass., Gen- eral Henry B. Carrington, gave a remi- niscent address on "Wallingford Life and Gossip of Seventy Years Ago." The audience united in singing America and the benediction was pro- nounced bv Rev. Mr. Blair. ADDRESS BY REV. J. E. WILDMAN When, in the providence of God, it became expedient for our remoter an- cestors to leave old England, cross what, compared with the present, was an almost trackless sea, in order to found new homes in this new world, we have reason to be thankful that those who selected what we know as Connecticut, and particularly that por- tion which is near to us, were largely from the yeomanry of the mother country, and so of a class which would not be easily intimidated by, nor dis- couraged at the sight of difficulties. To leave their native land, and un- dertake a perilous journey of such distance, in order to clear a stubborn wilderness, and erect new homes un- der the difficulties and privations inci- dent to the task, called for men of the most sterling quality and of strenu- ous endurance. They were not gov- erned by a mad thirst for gold, nor did they plan great business enter- prises. Their primary object was to estab^ lish new homes, and found new towns, which were ultimately to merge into a new commonwealth. All that is im- plied in this required of them the po- session which they proved to have had of the stuff from which heroes and martyrs are made. But another quality was found in them, and that to an eminent degree. They were a God fearing people. More- over, they were as strenuous and thorough-going in their religious views and life, as they were in other matters. This is shown particularly in the very earliest stages of the settlement of Wallingford, and while they were clearing the forests and erecting abodes for their families. The town was settled from New Haven in 1670. One of their first cares was to make CENTENNIAL OF MKHIDEN. 217 provisioin for the church of God and the offices thereof. And so in their inchoate state, they secured the ser- vices of a young man from New Ha- ven, by name of John Harriman, who ministered to them in the matters of religion for the space of two years. He was one of tlie signers of the planta- tion covenant, and a graduate of Har- vard college. The first settled pastor was the Rev. Samuel Street, who came in 1()72. Samuel Street was the son of Nicholas Street^ who was for some time assistant to, and who succeeded John Davenport as sole minister in Centre church. New Haven. Samuel Street followed Mr. Harriman, and be- REV. J. E. WILDAIAN. came the first settled minister of the church in Wallingford, on the organi- zation of the church. He was or- dained in 1675 and remained pastor of the church until he died in 1717. Mr. Street was graduated from Har-. vard in 1G64. He was 40 years old when he came to Wallingford, and therefore his period of service was 45 years, 42 of which he was the ordain- ed pastor. In connection with Mr. Street's set- tlement over the church in Walling- ford, the records disclose a very inter- esting and suggestive fact bearing up- on the character and disposition of these early and hardy colonists of Wallingford. Not only was it voted to send ox teams to the head of Tide Water, to receive and bring his goods to town, but at a court of election held at Hartford, May 12. 1081, the court, for the encouragement of Mr. Street, granted him under certain conditions, two hundred acresof land, besides which there was alotted to him a house lot containing six acres of land. All this betokens the prevalence of a spirit among those early settlers, to share and share alike in their dealings with the clergy. Mr. Street, becoming enfeebled, was given, in 1710. a colleague, in the per- son of Samuel Whittlesey, who had graduated five years earlier from Yale college, and who remained here unto his death in 1752. Mr. Whittlesey re- mained here forty-two years. Dr. Chauncey, of Boston, is said to have spoken of him as one of the greatest men in Connecticut. For many years he was a fellow of Yale college. President Stiles, in an obituary of Mr. Whittlesey, published shortly after his death, is instructive. "He minis- tered intellectual food, and entertain- ed his audience with the beaten oil of the sanctuary." After the decease of Whittlesey there was a great deal of contention in the selection of a successor, in con- sequence of which the church was a long time without a pastor. Although over twenty candidates had been heard, the feelings and opin- ions of the people were so divided that they had been unable to unite in the settlement of any one of them. At last a committee was appointed with instructions to consult neighbor- ing clergymen for advice in the situa- tion. The instructions were complied with and they were advised to send to Mr. Holyoke, president of Cambridge college, Mr. Appleton, minister of Cambridge, and Dr. Chauncey of Bos- ton, for their direction to some suit- able candidate for the ministry in said Wallingford. The result was that James Dana, of Cambridge, a gradu- ate of Harvard of the class of 1753, was recommended and was invited to visit Wallingford to preach as a candidate for settle- ment. He accepted the invitation and after he had preached a few 2I< CKNTENNIAL OF MKRIDKN. Sabbaths, both the church and society, with apparent harmony, extended to him a call to become their pastor. There appeared to be a good deal of unanimity in giving him a call to the work of the ministry in the society. None appeared in opposition, though some few of the committee were not satisfied with respect to his doctrines and soundness. But all this was little more than a lull before the storm. Church and from the first church, some of whom helped to organize what came to be known as the Wells' society. But Mr. Dana was installed as pastor, and by his ability as a pastor and teacher, he largely overcame much of the opposi- tion, and after a time many of those who had withdrawn from the first church, came back to the old church home, especially those who had cast in their lots with the Wells' society. Thus the opposition to Mr. Dana RESIDENCE OF FRANCIS ATWATER. society, with apparent harmony, unit- ed in giving Mr. Dana a call, but the •voting of the call was immediately fol- lowed by the organization of a strong opposition. It would be hardly in keeping to attempt, in a paper of this brevity, to give a summary of all that happened in connection with the set- tlement of Mr. Dana as pastor of the first church of Christ in Wallingford. Certainly a storm was raised that ef- fected the religious world of Connecti- cut beyond measure. Many withdrew gradually wore away. In 1758 he was called as pastor of the church in Wal- lingford, being then in his 23d year. In 1768 he received the degree of D. D., from the university of Edinburg. His health being impaired, in 1785 James Noyes was chosen as his col- league, but the doctor's health was soon after so much restored that he was able to perform his part of the duties, both public and private, with- out any serious embarrassment. In 1789, being then in his fifty-fourth CENTENNIAL OF MKRIDEN. 219 yeai", Dr. Dana was called to the charge of the First church in New Haven, in which position he remained sixteen years and a half — until 1805. He died in 1812, at the age of seventy- seven. James Noyes, who had been a colleague of Dr. Dana since 1785, con- tinued in charge unitl 1832, when his relations were dissolved at his own request, and amicably. He lived twelve years after that and died in 1844, aged seventy-nine years. The Rev. E. R. Gilbert succeeded Mr. Noyes, in 1832, and remained until his death in 1874, aged sixty-six. Thus is given a sketch of the first Colonial church in Wallingford, whose influ- ence for good has been a long and an honorable one, and claims our high- est respect and congratulations. One unusual thing may be noticed in closing. Each of the above success- ive pastors remained in active charge for a period of over forty years. SECOND COLONIAL CHURCHi. We now turn to briefly review the story of the second Colonial church in Wallingford. The Puritans were not the only re- ligionists who sought homes in New England, and in Connecticut. Just when they came and how many there were, we have no means of telling, but quite early in the settlement of Wallingford there was quite a sprink- ling of those who adhered to the mother church of England. These people in conditions of life, as well as in character and disposition were quite like their neighbors, saving in religious views. They seemed, how- ever, to get along together pretty well. But these people were at a disadvan- tage in respect to religious matters. The Congregational church was the state church, and was supported by taxation, and these taxes were laid in- differently upon all the citizens. All were poor enough to feel the burden, but the members of the church of Eng- land felt it twice as hard. If they supported the services of their own church they must pay a double por- tion, which, under the circumstances, became burdensome. They were un- able to build churches for themselves, and so for a long time their only re- source was for families to meet to- gether on the Lord's day at some ac- cessible private house and have lay services. But on the 11th of May, 1727, in response to the petition of Moses Ward, of Fairfield, church war- den, and other church wardens, vestry- men and brethren, a bill was passed by the General Court of Connecticut, which, under certain satisfactory con- ditions, diverted such taxes collected from members of the church of Eng- land to the support of a clergyman of that church, who should minister to them; and the members were also al- lowed to tax themselves for the sup- port of their clergyman. Directly af- ter the passage of this act parishes began to be organized, and church houses erected in which to worship. About 1740 the parishoners of North Haven and Wallingford united into one church by the name of Union church. And soon a plain building, sufficient for the accommodation of these fami- lies, was erected, somewhere between Pond Hill and Clintonville, a part of which was still standing a few years ago. Four different clergymen, missionar- ies for the society for the propagation of the Gospel, ministered to the cong- regation of the Union church. But in 1752 the Union church was placed within the jurisdiction of the Rev. Mr. Camp, a native of Middle- town and a graduate of Yale college. Under his ministrations the church so increased in members and strength that it became expedient to make dif- ferent and more efficient arrange- ments. Accordingly the Union so- ciety was dissolved as early as 1757, and the Wallingford parishoners took measures for the erection of a church house in the village, which was finish- ed in 17G2. On January 29, 1761, St. Paul's par- ish voted, "That there shall be preach- ing a proportionable part of the time, according to what they pay, at the old society in Wallingford, Cheshire and North Haven." This action probably had in view the return of Samuel Andrews, who had already acted as lay reader here while he was in Yale college, and who was at the time in England for the 220 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. purpose of receiving holy orders. At this time Mr. Andrews' brother was one of the wardens of St. Paul's church. We have now reached a most im- portant period in the Colonial history of St. Paul's parish. In that portion now constituting the town of Meriden, lived a family of eight sons by the name of Andrews, all of them members of this parish. Seven of these united their slender re- sources in order to send their young- est brother, Samuel, to Yale college to be educated with a view to the sa- cred ministry. On his graduation and attainment of canonical age, he proceeded to Eng- land, where he received deacon's and priest's orders, at the hands of Dr. Sherlock, then Bishop of London, and under whom were all the Colonial par- ishes. He returned January 23, 1762, with the appointment of missionary of S. P. G., to Wallingford, North Haven and Cheshire. In this position he remained about twenty-three years, an able, faithful, laborious and successful clergyman, winning the warmest affection of par- ishioners, and the honor and esteem of all who who knew him. He was a contemporary of Rev. Dr. Dana, pastor of the Congregationad church, between whom a warm, personal friendship grew up, that was not sev- ered until death. Of the parish for sixty-five years following the retirement of Rev. Mr. Andrews little can be said. About the time of his removal several fami- lies went to Nova Scotia, and there was a large emigration to different parts of the state of New York. In consequence of these removals the parish was reduced to about twenty families. But this staunch few held to- gether and kept up the services and perpetuated its life as best they could, until, at the close of its first century of existence, in 1841, it had so far re- covered lost ground as to number six- ty-five communicants. Since that time it has kept on in a pretty even and steady course of growth. THIRD COLONIAL CHURCH. The First Baptist church in Wal- lingford was organized in 1735, as the third Baptist church in the state. Its membership consisted of ten families with Timothy Waters as pastor. The church building was located about on the line between Wallingford and Meriden. Later this church moved to Meriden and is now called the First Baptist church of that place. In 1700 the Second Baptist church of Wallingford was organized and lo- cated in the southern part of the town. After several years this church was disbanded and in 1817 the present First Baptist church was organized and now has a membership of 350 with a Sunday school of 250. From this church twenty-nine members were dismissed in 1803 to form the First Baptist church in Waterbury. From the Second Baptist church were dismissed members, in 1804, to form the Baptist church in Westfield, Mid- dletown. The influence of this church has been far reaching in influence and usefulness among the people. ADDRESS BY E. R. BROWN. As a representative of Cheshire, I hv'ing to Mother Wallingford the sin- cere salutation of her oldest daughter, and to our younger sister, Meriden, our heartfelt congratulations. Not only on your remarkable growth and prosperity which has been yours to enjoy during the past half a century, but on this in- teresting occasion which brings us to- gether to-day. We are forcibly reminded to-day that change marks the tract of time. Were a person who lived here loo or even fifty years ago to appear upon the scene to-day, it would be like coming into a new world. So complete would be the change in the entire landscape. Surely we are living in a transitional period of the world's history and it is well for us in imagination to turn back the dial of time and stand where our fathers stood too or more years ago. There seems to be a disposition on the part of some to ignore the past. Crit- icism has become destructive, rather than constructive. Cut away from the old moorings and turn away fi'om the ancient track of our fathers this is the cry we often hear in our day- This to my mind springs from a false idea of progress. It regards each historical event as isolated and independent. Is it not true that each event is related to other events and eacli age is vitally connected CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 221 with other ages. No generation in the strictest sense can begin its own work. It reaps fields that have been sown by others. To understand what we are to- day we need to go back to the toils and hardships of our ancestors. It was their rude schoolhouses which prepared the way for our splendid system of edu- cation. It was their struggle for politi- cal and religious freedom that gave us the greatest republic on the face of the earth. It was their intense conviction of their accountability to God that fruited in the rugged virtues of New England character. The life blood of eight preceding generations of men and women is in our veins to-day. The New Haven colony under the leader- ship of Davenport and Eaton in the year 1667 voted to set off a certain por- tion for the forming of a new planta- tion. The village formed in accord- ance with this vote was called Walling- ford after the old English home of some of the planters. This included what is now Cheshire and Prospect as far as the center. Soon the fertile valleys where springs abounded and the green self-sustaining fields on the west side of the river invited a westward settle- ment. The sons of Wallingford's first proprietors here made settlements. John Hotchkiss and Joseph Ives, I am con- fident, settled here previous to the vear 1700 and as far as I can learn were the first settlers. There are those who think Timothy Tuttle was the first set- tler and that he built the first framed house, but as he was not married until the year 1706, being at that time only twenty-five years of age, I am led to thiilk the former preceeded him as set- tler. Other early settlers were Nathan- iel Bunnell, Thomas BrooVs, Stephen Hotchkiss, Beniamin Hall, Benjamin Moss, John Hull, Benjamin Hull, Ed- ward Parker, Matthew Bellamv, Elna- than Beach, Benjamin Lewis, Abra- ham Doolittle, Thomas Cnrtiss, Samuel Rovs. Moses Atwater, Henry Bristol and others. Several of these persons made settlements before anv roads were made to their dwellings. However, roads were soon built and settlements made from Cook Hill and the fresh meadows westward to Mill River, and the West Mountain. When the first settlements were made in this localitv the Indians were quite numerous. They had wigwams in the valley east, now known as Copper Val- ley, in the valley to the north leading to Tunxis valley and at Moss Farms where they were often seen. It was from these Indians that the original planters purchased these lands. Lutle did these Indians think when they e.Kchanged their lands for a few articles such as spoons, hatchets, knives, scissors and English cloth, that in a few years this feeble band of settlers would increase to thousands, that the large and exten- sive forests where they had often wan- dered, would so soon yield to the axe in the hands of this muscular yeomanry. Long ago these Indians disappeared, the small remnant of the Quinnipiacs left these hunting grounds and the graves of their fathers and wandered away to other lands. No monurnental tablets perpetuate their memory. The smoke of their wigwam fires can no longer be seen, the war whoop and the war dance around their camp fires are no longer heard and seen. The bow and arrow, the tomahawk and other im- plements of Indian life, although occa- sionally ploughed from the fields and kept as relics are seldom visible around their habitations. When the first set- tlements were made in what is now Cheshire the wolf and the bear were occasionally visible along the hedges east and west of the center and the early settlers often were in distinct hear- ing of the howl of the wolf and the growl of the bear. As settlers increased they soon were desirous of becoming a distinct society and in 1718, Thomas Brooks, Stephen Hotchkiss and Matthew Bellamy, com- plained to the General Assemblv, that by reason of the distance to the old town of Wallingford and their disad- vantage to appear in public worship and also to educate their children, they pe- titioned to be set off a distinct society, forty-five families being found to reside within the limits of the proposed new society and the estimated value of their real estate about' 2,000 pounds. The committee of examination decided that it was best for them to remain with the old society at Wallingford. Sabbath after Sabbath these early settlers rode on horseback and went on foot to the mother church at Wallingford and lis- tened first to the Rev. Samuel Street, and then to the Rev. Samuel Whittlesey as they faithfully proclaimed the ever- lasting gospel. The request to be set off as a distinct societv did not end 222 CENTENNIAL OF MI:KII)KX. with this refusal; the subject was con- stantly agitated and in 1723 the district first called the West Farms of Wal- lingford, was constituted a distinct so- ciety by legislative grant. It then re- ceived its name of the "Parish of New Cheshire," by which name it was known and recorded until the incorporation of the town of Cheshire in the year 1780. At the first meeting in July, 1723, they voted to build a meeting house and to hire a minister for six months. The Rev. Samuel Hall was engaged as lingford was not favorable at first to this division but a few years later it seemed, even to the old church, a wise provision and the town of Wallingford by vote granted liberty to ye West farm- ers to have a minister of their own and to some extent help to sustain him. Thus about twenty-five years after the first settlement, the first religious so- ciety was organized which formed the First Congregational church of Chesh- ire. The church at its organization consisted of eleven male and fifteen I OFFICF MERIDEN FIRE .VR.MS CO. this supply. The meeting house was to be forty feet long by thirt\- feet broad, and 18 feet between posts without a steeple. Caleb Matthews, Timothy Tut- tle, Josiah Hotclikiss, Nathaniel Bun- nell and Thomas Curtiss were chosen a committee to manage the work of the meeting house. In Dec, 1724, the first church was organized and the Rev. Samuel Hall ordained its pastor. This church edifice stood perhaps one-eighth of a mile south of the present Con- g-regational church. Naturally Wal- female members. I seem to see this little band as they enter the onh' open door perhaps with one of the Psalms of David upon their lips. I see them seated in this plain, unadorned room with no carpeted floor, no cushioned seats, no frescoed walls, no glittering chandelier, but to their subdued spirits this was none other than the house of God, and the very gate of heaven. Here their children wer^ baptized and there they received the ordinances of the Gospel. During the cold winter CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 223 iiKintlis previous to the erection of Sab- ba day houses, so-called, this little com- pany spent the hours of intermission around the blazing fires prepared for them at the houses of Deacon Stephen Hotchkiss and Josia Hotchkiss who re- sided near this first meeting house of the parish of New Cheshire. This was the onl}- church organization in the place, until the organization of the Epis- copal church in 1751, their first church edifice being erected in the year 1760. The M. E. church was organized in 1834 and. the Roman Catholic church in 1859. In the }'ear 1732 the smallpox broke out in this infant settlement and out of a population of about 400 souls, 124 of their number were sick with this disorder, of which number seventeen died. So many were sick at one time that it was impossible to obtain nurses to care for the sick or even help suf- ficient to bury their dead. Some of the most influential of this society died. Of this number Nathaniel Bunnell (a direct ancestor of Meriden's honored townsman, H. W. Lines) Thomas Brooks and others were sadly missed. At a meeting of the General Assembly a short time afterward fifty pounds was appropriated for the benefit of the suf- ferers at New Cheshire. From this time forward the population of the par- ish grew very fast; large families were the rule in those days. The children of both sexes married and settled largely in the same locality. From a popula- tion of about 400 in 1732 the population increased to i,Q33 in 1774. The popu- lation of Wallingford at that time was 2.133, only 200 more than the Cheshire society and Meriden's population at that time was 852. so you see we outnum- bered Meriden at that time, 1,081, more than double. While Cheshire has held its own, sometimes running ahead and then back again to about the same number and to-day probably our popu- lation would not be only about too larger than in 1774 by last census 1,989. while Wallingford and Meriden show a remarkable increase in their population as the last census plainly proves. The turnpike was built in 1800. The canal was built in 1826. The North- ampton railroad built in 1848. Prospect was set off as a distinct town in 1827. An old professor, once speaking to a t:lass of yoimg men studying law. said : "Young gentlemen, when you get to practicing law, if you ever have a client who is guilty, never let him be brought to trial." To which one of the young men replied : "Well, professor, suppose we have to bring him to trial, what then?"' "Well, if you are forced into court,"' said the professor, "try every- thing else but your client. Try the op- posing attorney, try the judge, try all the witnesses, try everything and every- body, but don't try your own client for he won't stand it." So, in reference to Cheshire's growth, I have but little to say, I prefer to try Wallingford or Meriden. Yet we believe present pros- pects are more favorable to its growth in the future. With our fathers, religion and educa- tion went hand in hand. As soon as settlements were made, first the meet- ing house was erected and almost si- multaneously, action was taken towards the erection of schoolhouses. In 1728 the society voted to build two school- houses, one of them near the church and a committee was appointed to man- age school affairs. Before this time, however, as earh^ as 1715, the farmers on the west side of the river sent a petition to the town of Wallingford asking the privilege of opening a school. The bounds described extended as far west of the river as Timothy Tuttle's and Timothy Beach's. This request was granted and schools were opened in several private houses. Several years before schoolhouses were erected in different parts of the society. The spectacle of a person being unable to read or write was an unusual thing in those days. .XC.'XDEMV. I take this opportunity to refer to the Episcopal Academy of Cheshire. This academy was first built in 1796. This institution has sent forth a large num- ber of young men who have subsequent- ly filled positions of honor and useful- ness in the field of business, literature and in the learned professions all over our land. Many of her sons are now living, whose presence at each recur- ring anniversary furnishes unmistaka- ble evidence of their love, fidelity and attachment for this time-honored insti- tution. This year is to be a sort of a year of jubilee with this academy and hundreds of its alumni will gather at its annual commencement next week to 224 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. rehearse the days that are past and in many ways to do honor to their alma- mater. The buildings have been re- modeled and the grounds greatlly im- proved within the past two years. It has received modern equipments, its name changed to "The Cheshire School.'" Its surroundings are ver>- at- tractive, has an able corps of teachers, and is one of the best preparatory schools in our land to-day. RE\"OLUTIOXARV WAR. Cheshire's sons have ever been true and loyal to their country in its hour of peril and danger. In the Revolu- tionan,- struggle, from 1775 to 1783, and in the civil war, from 1861 to 1865,. they nobly bore their part. In the Revolu- tionan.- struggle, from the Lexington alarm in 1775 to the close of the con- flict and the disbanding of the army in 1783. Cheshire and Wallingford's sons fought side by side in nearly even.- en- counter, with Capt. Couch; Cook, Ar- nold and Bunnell, under Col. David Wooster. Col. Thaddeus Cook. Col. Wadsworth and others. I have already found the names of 125 Revolutionarj- soldiers who enlisted from the Chesh- ire societ\-, and feel confident more names are to follow, and that the num- ber will reach 140 who faithfulh- served their countn,- in the defense of the col- onies. It is related that when the British invaded New Haven in July. 1779. Col. Street Hall, of Wallingford. rode over the hills and through the valleys at a furious pace, swinging his pointed hat and shouting. "Turn out The British are in New Haven !" The farmers had just commenced reaping their grain on the hills, and rushed forth with all possible speed to their homes, after their trusted mus- kets, and marched forth to assist in driving back the invading foe. "Thev left their plough shares in the ■ field. "Their flocks and herds without a fold. '"The sickle in the unshorn grain. "The com, half garnered, on the plain." and rushed to the rescue of the col- onies. It is related of Adam Thorpe, a member of the Cheshire company, who marched to the Elast Haven shore and there met the British regulars : being overpowered, the company retreated to Fort Hale, but young Thorpe stood his ground, saying he would not run for the whole British army. He was shot down near the gateway of the Mitchell mansion, a short distance from Fort Hale. Ralph Lines, of the Sixth reg- iment, died on one of the prison ships in New York harbor, December 21, 1776. When offered his freedom if he would join the British army he replied, "I would rather die of starvation on board this ship than to betray my countn.." Ethural Brooks was killed at Saratoga with his face to the foe. Josiah Smith, while acting in the defense of the pa- triot cause m the town of Betham-, was attacked by a company of British sym- pathizers who terribly cut his face with a sword- They told him they would do him no injurj- if he would espouse their cause ; he replied : "You can cut me to pieces, but I will not be a traitor to my country."' There are those now living who remember his scarred and mutilated face, which he carried to his death. Derre Brooks, when offered a pension, refused, sa>-ing, "I want no money for serving my country.'' Capt- David Hitchcock was present at a re- ception given to Gen. Lafayette in Hartford after the close of the war. On returning to his home he was met by a Tor\- acquaintance who spoke sneeringly of the general and of this demonstration in his honor. Capt. Da- vid got out of his wagon and threatened to whip this man at once if he did not take back what he had said- He knew the captain too well to doubt his word, and made the demanded retraction. These are samples of some cherished patriots in Revolutionary- times. Cheshire received its act of incorpo- ration as a dstinct town in 1780. This was during the dark and tn.-ing daj-s of the Revolutionary- war. and much of its earliest action pertained to this struggle. At its first town meeting Ma- jor Reuben Atwater, Israel Bunnell and Jonah Hotchkiss were chosen a com- mittee to supply the soldiers' families with provisions, and during the entire struggle, by word and deed. Cheshire's sons in the field were constantly remem- bered- REPRESEXTATIVE MEN. Cheshire has had representative men ever since its first settlement, men ca- pable of filling honored positions in nearly even.- station in life. I will men- tion a few of these : jCZ3IIIiE3" ^--jjiiiTF* jT-^ T r«nc Tae at -ur .».i^ - T^PfT "■ JaC i £r3IIE55Sr IE J*". j;..ir ai iae zna^ re irg ih-^ i •sm Jii jK±sv£f 226 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Andrew Hull, known as Squire An- drew Hull, was a prominent official of the town. He was sent to the Legisla- ture thirty-six different sessions and nineteen different years. This was when two sessions were held annually. He was trying justice, selectman and constable for many years. He was known as a man of great decision of character. With him Yes! meant Yes! and No ! meant No ! every time. In a case brought before him for trial, if the time set for the same was 9 o'clock and the parties did not apppear promptly at that time the case was non-suited at once with the remark, "Nine o'clock means just that time with me and not even ten minutes after." Hundreds of Cheshire's sons have gone forth from the place of their birth and become prominent settlers in nearlv every state in our Union. Some of them were pioneer settlers and became leaders in the communties where they dwelt. First, as you are doubtless aware, Charles Parker, j-our first mayor, and N. L. Bradley, the head of the'Bradlev & Hubbard Mfg. Co., were born in Chesh- ire. That they have been important fac- tors in Meriden's growth and prosperitv and among your most highly honored and influential citizen^, is known to you all. Welcome E. Benham, for many years a leader in your Y. M. C. A., "and in your school advancement, a man of de- cided principle in reference to all ques- tions bearing upon religion and morals, was of Cheshire birth. John Parker, Edmund Parker, Al- meron Miles, and other men of note were born in Cheshire. Stephen Rowe Bradley, born in 1754. graduated with honors at Yale in 1775, moved to Walpole. Mass., as a perma- nent settler. was elected to the United States Senatee and continued a member for sixteen years. He was president of the United States Senate in 1802 and 1803 in place of Aaron Burr. Rev. Dr. Joseph Bellamy, graduated at Yale in 1735. studied for the min- istry and became one of the most emi- nent divines of his generation. He was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church at Bethlehem in 1740. He was an eloquent preacher and a noted writer. He was one of the most gifted of Chesh- ire's sons. Rev. Sherlock Bristol, the "Pioneer Preacher," so called, was born in Chesh- ire in 1815, graduated at Oberlin col- lege. He has had a remarkable history. A writer of several books and now in his ninety-first year, he is one of the most honored ministers of Southern California. His writings and his preach- ing give no uncertain sound in refer- ence to the fundamental principles of our Christian faith. Rev. Asahel Stevens, the first minister at the Center Congregational church in Meriden, was a native of Cheshire. He was afterwards the pastor of the Con- gregational church at Peoria, 111., for many years. He was a good preacher, a faithful pastor and greatly beloved by his people. Rev. Dr. George E. Street, who was pastor of the Congregational church at Exeter, N. H., for over a quarter of a century, was one of the most influential ministers of that section, and held a very warm place in the hearts of his people- Hon. John A. Foot, a son of Gov. Foot, graduated at Yale, studied law, and after practicing a few years in Cheshire, settled at Cleveland Ohio. Was judge of the Superior court for several years and held many ofifices of public trust. Augustus Foot, a brother, also settled in Cleveland, O., where he was a prominent banker- Admiral A. H. Foot, another brother, was born during a temporary so- journ of his parents in the city of New Haven. His parents returned to Chesh- ire when he was six years old and here he spent his youthful days at the old Foote homestead. We claim him as one of Cheshire's sons. Judge Peter Hitchcock graduate at Yale in 1801, studied law in Litcheld, commenced practice in Cheshire, moved out to Burton, Ohio, in 1806. He went out in company with several other set- tlers, with an ox team, consuming forty days' time in the journey. He became a very influential man in the place of his adoption. Was elected to the U. S. Senate and was a judge of the Su- preme court from 1826 to 1852. He was a very plain man and it is related of him that on his way to Washington, when first elected to Congress, he stopped at a hotel for dinner. At once the inquiry was made by several look- ers on, "Who is that seedy-looking fel- low?" Very soon several persons came in and accosted him as Judge. General and Senator. This grcatlv surprised the CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 227 guests, who made up their minds they had missed their mark. Micah Brooks, a native of Cheshire, moved out into the Genesee valley in 1796, was county surveyor for many years, was an honored citizen of the state of New York, was elected to Con- gress and was for twenty years a judge of Ontario county courts. His descend- ants are filling prominent positions in western New York to-day. John Kensett, the celebrated painter, was born in Cheshire. His artistic skill has furnished decorations for many a mansion in this and other lands. He now sleeps in the beautiful Greenwood. No song shall awake him to glory again. George A. Jarvis, a successful mer- chant in New York, was a native of Cheshire. His interest and attachment for this his native town, was always strong and abiding as manifested b}' his generous benefactions to the town, the Episcopal church and the Academy where he was a student for a number of years. The granite shaft erected on the green in front of the Congregational church to the memory of Cheshire's sons who fell in the Civil war, had its source in his benevolent heart. His memory will be perpetuated by these blessings bestowed, long after dust shall have returned to its kindred dust. Hon. Tilton E. Doolittle, for many years a prominent lawyer and state at- torney for New Haven county, was a Cheshire boy. He commenced his prac- tice in Cheshire, afterwards practicing in the city of Meriden and later remov- ing to New Haven where he had a suc- cessful practice. In many ways he was highly honored by his fellow citizens. Rev. Reuben Ives graduated at Yale. He was the first rector of the Episcopal church in Cheshire. Through his influ- ence more than to any other one man the Episcopal Academy was established at Cheshire and delivered the chief ad- dress at the laying of its corner stone. Edward Stevens, a brother of Rev. Asahel Stevens, married a daughter of Chauncey Jerome, of New Haven. Conn., the clock manufacturer. He af- terwards went to England for his father-in-law, and had charge of his business there for about twenty years. Returning to New Haven he was duly appointed the secretary and treasurer of the New Haven Clock Co., filling this position until the time of his death in 1887. He left a large estate as well as a legac}- more enduring of an honest, upright and useful business and Christian life. Amasa Hitchcock was the first post- master of Cheshire and held that posi- tion from General Washington's to Gen- eral Jackson's day. His son, Robert Hitchcock, born in 1804, was appointed midshipman from Connecticut in 1825, and was appointed commodore in 1862. His last command was on the frigate jNIerrimac which w-as sunk by the Con- federates. He was considered an able and considerate naval officer. Two hundred and sixty-eight years ago my ancestor, Francis Brown, came over from England in advance of the colony and was one of the company that spent the winter of 1637-38 in a hut which they had erected on the north- east corner of what is now College and George streets, in New Haven. Samuel Brown, a son of Erancis, was one of .the original subscribers for the settlement of the village of Wallingford and set- tled on what is now known as the Moses Y. Beach place. Probably there are many others present to-day who can trace their kindred back to the early settlers of the New Haven colony. Yes ! More than 250 years ago our ancestors came to these New England shores and found here an almost un- broken wilderness. Into this wilderness, with all its prospective dangers, priva- tions and sufferings they entered and from that time until the present hour, our beloved state and nation has expe- perienced no struggles in which they have not borne their part and no tri- umphs in which they have not shared. All these years they have assisted in the work and in the burden bearing neces- sary in forming these towns, founding a state and in rearing a nation. Let us ever prove ourselves worthy descendants of such a noble and self-sacrificing an- cestry and ever be in readiness to bear our part in all the exigencies that may arise in our state and nation and ever be true to the glorious birthright God has given us in this land of the free and home of the brave. ADDRESS BY JUDGE L. M. HUB- BARD. The history of Wallingford, which tells of high purpose, faithful en- deavor and honorable achievement in 228 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, every generation from the settlement of the town in 1670 until the pres- ent time, contains no chapter which moi-e largely contributes to its en- during honor and renown, or morp strongly appeals to the sentiment of local pride, than does the story of its patriotic services in the "Revolution- ary period." The Wallingford men of that day, by reason of their antecedents and training, were keenly sensitive to any infringement of their religious or civ- il rights. The sixteenth town in the colony in the order of incorporation, Wall- ingford was the first to be settled under guarantees to the church of ab- solute independence of the town, and immunity from its interference in all matters affecting its government and discipline. This policy served in practice to beget and develop in the membership of the church an ever- increasing jealousy of its rights and prerogatives, and a corresponding tenacity of purpose to vindicate them whenever assailed. It happily trans- pired that at no time thereafter did any conflict arise between the church and the civil authorities, but never- theless, the nurturing process went on, and, when many years later, the fierce ecclesiastical struggle which was to settle determinately the polity of the general Congregational order ■was precipitated in connection with the ordination of Dr. Dana, the church, though divided, stood forth in a large majority, militant, daunt- less, like a seasoned soldiery, eager to combat for a principle under whose sway it had for well nigh a century held pre-eminence for the high order of its ministry and the intelli- gence, zeal, and piety of its communi- cants. And the church was success- ful in its contention. With such men forming the body of its citizens, what wonder that on the enactment by Parliament of the "stamp act," a few years later. Wall- ingford was the first town in the col- ony to assemble its freemen in spec- ial town meeting to consider the situation, and that, when thus as- sembled on the loth of Janua'-y, 17 66, they declared their abhorrence of the hateful measure, and unani- mously "voted and agreed, that if anv of said inhabitants shall intro- duse, use, or improve any stamped vellum, parchment, or paper, for which tax or tribute is or may be de- mandable, such person or persons shall incur the penalty of twenty shillings, to be recovered by the se- lectmen of said town for the time De- ing, for the use of the poor of said town." Nine years distant from Lexington and Concord, while yet under acknowledged obligation of obedience to the mother country, and utterly impotent to resist by force the slight- est exercise of her coercive power, this public act of defiance with its utter disregard of personal conse- quences, spoke in tones more indub- itable, and sublimer far, of a patriot- ism profound and invincible than did the hazards and sacrifices of the later time, incurred, however freely, under constraint of motives and the spell of enthusiasm created, or at least greatly intensified, by hostil- ities actually begun. The records discover that during those nine dismal years following the repeal of the stamp act and before ■"the embattled farmers at Concord Bridge fired the shot heard round the world," the inhabitants of Walling- ford in every crisis were instant to manifest their enthusiastic adhesion, and pledge their practical support to the cause of the colonies- You shall search in vain the archives of the period in every town throughout the colonies for a more splendid revelation of consecration, or wisely directed action in behalf of the liberties of the people so im- minently at stake, than was exhibit- ed by the citizens of our town, when in special town meeting, November 29, 1774, with but three dissenting votes, adopting the articles of agree- ment contained in the "Association" formed by the Continental Congress at its recent session in Philadelphia to insure commercial non-intercourse with Great -ncain: then choosing a committee to raise money by sub- scription to be sent to the selectmen of Boston "for the benefit of the in- digent sufferers by the Port bill." they crowned the record of that illus- trious meeting, as with a garland of imperishable glory, by appointing a Committee of Correspondence "to receive and commimicate such intelli- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 229 gences as may tend to maintain peace and Union in this and ttie neighboring colonies." Before adverting to the record of the men of Wallingford in the mil- itary struggles of the war, you will permit me to make some reference Lo a son of Wallingford whose dis- tinguished career and services Iiave made his place forever secure among the immortals of all time. Lyman Hall was born in the town, and within the limits of the present borough of Wallingford on April 12, 1724, descended in the fifth gener- ation from John Hall, who, though not a signer of the original coveu- JUDGE L. M. HUBBARD. ant of the planters, was one of the early settlers of Wallingford, remov- ing from New Haven within a twelve- month after the covenant was enter- ed into. Graduating from Yale college in 1747, he pursued theological studies under his uncle. Rev. Samuel Hall (Yale, 1716), who was the first minis- ter of the parish of Cheshire. In Sep- tember, 1749, he was settled as minis- ter of Stratfield parish, now the First Congregational church of Bridgeport, Conn., where he remained until June, 1751. He then took up the study of medicine, at the same time being oc- cupied for several years as a school teacher in Fairfield. Removing in 1757 to Dorchester, S. C, he pursued the practice of his pro- fession until, in the following year, anxious to advance his professional and personal interests, and attracted by the tidings of the prosperity of what was known as the Midway set- tlement in southern Georgia, he re- moved thither. He speedily became the leading physician of the town and adjacent country. His polite address, literary attainments, public spirit, so- cial habits, thoughtful views and well- rounded character, united in rendering him influential and popular with the inhabitants of St. John's parish. P^or reasons which must be omitted here, there existed in the colony of Georgia a marked division of sentiment on the political questions which agitated the community during the years immedi- ately preceding open rupture between England and America. A provincial Congress held at Savannah declined to send delegates to the First Continent- al Congress, and, thereupon, February 9, 1775, the people of St. John's parish, at a meeting held at Midway and pre- sided over by Lyman Hall, deputed a committee to repair to Charlestown, S. C, and request of the committee of correspondence there, permission to form an alliance with them under the act of non-importation, to which the people of St. John's parish had al- ready acceded. The committee was given a carefully prepared letter, framed and signed by Dr. Hall as chairman. The request being deemed to be in "violation of the Continental association to remove the prohibition in favor of any part of a province," was denied. The people of St. John's parish then "resolved to prosecute their claims to an equality with the confederated col- onies," and elected Lyman Hall as a delegate to represent them in Con- gress. This was done March 21, 1775, and in express recognition of the per- manent and persistent service of Dr. Hall in behalf of the revolutionists. 230 CENTENNIAL ()!•" .MERIDEN. On May 13, 1775, he presented his credentials to Congress, and was unanimously "admitted as a delegate from the parish of St. John's in the colony of Georgia, subject to such regulations as Congress should deter- mine relative to his vote." Until Georgia was fully represented, he de- clined to vote upon questions which were to be decided by a vote of the colonies. He participated, however, in the debates, recorded his opinion in cases where an expression of senti- ment by colonies was not required, and declared his earnest conviction "that the example which had been shown by the parish which he repre- sented would be speedily followed and that the representation of Georgia would soon be complete." This soon came to pass. On the 7th of July fol- lowing, the provincial Congress ap- pointed a full delegation to the Con- tinental Congress, of whom Lyman Hall was one. As Horace Bushnell has somewhere said, referring to the powerful influ- ence of Lyman Hall on the sentiment and policies of his colony in this period, "thus was Georgia led into the revolution by the hand of Con- necticut,' or, as we, with pardonable pride, may better say, "thus was Georgia led into the revolution by the hand of Wallingford." Dr. Hall continued, under successive reappointments, to serve his colony in Congress until 1781, participating in all its deliberations relative to the adoption of ihe Declaration of Inde- pendence, and signed that immortal instrument in associating with his co- delegates, Gwinnett and Walton. On his return to Georgia he maue his home and practiced his profession in Savannah. In January, 1783, he was elected the first governor of the Independent state which ofl^ce he held for one year. He discharged its functions with marked dignity and competency, and it should be remem- bered to his perpetual praise that by his wise suggestions he sounded the keynote and paved the way for the foundation and sustentation of the "University of Georgia," which for a century has proven the parent of high- er education and civilization in Georgia. He died October 19, 1790, and was buried, as was also his only child, John, who died before him, and his widow, who but a few years sur- vived him, in a substantial brick vault situated on a bold bluff overlooking the Savannah river. About 1850, his remains were removed to Augusta, the capitol of his state, and in front of the City hall were buried with those of George Walton, his associate signer, under the foundation s«ones of a gran- ite obelisk erected in loving com- memoration of their illustrious virtues and public services. The tablet orig- inally covering his grave was, some years later, presented to the state of Connecticut, by whose order it was de- posited in the Center street burying ground in his native town of Walling- ford, and on the 5th of July, 1858, was dedicated with ceremonies of an elab- orate and interesting nature. The tab- let bears this inscription, doubly pa- thetic from the fact that its beauti- ful sentiment was the tribute of his bereaved widow, who composed it: Beneath this stone rests the remains of Hon. Lyman Hall, formerly governor of this state, who departed this life on the 19th day of October, 1790, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. In the cause of America he was uniformely a patriot. In the incumbent duties of a husband and a father he acquitted himself with affection and tenderness. But reader, above all kno\v from this inscription that he left this probationary state as a true Christian and an honest man. "To those so mourned in death so loved in life. The childless parent and the widowed wife, With tears inscribes this mon- umental stone. That holds his ashes and ex- pects her own." CKXTEXXIAL OK MKRIDEN, 231 Such is tlie story, of necessity inade- quate and incomplete, though com- prising the main features, of the public career and services of Lyman Hall, the most illustrious of all the sons of Wallingford, and whose memory shall remain as one of her most priceless possessions till time shall be no more. The news of the first bloodshed at Lexington and Concord on that fateful 19th of April, 177.5, was circulated through the colonies by means of "horse expresses" and reached Wall- isgford on Friday, the 21st inst. Un- der the militia establishment which prevailed in the colony during the Rev- olutionary period, the companies in Wallingford and Durham formed one regiment, the Tenth, under the com- mand, at the beginning of the war, of Colonel James Wadsworth of Durham, later promoted to a major-generalship in the army. The news of Lexington w^as carried over to Durham on the 22nd inst. and on the next day, Sun- day the 23rd, Colonel Wadsworth came to Wallingford and called for twenty volunteers from each of the two Wall- ingford companies to unite with twen- ty from the Durham company and march forthwith to the defense of Boston: and in less than eight and forty hours, ninety-nine men from Wallingford — sixty under Captain Isaac Cook, and thirty-nine from Mer- iden Parish, members of an independ- ent company under Captain John Couch — with forty-three from Durham, were well on their w^ay to the opening scenes of the Revolutionary war. These numbers gather credit when it is remembered that from the mother town of New Haven only fifty-eight men, under the command of Captain Benedict Arnold, responded to the call. An interesting incident is found in an account (still preserved in the state li- brary) rendered at this time by one Jonathan Kilbourn for ferrying Cap- tain Couch with eighteen men, four horses and one wagon "across Con- necticut river at Hartford," at a point where the Wallingford company also crossed. Thus at the inception of the war did our forefathers give incontest- able proof of their profound sincerity of puipose, when, a decade earlier, or- ganizing as bons of Liberty they had dared to declare their readiness "to oppose the unconstitutional stamp act to the last extremity, even to take the field." No sooner had the Legislature in May issued its first call for troops, than Isaac Cook, lately returned from his brief service in the Lexington alarm, responded with sixty more, who rallied with a promptness hardly ex- ceeded by the men of his earlier com- mand. And again on the second call in July Street Hall (younger brother of Lyman Hall, the signer) and sundry others were no less instant in dedicat- ing themselves to the cause they held so dear. And so, from Lexington to Yorktown, few towns, if any, in the colony surpassed our own either in regard of the number of enlisted men or the alacrity with which on every appeal they flew to the defense of their liberties. Cook's company, marching first to New York in late June; thence in September, by order of Congress, to Schuyler's command— participating in the operations along Lakes George and Champlain, and assisting in the reduction of St. John's in October; Captain Street Hall (also lieutenant colonel) and Lieutenant Titus Moss during the autumn and winter of '75- 76 with their command at Boston on Winter Hill in Sullivan's brigade, on the left of the besieging line, 'and Street Hall again, with his regiment reorganized for service in '76 as the "Nineteenth Continental," in the thick of the fight at White Plains, Trenton and Princeton; Nathaniel Bunnell, with his Company 7 of the Fifth Bat- talion, Wadsworth's brigade, composed of seventy men of Wallingford also at White Plains, and at the right of the line in the battle of Long Island: John Couch, in Bradley's Battalion, Wads- worth's brigade, with his eighty-six doughty men in large part from Meri- den parish, near Fort Lee under Gen- eral Green in October '76, assisting in the defense of Fort Montgomery in November following, and when it fell, on the 16th instant, made prisoner with thirty-two of his command, to- gether with the whole garrison: Thad- deus Cook, major in Ward's regiment distinguishing himself at Trenton and Princeton by the same intrepiditv and skill that later brought him lasting re- nown on another field. Such is the main outline of the movements and oc- cupations of our heroic grandsires up 232 CKXTEXNIAL OF MERIDEX. to the disbandment of the "establish- ment" at the end of '76. Under the new formation of the army, known as the "Continental Line," 1777-1781, six regiments of the Connecticut "Line," embracing the Seventh regiment, whose muster rolls were luminous with the names of Wallingford men, including Lieut. Ephraim Chamberlain who, two years later, especially distinguished himself at Stony Brook, were ordered at dif- ferent times in '77 to Washington's main army in Pennsylvania, and, par- ticipating in the battle of German- town, then at Valley Forge during the memorable winter of '77-'78, sharing the victory of Monmouth in June fol- lowing, they encamped in July at White Plains, near the battle ground of '76. Here they were soon joined by the three remaining regiments of the Connecticut "Line," which included the Sixth, in whose ranks the Wallingford men of the "Line," not contained in the Seventh, were principally enrolled, and among whose officers were our own John Mansfield. Joseph Shaler and Levi Munson, all Commissioned Lieu- tenants. These three regiments had served under Putnam in August-October, '77, and engaged in the movements made in consequence of the enemy's attempt against Fort Montgomery. Winter- ing at West Point in '77-'78 they en- camped with the main army at White Plains, as just, stated. Meantime, the campaign on the up- per Hudson had been brought to a tri- umphant close in the surrender of Burgoyne and his army at the second battle of Saratoga, October 9, '77, a battle whose tremendous import and far-reaching influence well justifies its classification by Creasy, recognized as an authority of the highest compe- tency, as one of the fifteen decisive battles of the world. It was not to be, thank God, that Connecticut should have no part, or yet but a humble part in that immortal struggle; nor were the dear men of Wallingford, always in evidence where lurked the greatest peril, or need was, of unconquerable valor, to be denied their full share of its coveted sacrifices or its surpassing glories. At the urgent solicitation of Wash- ington, two large regiments of militia from Connecticut, composed of detach- ments from all the brigades, were or- dered to re-enforce Gates at Saratoga in the summer of '77. The occupation of the entire Connecticut "Line" else- where under Washington and Putnam, exalted the opportunity of these mili- tia-men, who, alone from our state, (excepting" the first troop of Sheldon's famous Light Dragoons, which, includ- ing its contingent from Wallingford, gave splendid account of themselves) , participated in these memorable con- tests, sealing the proofs of their cour- age and intrepidity m the first battle of September 19th, by the loss of more men than any other two regiments in the engagement. One of these regiments, containing a goodly number of his towns-men, was commanded by our own Tnaddeus Cook, who, already distinguished, as I have related, for his prowess at Tren- ton and Princeton, displayed in both Saratoga battles a sublimity of cour- age, resourcefulness, and skill, that ranks him among the illustrious com- manders of the Revolution, and should enshrine his memory in the affection- ate gratitude of his countrymen to the latest posterity. At the storming of Stony Point, July 15, '79, which for skill, dash and completeness of achievement was not surpassed in all that war, among the four hundred picked men from the Connecticut division in the Light In- fantry corps that formed a part of General Wayne's right column were not a few of the brave men of our town, including in positions of com- mand Captain Ephraim Chamberlain of the 7th, and Lieutenant Joseph Shaler of the 6th, already mentioned, who had been detached for this ser- vice. Heroes all. who by the gallant- ry and invincibility which they exhibit- ed in that terrific, midnight assault, achieved a fame and a glory, inviola- ble forever. The entire Connecticut "Line" were encamped with the main army at Morristown the following winter. a winter the most trying experienced during the Revolution — long known as the famous winter of 1780. when hun- ger, cold and want of clothing caused great suffering among the troops. CENTENNIAL OF :MERIDKN, 233 During 1780, three Light Infantry corps had been organized for some special object. The first was that de- tached in February '81 under Lafay- ette to operate in Virginia, and with which that officer led his lively cam- paign against Cornwallis, being al- most constantly on the march, re- treating, advancing, skirmishing from May until in early August Cornwallis took post at Yorktown. It included three light regiments, one of which un- der Colonel Gimat, a French officer, and Colonel Wyllis of the Third, con- tained five companies from the Con- necticut "Line," one being composed of picked men from the Fourth regi- ment, one-fifth of whom, including its lieutenant, John Mansfield, who was detached for this service, were from Wallingford; and I have the proud satisfaction to relate that another member of that command was my rev- ered great-grandfather, God bless his memory, Timothy Scranton of Guil- ford. These five companies including, mark you well, the Wallingford men, with two companies from Massachu- setts, and one from Rhode Island, formed the battalion which led the column that stormed one of the en- emy's redoubts on the night of the 14th of October, the event which, more than any other, led to the surrender of Cornwallis five days later. Agamemnon found it an invidious af- fair to give the preference to any one of the Grecian heroes. And may my tongue forever cleave to the roof of my mouth, should I wittingly by one whit detract from the splendid valor of those noble men of my town who stood In the van of the storm- ing column at Yorktown. But there was glory enough for all, and I have yet to tell of an act of individual gallantry unsurpassed in the annals of war, and which crowned that im- mortal struggle as with a halo of ce- lestial lis-ht and beauty. .Tohn Mansfield of Wallingford en- listed on the first call for troops by the Legislature Anril-May '75, in Captain Isaac Cook's company and served as serseant until the 28th of November next following, when he was mustered out of service; re- enlisting in the Fifth battalion. Wadsworth's brigade, in .June '76, he was appointed ensign, participated in the battle of White Plains in the following October, and was discharged on the expiration of his term of service December 25. On the formation of the "Continental Line" in January '77, he re-enlisted for the war, was commissioned lieu- tenant March 4, '77; first lieutenant March 31, '79, and continued in the service until he retired with the army in June '8.3. Detached from the ser- vice for that purpose, he was made lieutenant of the Light Infantry Co. of his regiment, the Fourth, which formed a part of the Light Infantry corps under the command of Lafaj-- ette at the southward in '81, and participated, as we have already seen, in the terrific assault on the enemy's redoubt at Yorktown October 14th. Before the advance was made, La- fayette called for twenty volunteers to form a "forlorn hope," who should abandon their lives to certain destruc- tion, for the term imports exactly that, and, amid the rain of bullets and belching flame, and horrible slaugh- ter, and every barbarity possible to the desperation and fury of hand to hand encounter, should attempt to scale the gruesome outwork in ad- vance of the assaulting battalions. The first man to respond was our own John Mansfield, who led his compan- ions of the "forlorn hope" up the steep face of the redoubt, and, though wounded in the conflict, was first to gain the parapet. His ir- resistible dash and God-like courage were the fitting climax of all the glo- rious sacrifices and brilliant feats that had gone before, and should serve to transmit his name and fame in ever brightening luster to generations yet unborn. ADDRESS BY GEN. H B. CAR- RINGTON. My Countrymen — I stand before you to-day as a son of our common moth- er, Wallingford. Not unlike ancient Zion, she sitteth upon a hill of beau- ty just over yonder between two sum- mits, east and west, the one "Whirl- wind Hill" and the other "Mount Tom." From each summit, at the bright sunrise hour, the opening eye -\u CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. can catch the waters of Long Island Sound, flashing as beautifully before the sight, as when the waters of the great western sea of Hebrew history delighted the outlook from Lebanon or Carmel. Indeed, south of Mount Tom, on the New England range, that separates Wallingford from her other foster-town, Cheshire, known further north as the Green and White Moun- tains, and with a bold front seaward, which you call Hanging Rock, (with its perpetual "ice house,") and closing with an equally proud frontage to the sea at New Haven, called East Rock, there was a real Mount Carmel, in the town of Hamden, itself deriving its name from that of the "Patriot Hamp- den" of English history. I am not here to trace the colonial, revolutionary or progressive lives of our common ancestors up to my own childhood, more than eighty years ago, but to talk familiarly with the grand- children, and great-grandchildren of those who one hundred years ago left the old eagles' nest to migrate hither and go to housekeeping for themselves directly on the Boston and New York stage route just midway between the twin capitals of God-worshipping and liberty-loving old Connecticut. That was a transition period of his- toric significance. The people had lived under and enjoyed the fran- chises and inherited the same rights and prerogatives inspired by "Magna Charta, that both filled their souls and swelled the sails wnen they took refuge on this rock-bound coast to es- cape the exactions of the unchristian and unsympathetic rule of their moth- er country. Their lives were, indeed, shapen by the memories of the past rather than by those of the immediate present or its opening future; and yet, thi "mother nest" must be vacated that both mother and offspring might have a larger and more independent life. Even in my own childhood there were still living many grand old men and women, who cherished and loved to tell stories of the past, which they in childhood oft heard whilst seated on the knees of the first settlers of New Haven and Plymouth. The general occupation of the peo- ple was that of farming, as was that of the ancient Hebrew; but their lands gradually became too restricted for profitable culture, as generations mul- tiplied through their prolific example. i must be pardoned a personal rem- iniscence, much needed to illustrate my thought, as personal reminiscences are what largely prompted your call for my presence to-day. It is one of my earliest memories, and possibly more distinct because being the first death I ever witnessed. On the 19th day of December, ISlill, I stood with my mother by the bed- side of one of these grand old men, her grandfather. Captain Caleb At- water. He was living with his daughter, Mary (widow of Rev. David L. Beebee) while his only son, Joshua, a deacon in the Congregational church and devoted to its support, occupied the old homestead, on the diagonal opposite corner, and con- ducted its large farming concerns. On the day referred to, ever active in all home interest, he rode horse- back to the North Farms for the fam- ily "grist", took cold and peacefully crossed the Silent River, at the age of 91. He was one of these al- ready noticed, full of reminiscences of the past. Many of these, preserved by my mother, were cherished by my- self, as among the most valuable lessons of my childhood. I especially remember finding his old cocked-hat and sword in what was called the "Tow Chamber" and it was said, that, "when Dick" (Rich- ard) Smith, the hired man of Dr. Andrews, used the old sword to cut cornstalks, I expressed the "wish that his own head might be cut off by it", which wicked hope, however, was never realized. Like so many descendants from early New England stock and their immediate progenitors, his name had been borrowed from the family Bible. This was indeed a biographical en- cyclopaedia from which the old stock associated children on their birth with the names and places of most ancient Bible history, at a time when many children were esteemed worthy of a divinely promised blessing in the CENTENNIAL OF MERIDKN. ■235 home as of "olive plants around the table." Indeed, the old family Bible had a special "family record" interpolated between the Old Testament history and its genealogical grouping which introduced the historic era of human life that began 1906 years ago. I em- phasize this point to note the fact that this single Atwater surname of old Wallingford experience is pre- fixed by more than eighty names taken from the Old and New Te«ta- Gi:X. 11. B. CARRINGTOX. ment, ranging from Adam down to Titus and Zeanas, which are as fol- lows: Adam, Aaron, Abel, Abiah, Abigail, Abraham, Ahaz, Amzl, Anna, Asa, Asaph. Bela, Benjamin, Caleb, Cor- nelia, Damaris, Daniel, David, Dorcas, Ebenezer, Eldad, Elias, Elihu, Elisha, Elizabeth, Elnathan, Enos, Ephraim, Esther, Erasmus, Eunice, Ezra. Hi- ram, Hiilda, Ichabod, Ira, Isaac, Jac- ob, James, Jared, Jehiel, Jeremiah, Jesse, Joanna, John, Jonah, Jona- than, Joseph, Joshua, Jotham, Levi, Lydia, Martha, Mary, Medad, Merab, Mehitabel, Miriam, Moses, Naomi, Nathan, Noah, Rachel, Rebecca, Reu- ben, Rhoda, Ruth, Samuel, Sarah, Setb, Silas, Simeon, Stephen, Thomas, Timothy, Titus and Zeanas. Perhaps without precedent in America's his- tory. LARGE AND PROMINENT FAMILIES. More significant is the fact that dur- ing six generations of the same stock from the first landing at New Haven, 1 family was blessed with 15 children 1 •' " " " 14 4 " were '" " 13 4 " " " '" 12 7 •• " " " 11 17 " '• " " 10 17 " '■ " " 9 23 " " " " 8 23 .. .. .. ., rj 16 " " " " 6 Families, 114; children. 990: ave- rage about eight. This instance is not an exceptional illustration of the faith of our fathers in the injunctions and covenants of the Almighty Father with Israel and his seed forever. At that time many of the parents of those who migrated to Meriden were still living, exchanging frequent visits, and bringing many visitors to the old homesteads and attendants at the home churches during the Thanks- giving and Christmas weeks. In the erection of their new home, (now your Meriden) the churches were located centrally as at Wallingford, near the central stage exchange tav- ern, and upon the highest ground of the new town. In addition to farming as an occupa- tion, with easy access to Middletown and its water communication with New York and Hartford by sloop as well as conveniences in the annual capture of Connecticut river shad to be salted for winter's use, there began to develop new branches of mechanical and man- ufacturing industry. With the addi- tion of railroad facilities at the foot of the hill, corresponding to the Walling- ford hill, from its church centers to the plains below, the water-power of the Quinnipiac river and its tributaries began to be utilized and the founda- tions were laid for its present unrival- ed precedence in many honored branches of mechanical product. 236 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Although Wallingford itself was al- most whollj' a farming town, mulberry trees were cultivated on the western plains below the town to feed silk worms from which silk was procured for the manufacture of lustring, a name then given to material from which dresses were made and of which Washington procured enough to make a suit for himself. Enterprising citizens, however, had stretched out their arms to grapple for both trade and new homes elsewhere ford and vicinity contributed from the families of Atwater, Andrews, Cook, Hall, Kelley and Wilcox more than any other New England town. Although of personal relation, the emigration to Ohio belongs to per- sonal reminiscence, which you have evoked from me, as I also followed Mr. Andrews and yiv. Wilcox, to Co- lumbus, Ohio, in 1848. Captain Atwater, who initiated the Ohio emigration, was president and manager of the Connecticut Land CAHILL BLOCK. SHOWING DECORATIONS. for its multiplying offspring; dealing with the West Indies, and even the Mediterranean sea. through New Hav- en's sea-going craft, and planting prosperous and productive colonies both in central and northern Ohio. The latter was called a "Western Reserve" because set apart by the government to compensate Connecticut for the sur- render of her fantastic "Charter limits to the Pacific" long bearing the proud title of New Connecticut, to which as well as to Columbus, Ohio, Walling- Company. which he conducted on strict business methods, paying for all individual purchases upon receipt of the deeds therefor, and began at once, to utilize the land for imme- diate settlement. His son Joshua, and his son-in-law Dr. John Andrews, made personal journeys to Ohio, to locate their lands designating by the name "Atwater," one township, for immediate occupation. Three of his daughters married in Catskill. respectively. Ira B. Day, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ^Z7 Thomas B. Cook, and ApoUos Cook. One son of Mr. Day (William) organ- ized the first Seamen's Bethel chapel at Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter be- came the wife of Rev. Dr. Aiken, for many years minister in the First Church at Cleveland, Ohio. One daughter married Captain Merrick, of Branford, Conn., and another. Dr. John Andrews, already noticed. Sev- eral of the Merrick children subse- quently made their homes in Ohio, as well as Dr. Andrews' four children. Sherlock J. Andrews settled at Cleve- land, where he served as a member of Congress and Superior Court judge with John A. Foote, from our foster- town Cheshire, as his law partner. The second son, John Whiting, was distinguished as a lawyer at Colum- bus, Ohio. The third son, William, a farmer, married a daughter of Rev. James Noyes of Wallingford, and set- tled at Penfield, O. Dr. Andrews' only daughter, Jane, married John M. Woolsey, who also settled at Cleve- land, O., and Dr. Andrews himself, subsequently married another daugh- ter of Rev. Mr. Noyes, and lived in Ohio, and died at an advanced age. Several sons and daughters of Cap- tain Atwater's only son, Joshua, also found homes in "New Connecticut," both Thomas and Caleb having first lived where the Merricks settled. Two sons and one daughter of John Barker, of Pond Hill, and later. Dr. William Atwater, found their way westward, where another daughter married Dr. Jared Potter Kirtland, who made Ohio the chief center of his large scientific experience and at- tainment. One daughter married Lieutenant Garret Barry of the Army, who after the Mexican War, made his home still further west at Milwau- kee, Wis. Two daughters survive him. and live in Wallingford. One daughter married Dr. Friend Collk, the predecessor of Dr. Harrison, a physician of Wallingford, and Dr. Cook also moved to Ohio. John, who for many years cultivated the home farm, also succeeded him as deacon of the Congregational church. Upon retiring from the farm work, he in- terested himself in the public schools, dying at an advanced age, leaving one daughter surviving him. He successively married two daugh- ters of Deacon Russell Hall, neither of whom survived him. Only one son remained permanent- ly in Old Wallingford (Edgar) who as a lawyer exhibited a versatility of strength, eloquence and refined wit, that promised eminence in his pro- fession, had not death prematurely intervened. Three daughters survive him. Several of the Cooks and Halls moved westward; President Hayes having married at Columbus, Ohio, Miss Piatt, a descendant of one of the Cooks, who lived somewhere not far east from Long Hill. President Hayes in vain endeavored to locate its site. He visited the old Burying Ground, and when he read "In memory of Billions Cook" (the Christian name "Billions" not being rare) quaintly expressed the query, "whether the migration of some of the Cook stock, westward, could in any measure af- fect the Ohio climate." Certain it is, that Judge Choate thinks it would be "worth a prize" if some Wallingford antiquarian would discover the origin of the name. One of Wallingford's leading citi- zens, Mr. Roderick Curtis, famed for his ready repartee, when asked what the middle initial of one Billions C. Cook stood for, promptly replied, " 'Billions Colic' of course." Phineas B. Wilcox, who lived on the eastern border of Meriden, towards Middletown, married a daughter of Salina Andrews, and with her brother Samuel, moved to Columbus, O. He became distin- guished as a jurist, and as one of the founders of the City Common School system. There Mrs. Andrews lived and died, at a very advanced age. Alfred Kelly, from Middletown, also moved to Columbus, became a man of wealth and influence, and was the efllcient president of the first rail- road built from Cleveland to that city. TOPOGRAPHY OF WALLINGFORD. You are so familiar with the to- pography of our Mother town that I refer to it as a guide in reminiscences of the past. 238 CliXTKNNIAL OF MERIDEX. One Main street extends along a grassy ridge east of the Quinnipiac river and the intervening sea-bed, called the Plains, a mile in length. At each end a long but easy slope drops off, the one from the old Todd house near the big elm northward toward your own Meriden, and the other southward from the old Rice Hall house toward North Haven, where it blends with the Plains. This street is crossed at its center by another street (now known as Center street) and extends westward across the Quin- nipiac river at Humiston's old mill, joins the old Boston and New York stage route, and connects with what was called the "West Farms" and then reaches Cheshire. Its course east- ward, crossing Munson's brook below Elm street, leads through the "East Farms,"' (of which further notice will he taken) to Northford as well as over "Whirl-wind Hill" past Pistepaug Lake (Paug pond) and thence to Mid- dlefield and Durham. From the main street eastward there was one gradual slope of a few hun- dred yards to a long meadow valley east of which the whole country grad- ually rises toward "Whirl-wind Hill" with here and there small streams and narrow valleys intervening. Along the foot of the first slope from the main street is a parallel street, now known as Elm street, but formerly called Lower street, the pre-i^nt Main street then being distinguished as Up- per street. I shall use the old names. At the very center of Upper street was the historic "Town Green" com- mon to all New England towns for public gatherings, especially for the annual "Training Day," "Independence Day," and other rallies of the people in mass; "Menagerie Day" being es- pecially honored. Midway between the center and the Rice Hall house, (Doctor Rice Hall, his Christian name, as a seventh son being Doctor), a street known as Grav- el hill (from its red gravel) ran east- ward to Lower street and there blend- ed with that street in its course by the old Edward Hall house (known as the "Dublin District" with its splendid maples) thence to the .John Barker place (known as Pond Hill, a little pond of water near by) and thence to Northford and North Haven. This John Barker, the son-in-law of Captain Atwater, was prominent in Masonic order, and at his decease was buried with full Masonic honors. I remem- ber the event as of yesterday. His family servant was Cato, the last slave owned in the state of Connecticut; and Cato in his two-wheeled donkey cart and "fiddle," always anxiously waited for, was an indispensible factor when at Thanksgivings or at other times the ball room of the Washington Tavern was suitably decorated for an old-fash- ioned dance. My sister, Mrs. Gilbert, still re- members that on one Training Day, old Cato rescued her from the onset of the Wallingford Dragoons, when they suddenly turned the Lewis Cor- ner, and scattered the children, who were not suspicious of the move- ment. Eastward from the foot of Gravel hill crossing Munson's brook, a lane ex- tended to the summit of Long hill from which the entire village appeared as if upon one common level. This hill was topped with slender poplar trees, a land mark for miles around, and chiefiy known for its huckleberries, blackberries, and snakes. Midway between the center and the Todd place at the head of Upper street a street known as Christian street ex- tended eastwardly from the present High school corner across Elm street and Atwater's brook, which finally unites with Munson's brook on Center street, and then crosses a little valley, running up the slope past the old John Weber and Hubbaid Jones' places, and forming a most direct route to Old Durham, Middlefield and Middletown. Elm street continuing northward from its junction with Christian street, extended north eastwardly through the "North Farms" and thus formed an- other avenue of approach to both Mid- dletown and its cross communications with your Meriden. The house at the head of Main street, known as the Todd house, from the family occupying it during my boyhood, should be known proper- ly, as the Royce, or Rice house, hav- ing been originally built, perhaps two hundred years ago or more, by James Royce, (or Rice) the great great grandfather of Miss Mary L. Rice, the last of the family born in the old CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 239 mansion, and now a teacher of high- er mathematics and history, in the Brooklyn, New York, school system. From the Todd house to Lower street there was also an open roadway without a house, but on a short lane parallel with it was the house of one, John Beaumont, a world-wide voyager, eccentric in his ways, but especially famous for relics brought from tlie East Indies, and choice nautical instru- ments which he had preserved upon re- turn from his last voyage. From the foot of the road sloping northward from the Todd house to- ward Meriden there branched another road to Yalesville, named after Charles Yale, where a mill-dam and factory on the Quinnipiac river had long been in use (formerly known as Tyler's). The manufactory products of Mr. Yale had a large market, especially at Rich- mond, Va., as his son advised me only yesterday. There was also a road on the "Plains" north of the Parker house (hereafter to be mentioned), crossing the Quinnipiac river at Horsford's bridge, and also the Boston and New York turnpike, thence running direct to Cheshire. The so-called Plains road, running north and south parallel with the Up- per street (now your own beautiful "Old Colony" street), had but one sub- stantial residence in its entire length, namely the Parker house, and was rai-ely used. Midway between Center and Chris- tian streets, connecting upper and lower streets, was another street named Academy Lane (from the col- legiate academy located there). All the streets mentioned were lined with choice trees, either elm or maple. The trees indicated by its name on Elm street were brought by ox-teams, belonging to faptain Caleb Atwater, from Cheshire, twelve to the cart load. The maples and elms upon the Main street had been Indiscriminately planted as the old settlers established their homes; but about sixty years ago an "Ornamental Tree society" was organized by sons of .Tared Whit- tlesey, Edgar Atwater, Tves Martin, John Butler and Horace Austin, of Whirl-wind hill, for the systematic planting of standard trees throughout the village, which has so greatly en- hanced its present beauty. It was my privilege to be an active member of said society, and assist, during school and college vacations. BUILDINGS AND ACCESSORIES. Time will not permit mention in de- tail of all houses then standing, many of which have disappeared or have been remodeled. Between the Todd house and Chris- tian street were those of Todd, Parker, Hubbard, Jones, Parmelee, Hough and Culver. Between Christian and Center streets were those of Peck, Elijah Beaumont, Dr. Parker, S. Yale, Adna Hall, John Hiddleston. Hinsdale Ives, the Baptist church, Orrin Andrews, Morse (afterwards the Moses Beach property), Buel, Friend Cook, after- wards Dr. Harrison, the Episcopal church, L. Carrington's widow and store, and house and store of Jared Lewis, and on the opposite corner the store and house of Deacon Aimer Hall. Southward from Center street were the Congregational church, the old tavern opposite, and the houses of Whittelsey, Congregational parson- age, previously owned by Merrick Cook, Rev. James Noyes, Mrs. Bea- dles, Widow Thompson, Roxanna Hall. Eli Ives, Carriage Maker Thomp- son, Augustus Hall, Mrs. Doolittle, Randall Cook, afterwards Beverly Hall, Elizur Hall, Joseph Hyatt Hall and Mrs. Foote, Pomeroy, and Rice Hall at the foot of the street. On Center street. Deacon Cannon, James Carrington's house and store. Masonic hall and the old Washington tavern, (Named from Washington's visit at Jeremiah Carrington's tavern, on the 19th of October, 1789. the eighth anniversary of the surrender of Cornwallis.) Going eastward from Elm street were the house and carriage shop of Chauncey Munson, and the factories of Pomeroy, Elihu Hall and Carrington. On Christian street were the houses of Judge (Esquire) Reynolds, (re- placed by one of the "Choate school buildings, and opposite, the double "gable-roof once that of Squire Stan- ley," but occupied by Rev. William 240 CEXTEXXIAL OF MERIDEX. Curtis, rector of the Episcopal church, a brother of Roderick Curtis Esq., and at present by the Atwater sisters and Mrs. Manning, all sisters, and daughters of Edgar Atwater, de- ceased. The old family mansion of Captain Atwater on the northeast corner, now occupied by Judge William Choate, who married a great-granddaughter of the original owner, retains its chief ancient features, the immense fire- place included, but otherwise modi- In view across the Atwater brook were the houses of Hubbard Jones~and John Webber, the latter long since de- stroyed. Adjoining Mrs. Gilbert's on Elm street is the house once occupied by Dr. John Andrews, (who married a daughter of Captain Atwater,) but sold the same to Roderick Curtis, of New York, who became a prominent man in church and all other town in- terests, and whose surviving daughter, Miss F. J. Curtis, occupies it. ARMOUR BUILDING, SHOWING DECORATIONS. fied for modern convenience, and the old Atwater store, dismantled within my memory, but adapted for dwelling purposes, has been occupied by Dr. Huntington Atwater, who is associ- ated in the management of the Choate school. On the diagonal corner the residence of Captain Atwater at the time of his death, and then occupied by his daughter Mary, widow of the Rev. David Lewis Beebe, is still occu- pied by her granddaughtei-. the widow of Rev. E. R. Gilbert. To the northward on Elm street, the house of John Ives has been pur- chased and removed by Judge Choate, but the Mix house and one other still remain substantially as of old. The remaining houses on Elm street south- ward, of old time recollection as far as the foot of Gravel hill, were Mar- cus Iscariot (torn down when pur- chased by Mr. Curtis) and those of Randall Cook, Jeremiah Hall, Medad Munson, Sarah Hall and Constant Kirtland. CEXTEXXIAL OF MERIDEX. 241 CHURCHES. The churches were three in num- ber, Congregational, Episcopal and Baptist, each of which occupied the site of those now in use. The Congregational edifice preced- ing the one now in use was built by James Carrington as architect, and its successive ministers were the Rev. James Xoyes, who occupied the pulpit during my boyhood, and for more than forty years; followed by the Rev. Ed- win R. Gilbert, a trustee of Yale col- lege, who also occupied the pulpit for more than forty years. The earlier church edifice of this so- ciety, so-called a "Three Decker" — af- ter the "Man-of-war" fashion, because of its two galleries — had the old-fash- ioned square pews of early times. When the second church was torn down for the erection of the present edifice, and the great "rooster" weath- er vane was removed, it was found to have been swiveled up in a rifle barrel, which the architect, my grand- father, James Carrington, brought from the Whitneyville Rifle Works, where he was superintendent, and as- sociated with Eli "SMiitney, in the manufacture of rifles for the govern- ment. It was only yesterday, Mar- cus Cook, surviving son of Hiram Cook, asked me. "what has become of that old rifle barrel" and reminded me that he was the boy who climbed the old steeple, fastened a rope around the spire, sawed the vertical timbers as he descended to boss the big pull, that brought the spire to the eround. The Episcopal church preceding the handsome stone edifice was a frame structure, and burned in 1S67. The previous edifice was a square building without a steeple, with entrances from three sides, and old-fashioned square pews. A pulpit was ascended an each side by a spiral stair-case, and hooded over with an umbrella-like canopy called the "sounding board." During Christmas week it was elabor- ately decorated with all manner of evergreen adornment, and its history has just been given upon this plat- form, by the Rev. Mr. Wildman. Close by the old Congregational and Episcopal churches were horse-sheds and small houses, called "Sabaday" or 16 Sabbath houses to shelter teams that came in from the various farms, and to furnish fire conveniences to the church attendants for filling their foot-stoves with live coals, and brew- ing tea which they brought for their luncheon at the noon recess, between morning and afternoon service. The Baptist church preceding the present edifice, was a plain structure without a steeple. Its minister, at my earliest recollection, was Rev. Mr. Hawley, the father of Gen. Hawley, then a student at the academy, as pre- viously noticed. A previous church, the ruins of which I remember, was located on the corner of the lot at present occupied by the Wallingford High school, and was known historic- ally as the Wells church with rather indefinite authority. SCHOOLS. The schools of Wallingford were specified by districts. Those of the village were called the North and South districts, the others, the "North Farm," "East Farm" and "West Farm" districts. The North district school was just above the old Aaron Andrews home- stead, afterwards occupied by Sheriff Leander Parmelee. whose house was destroyed by the Wallingford tornado in 1S7S. The South district school was just south of the Van Cleve house on the west side of South Main street, in which house I was born in 1S24. This was occupied for many years by Ran- dall Cook, a leading Democrat, who then lived at the old house recently occupied by Beverly Hall, deceased. At one time in the "Lower" school house a writing school was conducted; otherwise only the common English branches were taught in these schools. The Wallingford Academy, so-called, occupied the only building upon a short street (called Academy lane) connect- ing Main and Elm streets (then called Upper and Lower streets 1 . This ac- ademy taught the higher branches, preparatory for entrance to college, but its support failed, and the site was occupied afterwards by the Dutton family. The last surviving pupil of this academy was General and United States Senator Joseph R. Hawley, late- Iv deceased. At the foot of the slope 242 CEXTEXN'IAL OF MERIDEX. toward Elm street was a large barn owned by Jeremiah Hall. This barn was one of the wonders of Walling- ford. Conversation, shouts, song and whistling echoed with intense distinct- ness by night or day, to the intense amusement and enjoyment of the hap- py performers. The unsightly barn has disappeared, but some of the echoes still live in fancy's ear. In contrast with the failure of the academy as a school for young men, a young ladies' school was maintained for years with rare success and ex- cellence by Miss Sarah P. Carrington (recently deceased, past ninety years of age), the grand-daughter of Captain Jeremiah Carrington. Her grace, refinement and culture were honored by the public as much as she was endeared to all under her charge; and her efficiency in church work was as effective and deserving of tribute as were other excellencies of her noble character. She was the daughter of my great uncle, Dr. Liverius Carrington, and had preserved with great care and pride, for more than two generations, an old yellow paper, upon which was the following memorandum: "When General Washington left the town for Middletown, and grandmother ex- pressed her regret that she had not longer time to prepare for his visits he kindly answered, 'my entertain- ment has been more than I could ex- pect, but madam, your gracious man- ner would make any entertainment most delightful.' " Of my own early school days, I remember little more than benches without backs, playing soldier, nut- ting, fishing, a passion for drawing, some knack in kniving wood into odd shapes, and keeping a crude diary. Its chief event took record in 1835, when a pupil at the Manual Labor Boarding school of Rev. Goodman and Dr. Hudson, of Torrinsford, Conn, (noted abolitionists) where Rev. Horace Day, late of New Haven, de- ceased, was my first teacher of Latin and Greek. I still have the names of all the pupils, long since deceased, but a single event, as recorded by Mr. Day gave tone to my political convic- tions, that never abates. This school was visited one day by an abolition- ist from the adjoining town of New Hartford by the name of John Brown, who talked upon the African slave trade and its horrors with such force as to exact from some of the boys a pledge ever after to hate slavery. His "soul is marching on!'* Later study at the Hart and Por- ter Boarding school, at Farmington, Conn., introduced my college course, with intermediate vacations, at my old home, but all the adult or com- panion contemporaries, many of them bvit vaguely remembered, have passed away. HOUSES AND FURNISHINGS. With the exception of two large gamble-roofed houses, such as are still numerous in Old Salem, Massachusetts, of which the old Noyes house is an example, though modified in front, and four single story houses of the same general type still standing; all the large family houses in town and on the farms were of the same general pattern. They were of two ctories. with a high roof falling back at the rear to a single story and th? connect- ing kitchen, each one able to accom- modate a large family with trundle bed accessories for the little folks. From a central hall, just large enough for a small table and a wind- ing stairway to the upper story, there were left a parlor on the right of the hall, a family bed room on the left, and in their rear a large "keeping room" for the family, with a small bed room at each end for old folks, or young children. All the larger rooms vere wainscotted and paneled in wood, often quite elaborately. Corresponding rooms were above; while the attic had its depository for tow and flax for do- mestic manufacturing, a spinning wheel, reel, quilting frames, and a loom, if it were not in a piazza or shed connected with the wood-house at the rear or side of the kitchen. A great oven that would bake pies, cake or bread by dozens at a time, and a fireplace that would take in a back- log of four feet and other wood to match, were essentials to every house. The andirons, shovel and tong.s. the bellows and a hinged box for kindlings and wood were always in place, and on the high mantel over each smaller CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 243 fireplace, there rested the dip^jed tal- low candle, with snuffers, Hint and tinder, ready for use. A spare chamber for guests had its high post mahogany bedstead, with valences or curtains of domestic make to cover the trundle bed when it was hid from sight. For winter's pro- tection against extreme cold a "down comfort" was supplemented by a long handled copper warming pan, to be filled with coals and put to a half scorching use between the sheets be- fore rest was sought at night. The invariable well with its old- fashioned sweep, was everywhere con- spicuous and a three-forked hook was near at hand with which to fish for the bucket when it broke loose and went to the bottom. The well, itself, was the family refrigerator, and, when no spring house was near, the butter, cream and fresh meat, suspended by a piece of bed-cord or clothes line, let the precious objects of care down to the water's surface for their preserva- tion and safety. "Quilting bees" were common, and the domestic manufacture of carpets and of lace, as well as embroidery, were trophies of domestic skill that rivaled in beauty and durability the more costly products of foreign loom or manufacture. Of these domestic manufactures too much cannot be said. Indeed, both gentlemen and ladies were adepts in the preservation and renewal of the best styles of colonial personal adornment, and on gala days or night assemblies, the lace caps, collars and cuffs which adorned the fair sex, were rivalled in conspic- uous smartness and good taste by the silver knee and shoe buckles of their gallants, of all ages, who were as courtly on such occasions as they were systematically industrious, fru- gal and yet prosperous, in farming and manufacture. The high heels of the white satin shoes of the ladies were as striking as the top boots of the gentlemen, and even the night- caps imitated in a small measure the bountiful lace adornment of such dress-caps as were worn at all high social entertainments. Two specialties of head-covering are not to be ignored, because simple and useful, and as cunning as they were simple and useful. The girls, spinsters included, had their peek-a- boo "sunbonnets" with long neck- protecting capes, and an extension frontward, in a little stovepipe gal- lery, where they could whisper, re- gardless of sex, and not disclose to the outsider whether their lips ac- tually touched during the confiden- tial interview. Another apology for a "bonnet" folded backwards like a carriage-top, at a quick toss of the fingers backward, appropriately called the "Calach" and by a handy tape in front could be quickly brought for- ward to screen the observer, or the observed, as it's owner (perhaps I should say, it's occupant) wished to be recognized, or not. None of these adornments, how- ever, were more becoming or enjoy- able, than the Linsey-Woolsey skirts, linen aprons and pretty kerchiefs when worn in the kitchen's sphere of duty. The churn and cheese press were the concomitants of every well furnished kitchen or pantry, and about the back door as well as in the spacious barn- yard near by, turkeys, geese, chickens, ducks, pea-hens and rabbits enjoyed life at the will of their mistress. FARMING AND IT.S ACCESSORIES. Wallingford farmers generally were of a high order of intellectual and so- cial merit, as well as loyal to church opportunity and influence. Their barns were spacious buildings' of two stories, with a large entrance that would admit hay-loads of more than a ton; with storage mows reach- ing to the roof; with the lower story on one or both sides arranged for stock, bins for grain, and cupboards for harness, yokes and all manner of farming utensils. Water was always at hand; stock was cared for with pa- tient and unremitting Tabor, largely raising their own, though quick to im- prove its brood from better. Their labor was so well systemat- ized that it was no loss of time but stimulus to a fresh week of industry, to take their families in their com- fortable wagons or carriage-? and at- tend church regularly on the Sabbath. This brought them to the post-office, and many social reunions with friends in the village. 244 CliNTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Horses were not used for heavy draught, but oxen only, which were kept in prime condition, and competi- tive tests for proffered prizes were an- ticipated with great pride and am- bition as to the result. Their relations with each other were fraternal and cordial. If a new barn or house were to be raised or moved, it was not unusual to find enough volunteers to put up a large frame in one, or at most three days, ready for the roof, and, in moving machinery of churn and cheese-press, as well as of wash-board, were admir- ably adjusted for the best results; and while the men were marketing their farm produce, the butter, eggs, cheese and poultry of the mother's care al- ways commanded the highest market price. It was really a day of recreation as well as of fatigue when the weekly or monthly ride to the New Haven mar- ket gave the opportunity not only to trade, bu t to visit the capitol of the MORSE & NORTON'S BLOCK. days, it was not rare to find two "strings" of teams of twenty and even forty yoke at hand for the purpose. The boss was master of his business, and the men were so distributed that not a roller lost its place. The first start was attended by shouts to teams, and the swing of the long whips was effected with as much precision as that of a light battery in motion. Thanks to their superior women and bright girls of their own blood, all the details of kitchen and pantry and the state. The turkeys, eggs, chickens, guinea-pigs and ducks were ilieir special charge, and not unseldom the pea-cock proudly strutted about the poultry yard, as highly prized as a choice new rose would be by the girls who cared for the garden. The cider mill and the cider cheese press were Indispensable adjuncts to every farm house. W.^LLIXGFORD AS IT WA.S. The farm products were generally hay, rye, oats, buckwheat, turnips, CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 245 potatoes, carrots, squash, artichokes, corn and pumpkins. Soon after the corn was dry in the shacks there followed night en- tertainments when the young men and maidens had their "husking bees." By the slim blazing of dipped candles, safely placed In a large ap- ple or turnip, and to be snuffed with the fingers, there began the jolly sport of eager watching for the red ears. Then amid laughter and no little blushing, the standard prize or penalty that fell to the possessor evolved shouts of applause or deris- ion and suspicious guesses as to the future lot of both young man and maiden who took a prize or suffered the penalty. Of course every farm whether at- tached to the village or elsewhere had its apple, pear, and peach or-^ chards, as well as its quince and ap- ricot, hop vines and asparagus beds. Smaller fruits, as well as vegetables and flowers, belonged to the "family garden" and were especially under the mother's care. POWER, FACTORIES, INVENTION. Wallingford center was so remote from the river where Huminston had built his successful mill, that nearer avenues of waterpower became a mat- ter of necessity as well as of economy. Just over the hill, eastward on Chris- tian street, there was a valley and quite a powerlul stream (known as George Cook's brook). At its cross- ing the road to Durham, a dam was built by Leander Parmelee, where he erected a small factory. This stream continued through the same valley, southward, and made a turn west- ward just as it reached the extension of Center street to the east. At this point James Carrington erected a heavy dam and built a factory. The "escape water" from this dam form- ed the Munson brook, which at Cen- ter street was joined by the Atwater brook, before noticed. To substitute mechanical means in the place of the old mortar and pestle for family use in grinding coffee and spices, Mr. Carrington invented and for a long time manufactured under his patent the first hand coffee and spice mill ever fabricated. From the waste water from this dam, the Pomeroy brothers manufac- tured buttons, razor-straps, gimblets and other useful articles, and Elihu Hall erected a factory for Japanned ware, wooden bowls and wagon- fittings. Mr. Carrington also rented the Parmelee factory, before noticed, where he manufactured from ma- hogany the first parallel "rulers" ev- er invented. On the North Farms at the orig- inal source of the water supply, that successively filled the Parmelee and Carrington ponds, Mr. William Hill also erected a dam and factory for manufacturing purposes. Among his specialties were boxwood combs, both single and folding combs. Harvey S. Hall made wagon-poles, whipple-trees, etc. The Wallaces, since becoming famous in their silver manufacture, on the Quinnipiac river, made begin- nings with metallic spoons of Germsn silver, in 1835. Friction matches were also made on the North Farms, variously known among us either as "brimstone matches" or "Lucifer matches." Nathan Fenn, a specialist, commend- ed his original packages by this brilliant effusion. "Nathan Fenn's matches are all very good. They are made of brimstone, phosporous and wood." Tt cannot be questioned that more light has been struck through this Wallingford invention than from any other sources, except those that are either solar or through electric- ity. At the head of the Atwater brook, just beyond the old Ives house, north of Christian street, the same Par- melee built a dam and a factory to be rented for various uses. Not long after this, Edgar Atwater erected a dam and factory two miles below the Humminston mill on the Quinni- piac river. This mill was at the head of tidewater, and a long time ago small sloops and schooners were built there and floated to Fair Haven for complete equipment. Such, at least, is matter of tradition, not of individ- ual recollection. These business ventures gave em- ployment to many young men and af- forded to Wallingford a valuable ex- port trade and laid the foundation for other developments, which in the 246 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. case of the Carrington pond, finally resulted In the immense establish- ment of silverware of Simpson & Company, with a market world-wide of its enduring success. The Wallaces also after the introduction of steam, engaged in the silverware business near the river, and the present ex- tensive establishments erected on the old "Plains" testify to the wisdom and sagacity of those who substitut- ed manufacture for worn-out farming in good old Wallingford. WALLINGFORD INDEPENDENT. A crowning element of the stabil- ity and growth of Wallingford was its practical independence of the out- side world for its own mechanical necessities. The stores of Carrington & Kirtland, Jared Lewis, Aimer Hall, and Captain Atwater, were first-class for the period, and dry goods hard- ware, groceries, farm and garden im- plements as well as cheap candies, cocoanuts and peanuts were always kept in good supply. Drugs of all kinds, fluid, solid, or dried herbs and pills together with ball liquorice and stick liquorice and a few candies were kept by Dr. Parker. Dr. Friend Cook and Dr. Harrison, his successor, at their home offices- The Atwater store which was dis- mantled within my recollection and converted into a residence for his son John, who succeeded to the practical management of his large farm, was peculiar in its supplies. It was close by the homestead at the corner of Christian and Elm streets. A busi- ness with the West Indies and with Mediterranean ports demanded the erection of a large barn near by, called the "Potash" and potash, salt- peter, charcoal, lime and similar pro- ducts were its sole deposits. From these the materials for pow- der were procured for Washington's army while at Newport, and the store itself had a large trade with Durham and other towns east and northeast of Wallingford. Three large wagon, cart and car- riage shops, that were really factories, viz., those of Munson, Beadles and Thompson, so thoroughly made, paint- ed and finished their products, that their owners commanded markets be- yond tht town limits. For leather- belting, or shoe fittings required by its shoemakers or ordinary cobblers, there was little need to go even to New Haven, except for Morocco and some fancy leather. The tannery of Medad Munson was on a large scale, and also commanded other than home patronage. The Ward brothers at the northwest corner of Main street and Gravel Hill, were not only hatters and carpet weavers, but manufactur- ers of pewter coffee and teapots, and for want of water power, used what was called sweep-power. The track upon which the horse in his circuit developed this power soon went to grass, spoiling the fun of rude boys, who used birch stimulants when the old horse became too lazy. The autumn hog and beef kill- ing not only supplied the farmers' cel- lars with its. beef and hams fresh from the smoke house, but a surplus for others who did not kill stock of their own, so that it was a long time before Jeremiah Hall set in motion his butchering and meat deliveries that finally made a meat market a neces- sity in the town. Most families kept pigs, which fed from troughs of their own, and the dipping of tallow canales was as common in the homes as the prepara- tion of the sausage for the winter s use. At the spring "shad haul" on the Connecticut, a supply was procured to be salted for winter's use, and great bins of potatoes in everybody's cel- lar together with other garden vege- tables, carefully cultivated in garden patches, were adequate for almost town necessities. For everything raised beyond the town needs, New Haven was a ready market, and for a series of years the poor house of Wallingford, was peo- pled by few who needed its assistance or self-support. BOOKS .A.ND EDUC.\TI0N.'\L Cl'LTTRE. I would, indeed, be wanting in ap- preciation of "Wallingford as it was" and has been, if I failed to make mention of the fact that her close re- lation to New Haven, as well as to Hartford and Middletown, made for CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 247 the families of the Congregational, Episcopal and Baptist churches wel- come resorts for the education of her youth, which abundantly supplied the place, and made unnecessary the academy once started In their midst. The preparatory schools for higher education at the colleges of the re- spective denominations at those places, and the Episcopal school at Cheshire, were of easy and frequent access, and Yale college not only was represented at Wallingford for more than a century by a member of her board of trustees (called fellows), but Wallingford young men, even within my memory took the valedictory at Yale, as well as one at Princeton, and several of her sons Decame most distinguished lawyers, judges, bank- ers and educators west of the Alle- ghanies. By the side of the fireplace in near- ly every homestead was a book cup- board. Standard commentaries upon the Bible, suited to each church con- nection were there. The "Pilgrims' Progress" and standard works of all kinds with a good English dictionary were there. Of clean fiction the "Scottish Chiefs" and "Thaddeus of Warsaw" were favorites, as well as Scott's work when they appeared. Robinson Crusoe and the Arabian Knights and "Mother Goose" and other literature were mere, all of which was in good English vernacu- lary, fitted to teach the language and stimulate thought. And not least of all, as an auxiliary was the fact that "hired man" or "family help," when needed in the kitchen, could read the English language an« speak it cor- rectly. Debating societies were estab- lished early, and the oratory of the revolutionary period was declaimed, from memoi-y, even m the district schools throughout the town. Great orators were glad to address the people of Wallingford. and more than one barbecue, where a whole ox was roasted on the side hill just west of Carrington's pond gave character to the town, and vindicated the stand- ing of its people before the outside world. CHURCH SOCI.XLS, MINISTERIAL FAVORS. Annually after the farmers had gathered their crops, and the fall sowing was over, upon a day desig- nated, hickory wood and oak, as well as chestnut, and ash for lighter fuel, were delivered at the minister's barn or yard for his winter's supply. Brief beef, hams, sausage-meat, corned beef, potatoes and other veg- etables were soon added. This was succeeded a little later oy a donation party, when an abundance of choice cake was provided, ana tne presenta- tion of a purse of money closed the evening's entertainment. A minis- ter's salary was then $400. The fact must not be omitted that in those early times the clergy of all denominations when met upon the street were treated with marked re- spect. Sewing circles were frequent tak- ing turns at family homes (farmers included) where sewing, knitting, quilting and other needle-work busily employed the afternoon, while the evening was given to the young peo- ple for light games, such as "blind man's buff," "puss in the cdrner," "who's got the handkerchief?" and similar innocent amusements. MUSIC AND ITS INCIDENTS. Church music was a great specialty. The Congregational church uniformly had its Saturday evening singing school, but under such strict and un- welcome condition that however new, bright, jubilant, or excellent, the lat- est selection upon which the attend- , ants were drilled it could never be sung by word until perfectly mastered by note. The introduction even of a "fiddle" from New Haven on one oc- casion was regarded as of question- able propriety, and James Carring- ton, who led the choir, habitually used a "wooden pitch-pipe" (some- thing like a small trombone) most solemnly to lead the choir in a sim- ultaneous rendering of the key-note before he motioned a full voiced con- quest of the hymn at stake. The Episcopal music was always fine; but not as varied, being mostly from the standard music of the church. Some times an "Old Folks' 248 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Concert" would electrify the hearers in the production of tunes as old as those ancestral hymns that were so pre-eminently "Fuge-tunes" and swelled as loud in the "chorus of one" as "Loud as thunders roar." Social music and social musical en- tertainments were not unusual, and here and there were instruments of uncertain age that precursors of the piano-forte, which soon became a common instrument, in families seek- ing musical culture. I remember the first guitar and its auspicious advent. We boys imitated our elders in the use of wind instruments, by use of the "harmonican-slide," the tingling Jews harp or the vocalized hair comb; elder flageolets, broom-corn fiddles, triangles and sorted pin-horns, with or without finger holes, developed mixed numbers in music, revelant in tone, scale, and sensation, no mat- ter how censurable in matters of har- mony. ENLARGED SCOPE OF CHURCH WORK. The first Sunday school was es- tablished 1819 by Mrs. Mary Beebee, wife of Rev. David Lewis Beebee, and her daughters, Mary and Cornelia. There were at that time no "question books" and the chief exercise was the recital of Scripture passages, from memory, with a Bible as a prize for excellence. On one occasion when great rivalry ensued, John W. An- drews, already referred to, won the prize by repeating without error the 119th Psalm, as his voluntary exer- cise. The same ladies made a house- to-house distribution of the American Tract society leaflets when they first appeared and for several succeeding years thereafter. The mother so enlarged her inter- est in missions that she afterwards made her only grandson an honorary life member of the American Board cf Foreign Mission societ.v, and her only granddaughter a life member of the Connecticut Bibhe and the Con- necticut Tract society. These items have local historic in- terest, and it is not irrevelant to mention that the present owner of the American Board Certificate, dated in i8oO, while a schoolboy, at Torringford, Conn., occupied a bed- -chamber in the house previously owned and occupied by Rev. Samuel J. Mills, practically the founder of said society, and that the Rev. Cor- nelius H. Patton, son of the Rev. Dr. William Patton, who also was a pupil at the same school in 1835-6, is now corresponding secretary of the same American board at Boston. All the religious societies had their benevolent associations, although the Congregational church was more de- monstrative in periodical "revival" seasons. I distinctly remember the visit of Rev. Mr. Finney, afterwards so celebrated in Oberlin, Ohio, as founder of "Oberlin" college, whose vital theme was "Perfectionism" and that Henry Allen, who lived on the turnpike, west of the river, was long its ardent supporter. A Mr. Coan, also large of form, large in vocal capacity, and large in reforming methods, lived just back of Long Hill, but signally failed large- ly to control the religious tempera- ments of the people. Temperance also had its first advo- cate, when, as I remember well, En- sign Foote, of the navy (afterwards Admiral Foote) from Cheshire, ap- peared in full uniform and appealed to the children to sign pledges which he brought with him for their signa- ture. For tables to write upon they used the seats of the church pews, after his address. The town also had an amateur band with not only brass but reed instruments; and its last survivor, who as long ago as 1830 played the first clarionet, was Elihu Hall. GARDENS AND FLOWERS. Whether in town or on the farms, gardens with their straight walks and grape arbors, the walks, often lined with box, exhibited every known variety of annual flowers. The holly- hock and sun-fiower were the most majestic and the bergamont and myr- tle were the most humble, but the sweetpea, the lily of the valley, the sweet William, peony, phlox, pansy, marigolds, poppies, china asters and kindred annuals vied with many varie- ties of roses and climbing vines to surpass each other and make odor, beauty and grace their welcome con- tributions to the taste and happiness CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 249 of the home. The wormwood, for a wholesome stomachic before break- fast was never missing and the red pepper and mustard were cultivated for family ailments. The coriander, caraway and dill, were hardly inferior to the" ever-present "fennel" which had its special church privileges and duties when a protracted sermon called for some quickening tonic. The aromatic smellage. as well as the horehound, spearmint, peppermint, bloodroot and saffron, were garnered for winter's service and the aspiring hop out-topped the tallest beans on their special poles, or climbed against the barn with ample capacity to en- sure family yeast in abimdance, or discount the sassafras in home-made beer. Tansy cultivated itself and catnip was its partner, trying to run out everything else, but never despised when their medical virtues were test- ed in ways beneficial or peculiar. The tansy, wormwood and pepper- mint were often allied with fluid ex- tracts from the apple, peach and mo- lasses, all of which required sugar to ameliorate the sharpness of the ex- tract in use reserved for adults. On one morning after Thanksgiving children were cautioned that the sugar remaining at the bottom of a large glass bowl in the "front room'' was not for their exclusive use and the caution practically enforced. Gradually the crocus, tulip, dahlia and other bulbous foreigners com- manded attention, with the hyacinth most delightful of all. Sweet corn, beans of varied heights and values, lettuce, onions, and the carrot, parsnip, turnip, with beets, and salsify were kept clear of noxious weeds until they attained maturity by the boys and girls, and the celery was well cared for until it might be trans- ferred to an earthy guardian away in the cellar for Thanksgiving ser- vice. Bouquets were abundant and swains and maids were never without some floral emblem of their affection- ate and reciprocal regards. GAMES .^XD AMUSEMEXTS. These were represented by kites, marbles, bow and arrow, slings of va- rious kinds, including the "living sling" under the name of "crack the whip," made many an extreme "ender" come to grief; wrestling, running and jumping, "quoits," and "hopscotch," "leap the frog" and "tag," "hide and seek," "spy the wolf," and for indoors, "blind man's buff," "whose got the handkerchief," "oats, peas, and barley grow." "snuff the candle in the dark." "charades," "song," and a few dances, with others too numerous to mention. Elder "pop-guns" charged with wads of tow, and goose-quill potato guns were common toys-, while hunting fire- flies at night and gathering butterflies by day for some curiosity collection, and flowers and leaves for a herbar- ium, were equal sport for boys and girls alike. "One-old cat." now more aristocratic as "baseball," and 'two-old cat" with its complement "wicket," and its an- cestral football, when hog-killing in the autumn furnished the bladders, were common, and as prized as their imitation of the present day. Snow ball matches and snow forts were clim- atic necessities. Swimming and skating had their seasons, as now, and the old Indian "dug-out" or canoe, of Indian origin was the favorite water craft with which at annual visits to Fair Haven the oyster was fished for and brought home for a glorious roast over griddle or brush fire in the great kitchen fire- place. PICXIC5 AXD EXCURSIOXS. Out of door recreation away from the homestead had its special places and objects for enjoyment. Paug pond just beyond Horace Austin's house on Whirl-wind hill where we took keys for the boats under his charge, while his most estimable wife, still living, supplied warm rye bread and Connecticut loaf cake and dough- nuts as well as fresh fruit for their sustaining qualities, was the favorite resort for pickerel, roach and perch. Mrs. Austin tells me that the shortest ride from their house to New Haven was called "The Edwards Road" and still used, named after Governo: Pierrepont Edwards, whose residence was on "Whiiiwind Hill." The Quinnipiac river furnished eels for night fishing and pickerel as well 250 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. as occasional trout to the patient fish- er by day, Stony Creek, Branford Point, and Guilford were the annual resorts of all ages for black fish, crabs, as well as the wading process of "clamming" most economical as well as remunerating of all. All small brooks had the speckled trout. Hem- lock Grove below Rice Hall's, on the left. Mount Tom and Mount Carmel, Hanging Rock, and all your intermed- iate resorts, Hanover grove included, were objectives of excursion ventures. Nutting parties gathered the hick- ory-nut, hazel-nut, butter-nut and servers described their deposits as of fabulous depth in some quarters did not pass unnoticed even in practical Wallingford. Lyman Hall started from New Hav- en in his ox-cart, returning with some barrels of flour for our own and neigh- boring families. While slowly as- cending the Rice Hall hill from New Haven, a vast meteor of the size of the "full moon" made his cattle break loose, dump his cart, singe his cheek, and accompany the barrels down the hill toward North Haven and Long Island Sound. At least, that is a LOOKING UP COLONY STREET. chestnuts and the same gay groups of boys and girls at the proper season, picked wild strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and chick- erberries, which were always so much sweeter than the garden product at home. In short all nature was at the ser- vice of her children, and they gladly accepted and utilized her favors. STARTLING EPISODES. The meteoric display of "Falling Stars" in 1835 when much excited ob- slight hyperbole of his own graphic description of the heavenly visitor. Lucien Pomeroy, the skillful per- former on the "Kent Bugle" aroused the people, house by house, to see the strange phenomena but with approach- ing dawn the sun arose as usual and the inhabitants survived. Then came the "Moon Hoax" in the little "New York Transcript" which re- vealed to us the minute details of "Life in the Moon" for our envy and jealousy, as there were no signs of sickness or death in the develop- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 251 ment of their favored existence. Then came the "authentic history of Deacon Giles' Distillery" which in those days of hard cider, and cider brandy evolution, was taken by scores of innocent deacons as personal to themselves. The frightful pictures of the fiends of the still; and its "worm" at a white heat during their infernal dance, seems at this late day to have been as truthful and glaring, and no more repulsive to the sensibilities than certain yellow literature of Anno Domini, 1906. GREAT DAYS OF THE PERIOD. Independence day had its public "Reading of the Declaration of Inde- pendence" upon the town green, and it was read as reverently as if the echoes from Lexington and Bunker Hill, as well as the devout prayer of John Witherspoon in Independence Hall at Philadelphia, still vibrated on the ear. Following drums and fife, a proces- sion marched through the streets es- corting carriages filled with gray- haired old veterans of the Revolution- ary war. Their gracious and happy response to the respectful salutations of the observers, boys and men alike, was both a delight to the eye and a well-spring of patriotic refreshment to the people at large. Chinese fire crackers, pin wheels and rockets, torpedoes, fire balloons and bonfires were the essential ac- companiments of the propitious day as a matter of course. On one occasion the dropping of my punk carelesly into my pocket, prematurely started some reserved crackers to life and both pocket and hand were subjected to remedial treatment upon my return home. That also was the great day for a trial of how far and how high the single hand-fire engine could throw water. With all these great days Yale Bradley, the famous drummer, and his brother David, were inti- mately associated. In war or peace, they were loyal men and few now liv- ing in Wallingford can revert to a period in their lives when the '^aces and names of the two were not fa- miliar. TRAINING DAY. Legal and obligatory assembling upon the town green for the "able- bodied state militia, armed and equipped as the law dii-ects," was next in importance and complexity of details. The Wallingford Light in- fantry, successor to a similar com- pany that served under Lafayette in the Revolutionary war, was gorgeous- ly arrayed in scarlet coats, with white trousers, and a tall hat, with a still taller feather of white, "top- ped with red" and the "Wallingford Dragoons, armed with fiint-lock horse pistols of immense size, heavy sabres and wearing the rich uniform of colonial style and fur hat with a red cockade, were an equally grand feature of the occasion. The "able- bodied militia" other than these two organizations were armed under an unwritten but assumed license of "each man arming himself." He al- ways "carried arms;" but broom- sticks, hoop poles and other wooden weapons were his sole means of at- tack or defense, and no matter how many drums of various sizes and fifes of varying screech, might head this valiant body, they never lost the name of "String-laean milish." The Congregational church steps always disclosed the varieties of lunch used by the boys on such days and peanuts, water melons and mo- lasses candy suffered to the extent of the store supplies of the earlier town. A noisy and terrific sham fight closed the day and the charge of the Dragoons at their final overthrow of the "string bean milish" was the oc- casion for shouts over the victory won that closed the day with glory. MENAGERIE DAY. "Menagerie day brought its long procession of open animal cages with the conquering masters of lions and tigers, at full peace with their co- inmates, and the elephant, rhinocer- os and camels were only less conspic- uous than the performing monkeys, then novelties, as indeed all the wild animals were in the land of "steady habits." The tents were on the public green and the erection and taking down of the canvas was as great a novelty to the boys as at present in New Haven or Boston. Sometimes a side show of some human mon- strosity called for the expenditure of a second four-pence-hapenny, 'tut such extravagance was usually be- 252 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. yond the purse capacity when the big show was over, and the elephant had eaten all the peanuts and crack- ers that the boys could buy- Other memorial days were Fast day, and Thanksgiving day, each or- dained by state authority and solemn proclamations were made in advance of each, and these mammoth in size, were read from each town pulpit the Sunday in advance as well as on the day observed. FAST DAY. This day was conscientiously ob- served with sublime faith in its ob- servance as a duty which in earlier ages had brought providential mer- cies in the averting of calamity or bringing the church to a more humble sense of daily dependence up- on divine favor in all the concerns of domestic and national life. Amuse- ments were abjured and respect for the day and its purpose was honestly observed. Thanksgiving day, which after the English service, when all harvests had been gathered in the fall, was a day of Thanksgiving in fact, and signalized by home gatherings of re- lations of all ages that could be con- veniently brought together, of social reunion, and a dinner of magnificent supply. The turkey previously fat- tened up to the highest possible standard of weight was deposited in the open tin oven before the great kitchen fire early in the moniing and some member of the family was deprived of church service, and the rendering of a carefully rehearsed anthem, lest the turkey should be overcooked and the dinner lose its best flavor. For a week in advance the great oven had been worked to its full capacity and a great cup- board generally the cheese cupboard, was full of pies exacted by this an- nual feast. A chicken pie cooked and cut for form's sake, because no one could eat of it and live after the regular din- ner, was reserved for the next day. The desert was one of the features of the Yankee Thanksgiving dinner. A large dining plate became the pie- plate for each adult guest. Seven- eighths of this plate were repositories for pie, alternating covered and open- top pies. Their order was this: Fresh apple pie, custard pie, nilnce pie, pumpkin pie, dried apple pie, a cross slashed, open tart pie, and then eightly a space for rice pudding with raisin accompaniments. From the great-grandparents down to the smallest babe the family branches were assembled, and with al- monds and raisins, and occasionally a punch bowl for the more feeble and elderly of the group, tne evening was reached. Games, anecdotes and fam- ily gossip or experience ended the day's entertainment. Although Thanksgiving day was less strictly observed than the Sab- bath, as in earlier New England his- tory, the prescribed church attend- ants and cessation of the annual man- ual labor effected a decided restraint upon many amusements; but gradu- ally it became permissiDle when skat- ing was exceptionally fine or the snow very smooth on the country hills, for the young people to parrake of those exhilarating sports without peril to the soul. Very many of the people even of the stricter class conceded to the young the privilege of a Thanks- giving night ball, especially If the sleighing was first-class. The mid-winter sleigh rides of that period will never be revived. I recall one upon a cold night wnen a trip was to be made to your old tavern on the hill yonder. Large wagon beds upon four runners, with side seats like those of a modern omnibus for eight on a side, were first bottomed with hay or straw and then with buf- falo robes. Hot bricks wrapped with fiannel for the feet and small stones heated and wrapped for the hands were next in order. Tippets, mufflers and mittens, all of home manufacture, were carefully adjusted by the girls with the help of the boys. It was a matter of course that upon arriving at Meriden a fiddle would supply the only suitable music for the dance, but for the viae the chimes of bells keyed from the highest treble down to the profoundest bass stimu- lated each of the four horses of every team to his most exhiiarted motion. Even this could not drown the shouts of laughter from the inmates of the sleighs, and whether in descending CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 253 Steep hills or skirting the slope of some ugly snow drift the arms of the boys were a sufficient protection against serious consequences from a sudden upset. It is but just to say that after the return before morning the heroism of rescuing some girls on two such occasions was less favor- ably noticed when it was learned that each upset was a fore-arranged pro- gramme between the drivers and some wicked young men. Suffice it to say that all of the rest of the evening's entertainment was of first-class order, and that Thanksgiv- ing day's provision baked in advance was equal to all the demands during the succeeding week. CHRISTMAS DAY. Christmas day was more generally confined to Episcopalians, who some- times substituted the goose and the young pig for the more aristocratic turkey and with them, Christmas eve was the greatest of the year with music and presents. The church dec- orations and music on the day itself were the objects of admiration for the non "church"-going people, who as a rule only went to their own "meeting house" for religious wor- ship. The "Santa Claus" feature and the "chimney-corner stocking" were too attractive for the young folks to admit of parental prohibition even by Puri- tan stock of their enjoyment of it fun, its frolic and the sunrise discoveries that followed. The first present I ever received on the day before Christmas, was on the 24th of December, 1831, when my great Uncle Joshua Atwater, present- ed me with a copy of Morse's "Geog- raphy Made Easy," which had been presented him by his own father, Caleb Atwater, in 1786. It was my first information from a reliable source that Connecticut had a population of 220,000, 6,000 of whom were Indians and negroes; but that "the population was characterized and with too much justice, for being in- temperately fond of lawsuits, and lit- tle petty arbitrations." It gave the pleasing information that the ladies of Connecticut "are modest, hand- some and agreeable, fond of imitat- ing new and extravagant fashions, easy and unaffected in their manners; industrious, neat and cheerful; pos- sessed of a large share of delicacy, tenderness and sensibility." New Haven was described as a large, neat, regular and well built town of about 500 houses. "It had a college edifice, called 'Connecticut Hall' in place of the old building called Yale college, which from whence the university was named had been demolished." "Hartford, the other capital, 50 miles from the sea, was said to con- tain between 400 and 500 houses, while only four miles south of it was the agreeable town of Wethersfield, of a most luxurious soil, remarkable for the production of onions and for its fair held twice in a year." This geography also taught me that "the inhabitants, taken collec- tively, were a religious people, and that the laws were very strict in re- quiring a regular attendance at pub- lic worship, but very liberal in tol- erating all religions, not inconsistent with the peace and good order of the state." This was abundantly confirmed every Saturday night. THE SABBATH. Sabbath day was universally honor- ed. Civil guardians restrained out-of- door disturbances of its quiet, and "tithingmen" with their long, slender wands, gently touching suspected boys or girls, prevented disturbances in the sanctuary. With the Puritan stock the Sabbath commenced with the setting sun of Saturday from their recognition of the recorded fact that "evening and morn- ing made creation's first day." The Episcopalians counted the Sabbath as from midnight to midnight. A curi- ous complexity of social amenities re- sulted from this confusion in Sunday observance. It was lucky for the boys on the "Upper street" that they were playing there at the hour of sunset, for when they returned to the "Lower street" and were solemnly ask- ed "didn't you know it was sundown and Sunday?" The answer was suffi- cient. "I started home as soon as the sun went down." 254 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Social visiting as between neighbors on those two evenings had to be very considerately adjusted to this consci- entious but embarrassing dilemma. My Countrymen: That observance of Sabbath day the first "Memorial day" solemnly ordain- ed and set apart in the earliest history of the human race for rest, thought and thanksgiving, has been the day whose respectful observance has been the gage of the prosperity and happi- ness of all mankind. And now, in closing, for we meet for the last time, I do not wonder so few survive who directly represent those in my mental vista with whom I w^ould like to shake hands with to-day. In the perspective glass of memory I see faces, but of those already mention- ed and others, more than forty in num- ber, none would respond if called for. And when I reverse the glass, they glide away, generation after genera- tion, to a vanishing point beyond the bounds of life's extremist recognition. FACES RECALLED. Allen, Andrews, Atwater, Austin, Barker, Bartholomew-, Beach, Beadles, Beaumont, Bleakslee, Bradley, Can- non, Carrington, Coan, Cook, Culver, Curtis, Doolittle, Elton, Foote, Hall, Hiddleston, Hill, Hough, Hum- miston, Ives, Jones, Johnson, Kirtland, Mix, Monroe, Morse, Munson, Noyes, Northrop, Parker, Parmelee, Peck, Preston, Street, Thompson, Wallace, Ward, Webber, Whittlesey, Yale, and others. Of real faces, representing this group of families and surviving from the long ago, I have met Elizur Hall, Douglas Munson, Henry Martin, two daughters of Mrs. Beadles, one daugh- ter of Deacon Russell Hall, a daugh- ter of Mr. Elijah Beaumont, as well- as others elsewhere noticed, and in your Mr. Doolittle, I found so close a resemblance to my old Yale friend, the Rev. Edgar Doolittle, that, invol- untarily I called his name. But the last survivor of the Whittlesey family is not here, nor the genial bachelor, Joseph Noyes, the last to survive of the large family of Rev. James Noyes who, from very early childhood was as quick as Horace Austin to wel- come me home. Of others who address you, I am reminded that Julius Pratt was the ophecleide performer of the once famous "Beethoven Club" at Yale, and at the Christmas eve rendering of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in the college chapel, his execution was one of the most pronounced in effect. If you ask me to sum up my esti- mate of "What Wallingford was seven- ty-five years ago," and from a purely judicial review of the evidence pro- nounce judgment, it may be summed up in one single charge, to you, grand- children and great grand-children of our beautiful and ever honored town. THIS IS MY PARTING WORD. Imitate and perpetuate, as you ven- erate, that loyalty to home, God, and country, which made your ancestors industrious, honest, self-reliant and honored! Emulate their intense devotion to the examples and precepts of their own immediate fore-fathers; and with no less zeal and intensity of purpose, emu- late the careful, intellectual, moral and industrial training of the sons and daughters who were to follow them, and from whom your immediate prede- cessors took their parting blessing when they came hither! If, hereafter, you reproduce, like citizenship and like fruitage, Meriden will outdo her present fame and pres- tige already so honorable to the state and nation, and more than ever contri- bute to the glory of America, and through America, to all mankind. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 255 THE COLONIAL BALL The colonial ball, the crowning so- cial feature of the great Centennial cel- ebration, was a glittering success far exceeding the expectations of the most optimistic member of the Centennial di- rectors. The most satisfactory feature of the ball was the fact that it was real- ly a colonial affair, as to decorations and dress. The appearance of the Put- nam Phalanx in their continental uni- forms, the reception committee in court costume and .the ladies of the minuet in the rich gowns that the real colonial ■dames wore, gave the function an eight- eenth century stamp that was unmis- takable. The new Town hall where the ball was held was decorated in an elaborate manner and in most becoming taste for an event of this kind. The prevail- ing colors were yellow, blue and white, the true colonial combination and the blending was in perfect harmony. A canopy of yellow and white completely hid the ceiling. The walls of the au- ditorium were covered with shirred white and blue and the balcony front was treated in the same manner by the decorators, Simons & Fox, of Hartford. Many were the compliments heard re- garding the decorations and the admir- able taste shown in the entire matter ■of preparing the hall for the grand affair. The gowns of the ladies were con- ceded to be the most elaborate ever worn upon any occasion in this section, all being made with the colonial ball in mind. The music was of the best. In ad- dition to a picked orchestra of twenty- five men, the most capable players in town, Bayne's Sixty-ninth regiment band of New York, was present and furnished entrancing music for the dance and the imposing march that pre- ceded it. The orchestra was stationed in the east gallery and the band occu- pied a position in the opposite balcony and all through the night the strains of music heard, were not alone a delight to those in the hall, but a pleasure to hundreds who gathered about the build- ing until a late hour. Early in the evening both band and orchestra gave concert music of a high order and then alternated in rendering the music for the long programme of dances that had been arranged. After 10:30 a buffet luncheon was served in the old Universallst church, which was connected by a canopy with the hall. The luncheon was in keep- ing with all the other departments of the ball and was served in Maynard's best style. GRAND MARCH. The grand march was led by the Putnam Phalan, Major Mahl at the head, with Miss Agnes Curtis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Curtis. Mr. Curtis, chairman of the Centennial committee, came next with Mrs. Mahl. Then came the reception committee in their court dress and following .them were 100 couples in evening attire. The march was directed by W Emerson Rogers and was an inspiring sight, es- pecially from the galleries. THE MINUET. The minuet, the dance of colonial days, was given by sixteen members of the Phalanx and their ladies, and it was a feature of the ball that willl ever be remembered by those who saw it. It was perfectly given and awarded with rounds of hearty and well de- served applause. Those who took part in the minuet and the dresses of the ladies are given herewith : Mr. and Mrs. B. Z. Brewer; light green striped satin, duchess lace, with diamonds. Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Riley, brocaded satin, hand embroidered, Vincennes stripes, lace and pearls. J. P. Allen, with Mrs. George Prut- ting; mauve brocade, gold trimmings L. W. Muller with Miss Lillian Mul- ler: pink satin with white lace trim- ming. -'56 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. FRARAY HALE, Secretary Wallingford Committee. W. F. LANE, Member Wallingford Committee. U. H. D. FUWLER, Member Wallinofford Committee. THEODORE F. LANE, Member Wallingford Committee. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 257 THE GOWNS. The gowns worn by the ladies were: Miss Agnes Curtis — Colonial gown of embroidered batiste over Pompa- dour silk. Miss Elsie Lyon — Pale blue peau de soie, real lace. Mrs. J. H. Hinsdale — Blue crepe de chine. Mrs. C- E. Stockder — Figured net over pink. Mrs. C. F. Linslev— Black silk. Mrs. Love, Montclair, N. J.— Black chiffon cloth. Mrs. John A. Slater— White dotted mulle. Mrs. C B. Merriam— Black silk and jet. . Miss Bishop — White mulle. Mrs. C F. Monroe— Black lace. Misses Grace and Gertrude Lane — • Pink eolian silk. Mrs. Geo. R. Curtis — Black silk and lace. Mrs. John S. Lane — Gray eolian and rose point lace. Mrs. J. H. Pallett— Grav silk. Mrs. J. F. McDonnell— White silk batiste, embroidered- Mrs. F. J. O'Neil — Pompadour silk and lace. Mrs. Minnie Smith, New Haven — White mulle. Mrs. Benjamin W. Collins — Cream Sicilian. Mrs. W. B. Warner, New Haven — Black lace. Mrs. J. F. Dickey, Hol.voke— Blank lace. Mrs. H. W. Kibbe— White silk and lace. Mrs. John R. Judd, Kent, Conn. — White silk, real lace. Miss Bessie Allerton, Passaic, N. J. — White mulle. Mrs. Sarah Parsons, Washington, D. C. — White mulle and lace. Miss Alice Parsons — White silk. Miss Anna Rice — White lace and mulle. Miss Marion Smith — Pink pina cloth. Mrs. Frank E. Sands — White lace. Mrs. A. D. Meeks— Pink figured mulle. Mrs. Scott Benjamin. Hartford — Blue silk and lace. Mrs. L B. Miller— White chiffon, red carnations. Mrs. N. L. Bradley — Heliotrope ra- dium silk and lace, diamonds. Miss Peck — Pink taffeta and lace. 17 Airs. E. E. Smith — Grey crepe de chine. Miss Isabel Smith— White embroid- ered mulle. Dr. Helen West — Black peau de soie. Mrs. Marion West— Black chiffon cloth. Mrs. Wm. B. Treadway — Figured silk. Mrs. H. A, Stevens— Electric bli'C silk. Mrs. Herman Hess — Black lace. Mrs. H. T. King— White embroid- ered mulle. Miss Ethel Mix— White net. Miss Lelia Ives, New Haven— White net. Mrs. Arthur Glaessner — Black chif- fon cloth with lace. Mrs. Horace C. Wilcox— Black lace over white silk, diamonds. Mrs. J. A. Talmadge, Westneld— Black lace over white silk. Mrs. George N. Morse — Cream nr-t. Mrs. J. D. Eggleston— Black sp.'^n- gled net, real lace. Mrs. C. E. Schunack — White mulle. Mrs. Wm. F. Rockwell— Black crepe de chine, diamonds. Mrs. Charles F. Rockwell— White chiffon cloth, rose point. Mrs. R. F. Amend, New York- Light blue messaline and Irish crochet lace. Miss Florence Marsden — Light blue crepe de chine and lace. Mrs. G. N. Moser, Brooklyn— White dotted Swiss. German valenciennes trimmings. Miss Beacham, Shenandoah, Pa — Grey silk. Mrs. A. B. Squire— White embroid- ered spangled robe over white silk. Mrs. Henry Warren — White Leah lace with point applique, diamonds. Miss Warren— White Pompadour lace, diamonds. Mrs. John Piatt Allen, New York, Pa. — White satin. Duchesse lace. Miss Ross. Brooklyn — Brocaded taf- feta, trimmed with silver lace, dia- monds. Mrs. J. H. White— Gray eolian Duchesse lace, diamonds. Miss Nan Carter — Pale blue crepe de chine and lace. Miss Sophie Smith, Bridgeport — White mulle. Miss Julia Smith, Bridgeport — White mulle. Mrs. Gilbert Rogers — White net and diamonds. ^58 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. R. G. CHURCH, Colonial Pill Crmmitt' I. B. MILLER, Colonial Ball Committee. i fe.;^ ^m > ^^ 1 ■fco ^ ^^^^^^ ^ 1 ^^^^^F*^^' ' ^im^^ m ■^^^wmSM^ X ^' HOWARD R. CURTIS, Colonial Ball Committee. JOHN F. M'DONNELL, Colonial Ball Committee. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 259 Mrs. Cephas B. Rogers — White sat- in, Irish point apphque. Mrs. M. R. Wright— Blue figured silk and lace. Miss Sarah C. Rogers, Danbury — White net with applique. Miss Marie Hoffman Rogers, Dan- burv — Pink chiffon. GEORGE H. YEAMANS, Colonial Ball Committee. Mrs. Leslie Tredennick, Brooklyn- Figured organdie. Mrs. Chas. T. Dodd— White net and lace, diamonds. Mrs. E. T. Bradstreet — Figured crepe, turquoises. Mrs. F. L. Murdock— Blue rajah silk. Mrs. Truman Barnes, Shelton — White net over pink. Mrs. Horace C. Moses, New York — White lace and diamonds. Mrs. Edward Tredennick — Black chiffon. Mrs. Harry C Lane — Black lace. Mrs. Oliver Yale, Brooklyn — Black chiffon. Mrs. Cephas B. Rogers, 2d, Danbury — Electric blue silk, lace and diamonds. Miss Kate Nickerson — White muUe, cherry-colored ribbons. Miss Edwina Parmelee, Wallingford — Pink flowered crepe. Miss Helen Mix — White muUe. Miss Bradstreet — Flowered crepe. Miss Marjorie Piatt — Accordion pleated radium silk and lace. Mrs. J. P. Piatt— White chiffon cloth and coral. Miss Waterman, Hudson, N. Y. — White organdie and lace. Mrs. A. Chamberlain — White crepe de chene, diamonds. Mrs. Charles L. Rockwell — White lace. Miss C. S. Phelps— White silk. Mrs. I. B. Beach — "VMiite embroidered mulle. HOWARD STEVENSON, Colonial Ball Committee. Miss Dorothy Doolittle — Pompadour organdie and Valenciennes. Mrs. Frederick L. Huntington — White mulle. Mrs. Eugene A. Hall — Black silk. Mrs. W. H. Potter, Guilford— White mulle. 26o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. J. H. ROBERGE, Colonial Ball Committee. C. W. CAHILL, JR.. Colonial Ball Committee. GEORGE OHL. Colonial Ball Committee. ARTHUR D. MEEKS. Colonial Ball Committee. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 261 Mrs. Charles H. Tredennick — Figured organdie. Miss Clara Savage — White mulle. Miss Cahill — Pink figured organdie with lace. Miss Grobell, Wallingford— White silk and lace. Miss Tracy — White lace. Miss Polsey — Yellow silk mulle, chiffon and lace. Miss Stone, Boston — White organdie and lace. Mrs. Henry Butler — White embroid- •ered net over pink. Miss Talmadge, Westfield — White embroidered mulle. Miss Kate Lewis, Stratford — White point d'esprit. Miss Burr, Bridgeport — White lawn and lace. Miss Warner, Springfield — Black silk and lace. Mrs. F. L. Hamilton — Black dotted net. Mrs. J. H. Parish — Black crepe de chene. Mrs. C. M. Williams — Black silk. Mrs. B. C. Kennard — Black lace over pink. Mrs. William McKenzie, Princeton, N. J. — Figured organdie and lace. Mrs. E. A. Wilson — Black net, steel trimmings. Mrs. W. A. Kelsey — White lace robe over white silk. Mrs. F. C. Edgerton— White silk and lace. Mrs. George W. Falrchild— White veiling, blue trimmings. Mrs. W. F. Ramsey, Cromwell — Black net and velvet. Mrs. H. C. Bell, Portland— Black crepe de chine, jet trimmings. Mrs. Frederick de Peyster, Portland — Black lace over brocaded silk and jet. Mrs. Arthur M. Brooks — Pink dotted net. Mrs. Charles S. Perkins — White silk mulle. Miss Mabel Coe — Pale blue brocaded silk, lace trimmings. Mrs. E. B. Moss — Blue eolian, white lace. Mrs. Williams — Black net. Mrs. W. B. F. Landers, Jr. — White messaline, rose point. Mrs. Wells McMasters, Sound Beach — Pink net over pink silk. Mrs. J. A. Cooke — White crepe de chene. Miss Shailer, New Britain — White lace, imported gown. Miss Harmon — Point d'esprit over white silk. Mrs. P. A. Wuterich— Pale blue silk. Mrs. Walter H. Bradley — Heliotrope chiffon and velvet embroidered in spangles, diamonds. Miss Young, Hartford — Black and white. Mrs. John Ives — Black lace and rose point. Miss Gladys Keeney — White Vene- tian lace. Mrs. John Henderson, Hartford — Flowered point d'esprit over pink silk. Mrs. Russell A. Frisbie, Cromwell — White silk and black lace. Mrs. H. C. Bell, Portland— Black crepe de chene and jet. Miss Evelyn Du Plessis — White mulle. Mrs. C. H. Cheeney — White lace. Mrs. E. D. Hall— Whi.te organidie and Cluny lace. Miss Lena Wilcox — White silk. Miss Marie Burnett, Springfield- Figured blue organdie. Miss Alice Burnett, Springfield — Pink organdie. Miss Bannister — White mulle. Mrs. Irving Smith — White Persian lawn, Valenciennes. Mrs. Walter E. Coe — Black spangled net over white silk. Mrs. C. E. Flynn — White lace, dia- monds. Miss Alice Hughes, New York — White lace. Miss Anna Curran — White net and applique over white taffeta. Miss Landrigan — White chiffon Panama, Cluny lace. Miss Mollie Reilly— White silk mulle, val lace. Mrs. H. C. Bibeau — Steel gray, banzai silk princess, Irish crochet lace. Mrs. Louis Fisk — White chiffon cloth and lace, diamonds. Miss Booth, New Britain— White dotted lace. Mrs. Howard B. Angel — White or- gandie. Miss Louise Morse — White mulle and lace. Mrs. Eli Butler — Pink organdie and thread lace. Mrs. Harry H. Smith— White organ- die and lace. 262 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. J. H. HINSDALE, Colonial Ball Committee. W. C. HIRSCHFELD, Colonial Ball Committee. iS^ "■ "^ % if- : ^m 1 ^. ^^w^ *■'* ^ ^^ % ^v ^^* ' C. W. CLOCK, Colonial Ball Committee. F. H. BILLARD, Colonial Ball Committee. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 263 Mrs. W. L. Squire — Black lace. Mrs. p. H. Keller — Black crepe de chine and lace. Mrs. W. W. Finnegan — Pale grey crepe de chene. Miss Ives, New Haven — White mulle. Mrs. W. I. Wilcox — Black spangled net. Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Fox; white bro- cade satin, hand embroidered in Per- sian, trimmed with oriental lace; dia- monds. Mr. and Mrs- E. D. Rowley; pale blue overdress, yellow petticoat, pearls. C. E. STOCKDER, Colonial Ball Committee. Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Bigelow ; old rose satin brocaded with old lace trim- mings. Mr. and Mrs. Emil Schierholz; cream colored satin, pearl front, duchess and point lace. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mahl ; laven- der and green, pearl trimmings. George Prutting, with Mrs. Henry Bickford ; white brocaded satin, point lace, pearls. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith; old rose striped gown with duchess lace. Dr. J. E. Root with Miss Lillian Georgia; gown of green figured with ivy leaf. Mr. and Mrs. N. K. Morgan; yellow brocade, Irish point lace, diamonds. Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Dwyer, pink brocade. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Wakefield; pom- padour silk. J. W. Titcomb with Miss Clara Georgia ; yellow brocade. Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Johnston, bro- caded blue silk, white satin petticoat* duchess lace. OCCUPANTS OF BOXES. Boxes had been arranged about the hall and all were taken and the occu- pants arranged for. The first two rows in the gallery were given over to holders of floor tickets, but the remain- der of the gallery was open to the public. Those who occupied the various boxes were as follows : Box I— Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Dickie, Holvoke, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Kibbe, Mrs. Wilbur B. Warner, Miss Minnie H. Smith, New Haven. Box 2 — Louis E. Wilcox, Dr. and Mrs. E. D. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. W. Irv- ing Smith, Miss Alice Burnett, Miss Marie Burnett, Miss Clara E. Wilcox, Miss Laura Bannister, George Ohl. Box 3 — Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Flynn, Captain J. J. Landrigan, Miss Lizzie Landrigan, William Lynch, New York, Miss Alice Hough, New York, Mr. and Mrs. John Pallett. Miss Annie Curran, Mr. Bridgett, Wallingford. Box 4— Mayor Thos. L. Reilly, Miss Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Bibeau, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McDonnell, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. O'Neil, T. P. Dunne, Miss Margaret McKeogh, Hartford. Box 5. — Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cur- tis, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Squire, Mr. and Mrs. C. La Rue Munson, Mrs. George R. Curtis, Miss Agnes Curtis. Box 6 — Mr. and Mrs Amend. Mr. and Mrs. Unkles. Mr. Schmidt, Miss Mars- ton, Mrs. Moser, Mr. Beacham and lady. Box 7 — Mr. and Mrs. Henry Warren, Miss Warren, Miss Ross, Miss Allen, John Allen, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. White. Box 8 — ^Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Lane, Misses Gertrude and Grace Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Yale. 264 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Box 9— Mrs. E. H. White, Allen White and lady, J. D. Norton and ladv, R. W. Carter, Miss Nan Carter, E. J. Doolittle. Box 10 — Mr. and Mrs. Cephas B. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Rogers, Ralph Rogers, Harold G. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Cephas B. Rogers, 2nd, Dan- bury, Miss Sarah C. Rogers, Danbury, Miss Marie H. Rogers, Danburv. Box II— Mr. and Mrs. R. H." Keller, Mrs. Howard Angell, Miss Louise Morse, Lawrence Blackman, Miss Mabel Wright, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Finnegan. Box 13— Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E .Tredennick, Mr. and Mrs. Hor- W. E. HINSDALE, Colonial Ball Committee. ace C. Moses, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Tre- dennick. Box 14— F. H. Billard and lady, W. E. Hinsdale and lady, H. L Stevenson, Miss Ives, New Haven, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davis. Box 15 — Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fisk, Mrs. J. A. Talmadge, Miss Talmadge, Robert G. Church, Mrs. Ellen Wilcox, George Cahill and lady, Harold Sei- densticker and lady. Box 16 — Mr. and Mrs. George N. Morse, Dr. and Mrs. J. D. Eggleston, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. King. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Schunack, John B Morse and lady. Box 17 — C. W. Cahill, jr.. Miss Dora Tracy, W. J. Cahill, Miss Cahill, Dr. .and Mrs. J. A. Cooke, D. F. McCarthy, .Robert R. Reillv, Miss Grobell. Box 18— Mr. and Mrs. C F. Rock- well, Mrs. W. F. Rockwell, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Stevens, Dr. Helen West, Mrs. Marion B. West, Dr. Treadway, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hess. Box 19— Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Huntington, Miss Huntington, Mr. and Mrs. Wells Mc- Master, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Tredennick, Master Hess, Miss Lewis. Box 20 — Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Kelsey, Miss Julia Hull, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Edgerton, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Warnock, Miss Isabel Smith. Box 21— Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Stock- der, Mr. and Mrs. I. E. Beach, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Linsley, E. J. Doolittle, Miss Doolittle. Mr. and Mrs. J .H. Hinsdale. Box 22— D. L. Bishop and ladv, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Moss, Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Phelps, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Jennings. Box 23 — Mr. and Mrs. A. Chamber- lain, A. R. Chamberlain, Miss Water- man, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. White, Mr. and Mrs. James P. Piatt. Box 24— Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Bradley, C. P. Bradley, Miss Lucy Peck, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Rockwell, Rev. J. J. Wool- lev, Walter Hubbard Box 25— Mr. and Mrs. A. D .Meeks, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Sands, Mr. and Mrs. I. B. Miller, Mr and Mrs C. F. Monroe, Dr. and Mrs. F. L. Murdock. Box 26— Dr. and Mrs. W. E. F. Lan- ders, jr., Walter S. Billard and lady, Robert J. Merriam and lady, N. C. Johnson and lady, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Butler. Box 27 — Dr. and Mrs. E. T. Brad- street. Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Dodd, How- ard R. Curtis, Miss Kate Nickerson, D. H. Havens, Miss Edwina Parmelee, Wallingford. Box 28— Mr. and Mrs. John W. Coe, Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Lawton. Box 29— Dr. E. W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Judd, Kent, Conn., Miss Alice Parsons, Washington, D. C, Charles E. Parsons, Washington, D. C, Miss Allerton, Passaic, N. J., Miss Eaton, New York, Miss Marion Smith, David Smith, Addison Bidwell, Spring- field. Mass. SUB COMMITTEES. Following is a list of the sub-com- mittees in charge of the various de- tails for the Colonial ball: \ CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 265 Ways and Means — Fred H. Billard. chairman ; C. E. Stockder, H. L. Stev- erson, C. H. Yeamans, I. B. Miller, J. H. Hinsdale, J. F. McDonnell, Waldemar Hirschfeld, A. D. Meeks, C. W. Clock. C. W. Cahill, jr. Publicity and promotion — J. F. Mc- Donnell, chairman ; W. E. Hinsdale, I. B. Miller, Howard R. Curtis. Reception — J. H. Hinsdale, chairman; C. E. Stockder, R. G. Church, George Ohl. Decorations — Waldemar Hirschfeld, chairman; G. H. Yeamans, J. A. Ro- berge, J. H. Hinsdale. Supper — A. D. Meeks, chairman ; W. E. Hinsdale, J. F. McDonnell, George Ohl. Music and dancing — H. L. Steven- son, chairman; C. W. Cahill, jr., How- ard R. Curtis, R. G. Church. Costumes — C. W. Clock, chairman ; F. H. Billard, A. D. Meeks, H. L. Stev- enson. DANCE PROGRAMME. The dance programme was most at- tractive and reflected great credit upon the judgment of the committee. On the front cover were the words, "1806-1906" and the seal of the town of Meriden. The programme of dances was as follows : Grand march — Serenade Procession. California Reel — Selected. Two Step — Our President. Waltz— Wedding of the Winds. Two Step — Old Heidelberg. Waltz— Artists' Life. Two Step — College Widow. Lanciers — The Smart Set. Two Step — One of the Boys. Waltz — Dreams of Childhood. Two Step — Rogers Brothers in Ire- land. Waltz — Leonore. Two Step — I'd Like to Be a Gunner in the Navy. Waltz — A Madcap Princess. Two Step — Starlight. Waltz — Thine. Ever Thine. Two Step — Flying Arrow. Lanciers — Gaiety. Two Step— The Kilties. Waltz — A Night in June. Two Step — Can't You See I'm Lone- ly? Waltz — It Happened in Nordland. Two Step — Silver Heels. Waltz — Babes in Toyland. Two Step — Moon Dear. Lanciers — Fair Dame. Two Step — Lady Teazle. Waltz — Golden Sunset. Two Step— Miss Dolly Dollars. Waltz — Memories of the Past. Virginia Reel — The Irish Washer- PARADE OF PUTNAM PHALANX As this was what might be called the Colonial day of the Centennial week it was appropriate that the famous Put- nam Phalan, of Hartford, the only mil- itary organization in the country that wears the old colonial uniform should have been the principal and to an extent the most prominent guests of the town. The public somehow or other appeared to share in that feeling. From the time the Centennial celebration opened there was nothing but hurrah and cheer and jollity. Thursday was the day of days for noise. It was in every sense of the word a military day and the people let themselves loose in the matter of cheers and noise of all kinds. But to-day was more like it should be. a Colonial day. The spirit of their ancestors appeared to permeate the peo- ple no matter what their standing in the business life. The Putnam Phalan, whose history dates back far beyond the ken of man of the present generation, arrived at I :20 o'clock in the afternoon from New Haven where they had rested after a strenuous day in Greenwich where they had assisted in the dedication of the Putnam House in that village. There was not more than the usual crowd at the depot when the train rolled in, and they were only merely curious. After thev had entrained the Phalan lost lit- 266 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. tie time. Sergeant Thayer, who had charge of the police squad, consulted with Major Mahl, in command of tb.e Phalanx, and after he had looked over some of the veterans of many wars, de- cided to cut the line of march. noble Duke of York and soldiers. Like the duke's men they stuck to the task set before them and witiiout a grum- ble went up the hill and down again. It is the old spirit of the Phalanx, to do or die. ROGERS BUILDING, SHOWING DECORATIONS. Headed by their own drum corps that plays only colonial tunes, the Phalanx bravely started up the hill to the mon- ument at the Town hall. Some of the men in the ranks when they saw what was before them sang the song of th.e The Phalanx had what in truth might well be called a hearty greeting. Many a head was bared as the command trudged along and especially was that true when the colors passed. The spirit of the day was everywhere. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 267 There were some might}' men in that famous company. Some of them tipped the scales at 260 pounds and weightier than that in the world of finance and in the law. Among them were seen an ex-judge, an ex-mayor, several banker?, dry goods merchants and two authors. The company made a handsome sight as it marched up and down the East Main street hill. The uniforms jnd ac- coutrements are the same as worn by their forefathers hundreds of years ago. Their heads were stopped by three-cor- nered hats with black and red plumes in the front. The coat of old fashion- ed colonial style and faced with buff, or as it is now called, colonial yelbw. The waistcoats were of buff with large buttons of a style that went out of fash- ion a hundred years ago. Knee breeches of black velvet were worn over buff topped boots. The guns they car- ried would make some men not in the ranks faint with fatigue before half the march had been covered. These old fashioned fiint lock muskets weighed only eleven and one -half pounds each and when a man of seventy carries one of them around for a mile or so it is a pull on the vital' ty. But not a man protested and every man was in his place in the ranks when th<; pa- rade was dismissed in front of .'he Winthrop hotel after the review by Mayor Reilly and the centennial com- mittee. One incident of the parade that was overlooked by a large number of the spectators was the color guard. On each side of the colors marched a man with gun cocked. The man on the left had the muzzle resting on the left arm and the man on the right let the muz- zle of his gun rest secure on the right arm. The hammers were up readv at any time to repel the enemy. This custom has been followed ever since the Phalan was organized. It has also been stated, and not contradicted, that the guns of the color guard are loaded and primed, ready for whatever might happen. The Phalanx were given a short march and were dismissed at the Winthrop hotel in time to meet the la- dies of their families and escort them to their rooms in the hotel where they rested until time for the minuet at the Colonial ball at the Auditorium held in the evening. HISTORY OF PUTNAM PHALANX. The Putnam Phalanx of Hartford, the Amoskeag veterans of Man- chester, N. H., and the Worcester Continentals of Worcester, Mass., are the only three military organizations in New England which preserve in- tact the uniform and drill of the j:^ev- olutionary army under vv^ashington. Of these three commands the Put- nam Phalanx is the most widely known throughout the country, its extended pilgrimages north, south and west and in Canada having en- sured it permanent distinction as a military body. It has visited or passed through at least ttiirty of the forty-five states of the Union. At the Centennial celebration of the battle of Bennington, Vt., the com- mand acted as escort for President Hayes and members of his cabinet, and on returning from the Nashville centennial in October, 1897, it was given a special reception at the White House by President McKinley. It was originally organized August 25, 1858, with the object in view of receiving Governor Thomas H. Sey- mour on his return from the Russian capital, where he held the place of United States minister. Governor Seymour, who had served with great gallantry in the Mexican war, was the idol of Hartford, and the public disposition was to give him the most brilliant of receptions on his return from Europe. At a preliminary meeting held in the Seymour Artil- lery armory in Hartford, August 20, 1858, it was voted that the corps should be called the Putnam Phalanx in honor of General Israel Putnam, the Revolutionary hero from Con- necticut. Horace Goodwin was elected ma- jor. The original captains were Allyn S. Stillman and Alexander M. Gordon. The first judge advocate was the noted orator, Isaac W. Stuart of Hartford The roll of the battalion 268 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. EDWARD MAHL, Major Putnam Phalanx. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 269 comprised the names of 150 of the most prominent and influential citi- zens of Hartford. FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE. The Phalanx made its first public appearance as a military organization December 22, 1858, when a street CAPT. H. B. PHILBRICK. Chief of Staff Putnam Pralanx. parade was given. No uniforms had been selected at that time and the members appeared in uniforms loaned by the Amoskeag veteran.?. Major Goodwin commanded and N. Sey- mour "Webb acted as adjutant. At the conclusion of the parade, which had been one of picturesque interest, owing to the continental uniforms and maneuvers, the Phalanx received from the descendants of General Put- nam an appropriate standard, bear- ing a likeness of the hero and the in- scription: "He dared to lead where any dared to follow." The second appearance of the bat- talion took place June 2, 1859. The members had secured their own uni- forms and paraded in them for the first time on that date. The Legisla- ture was in session in the old State house on Main street, now the City hall, on the day of the parade and witnessed the column in line. The effect of the new uniforms and the battalion maneuvers was so pleasing that a resolution was adopted by the General Assembly highly compli- menting the officers and men. Judge Hiram Willey of Hartford is the only member of the Senate of that year now living. Julius Catlin, the lieu- tenant governor and Colonel Henry C. Deming, members of the House from Hartford, were members of the battalion at the time- The Meriden member of the House was William W. Lyman. Augu.-itus Brandegee, father of United States S. B. BOSWORTH, Staff Putnam Phalanx. Senator Brandegee, was in the House from New London and Jeremiah Halsey and James A. Hovey from Norwich. Oliver H. Perry of Fair- field, father of Judge John H. Perry, was the speaker. This Legislative recognition was highly valued by the Phalanx. 270 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. GOV. SEYMOURS RECEPTION. The reception of Governor Thomas U Seymour tov which Iho IMiai&nx was organized at the oiitser. took place August 30, 185S. In this event the battalion won laurels of perpet- ual worth. The tributa laid by the command at the feet of the Mexican WM. J. M'CONVILLE, Asst. Paymaster Putnam Phalanx. warrior, governor of the state and minister from the Uniied Stares to Russia, was one which Governor Seymour regarded with the highest appreciation through the rest of his life. FIRST GREAT PILGRIMAGE. The first great pilgrimage of the Phalanx included a visit at Bunker Hill, where Judge Advocate Stuart, in a speech concerning the battle, June 17, 1776, astonished Vne men of Mas- sachusetts by his knowledge of the details of the engagement. He knew every inch of the grouna at Bunker Hill and the services rendered there by General Putnam. The Phalanx left Hartford on this pilgrimage on Tues- day, October 4, 1859, under command of Major Goodwin. Joseph D. Wil- liams, who was Governor Bucking- ham's war adjutant general, was ad- jutant of the battalion, but was not able to take part in the pilgrimage. His place was filled for the time be- ing by General Lloyd B. Baldwin. Henry C. Deming, wno was colonel of the Twelfth Connecticut in the Civil war, resigning his office as mayor of Hartford to accept the command of that regiment, was on Major Goodwin's staff. The Rev. Asher Moore, war chaplain, Allyn S. Stillman and Timothy M. Allyn, both afterwards mayors of Hartford, were officers in the First company of the battalion. 0. D. Seymour, who was for years sheriff of Hartford county, REV. ROCKWELL H. POTTER, Chaplain Putnam Phalanx. was the first lieutenant of the Second company. Colonel Colt was a mem- ber of the Color Guard. In the ranks were scores of business and profess- ional men of Hartford, including lieu- tenant Governor Catlin, Leverett Brainard and James LocKwood, of the publishing house of Case, Lockwood CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 271 & Brainard Daniel Phillips, John M. Gross, Henry Kennedy, Nelson C. Hinckley, Oliver Parish, Stiles D. Sperry, E. D. Tiffany, E. N. Kellogg and Gurdon Robins. The only men of the rank and file taking part in the Bunker Hill pll- JUDGE A. C. BILL, Lieut. Putnam Phalanx. grimage, who are still living, are H. B. Beach, Hiram Bissell, Wm. F. J. Boardman, Pliny Jewell, ex-Mayor John G. Root, president of the Farm- ers and Mechanics' National bank, ex-Director and Governor George G. Sill and Wm. F. Whittlesey. With the exception of ex-Mayor Root each one of the survivors is in the neigh- borhood of eighty years of age. The honorary members of the bat- talion at the time of the Bunker Hill visit included the Hom. a. E. Burr, George Brinley, ex-Congressman Ezra Clark, father of Charles Hopkins Clark, George H. Clark, the poet, James M. Goodwin, Solomon Porter, Wm. James Hamersley, father of Judge Hamersley of the Supreme court, Henry Keney ana C. H. North- am. Only one of the iist of honorary members in 1858 remains. Colonel David A. Rood, of Hartford, who is considerably past eighty. The Pha- lanx received ovations in Boston and Cambridge. At the residence of Ed- ward Everett on Summer street in Boston the battalion was addressed by that distinguished orator, and the response was made by Connecticut's foremost orator, Isaac W. Stuart. The scene was a proud one in the history of the Phalanx. At Bunker Hill speecnes of mem- orable interest and value were made by Judge Advocate Stuart and Henry C. Deming. who ranked next to Stuart HENRY F. SMITH, Capt. and Adjt. Putnam Phalanx. in the art of oratory. While in Bos- ton the Phalanx was brilliantly en- tertained at the home of one of its members, Oliver Ellsworth, of Somer- set street. The pilgrimage was ex- tended into Rhode Island, where the splendid reception that had been giv- en in Massachusetts was duplicated. 272 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. VISIT TO MT. VERXON. The second pilgrimage made by the Phalanx embraced a visit at Mount Vernon, where the tomb of Washing- ton is a mecca for the American peo- ple. The visit took place during the first week in December, 1860, a few months before the Civil war was in- augurated. The event lacked the in- terest and spirit that attended the Bunker Hill demonstration, the politi- cal disturbances of the time being an embarrassment. On the return from Goodwin occurred May 14, 1864. The funeral of Major Goodwin was attend- ed by the Phalanx in a body. The loss of both of these notable members of 'he command was Keenly felt. Al- lyn S. Stillman was elected Major Goodwin's successor, and held the office with honor and distinction. INAUGURAL PARADES. In May, 1862, the battalion took part in the inaugural parade at New Haven in honor of Governor Buckingham. This was the first appearance of the PALACE BLOCK, SHOWING DECORATIONS. Mount Vernon and Washington the battalion was received in Baltimore by the Baltimore City Guard. There was no premonition then of the scenes of bloodshed that were so fast making headway. The Baltimore men left nothing undone that could make the visit a military success. During the Civil war period there were not many events signalizing the history of the battalion. Judge Advocate Stuart died October 5, 1861, and the death of Major Horace Phalanx in an "election day" occur- rence. The next time it was at New Haven on "election day" was May 4, 1870, when the Hon. James E. Eng- lish, of that city, was inaugurated. The statue of General Putnam on Bushnell park in Hartford was un- veiled June 17, 1874. The Phalanx took an active part in the ceremonies under Major Henry Kennedy. The centennial of the battle of Benning- ton, Vt., was celebrated August 18, 1877, the Phalanx being prominent in CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. VZ the military pageant, that attended the ceremonies. It was at this time that the Phalanx furnished an escort for President Hayes. Two years be- fore this the battalion had been a participant in the centennial celebra- tion of the battle of Concord, Mass., the event taking place April 18, j.875. O. H. BLANCH ARD, Past Major Putnam Phalanx. The Nathan Hale monument in South Coventry was visited by the battalion, June 17, 1879. The oration commemorating the life and heroism of Captain Hale was delivered by Gen- eral Charles M. Joslyn, judge advo- cate at that time, and was a masterly analysis. Its eloquence is remem- bered by the Phalanx to this day. In 1888, June 17, the equestrian statue of General Putnam was dedi- cated in Brooklyn, the Phalanx par- ticipating in the dedication under Mayor Joseph warner. The idea of erecting a suitable memorial at the tomb of General Putnam was formu- lated, June 17, 1860, while the Pha- lanx was having its field day in Brooklyn. A committee of the bat- talion was appointed to take the pro- ject in charge. The members of this committee included Thomas H. Sey* mour, Isaac W. Stuart, Henry C. Deming, T. M. Allyn, E. N. Kellogg and Oliver Ellsworth. But the Civil war coming on, there was a general suspension of interest in the monu- ment. The dedication of the statue, which was provided for by legislative appropriation and the generosity of citizens of Brooklyn, was an event of great importance in the Phalanx his- tory. VISITED PHILADELPHIA, 1876. The battalion visited the Centennial fair in Philadelphia in 1876 and was in Atlanta, Ga., the last of the fall DR. HENRY BICKFORD, Past Major Putnam Phalanx. months in 1895. It visited the Nash- ville Centennial in October, 1897. On the way back, October 16, it was in Washington, D. C, and was received in the White House by President Mc- Kinley. Every member of the battal- ion was personally introduced to the 2/4 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. President. One of the interesting events which the Phalanx has partici- pated in in New Hampshire, was the dedication of a city pari?; in Manches- ter in honor of John Stark. This oc- curred June 17, 1893. There has been from the beginning a genuine friend- ship between the Amoskeag veterans of Manchester and the Phalanx. The two commands with the Worcester Continentals have not infrequently met on common grounds for annual festivities. VISIT TO MERIDEN IN 1865. The first visit made by the Phalanx in Meriden occurred July 4, 1865, un- der Major T. M. Allyn. It came to this city for the purpose of uniting in a public Fourth of July celebration. That was forty-one years ago. The development of Meriden in that pe- riod would be astounding in the eyes of the Phalanx visitors of that July day in 1865 could they but return this June afternoon of 1906. The second visit of the battalion here was on the occasion of a target shoot, October 16, 1885. A reception was given the mem- bers by United States Senator O. H. Piatt, followed by a dinner at the Winthrop. Twice since 1897 the bat- talion has had its annual target shoot in this city. OCCUPIED THREE ARMORIES. The battalion has had three armor- ies since its organization. The first one was in the Union hall building, oc- cupying the site of the present Con- necticut Mutual Life building. It was occupied for the first time Febru- ary 21, 1860. The second armory was in the Hammersley building on Main street, where the battalion remained for many years. The present armory at the corner of Pearl and Haynes streets was built expressly for the Phalanx, and is handsomely equipped. The annual meetings of the battalion, which take place February 22, Wash- ington's birthday, are occasions of un- paralleled interest in military centers in Hartford. SEVENTEEN COMMANDERS. The Phalanx has had seventeen commanders since it was organized in 1858. These have been majors: Hor- ace Goodwin, Allyn S. Stillman, James B. Shnltas, T. M. Allyn, Charles C. Burt, Seth E. Marsh, Henry Kennedy, H. J. Welch, Freeman M. Brown, Al- vin Squires, Clayton H. Case, Joseph Warner, O. H. Blanchard, Henry Bickford, M. D., J. N. Shedd, Charles B. Andrus, and Edward Mahl, the present incumbent of the office. There are five past majors living at the present time. They are Clayton H. Case, O. H. Blanchard, Henry Bick- ford, J. N. Shedd and Charles B. Andrus. Major Case was first elected February 4, 1885. He was in the Tenth Connecticut through the Civil war and afterwards served in the reg- ular army on the Plains in Indian war- fare. He is a member of Robert O. Tyler post, G. A. R., and of the Army and Navy club of Connecticut. He was on the staff of Governor L. A. Cooke of whom he was the brother-in- law. This gave him the rank of col- onel. He has been engaged in the jewelry business in Hartford upwards of thirty years and is at the head of one of the largest jewelry houses in the state. Colonel Case is a member of Washington commandery. Knights Templar of Hartford. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Past Major O. H. Blanchard was elected February 1, 1889. He has been a resident of Hartford since 1856 and is one of the old time business men of the city. The coffee and spice trade has commanded his attention most of his life. He is a Knight Tern plar and a man of superior citizen- ship. Past Major Henry Bickford was in the Civil war and is a member of Robert O. Tyler post. He has been president of the Connecticut Eclectic Medical association and is a member of the examining committee of the association, appointed under the gen- eral statutes. He was first elected' major February 22, 1896 and held the office until February 22, 1898, when he was succeeded by J. N. Shedd. Past Major Shedd is engaged in the truck- ing business and is at the head of the firm of Shedd & Coaksley. He was major for two years and was succeed- ed February 22, 1900, by Charles B. Andrus, who held the office until last February. Past Major Andrus is one of the largest building contractors in Hart- ford and a man of ample means. Dur- ing his administration the member- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 275 ship of the battalion was materially in- creased and its scope of activities enlarged. Major Andrus has taken an active interest in city affairs and has been a member of the Board of Fire commissioners. He is a mem- ber of Washington commandery, Knights Templar and of Sphinx tem- J. N. SHEDD, Past Major Putnam Phalanx. pie, order of the Mystic Shrine. He made one of the most popular com- mandants that the Phalanx has had. His staff selections were of a high order, and the esprit-de-corps of the command was unsurpassed by that dominating National Guard circles in the city. Major Mahl, the new com- mandant, has taken the command in a high state of discipline and military attainment. He has retained practi- cally all of the staff officers, who were appointed by his predecessor. This is the first time that the battalion has appeared under Major Mahl and the visit here has been anticipated for weeks by the command. At the present time there are 166 active members in the organization; 30 veterans, 19 associate and 18 hon- orary members. The veteran corps includes Dr. P. D. Peltier, who was surgeon of the battalion a number of years, ex-Fire Commissioner Henry Kohn, Wm. F. J. Boardman, Ariel Mitchelson, jr., of Tariffville, ex-Mayor Miles B. Preston, Colonel Herman A. Tyler, R. P. Kenyon and George H. Woolley. HONORARY MEMBERS. The honorary members of the Pha- lanx are: S. M. Bronson, Hartford; Hon. M. G. Bulkeley, Hartford ; Major J. F. Burke, Atlanta, Ga.; Hon. W. L. Calhoun, Atlanta, Ga.; Samuel L. Clemens, New York; Hon. Abiram Chamberlain, Meriden; Rev. J. F. Gleason, Norfolk; Hon. A. R. Goodrich, Vernon Depot, Hartford; Norman L. Hope, Hartford; CHARLES B. ANDRUS, Past Major Putnam Phalan.x. Hon. John F. Jones, Blacksburg, S. C. ; Samuel A. Moore, New Britain; Theo- dore I. Pease, Springfield, Mass.; Hon. John G. Root, Hartford; Hon. A. J. Sloper, New Britain; H. T. Sperry, Hartford; Hon. Nicholas Staub, New Milford; Hon. George G. Sumner, 2^6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Hartford, and Rev. J. K. Wheeler, Camden, N. J. This list includes the names of Former Gov. Abiram Chamberlain, of Meriden; United States Senator Mor- gan G. Bulkeley, and Lieutenant Gov- ernor George G. Sumner, men of de- served prominence in public and busi- ness life; Mayor William F. Henney, of Hartford, Governor Henry Roberts, Lieutenant Governor Rollin S. Wood- ruff, United States Attorney Francis H. Parker, W. 0. Burr, and Rufus H. Jackson, of the Hartford Times, Charles E. Billings, president of the Barrett, Thomas, Hartford. Bassett, Samuel, New Britain. Bell, K. \.. Portland. Bell, H. C, Portland. Benjamin, Scott R., Hartford. Bement, Kdward N., Hartford. Bickford, Dr. Henry, Hartford. Birmingham, Joseph M., Hartford. Bigelow, E. C, Hartford. Bill, Judge Albert C, Hartford. Bosworth, Stanley B., Hartford. Bowers, William H., Hartford. Brandegee, W. S., Berlin. Budde, A. W., Hartford. Brewer, B. Z., Hartford. OFFICE BUILDING, H. WALES LINES CO. Billings & Spencer company, and Isaac A. Allen, jr., are among the associate members. LIST OF ACTIVE MEMBERS. The list of actives is as follows: Adams, Dr. Henry E., Hartford. Alexander, Samuel, Hartford. Allen, James P., Hartford. Allen, George H., Hartford. Allen, F. N., Hartford. Allen, John W., New Britain. Allen, Norman F., Hartford. Andrus, Charles B., Hartford. Bailey, William, jr., Hartford. Balf, Edward, Hartford. Brott, George O., Hartford. Brunner, Dr. C. W., Brooklyn, N. Y. Callinan, D. J., East Hartford. Caulkins, W. E., Hartford. Clarke, Sidney E., Hartford. Clark, Roscoe N., Hartford. Coburn, Lemuel J., New Britain. Conrad, Philip, Hartford. Copeland, J. C, Hartford. Corbin, Frank H., New Britain. Coulter, W. 0., Saybrook. Crane, Charles E., Hartford. Crandall, S. Ashbell, Norwich. Crawley, William H., Hartford. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 277 Crilly, John A., Hartford. Davison, Dr. Luther A., Hartford. Decker, J. A., Hartford. Dewey, William A., New Britain. Dexter, J. Allen, Norwich. Dunn, Daniel P., Willimantic. Dwyer, William S., Hartford. Eddy, Horace W., New Britain. Ensign, F. H., Silver Lane. CLAYTON H. CASE, Past Major Putnam Phalanx. Filley, W. H., Windsor. Forbes, Walter, East Hartford. H. P. Fox, Hartford. Fox, H. W., Hartford. Furrey, Ervin L., Hartford. Gates, William E., Glastonbury. Goodfellow, William H., Hartford. Gowen, Joseph H., Hartford. Griswold, Dr. R. M., Hartford. Hale, Wallace L., Glastonbury. Hall, Benjamin, Norwich. Hamill, James, Glastonbury. Hammitt, E. Baldwin, Hartford. Hansling, Philip, jr., Hartford. Harbison, Alexander, Hartford. Heins, Frank W., Hartford. Henderson. Joseph H., Norwich. Hodgdon, George R., Hartford. House, Isaac C, Glastonbury. Howe, Louis W., South Glastonbury. Huntsinger, E. M., Hartford. Hurlbut, E. G., New Britain. James, William E., East Hartford. Johnson, Charles L., Hartford. Johnson, Frederick G., Hartford. Johnson, Frank H., New Britain. Kenyon, E. A., Hartford. Keyes, Charles H., Hartford. King, Henry T., Meriden. Kinne, Henry A., South Glastonbury. Landon, Frank H., Hartford. I^ane, Rollin D., Hartford. Latham, C. H., Hartford. Lewis, Ira F., Jewett City. Lincoln, James C, Berlin. Lindberg, Otto W., Norwich. Loveland, C. S., Glastonbury. Lucas, Elmer E., Hartford. Lyon, Felix, Hartford. Mahl, Edward, Hartford. Malcom, Thomas, Hartford. JOHN W. TITCOMB, Asst. Commissary Putnam Phalanx. Maslen, Stephen. Hartford. Merrill, A. H., Hartford. Miller, David H., Georgetown. Morgan, Nathaniel K., Hartford. Morrison, F. B., Thompsonville. Muller, Louis J.. New Britain. McConville, William J.. Hartford. 278 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Mclntyre, Archibald, Hartford. McMillan, D., New Britain. Naylor, Dr. J. H., Hartford. Newton, J. L., South Windsor. Oldershaw, A. H., New Britain. Oldershaw, F. n.. New Britain. Peck, Rial S., Hartford. Penfield, Loren D., New Britain. Philbrick, H. B., Hartford. Phillips, John W., Hartford. Pinches, John, New Britain. Pitt, John R., Middletown. Porter, E. J., New Britain. Porteus, Robert, Hartford. Preston, C. H., Norwich. Preston, E. M., Rockville. Priitting, George, jr., Hartford. Reid, James W., Hartford. Rice, Willard A., Hartford. Richards, F. H., Hartford. Riley, Stanley, J., Hartford. Rockwell, Albert F., Bristol. Rodgers, F. W., Hartford. Rogers, Noah, jr., Norwich. Rogers, Frederick, Hartford. Rollins, R. F., Hartford. Root, Dr. J. E., Hartford. Ropkins, E. I., Hartford. Rowley, Edward W., Hartford. Scailes, George W., Hartford. Schmidt, Emil, Hartford. Schierholz, Emil, Hartford. Seide, David, Hartford. Semple, James W., Norwich. Shea, John D., Hartford. Shedd, J. N., Hartford. Sherman, R. W., Hartford. Simmons, W. G., Hartford. Simpson, E. L., Kensington. Smith, Charles M., East Hartford. Smith, Henry F., Hartford. Smith, Thomas C, New Britain. Steele, Howard M., New Britain. Street. Joseph. Hartford. Stuart, William, Hartford. Sullivan, J. O., Willimantic. Svenson, Charles, Hartford. Talcott. Clinton, 0.. Glastonbury. Taussig, Charles, Hartford. Taylor, Peter, Hartford. Thompson, E. U., New Britain. Thompson, A. L., New Britain. Titcomb, J. W., Hartford. Towers, Joseph, New Britain. Traut, George W., New Britain. Tryon, Louis C, South Glastonbury. Vogelgesang. P. R., New Britain. Wakefield. Walter L., Hartford. Waldo, Harold B., Glastonbury. Walsh, John, New Britain. Warner, Arthur D., Woodbury. Warner, Fred W., Hartford. Washburn, A. L., Hartford. Katers, Dr. John B., Hartford. Watson, Alexander, Hartford. Weir, Leverett A., East Glastonbury. Weldon, Dr. T. H., So. Manchester. Wilson, Arthur M., Hartford. Woodworth, Frank H., Norwich. Yates, Erton P., Hartford. Young, E. S., Hartford. BRILLIANT ORATORS. The judge advocates of the Phalanx staff have been men of oratorical bril- liancy from the outset. Ex-Governor George P. McLean was judge advocate under Major C. H. Case and was a flit- ting successor in the line from Isaac W. Stewart. As judge advocate he possessed the same charm of expres- sion and eloquence that have signal- ized his public addresses in recent years. General Charles M. Joslyn pre- ceded Governor McLean in the office of judge advocate and was an elegant master of the art of public speaking. There is a wealth of oratory in the Phalanx. One of the brilliant speakers in the organization, perhaps the most bril- liant, is the chaplain, the Rev. Rock- well Harmon Potter, pastor of the Center church, which was founded by Thomas Hooker, holds the position of chaplain on the staff. He is without doubt the most gifted pulpit orator in the state, preaching always without notes and holding his audiences spell- bound from the beginning to the end of his sermon. He was born in Glenville, Schenectady county, N. Y., in 1874 and was hardly past twenty- six years of age, when he was settled as pastor of the Center church, Octob- er 3, 1900. He graduated from Union college in 1895 and became pastor of the Dutch Reformed church in Flush- ing,, L. I., in 1898. He was born and grew up on a farm and has brought to his work the strength and vigor of country life. Chaplain Potter is an ideal speaker in his pulpit and out. The Honorary corps of the Battalion has on its roll a name that has long been recognized as an exponent of Connecticut oratory. Ex-Lieutenant Governor George G. Sumner is one of the most attractive and graceful public speakers in the state. He has the charm and felicity of utterance that made Governor CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 279 Thomas H. Seymour the idol of public assemblies. It is unnecessary to trace their lives longer. The home of eloquence for well nigh half a century has been in the Putnam Phalanx. Judge William J. McConville, assist- ant paymaster on the staff was elected judge of the Police court in Hartford A. Al. WILSON, ■ Quartermaster Putnam Phalanx. in 1889, while he was clerk of the state Senate. He was city attorney six years and has been in public service through a long period. He is one of the oldest members of the Governor's Foot Guard and belongs to Washington command- ery. Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Center church of which Chaplain Potter is the pastor. Lieutenant Albert C. Bill, engineer on the staff, is of the law firm of Bill & Tuttle. He has been judge of the Popile court and is a prominent mem- ber of the bar. Judge Bill has served in the Governor's Foot Guard and on the staff of the First regiment. C. N. G. He is a staff officer of high at- tainments. Commissary Stanley B. Bosworth is one of the foremost members of the Masonic order in Hartford and is at the head of Sphinx Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. He has served in both branches of the city government and is an active business manager. The assistant engineer, Stephen Mas- len, has been on the staff for a number of years, being originally appointed by Major Andrus. He is at the head of the Stephen Maslen Monument works, the largest in Hartford. Lieutenant Maslen is a Knights Templar and a man of recognized ability in the busi- ness life of Hartford. He has held an interesting place in musical circles, be- ing a singer of superior merit. Paymaster Alexander Harbison has been the mayor of Hartford, and is one of the best off-hand speakers in the battalion. Edward Balf, the success- LIEUT. STEPHEN MASLEM, Putnam Phalanx Staff. ful contractor for state and city en- terprises, is the standard bearer on the non-commissioned staff and H. P. Fox of the firm of Simons & Fox, is the sergeant major. He is a veteran of the Civil war and a past commander of Robert O. Tyler post. The wife of Sergeant Major Fox has the official 28o CKNTENNIAL OF MKRIDEN". decorations for the Centennial in charge. There are three civic officers in the Battalion. The clerkship is held by E. W. Rowley, president and treasurer Of the Calhoun Printing company, Wil- liam S. Dwyer, of the First National bank is the treasurer and, Sidney E. Clarke is the historian. James P. Al- len, who has been in both boards of the Court of Common Council, is the captain of the First company, and E. B. Bigelow, of the Second. The rank and file of the battalion stand for good CHARLES H. KEYES, Judge Advocate Putnam Phalanx. citizenship and high civic standards. From the beginning bt its career it has been an honor to belong to the Pha- lanx. The General Assembly has given the Putnam Phalanx an official military character by the adoption of enact- ments concerning its interests. One statute requires the governor's approv- al of the election of major. March 16, 1897, a resolution was passed by the General Assembly giving the Battalion the right to carry state arms. It has a full complement of breech loading. flint lock muskets that were owned by the United States government one hundred years ago. These ancient breech loaders are taken out only on set occasions. The old Springfield is the common arm of the battalion. MAJOR MAHL. Major Mahl has been an influential business man in Hartford foi twenty- five years and is actively identified with Knight Templars and political interests in the city. He is a past eminent commander of Washington commandery and has been a member of both boards of the Court of Com- mon Council. He has also l;een a member of the Police comrnission m Hartford. Major Mahl was bor^i in Norwich, Christmas day, ISSo. Since 185 9 he has lived in Hartford, meet- ing with success in every enterprise that has commanded his attention. He has been a member of the First com- pany, Governor's Foot Guard, a dis- tinction that is possessed by several members of his staff, including Judge William J. McConville and Judge Al- bert C. Bill. Major Mahl is a mem- ber of the South Baptist church in Hartford, wheve he is held in the highest personal regard. HENRY F. SMITH. The adjutant of the battalion, Henry F. Smith, is the town and city clerk of Hartford and one of the town's most popular citi::ens. At the last city election he shovv^ed notable elements of strength, receiving nearly the whole German voto in the city. Pie is of German descent and has complete mastery of his language. As a public official Adjutant Smith is a model of courtesy and uprightness. Flo has been in office so long that the Iifxlls of Record in Hartford would seem strange withouc him. He has been on the Phalanx stai'f some ten yi.'ars in al. He was the first reap- pointment made by Major Manl after his election in February. H. B. PHILBRICK. The chief of staff, H. 3. Philbrick, is, like the major, a past eminent commander of Washington com- mandery and has won rauch distinct- ion in Connecticut Knight Templnr- ism. He wa.", a member of the Fifty- yecond Massachusetts infantry during CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 281 the Civil war and belongs to Robert O. Tyler post of the Grand Army. He has lived in Hartford thirty years and is one of the principal building con- tractors in that city. He has served in both branches of the Court of Common Council and is at the pres- ent time the first selectman. In all he has spent ten years on the Board ISAAC W. STUART, First xAdjutant Putnam Phalanx. of Selectmen. Chief of Staff Phil- brick was born in South Hadley Falls, Mass., and is sixty-two years of age. He is a man of fine intellect- ual gifts and a most interesting lec- turer, chiefly concerning the Yellow- stone park. JOHN W. TITCOMB. The Board of SeleC'"njen in Hart- ford also tias a representativ;^ on the staff in Lieutenant John W. Titcomb, (he assistant commissary. rielect- man Titcomb has lived in Hartford u J) wards of thirty yenrs, and is aoTive in poli; ics and business. He has a large amount of property under his management in Hai tford. He is connected with the Rev. Dr. Edwin Pond Parker's church and is a repre- sentative of the best type of citizen- ship. ARTHUR M. WILSON. Quartermaster Arthur M. Wilson has been a member of the Phalanx staff half a dozen years or more and is an ideal staff official. He is the vice president and treasurer of the E. S. Kibbe company, one of the largest wholesale grocery houses in Hartford. He is a native of Windsor and is forty-eight years of age. CHARLES H. KEYES. .ludge Advocate Charles H. Keyes is the principal of the South sciiool in Hartford and one of the most widely known educators in Xbw Eng- EX-GOV. GEORGE P. M'LEAN, Past Judge Advocate Putnam Phalanx. land He came here from the west some years ago with an established reputation as a teacher He is an ex- ponent of modern methods in the ed- ucational field Judge Advocate Keyes is a Knight Templar and a fine after dinner speaker CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ATHLETIC GAMES AT TROTTING PARK The Centennial athletic games were a strong feature of to-day's programme and the Meriden Trotting park was the niecca in the afternoon for a large num- ber of sporting people as well as others of less sportive proclivities, all bent on seeking the best list of field and track events, arranged for any meet in this town in many a day. Yale, Wesleyan and Trinity entries served to give the meet imiisual promi- nence, and noted amateurs from l\ew York and Brooklyn, as well as the state and local entries made up as fine and clean an aggregation of athleces as might be looked for at any of the big college meets. The meet too, sanc- tioned by the Amateur Athletic Union of America, will have a record in the annals of sporting events of widespread importance. Prominent among the Yale starters was E. B. Parsons, Jr., who has repre- sented his college at the Grecian games and the intercollegiate meets and holds the half-mile record. Allen F. Foster and J. F. Williams were two other prominent Yale men entered in the mile and half-mile events. In the sprints J. E. Drummond of Yale was regarded as a likely candidate for prize honors. First on the programme were the track events, and it was after 2 o'clock when the first heat of the 100 yards dash fopen) was called and alternat- ing with this event was the 100 yards dash for local sprinters. Then c?m.e the half-mile run, tug of war, final heats in the open and local 100 yards dashes, one-mile run, 220 yards dash and mile relay race. The field events, which were for local athletes, came in this order: High jump, pole vault, broad jump and shot put. It was, indeed a most successful event, though the attendance might have been larger were the park more con- venient of access. Robinson, of Yale, who was entered just before the meet, proved to be the star sprinter, for besides winning the 100 yards open he also captured the 200 yards dash, with L. B. Stevens, N. J. A. C, second, and J .E. Diamond, Yale, third. This was intended to be a 220 yards dash, but a mistak ewas made in measuring the distance and after the time, 20 1-2 seconds, was announced it was found to be twenty yards short. LIST OF STARTERS. The following were the names and numbers of the starters in all the events : I, Geo. Fulton, Meriden; 2, Frank Despins, Meriden ; 3, Philip Despins, Meriden ; 4, Stanley Ray, Meriden ; 5, Harry Coan, Meriden ; 6, Claude Sut- liffe, Meriden ; 7, Edgar Adams, Meri- den ; 8, Raymond Mitchell, Meriden; g, Harold M. Budd, Meriden; 10, Her- bert J. Reeves, Meriden; 11, Frank Ma- ronn; 12, Walter Immich, Meriden; 13, Joseph Butler, Waterbury; 14, John F. Rourke, New Britain; 15, Edward San- berg, New Britain; 16, Timothy Dwy- er, Middletown ; 17, Lester B. Stevens, New Haven ; 18. James E. Drummond, Yale; 19, J. F. Williams, Yale; 20, Fred Heisler, New Britain ; 21, D. C. Pond, Trinity; 22, Jas. O. Morris, Trinity; 23, W^m. E. Gould, New Britain ; 24, A. E. Mason, New Haven; 25, L. N. Foster, New Haven ; 26, Wm. L'Engle, New Haven ; 27, Edward B. Gray, Wes- leyan; 28, William Van Thun, Brook- lyn ; 29, E. B. 'Parsons, Jr., Yale ; 30, Hillier, C. McBurrowes, Yale ; 31, Burt J. Bannon, Hartford; 32. Allen E. Foster, Yale ; 33, Henry H. Mason, New Haven; 34, William F. Miller, New Ha- ven. OPEN EVENTS. This is a list of the entries for the different open events : 100 yards dash — Henry H. Mason. Highwood ; J. E. Drummond, Yale ; Les- ter B. Stevens, N. Y. A. C, New Ha- ven ; William F. Miller, New Haven ; Timothy P. Dwyer, Middletown; Ed- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 283 ward Sanberg, New Britain ; John F. Rourke, New Britain ; Joseph F. But- ler, Waterbury; Harold, Budd, Meriden; Raymond Mitchell, Meriden. 220 yards dash — Raymond Mitchell, Y. M. C. A,, Meriden ; Joseph F. But- ler, Waterbury High school ; John F. Rourke, Tuxedo A. C, New Britain ; Edward Sanberg, Y. M. C. A., New Britain ; Timothy P. Dwyer, Middle- town; Lester B. Stevens, N. Y. A. C. ; James E. Drummond, Yale ; J. F. Wil- liams, Yale. One mile run — Fred Heisler, New A. E. Mason, New Haven ; L. N. Fos- ter, New Haven; Wm. J. L'Engle, Yale; Edward B. Gray, Wesleyan; William Van Thun, Brooklyn ; J. F. Williams, Yale; E. B. Parsons, Jr., Yale; Hillier C. McBurrowes, Yale; Burt J. Bannon, Hartford. LOCAL EVENTS. High jump — Raymond Mitchell, Har- r}' J .Coan, Walter L .Immich, Frank C. Maronn. Broad Jump — -Frank Despins, Stanley G. Ray, Philip J. Despins, H. J. Reeves. Shot Put — Frank C. Maronn, Frank OFFICE S. N. E. TELEPONE CO. Britain; D. C. Pond, Trinity; James O. Morris, Trinity; William E. Gould, Y. M. C. A., New Britain; Edward San- berg, New Britain ; A. E. Mason, New Haven; Wm. J. L'Engle, New Haven; Edward B. Gray, Wesleyan; William Van Thun, Xavier A. A., Brooklyn; J. F. Williams, Yale; E. B. Parsons, Jr., Yale; Allen E. Foster, Yale; Burt J. Bannon, Y. M. C. A., Hartford. Half Mile Run— Fred Heisler, New Britain; D. C. Pond, Trinity; James O. Morris, Trinity; Wm. E. Gould, New Britain ; Edward Sanberg, New Britain ; Despins, Robert Chaffee, H. J. Reeves. Pole Vault— Richard Hiller, John Marquardt, Herbert Maronn. 100 Yards Dash — Geo. Fulton, Frank Despins, Philip J. Despins, Stanley G. Ray, Raymond Mitchell, Harold M. Budd, Herbert J. Reeves, Harry J. Coan, Claude V. Sutliffe, Edgar J. Adams. Mile Run— Frank C. Maronn, Walter L. Immich. Co. I Tug-of-War — Anthony Cara- bine, Capt. ; Geo. Magee. Herbert Spen- cer, L. B. K. Goring, E. F. Walcott. ^84 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Co. L Tug-of-War — George Savage, William Bemont, William DeCantillon, William Thorpe, Harry Warner. Y. M. C. A. Relay— Frank C. Ma- ronn, H. J. Reeves, Geo. Fulton, Stan- ley Ray. Co. L Relay — Fred Hall, Henry Schaefer, George St. Arnauld, Samuel Tyler, Ray Mitchell. OFFICIALS. The officials of the meet were : Referee — Mayor Thomas L. Reillv. Clerk of Course— R. B. Hyatt. Assistant Clerk of Course — W. H. Hinsdale. Judges at Finish — Roswell Tripp, Yale; W. H. Crammer, A. N. Butler, J. J. Quill, Yale. Field Judges — J. E. Reynolds, W. C. North, Wesleyan; E. C. Geehring. Timers — W. T. Coholan, Yale ; Dan- iel Budd, Robert Pallet. Starter — J. M. Gates, Captain Yale track team. Announcer — R. R. Reilly. Scorer — Howard C. Tryon. SPRINT EVENTS. It was 2 :35 when the first heat of the 100 yards dash, open, was started and those who qualified were : Stevens, New Haven first, Drummond of Yale second and Miller of New Ha- ven, third. Time, lo 3-5 seconds. The winners of the second heat were : Robinson of Yale first : Rourke, New Britain, second; O'Connell, third. Time, 11 seconds. In the 100 yards for local sprinters, Phil Despins," Mitchell and Sutliffe qualified in order in the first heat. Time, 11 seconds. In the one mile run W. J. L'Engle of Yale came first ; W. Van Thun, Brook- Ij'u, second; A. E. Foster, Yale, third. Time 4 149. Ray, Budd and Coan qualified in the second heat. Time, 10 3-5 seconds, test by one-half inch. TUG OF WAR. Company I team won the first heat from Company L in the tug of war con- MASON WINS HALF MILE. Mason of Highwood won the half mile run, with Williams of Yale second and Parson of Yale, third Time, 2:04 1-2. ROBINSON WINS FINAL. Robinson was first in the final heat of the 100 yards open ; O'Connell second and Stevens third. Time, 10 1-2. PHIL DESPINS WINS. Phil Despins won in the final of the local 100 yards dash, with Ray second and Mitchell third. Time, 10 3-5. WINNERS OF LOCAL EVENTS. Pole vault — First, Herbert Maronn ; second, John Marquardt; third, Richard Hiller; distance, 7 feet, 6 inches. Shot put — First, Robert Chaffee ; sec- ond, Frank Maronn ; third, H. J. Reeves; distance, 34 feet, 2 inches. High jump — First, Ray Mitchell; sec- ond, Harry Coan ; third, Frank Maronn ; height, 4 feet, 8 inches. Broad ump — First, Phillip Despins; second, Frank Mraonn; third, Stanley Ray; distance, 17 feet, 10 inches. Relay race, one mile — First, High school ; second, Compan I ; third, Y. M. C. A. ; timt, 4 minutes, 3-5 seconds. It was said the poor showing made by Parsons, the crack distance runner of Yale, was due to the fact that he has been hard at work this week on his examinations, and was in anything but o'ood form. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 285 Saturda}^ June 16 — Incorporation Day The rain which fell in the morning could not dampen the Centennial en- thusiasm, nor to any great extent mar the success of Meriden's great gala week. The Saengerbund parade, the reproduction of "The First Town meeting" were given in the morning according to the schedule, while at 12 :58 the Holy Cross and Wesleyan baseball teams arrived at the depot and were met by a big crowd to see the stars of both colleges. It had just stopped rain- ing and the weather was yet threaten- ing, but this did not deter the two clubs, and after dressing at the Winthrop ho- tel they proceeded to Hanover park. The historical exercises in the after- noon at the First Congregational church formed a memorable occasion in them- selves. The church was well filled when the announcement was made of the sing- ing of the national hymn by the au- dience. Then Rev. 'Albert J. Lord gaye the invocation, appealing for the Divine blessing upon the gathering. George IMunson Curtis, president of the General Centennial committee, who has given many months of earnest ef- fort to the Centennial celebration, gave a few introductory remarks, briefly re- viewing what had been accomplished and the purpose of the occasion. The Commemoration ode was read by its author, William Savage Johnson, Ph. D., of Yale university, and a Mer- iden boy. This poem, which will be found in full on page 47, was written by this talented young man for the oc- casion. Judge Simeon E. Baldwin, LL. D.. of New Haven, justice of the Supreme court, and president of the American Historical association, in his address represented the New Haven Colony Historical society, which numbers Mer- iden people in its list. His address will be found in full on another page. Following the organ voluntary, George M. Curtis gave an address on a "General Historical Sketch of Meriden." This comprehensive paper, which is one of the most complete and interesting of the features of the Centtnnial is given in full elsewhere. St. Andrew's choir sang an anthem,, and then Hon. Cyrus LaRue MunsDu, of Williamsport, Pa., gave a most in- teresting address upon "New Eng- land's Influence upon our Institutions and in American Progress." The ad- dress in full is also given elsewere. It was listened to with great attention and forms a noteworthy paper in the great historical review. After the singing of "America" by the audience, the afternoon exercises closed with the benediction bv Rev. A. J. Lord. The evening exercises were held in the same church at 7 :30 and consisted to a great extent of the same line of thought that was considered in the af- ternoon. The programme is given in full as follows : Auld Lang Syne sung by the audience Invocation Rev. Albert J. Lord Address, The Infant Industries of • Meriden During the Years 1825 to 1850. New England Echoes from Other Lands Julius H. Pratt, of Montclair, N. T. Address, Recollection of Meriden Sixty Years Ago Prof. David N. Camp, of New Britain Reading of Winning Historical Essays of school children and awarding of prizes William P. Kelly. Supt. of schools Old Hundred, sung by the audience Benediction Rev. Albert J. Lord 286 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. REPRODUCTION OF FIRST TOWN MEETING The "Reproduction of the First Town Meeting of Meriden" brought out an audience that completely filled the seat- ing capacity of the auditorium of the new Town hall. The same decorations that graced the Colonial ball were al- lowed to remain and served as an added charm to the stage settings and cos- tumes of a century ago. Representative citizens of both Mer- iden and Wallingford were in attend- ance, and the distinguished women of the city and the borough were likewise largely in evidence. For many the re- production of town meeting scenes was entirely new and for such old timers in the service as First Selectman George W. Miller and Town Clerk Herman Hess, it was a refreshing representation of scenes enacted in their own times, and there was enough of the comedy element to relieve the monotony and tediousness of the customary cut and dried town meetin' facts. Sherman F. Johnson, the author of the reproduction, was the recipient of many hearty congratulations for the clever manner in which he grouped the historical facts of one hundred years ago and put them into dramatic form. It was no easy task to take such a dry subjject and mould it into an interest- ing as well as instructive play, but Mr. Johnson proved equal to the occasion, and not only that but he showed that he is a capable stage director in addi- tion to being a thespian of no mean ability. All the congratulations he re- ceived were fully deserved. The only unfortunate mix-up that occurred during the entire week hap- pened in connection with the reproduc- tion of the town meeting at which the Putnam Phalanx was to be present and act as an escort of the cast to the au- ditorium. Owing to an unfortunate misunder- standing between committees, the cast was not notified to go to the Winthrop to be escorted and the Putnam Pha- lanx, who were ready and waiting for the purpose, were not notified until too, late for them to attend the meeting. The Phalanx were in no manner re- sponsible for their not being present. The stage with its antique benches, colonial color and pictures of George Washington and Israel Putnam, was in keeping with the period of repro- duction, as far as possible, and the cos- tumes of the cast and electors were truly representative of by-gone times. All the principals of the cast did very creditable work. Dr. G. A. Hill, as Dr. Ensign Hough, was the person- ification of dignity, and he made an ideal part of the doctor. In contrast to Dr. Hough was Moses Barns, im- personated by Waldemar C. Hirsch- feld, and he put a lot of dramatic force into the fiery, secessionist, who wanted to cut loose at once from all Walling- ford surroundings. Two others, who filled all require- ments, were Hugh F. Hagarty, as Geo. W. Stanley, the moderator, and Rev. A. W. Shaw, as town clerk. They were exact reproductions of what might be considered their prototypes a cen- tury ago. William C. Brown, as Giles O. Griswold, was another who invested his character with a good deal of dig- nity and sustained his part admirably to the end. Sherman F. Johnson gave an idealistic impersonation of Rev. Erastus Riple3% a clergyman of the old school. Mr. Johnson showed considerable ver- satility in his comedy work, for the three comedians were entirely distinct, one from the other. There was Absa- lom Royce, the part taken by Albert A. Gustine, who made a spread eagle speech that thoroughly enthused the en- tire audience. Then Frank L. Bur- leigh, as Hezekiah Prindle. was the typi- cal old tavern rounder, with his bea- con light, and his acting was capital, without oeing overdone at any time. Most of the quiet comedy work fell to CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 287 Arthur W. Taylor, who was full of funny business, as Herodotus Peck, from start to finish. Dr. Isaac Hough, son of Dr. Ensign Hough, let his father do all the talking. Principal W. J. Prouty, of the Meriden High school, who impersonated this party, was strong on makeup, if not talk, and he broughc down the house on his first appearance. Others in the cast who saw that the motions were properly put and seconded w'ere Charles M. Glantz as Jehu Pres- ton and Henry L. Carpenter as Deacon Mitchell. Besides the above cast there was a number of electors at the meeting in- cluding Chatham Freeman, Richard Griffin, H. D. Beebe, Alfred B. Savage, Herbert Billian, August H. Riecke, Ed- ward D. Bradstreet, Nelson C. John- son, Stanley White, Dwight Ives, Stan- ley Lynn, Walter L. Immich, Leroy W. Gardner, Samuel McNabb, John B. Dunlop, Herbert C. May, Edwin E. Gib- son, Ed. L. Montgomery, E. 'M. Ives, Ed. Hart, H. Burdette Evarts. Oliver R. McCarthy, jr., Burton I. Miller, Wil- liam Wear, Lewis E. Wood, Albert Gra- ham and Augustus H. Jones. A full text of the reproduction fol- lows : (Enter Moses Barns and Giles Gris- wold.) (Barns) Ho! Friend Griswold, you and I be the first ones here. Don't the people of Meriden appreciate their rights and privileges enough to get up in time for the first town meeting in their history? You and I, Griswold, are the most earnest and patriotic men in Meriden. (Griswold) And all the more remark- able on your part, Master Barns, since you have but lately become one of us. (Barns) But now I have become one of you I am the most loyal of citizens of the new town. Cheshire wasn't no place for a live man. In Meriden I hope to find men — even if they be too lazy to get to their first town meeting as early as me — (Griswold) A converted Cheshire man. (Barns) You won't find me no back- slider, nuther. Master Griswold. I be a fair, just man, I be, so that when I tell you Cheshire is a very Sodom and Gamorrah to flee from I hope you be- lieve me. Them Cheshire men are a queer passel of folk. They tell this story of a Cheshire man who sells milk to them who don't raise cows. It mayn't be true — and it may. The man's nephew, who had been a sailor, come home from a voyage and brought with him a monkey he'd picked up some where. Well, the old man had been paid one day and paid in money. Money being as scarce with him as with most men he kept ataking of it out of his pocket and looking at it and counting it. There's a little pond near his house and he sat down on the bank and a.-, usual begun to look at and count his monev. Well, it seems the monkey had been watching him and when it SHERM \\ 1 J HNSOX. found a chance it grabbed the money and climbed the tree under which tne man was sitting. The little critter sat down on a limb and begun to count the money. The first coin he throwed down to the man, the second he throwed in- to the pond, and so he kept it up. See- ing which our friend throws up his hands and yells : "He must be the devil, for what come from the milk he gives back to me, and what come from the 288 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. water he gives back to the water." Of course, I won't say the story's true. (Griswold) You only suspect it is. Ha! Ha! (Barns) Yes, and they say this same man is so mean that when he travels more than a day's journey he always carries a hen along in his wagon to pick up the oats his horse wastes and to lay him an egg for his breakfast. And that story I believe. (Griswold) You don't give a feilow creature credit for more virtues than he can prove he possesses. (Barns) What's the use? Even when H. L. CARPI-XTER. you take the strictest accounting there be always plenty of faults you don't know about. What I should" like to know, Friend Griswold, is why you people of Aleriden allow the first' meet- ing in your history to have for it's mod- erator a Wallingford man? Ain't there enough life-sized men in Meriden, or don't 3'ou dare cut wholly loose from your mother's apron strings? (Griswold) Why, Master Stanley wa.- appointed moderator by the General Assembly when it granted us permis- sion to hold the meeting and become a separate town. Besides we have no quarrel with our mother town. We part not in anger. 'Tis only that we be so far away that we would leave her. We have nothing but love and respect for Wallingford. (Bams) Love and respect! Bah I Tis a boiling disgrace that Meriden's first town meeting should be managed oy a man from Wallingford. I know naught of George W. Stanley save that m >s a Wallingford man — but that's enough. (Griswold) You, our newest citizen^ seem the most concerned about our town's dignity. (Barns) Dignity! Bah! Common rights, common justice. Why didn't wc elect a Britisher our first President in- stead of General Washington? T.-^-'n't too late to have one now. Tell Presi- dent Jefferson and he will get out and let a beef-eating redcoat in. Why not show our love and respect for Old Mother England? ]\Iark mj' words'. We aint done with the old lady yet. What is she doing now? Stopping all our ships, interfering with our com- merce and snapping her fingers at Pres- ident Jefferson, when he tries to pro- test. And do you suppose that all thi> coun.try to the west that our Captain Lewis and Captain Clark have this year traveled across and explored — do jou 'spose the British won't be holding that with their bullets and bayonets. ^'^^ may suppose they won't, but I know better. And thev'd hke to get their claws on Texas, which Captain Zeb- Pike has just explored and which some folks is talking of taking into our union of states. Lord ! we don't want no more land. We got more than we can han- dle now. I never would have bought the Louisiana Territory. Who's that comin' in. Friend Griswold? (Griswold) Ha! Ha! That is a most enlightening question. That is Parson Ripley. Where be you o' Sundays, Mas- ter Barns? (Barns) I ain't no Congregationalist- This is the first time I was ever in the meeting house. I be a Baptist. I was present at the ordination of my own pastor. Rev. Samuel Miller, the other day. (Ripley) Well, my good men, voii .ire here, bright and early. (Griswold) Almost as early, parson^ as when I got home from your ordi- nation ball three years ago. (Ripley) Ha! Ha! and I hope clearer headed. CENJENNIAL OF MERIDKN. 289 (Enter Chatham Freeman.) (Ripley) Ah! Friend Freeman, come to exercise the rights won by bullets and bravery? (Griswold to Barns) 'Tis Chatiiani Freeman. He was a slave of Noah Yale before the war, but he, Black Boss, Abel Curtiss' black boy; and some oth- ers of the slaves held here won th--; freedom by enlisting in the army. (Enter Jehu Preston and others.) (Griswold) What ails Jehu Preston? Jehu, where have you been? (Preston) Where have I been? It"s lucky Fm not there now. Why, I tcli ofif the bridge across Pilgrims' Harbor Brook into the swamp. (Barns) And of all swamps thai is the swampest I ever see. Whatever you people settled this place for is more than I can understand. With that mire and muck to the west of us and that tangle of Dogs' Misery to the east of us — 'tis a wonder you wasn't all 'Mt'aer drowned or lost. (Griswold) They tell of what might have been a very pretty romance in rri- nection with the Pilgrims' Harbor brook. The daughter of Captain Ezc- kiel Rice, over there, fell into the wa- ter, and was rescued unconscious. She was of a romantic, high strung, iixhty nature, and she vowed she'd wed h-=;r rescuer. (Barns) Well, did she? (Griswold) Why, no. You see she v.'as saved by Stephen Bailey's big New- foundland dog. (Ripley) Ah, here comes Dr. Hough — both Drs. Hough. (Barns) Deliver me from the whole tribe of Houghs. Bah ! (Griswold) What have you against them? Speak low, Dr. Ensign Hough is our most prominent citizen, and, as men in this town go, a big man. (Barns) His son, Dr. Isaac Hough, I can well believe, is a big man. (Griswold) He is tarnal sensitive about his weight, which must be nigh 400 pounds or more. (Barns) I can't stomach none of 'em. (Griswold) What have the Houghs ever done to you ? (Barns) They're an overbearin', ar- rogant set of dandies, who, because they've got more eddication than most of us, and can dress in fine clothes and wear beaver hats every day, and carry gold-headed canes think tha.t they're bet- ter than their neighbors. And how do 19 they make their money? Why, by grind- in' the poor ! When I had the lumbago last winter, I had the old doctor come to see me once — just once, mind ye,^ and he charged me a shilling — twenty- five cents for driving over to my place just once. (Griswold) Twenty-five cents is his regular fee, Master Barns. (Barns) Grindin' the poor, and him growing rich with his tavern, too. Why, he sells enough rum to make him a rich man — and tarnation poor liquor at that! (Griswold), Oh! Come now. Master Barns, You can't say the doctor don't keep the best. A. A. GUSTINE. (Barns) I believe you. He keeps it close. He sells the worst. (Griswold) No, no, the doctor's liq- uors are good, sound, healthy liquors. Didn't you never hear about the Hart- ford man who liked the stuff? No? Well, it was this way. He was on his way to New Haven a horseback. He stopped in front of the tavern, and, with- out getting down from his horse, called out to one of the doctor's female help : "Say, do you keep good cider?" "We do that," says the girl. "Fetch me a 290 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. quart," says he. The girl brought him a quart of cider, which he drank at one long draught. Then he sat think- ing and smacking his lips in judgment. Then, "Fetch me another," says he. So the girl fetches him another quart, which he drinks like the other, at one draught, and still sitting in his saddle. Then he hands back the pot, slowly swings himself from his horse and says, "Yes, that is pooty fair. I guess TU go in and have some." (Barns) Every man to his taste. That must have been some time ago. He nev- WILLIAM C. BR OWN. er could have drank so much of the brand the doctor sells to-day. (Griswold) Not so long, nuther. Let me think. 'Twas the same year Gener- al Washington came to Meriden and that was — that was in 1797 — nine years ago. (Barns) Drat these pewter buttons! I hope Samuel Yale is here to-day. I want to give him a piece of my mind about the way he makes his buttons. If a man is going to do a job, why can't he do it proper? I say — ah! there he is. I'll tell him! (Moves over to Yale. ) (Rev. Ripley) Ah, Dr. Hough, this is a glorious day in the history of our town. (Hough) Glorious, indeed, Parson Ripley. We are making history to- day. In a humble way, perhaps, but history, nevertheless. Americans are never content until they are free, parson. (Ripley) Perhaps some day we shall be as thriving and important a place as our parent town, or even one of our eapitols, Hartford or New Haven. (Hough) It will take time, but no telling what will happen. (Enter Stanley.) Ah, there is Master Stanley. (Advances to meet Stanley) Good morning. Mother Wallingford. You have the honor of being the last Wal- lingford man to act as moderator at a Meriden meeting. (Stanley) 'Tis an honor I deeply ap- preciate, Dr. Hough. Is Amos White here? I must have a word with him be- fore opening the meeting. (All go aside.) (Barns and several others in center.) (Barns) I be nothing if I be not loy- al. Now that I'm a citizen of Meriden I will see no other town but Meriden and I protest against a Wallingford man bein' moderator at our first town meet- ing. I'm a Meriden man and I'm loyal to Meriden. I'm an American and I say to blazes with everything British ! There's no place like America, there's no tune like Yankee Doodle, there's no food like the Yankee hasty pudding, and no poet to sing its virtues like Joel Barlow. A good Connecticut man, born at Reading, and he praises a good Con- necticut dish. (Stanley advances to the platform.) (Stanley) Men of the town of Meri- den : As moderator of this meeting, duly chosen by order of the General Assem- bly to act as such, I hereby call to order the first town meeting in the history of Meriden. As a son of Wallingford, of which all of you were sons until to- day, when you lay down the duties and responsibilities only to take up graver duties and more exacting respons- ibilities as a son of Wallingford, your mother town, I bear to you to-day a message of kindly regard and the earnest wish that this new town may thrive and prosper. We of Walling- ford bear you nothing but good will. We shall look upon you as our child — CENTEMNIAL OF MERIDEN. 291 but we shall have a parent's tenderness to forgive, if forgiveness be necessary, and a parent's soliciture .that your path be not too rough and arduous. I have requested Amos White to act as clerk until you choose one for your- self. I will ask him to read the resolve of the General Assembly. (White reads) At a General Assem- bly of the State of Connecticut holden at Hartford on the second Thursdav in JNlay, 1806.— Upon the petition of Phinehas Ly- man and other inhabitants of the Town of Wallingford in the County of New Haven showmg to this Assembly that the parish of Meriden in said town con- stitutes, in extent, population and prop- erty more than one-third part of said town, and that they do no.t in their present situation enjoy their just rights to which they are entitled in common wi.th their fellow citizens ; praying that said parish may be incorporated with the ordinary rights, privileges and im- munities which are enjoyed by other towns in the state as by petition on iile dated February 14th A. D., 1804. This petition was preferred to this Assem- bly at their session holden at Hartford on the second Thursday in May, 1804, and was legally served on the Inhabi- tans of said Town and returned, and by legal continuance came to this Session of said Assembly, when the said In- habitants were three times publicly called and made default of appearance — The Petitioners were heard and the facts stated in said petition were fully proved ,to be true. Resolved, by this Assembly that the inhabitants living within the limits of said parish of Meriden be and they are hereby incorporated into and made a town by the name of Meriden, and that they and their successors, inhabitants within said limits, are and shall for- ever be and remain a town and body politic with the ordinary rights, priv- leges and immunities which are enjoyed by other towns in this state by virtue of their respective incorporation : and the right to elect and send one repre- sentative only to the General Assembly until by law they shall be entitled to elect and send two; that the dividing line between the first society in said Wal- lingford and said parish of Meriden be and remain the dividing line ; that all persons who shall be residents in said town including said parish and support- ed in whole or in part by said town and parish at the rising of this assembly, and also all inhabitants of said town and parish who shall be without the limits of said town and parish, and afterwards return and become chargeable, with all charges and expenses which shall arise by reason of any such person or per- sons shall be apportioned between said Town of Wallingford and said Town of Meriden according ,to the amount of their respective lists for August 20th, 1804, as completed and returned to the ,town clerk's office; said division and ap- portionment in case said towns shall not agree, to be made by three disinter- H. F. HACiAKTY. ested persons, of whom two shall be chosen by said Town of Wallingford, and one by said Town of Meriden ; and wi.th a just reference to the number, and expense necessary for the purpose of such chargeable persons; that all debts which shall be due from said town including said parish, and all debts which shall be due to said town at said da,te shall be divided and apportioned between the said towns according to the lists and in the manner herein be- fore prescribed relating to chargeable 292 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. persons; that the said Town of Meriden shall repair and when necessary build the bridge of which one-half is within the limits of said Town of Wallingford, across Wallingford river so called, known and called by the name of Falls Plain Bridge, at the cost and expense of said Town of Meriden ; That all col- lectors of taxes granted or which shall be granted before said time, shall have power to collect the same as fully as if this resolve had not passed ; that said Town of Meriden shall hold their first meeting at the Meeting House in said Meriden on the third Monday in June next at one o'clock afternoon, and pro- ceed ,to to the choice of all town of- ficers, the moderator of said meeting excepted ; by law allowed and estab- lished ; which meeting shall be warned by warrant signed by George W. Stan- ley Esquire, a Justice of Peace for New Haven County, and posted on the public sign post in said Meriden at least ten days previous to said third Monday, and said George W. Stanley, Esquire, shall be moderator of said meeting; and in case of the absence of said justice, Eph- raim Cook, Esquire, a Justice of Peace for said county, is hereby impowered to sign such warrant, and preside in said meeting. (Stanley) Your first duty, gentlemen, will be to elect a town clerk. (Herodotus Peck) Why, what's Amos? (Stanley) Master White is clerk of this meeting, but not town clerk, unless you see fit to elect him to that office. (Peck) Why, I guess that's all right. Tm sure I s'posed — (Stanley) I shall have to ask that you remove your hat, sir. I shall have to ask that all remove .their hats during the meeting. (Barns) I don't take off my hat for no man. (Griswold) It is but the act of a gentleman. (Dr. Hough) I object. This is a town meeting and such questions as this one we are to decide for ourselves. As a man I have no objection to removing rny hat; indeed I should take pleasure in complying with such a request, but as a citizen of Meriden I object. (Cheers.) (Barns arises and ostentatiously re- moves his ha.t.) (Hisses.) (Peck) What shall I do? (Stanley) This seems to me a very small matter. (Dr. Hough) It is small, if viewed from one angle, but we who have jus,t come into our rights are tenacious of even the smallest of them. (Stanley) We are in the Lord's house. Master Riplej', what say you? (Ripley) There are some members of my congregation who objected to our meeting here at all, and they suggested that if this church was to be employed as a meeting place that the Episcopal- ians and the Baptists also should pro- vide halls. Seeing that there is this feeling, it might be the part of wis- dom to proceed as reverently as possi- ble, and I would agree with our mod- erator in his request tha,t we remove our hats. (Hough) I was not aware that there existed any feeling against our using this edifice for our town meeting. We would not force ourselves where we are not wanted, so I take pleasure in ex- tending an invitation to make use of my tavern in place of this church. (Barns) The doctor's generosity is overwhelming. No wonder he can car- ry a gold-headed cane when his own head is gold producing. A town meet- ing in a tavern ! Would such a meeting ever end? Why, every motion would be tabled and every one of us under the table with no motions possible. The good doctor's fortune would be made, but as for me it seems as if the town meeting would get less harm from the spirituality of this edifice than the spir- ituousness of the other. (Hough) The gentleman certainly imputes to me motives that have their origin only in his own distorted imagi- nation. (Barns) Distorted imaginations would be still commoner if we accepted your invitation. (Hough) I believe that I am suf- ficiently well beknown to you all for you to recognize my singleness of pur- pose. (Barns) They certainly could better recognize your singleness of purpose if you would provide the doubleness of vision. (Hough) Bah ! I will not bandy \yords with you, sir! You are a mean spirited fellow, sir. (Barns) You should be a good judge of spirits, sir. (Stanley) The gentlemen will refrain from continuing the discussion. The question which is before yon is not one CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEX. 293 of church or tavern, but one of hats. Shall they be removed ? (Grisvvold) I move you, Mr. Moder- ator, that any person may wear his hat in town meeting except when address- ing the moderator. (Samuel Yale) I second that motion. (Stanley) Gentlemen, you have heard the motion, "That any person may wear his hat in town meeting except when addressing the moderator." All those in favor of this motion will sav ave. (All) Aye. (Stanley) Contrary minded. (Barns) No. (Stanley It is a vote. CHARLES M. GLANTZ. (Hough) Mr. Moderator. (Stanley) Dr. Hough. (Hough) With all due respect for our moderator you will understand my feel- ings when I say that I am rejoiced to think that to-day is the last time I shall address a Wallingford man as presiding officer in town meeting. To- day the history of the town of Meriden begins. "The days of our years," says the psalmist, "are three-score years and ten, and, if by reason of strength th^y be fourscore years,, yet is their strength labor and sorrow, for they are soon cut off and we fly away." Years are the one thing a man possesses with which he would willingly part were he able. You younger men, some of you, are saying to yourself : "That is Dr. Hough. He has more worldly gear tliaii I, but he is full of years. His stay on earth must be brief. I would not change places with him." But I tell you, young men, neither would I change places with you- For I have a price- less heritage that you can never have. What does July the Fourth, 1776, mean to you? Doubless it means much. I hope — nay, I know — ^^that when you hear the rat-a-tat-tat of the drum and the shrill wail of the fife your blood flows quicker through your veins, your heart beats in time with the music and you feel ready to sacrifice your life as your fathers were ready when Captain Couch and his company of Meriden men marched off to fight their country's bat- tles. But brave as ye are, ready as ye are to risk life and limb and personal liberty for your country, that glorious day, July Fourth, 1776, cannot mean to you what it means to me and to oth- er gray-headed fellows. And that is why I would not change places with you. I would not for your youth barter the memory of that day over thirty years ago. The days that followed were anx- ious days, hard days, days of danger. But time has softened their harshness and has sanctified them and I would not exchange them for your youth. I have not forgotten ,the suffering that they brought. I am not among those who are now clamoring for another war with Britain. I do not, I repeat, forget the horrors of war, but I do affirm that, were those horrors ten times what they were, they were not too great a price to pay for liberty. The occasion to-day is no,t altogeth- er similar to that of thirty j-ears ago. We have not rebelled ; we have thrown off no tyrant's yoke ; we have arrived here without struggle or bloodshed. Nevertheless, I feel something of the old thrill when I look into your face and realize that I am looking into the faces of fellow citizens — fellow citizens of Meriden. We who have worked for this con- summation may be excused if we give vent to our feelings. You all know the historv of the efforts that are to-dav 294 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. crowned with success. The lirst move was made before the war, back in 1773 — a generation ago. Then it was peti- tioned that a part of the parish of Mer- iden be annexed to Farmington and transferred to the county of Harford. Thirteen years later, in 1786, a petition was presenteed asking leave to be an- nexed to the county of Middlesex and that we be incorporated as a town. This petition, as you know, was opposed at the Wallingford town meeting and the matter was allowed to rest until 1794, when we again requested permission to become incorporated as a separate town and be annexed to Middlesex county. A year later Wallingford threw a sop to us, voting ,to hold one-third of the selectmen's and one-third of the free- men's meetings in Meriden. But the day of compromise had gone by and three 3'ears and again two years ago we petitioned for incorporation. There was a joint committee chosen to look into the matter and on the i8th of Sep- ,tember of last year it was voted in town meeting to accept the report of this committee. The petition to the General Assembly followed and the res- olution of that body incorporating the town of Meriden has been read this morning. No sound of trumpet an- nounces the triumph of our patience ; but a triumph it is for all that ! We may well clasp hands in solemn joy. In all ,the English language there is no dearer, sweeter word than home. What memories cluster around it! What joys have bathed it in the sunshine of heav- en ; what sorrows have kept it green with their tears! A man may travel to the uttermost pants of the earth, he may behold the wOnders of nature and the triumphs of genius in all lands and climes; he may listen to the roar of mighty cataracts or the harmonies of earth's great musicians; he may drink in the perfumes of the gardens of the south or the pine forests of the north, but in all the round world there is but one place he may call home I Our home is Meriden. In the years that are to come see that ye prove worthy of your home. The home gives love, but it requires loyalty; it offers peace but it demands protec- tion. The greater the privileges vouch- safed us the greater are the duties im- posed upon us. If you would enjoy the one it is necessary that you perform the other. Life, liberty and the pur- suit of happiness you have been taught to believe are your inalienable rights. So they are, but it took the blood of your fathers ; it took the breaking hearts of your mothers through seven years of cruel warfare to establish the truth of the doctrine. Neither will your privileges as citizens of Meriden be lightly given. In this world we pay for wha we get. You must pay for your privileges by the performance of your duties. But I will cease to preach lest you think me a fault finder. The growler should be one of two things — a reformer or a stage coach driver. We need re- formers — men who growl to some pur- pose — but men who growl to no pur- pose should drive coaches — and sleep in 'em. I would only urge, then, that you remember that Meriden is your mother town — a mother to be guarded from all ills, to be honored amidst good and evil fortune, to be revered and loved, in sunshine and storm, a mo,ther to whom you are loyal, not because she demands loyalty but because you cannot help but give it. (Peck, Royce and Prindle all jump up) (Royce) Mr. Moderator (speaks quickly) (Prindle) Mr. Moderator, I believe I have the floor. (Peck) Hey, you. (Royce) Mr. Moderator! (Prindle) Have I the floor? (Peck) Say! (Stanley) Sir, I do not know your name. (Peck) Herodotus Peck. (Royce) Absalom Royce. (Prindle) Sir, my name is Ebenezer Prindle. (Stanley) I refer to you, the gentle- man with the- — ^.the — (Barns) The face? (Stanley )The gentleman with the red hair. (Peck) Me? (Stanley) Yes, sir. Do you wish to address the chair? (Peck) No, sir, I was just goin' to say — (Prindle) If the gentleman was not going to address the chair I believe that I have the floor. (Royce) Mr. Moderator! (S,tanley) Did the gentleman wish to offer any observations? CENTENNIAL OF MERIUEN. 295 (Peck) No, sir, I was goin' to say — (Prindle) The gentleman is out of order. Mr. Moderator, have I the floor? (Stanley) No, sir, you have not. Not until this other gentleman has had op- portunity to express his views — if he has any. (Barns) If he hasn't any he'll be in line with previous speakers. (Stanley) If any one here present so far forgets himself as to speak without first being recognized by the chair, the chair will be under the disagreeable necessity of causing his ejectment. And now, again, I ask, sir, do you wish to make any remarks or present any res- olution. (Peck) No, sir, I was just — (Prindle) Mr. Moderator, have I the floor? (Stanley) If you have nothing to say, sir^ (Peck) Oh, I have, Mas,ter Stanley, I've much to say. (Stanley) You have the floor, sir, (pause) You have the floor, sir. What is it you wish to say, sir? (Peck) I vum to goodness if I hain't forgot. (Sits down) (Prindle) Mr. Moderator, have I the floor? (Barns) (aside) Oh, take the floor and everything on it. (Ro.vce) Mr. Moderator, am I .to be tyrannized over this way, any longer? (Stanley) I believe, sir, you are en- titled to be heard next. (Prindle) Mr. Moderator, does that mean that I have not the floor ? (Stanley) It means that .this gentle- man is entitled to be heard (Prindle sits down) (Royce) When in the course of human events — When in the course of human events — when in ,the course of human — What are we here for? What are we — Why — What for? Ain't it be- cause we is free American citizens? Aint it because the American ,eagle, the greatest bird of — the greatest bird of — of pre\ — is the United States of Amer- ica. I repeat, the United States of America. Because that there bird is alooking down on us free American citizens and because we have threw the tyrant's yoke ofif of us — When the bul- lets was flyin' thickest where was the men of Meriden? When we caught the British lion by the tail and twisted it till he could neither lay nor set — (Barns aside) He'd ought to tried roostin'. (Royce) — Twisted it till he gave up his sword and surrendered — I say where was we — that is, them of us as was born then and old enough — where was we? Ah! fightin' for our liberty!! That's why I say I would give my life for my town ! I tell you that when I think of what we endured — them of us that was old enough — what we en- dured — endured. In the words of Patterick Henxy — Patterick Henry. I say, in ,the words of Patterick Hen — in them words you all know so well and which I won't bother to repeat. I say, in them words. That's what I ROSWhLL B. HYATT. would have said in the same place. When we went out to fight the red coats — that is, I would have went if I'd been old enough — when we went out to fight the redcoats — what was it that in- spired us? Was it gold? No, Was it silver? No. Was it wealth? No. Was it liberty? No — yes, I mean. What is it now? Ditto. To-day we are free- Yesterday we was under the graspin' heel of Wallingford. To-day we're un- der our own. Yes, Mr. Moderator, I repeat the declaration and I do not 296 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. believe there is a man, woman or child in this mcctin' house who has arrived at the age of thirty years and upwards but has felt the truth thundering through their brains for centuries. What is lib- erty. Aain't it worth havin'? Of course it is and I hurl defiance in the teeth of Wallingford. Let her face it if she can. (Hough) Before proceeding further I would suggest the election of the of- ficers necessary to the conduct of this town. (Stanley) I think Dr. Hough's sug- gestion is eminently proper. (Barns) Mr. Moderator. (Stanley) Master Barns. DR. G. A. HILL. (Bams) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Dr. Hough be elected to every of- fice, so's he can be the whole tarnal shootin' match and done with it. (Stanley) Master Barns, your words are entirely out of order. Shall we proceed to the election of ofificers? If there is no objection, we will do so. (Griswold) I move you, Mr. Modera- tor, that Amos White be elected town clerk. (Barns) Mr. Moderator, I would second that motion — if agreeable to Dr. Hough. (Stanley pauses and glares) (Stanley) The motion is made and seconded that Amos White be elected town clerk. All those in favor of — (.All) Aye. (Barns) If agreeable to Dr. Hough. (Stanley) Those opposed. It is a vote and Amos White is elected town clerk. It is necessary that you elect three selectmen. (Griswold) I propose the name of Capt. Ezekiel Rice. (Preston) I second it. (Ripley) I would name as another of the .three, Ambrose Hough. (Barns) Good! Get a Hough on. This one don't run a tavern but he owns a gin mill. (Stanley) Master Barns, if you dis- turb the meeting but once more, I shall take steps to have you ejected from the meeting. (Barns) Better wait till you elect constables. (Preston) I second Parson Ripley's motion. (Griswold) I would name Stephen Bailey as the third selectman. (Dr. Hough) 1 second that motion. (Stanley) Capt. Ezekiel Rice, Am- brose Hough and Stephen Bailey are named for selectmen of the town of Meriden. All those in favor of these .three gentlemen. (All) Aye. (Stanley) It is a vote. We will now proceed to elect two constables. (Griswold) I would name Jared Ben- ham and Eli Barnes. (Stanley) Barnes? (Griswold) Eli Barnes, sir, not Moses Barns. (Dr. Hough) I second the motion. (Stanley) All those in favor of Jared Benham and Eli Barnes for constables say ave. (All) Aye. (Barns) If agreeable to Dr. Hough. (Griswold) I move you, Mr. Modera- tor, that Moses Barns be not allowed to vote in this meeting. (Preston) I second that motion. (Stanley) You have heard the mo- tion — (All )Aye! (Stanley) It is a vote. (Barns) I protest. I— I— Mr. Modera- tor, what are our liberties? Where are our rights? Can they be voted away in this here manner? For what did we suf- fer seven long years of war — endure wounds — CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEX, 297 ( Prcsioii ) I'll wager you never smelt powder smoke. ( Barns) Where, where — -I say where — (Preston) Where? You're in Meriden. Did you think you was still in Cheshire? (Barns) — I protest — I tell you — (Stanley) Constables, do your duty. (Barns) Til be quiet (drops into seat) (Prindle) Mr. Moderator — (Stanley) Master Prindle. (Prindle) Have I the floor? (Stanley) You have, sir. (Prindle) Mr. Moderator (bows) and feller citizens (bows). All men are born free and equal, but most of us outgrow it. Them of us as has lived here all our lives know that. Them that comes from other places — like Cheshire — has to learn it. Now — - (Ripley) Mr. Moderator, I object. We are engaged in electing town offi- cers. The speaker should confine him- self to the subject. He is out of order. (Prindle pauses) (Prindle) If I was so unlucky us to have a durn stupid son, I certainly would make him a parson. (Ripley) 'Tis a pity your father did not think as you do. (Stanley) The gentleman will confine himself to the matter under discussion — the election of town officers. (Prindle bows) (Prindle) Regarding these officers, Mr. Moderator, I wish to say that I don't pretend to be no orator. I aint goin' to make a speech. There be them that think that all they got to do is to stand up and draw the cork and the English language will run hU of 'em. I ain't of that kind, Mr. Mod- erator. I know I have my faults ani some of 'em I've got bad, but just be- cause I can't talk aboat birds of prey and lions with knots in their tails I aint agoin to hide what talents I have got under a bushel. I may be modest, but I aint goin' to be too durned modest. What I believe I believe and I'm a goin' to say so even if I know I'm wrong. I admire a man that'll stick .to his own opinion just cause it is hisen. (Griswold) Mr. Moderator, I protest. (Prindle) And just so regardin' these town officers. They may know they ain't fit to be town officers — (Griswold) Mr. Moderator, I protest. (PVindle) Of course they are fit, but even if they know they ain'.t. Same way as that feller from York state that stopped here a few weeks ago- He told me of a man named FuLton up in his state that was making a boat to go by hot water instead of sails — a steamboat he calls it. Now it stands to reason that there boat'll never go and that that feller Fulton probal)ly knows 'twont. by now- But he's stickin 'to the idee just the same. Now I don't believe in this here kine pox and I bet some of the doctors don't. But I never knew a doc- tor who'd own up he'd made a mistake and he'd pump you full of sick cow be- fore he'd sav he was wrong. FRANK L. HLRLEIGH. (Griswold) Mr. Moderator. (Prindle) And just so regarding town officers. They — (Stanley) You are going to confine yourself to the matter under discussion, the election of town officers, are j^ou not. Master Prindle? (Prindle) Yes, Mr. Moderator, I cer- tainly, shall do so, I know what I'tn adoin ! I aint like Sam Yale's boy- Sam told the boy to sharpen up his tools while Sam was away. Bimeby he come back. "Have you sharpened them tools?" he says. "Yes," says .the boy, "all but the saw. I couldn't quite get all the 298 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. gaps out of that." Not but what Sam Yale— (Griswold) Mr. Moderator, I rise to a point of order. The speaker is not confining himself to the question under discussion. (Stanley) The gentleman will con- fine himself to the matter under discus- sion. (Prindle) Thank you, Mr. Moderator, and you, sir, for reminding me. I am sometimes forgetful. Like Captain Ezekiel Rice, I'm absent-minded. As you all know, the captain's so absent minded that once when he fell into Black Pond he sunk twice before he re- membered he could swim. But regard- ing these officers, I hate to criticize, for of all the 5,300,000 inhabitants of the United States the most important is the man who has just been elected to town office. You kin laugh, but it's so. You'd feel as big as the rest of 'em if you was elected. It all depends on— (All) Sit down! Sit down! (Prindle) I'll sit down when I get through talkin'. ' (Stanley) Master Prindle, we still have a number of officers to elect, and, as you refuse to confine yourself to the matter in hand, I shall ask you to sit down. (Prindle) Certainly. I've said what I wanted to say. (Sits down) (Stanley) We will proceed to the election of grand jurors. (Preston) I would propose the name of Enos Hall, 2nd, Giles O. Griswold and Joseph Hall. (Stanley) All those in favor of Enos Hall, 2nd, Giles O. Griswold and Jo- seph Hall for grand jurors, say aye. (All) Aye. ( ) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Samuel Yale, Asahel Yale, Teh\i Preston, Harvey Andrews, Aaron Mer- riam, Benjamin Merriam, 2nd, and Levi Hall be surveyors of highways for this town. [The following motions by various electors.] ( ) I second the motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Nathaniel Yale, Stephen Perkins and Ensign Hough be chosen fence viewers. ( ) I second the motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I move 3-ou, Air. Moderator that Seth D. Plum, Titus Ives and Asa- hel Merriam be chosen listers for this town. ( ) I second that motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I nv/ve you, Mr. Moderator, that Captain William Olds be chosen sealer of leather. (Prindle) I second that motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Samuel Yale be chosen sealer of weights and measures. ( ) I second that motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Daniel Yale be chosen sealer of dry measures. ( ) I second that motion. (Stanley) (carried) ( ) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that Eli Barnes, Nathaniel Yale, Levi Foster, Israel Hall and Elisha Merriam be chosen pound keepers. ( ) I second that motion. (Stanley) (carried) (Hough) I move you, Mr. Moderator, that the keepers of pounds provide their pounds free of expense to the town. Seconded, etc. (carried) (Griswold) I move you, Mr. Moder- ator that a tax be laid for the purpose of defraying the debts and expenses to which his own now is or may be liable. (carried) (Dr. Hough) I move you, Mr. Mod- erator that a tax of five mills on the dollar on the list for August 20th, 1805, be granted and collecter for the pur- pose of defraying the debts and ex- penses to which the town is or may be liable and that the same be collected and paid to the town treasurer within thirty days. (Prindle) Mr. Moderator. (Stanley) Master Prindle. (Prindle) Did I understand the gen- tleman to say five mills? (Stanley) You did- (Prindle) It strikes me, Mr. Moder- ator, that five mills is pooty steep. Some that's here no doubt could pay five mills. (Barns) Selectman Ambrose Hough has two mills — a grist mill and a gin mill. He could — (Stanley) Constables, if this man sees fit to make himself objectionable once more you will eject him. 299 (Prindle) Doesn't i.t strike you your- self, Mr. Moderator, that five mills is pooty steep ? (Stanley) That is a question for the electors of this town to determine. (Royce) Five mills I What is five mills when you put it over agin patriotism? What is five — nay, ten mills — (Griswold) Very little, I dare say, if you don't happen to own any taxable property. (Royce) I should think exactly the same if I owned as much taxable prop- erty as the gentleman who has just passed .that slurring remark. (Griswold) I have no doubt that the gentleman honesth^ believes he would, but there is nothing like the possession of money to change one's point of view. Now, as to this question of a tax of five mills. Five mills on the dollar appears to me to be extravagance. What could we use the money for? (Dr. Hough) If .the gentleman will stop to think, he will call to mind a number of ways in which the money might be expended without incurring the charge of extravagance. (Prindle) Perhaps .the doctor would have us drain Pilgrims' Harbor Swamp. (Dr. Hough) What I should like to see done would be the closing of the old road over Meeting House Hill and the building of a new one — (Deacon Mitchell) Hey! What's that? What's the matter with the present road, Fd like to know? Aint it conven- ient? (Prindle) It's the most convenient road to Deacon Mitchell's .tan yard. Was you thinking of that, Deacon? (Mitchell) I wasn't naturally forget- tin' i.t entirely. (Dr. Hough) The abandonment of the old road might work harm to an individual, but I believe it would be better for the community to close the old road. (Mitchell) No doubt you'd sit still and see the turnpike laid out a mile or two away from your tavern if it was for the good of the community. (Stanley; Gentlemen, we are not dis- cussing roads but taxes. Dr. Hough has made a motion to .the effect that a tax of five mills on the dollar be laid. (Ripley) I second that motion. (Stanley) All those in favor (etc) (passed) (Preston) I move you .that Abner Griswold be elected collector to collect the tax laid this day. (Hough seconding) (Carried) (Preston) I move that Samuel Yale be chosen town treasurer. (Seconded and passed) (Griswold) Mr. Moderator, I move you that a committee of four persons be appointed to settle and adjust all business between this town and the town of Wallingford respecting the town poor and all other business that shall be found necessary for said com- mittee to do. (Preston seconds and passed) REV. A. W. SHAW. (Griswold) 1 would propose as mem- bers of that committee our .three se- lectmen, Captain Ezekiel Rice, Am- brose Hough and Stephen Bailey, and also Eli Barnes. (Preston seconds. Passed) (Peck) Say! (Stanley) Master Peck? (Peck) I jus.t thought of it. (Stanley) Thought of what, Master Peck. (Peck) Whv, what I was goin' to say. (Stanley) Well? 300 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. (Peck) What I was just goin' to say was that we ought to make a law keep- in' them blame geese off the road, (sits down) (laughter) (Griswold) Master Peck has the right idea, if expressed in terms not alto- gether parliamentary and I think he will find that the following resolutions cover the matter, (reads) "Voted : That no horse, kine or neat cattle shall be allowed to run at large on the highway or commons of the Town. "That sheep shall not be allowed to run at large on the Commons in this Town. WILLIS J. PROUTY. "That if the owner of any boar shall suffer him to run at large when more than three months old, he shall be lia- ble to pay a fine of one dollar. "That geese shall not be suffered to run at large on the highway unless they are well j^oaked." (Stanley) Is there any other busi- ness .to come before this meeting? (Mitchell) Mr. Moderator. (Stanley) Master Mitchell. (Mitchell) I move you, Mr. Moderator that the bill in form granted by the General Assembly for incorporating Meriden into a Town distinct from the Town of Wallingford, be recorded m the beginning of the Town Book for i!-- cording deeds of land, etc. (Seconded, etc., and passed) (Griswold proposes "That the select- men of this town be allowed to give and take deeds in behalf of this town at their discretion") (Passed) (Preston) "That the selectmen shall warn a town meeting to be holden at the meeting house in Merideii on the second Tuesday of November next." (Passed) (Preston) I move we adjourn. (Royce) I second .that motion. (general movement to leave") (Hough) Gentlemen, one moment. What we have done to-day has made history. We have been present at the birth of a town — our town. Our first town meeting is now a .thing of the past. For good or for ill we have sev- ered the ties that for many years have bound us to our mother .town. Some of us have realized the miportance of what we have done to-day; others have been imbued with a spirit of frivolity. Throughout the proceedings we have worn our hats, as we had the right to do. But now I ask you to remove your hats while Pastor Ripley asks guidance from above, (all remove hats and stand) (Ripley) Throughout the years, O, God, be with us and our descendants. Guide us and them. May our children and our children's children find cause for pride in that they be of Meriden. The "First Town Meeting," which was reproduced, is printed in full as above. The town records fur- nished the skeleton for the play, con- taining as they did the votes passed and the officers elected. Every vote "passed" in ,the play was actually passed loo years ago and every officer "elected" to-day was elected June i6, 1806. Some of these votes might have been omitted — speaking merely from a dra- matic standpoint — but Sherman F. John- son, the author, believed in making the play as genuine a reproduction of the original meeting as the scanty material at hand would allow. All the speeches, dialogue and the dis- cussion of various motions that are not actually passed are imaginary. Some of the questions that arose, such as CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 301 the objection to meeting in the Con- gregational church, etc., really came up at later meetings. Before writing the play Mr. Johnson studied Dr. Davis' and Perkins' histo- ries, Mrs. Breckenridge's (Faith's) "Recollections of a New England Town," and received many suggestions from George M. Curtis, whose history of Meriden has just been published. All the characters in the play with the exception of Herodotus Peck, Ab- salom Royce and Hezekiah Prindle, are historical. HISTORICAL ADDIRESSES Following is the introductory ad- dress given by George M. Curtis at the Historical exercises on Saturday afternoon at the First Congregation- al church: I think it was the poet Coleridge who said that he once met a man who was so inspired by a belief in his own importance, that he always took off his hat with profound re- spect when he ventured to speak of himself- This eccentricity of temperament is very much akin to the periodic at- tacks to which most of our modern American communities are subject. They all sooner or later arrive at a year when it seems appropriate that hats should be removed with pro- found respect while in terms of glowing color the deeds of the past are pictured and municipal self glori- fication is the order of the day. To me it seems admirable that a people should peruse now and then in this busy rush and in prose and poetry relate the work that has been done, record the virtues of the fath- ers, point with pride to the past and look to the future witn confidence. It is inspiring and it is ennobling. At last the day has come when Meriden has arrived at a mile stone in her career, when she, too, can look to the past and point with pride to the work that has been done, relate the virtues of the pioneers, and with courage gird her loins for the work that is to come. With joy and mirth we have spent the week in glad abstraction, with old friends, and found new ones, and now this afternoon and evening we are to listen to the tales of fathers and thus our Centennial celebration will be an event of the past. Compared with the age of some of our neighbors, Meriden's 100 years of municipal existence is a very mod- erate period of time. And yet when one pictures the events that have oc- curred during this century, June 16, 1806, seems very remote On the day when the tiny hamlet first came together in town meeting assembled, Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States, George uie III. was still king of Eng- land, Napoleon the Great, was ruling in France, no steam railroad was in existence, modern necessities were unheard of and there had been little change in the manner of living since the days of the pioneers. Measured by events the gap is tremendous. Before I conclude these introduct- ory remarks, I must refer to an event that has filled with sadness tae whole community, and has been par- ticularly felt by the members of the General Centennial committee. I allude to the death of Judge Wilbur F. Davis, who left us just before the opening of our gala week. Indefatigable in his work on the committee, wise in council, truthful and resourceful in emergencies, a large part of our Centennial work we owe to the labors of that good citizen, able lawyer and honest man. BY HON. SIMEON E. BALDWIN. Judge Simeon E. Baldwin address- ed the assemblage as a representa- tive of the American Historical asso- ciation and of the New Haven Col- ony Historical society. His address was as follows: T have the honor of appearing be- fore vou this afternoon in a double 302 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. ■capacity. I come to bring the good wishes and congratulations both oi the National society, which exists for the promotion of historical in- vestigation and of the local society formed for similar purposes in its own field — and that field the one of which Meriden forms a part. In behalf of the American Histor- ical ass Delation there is a special rea- son for its representation here, for Meriden has the honor of having been the theme of one of the earliest town histories that deserve the name published in the United States. HON. SIMEON E. BALDWIN. The little History of Meriden, pub- lished more than half a century ago by the pastor of your old first church, now housed in this splendid edifice. Rev. George W. Perkins (afterwards pastor of the First Congregational church of Chicago), was a piece of good work, conscientiously and thoroughly done. It was the result of first-hand investigations and in- quiries personally made. It has pre- served traditions and memories that else long since might have vanisted away. If in every state of the Union, tl ere had been more men like your first historian, the labors of the American Historical association would be far lighter to-day. As a delegate from the New Ha- ven Colony Historical society, I come from an organization to which some citizens of Meriden belong, and which tiikes a peculiar interest in this place as one of the six cities that have sprung out of the ancient Colony of New Haven. Here we stand on soil that was bought in 1638 by Theophilous Bat- on and his company of settlers at Quinnipiack. If New Haven colony has disappeared. New Haven county remains and the cities of New Ha- ven and Meriden and Waterbury are alike proud to be members of that great political community. The state of Connecticut, which 200 years ago, under the compelling force of a roy- al charter, swallowed up the little colony of New Haven, bears upon her seal the three vines which stand for her first three towns, Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield. This county of New Haven, successor to the colony of New Haven, or most of it, has her three vines in New Ha- ven, Waterbury and Meriden. There are few counties in the United States and I doubt if there are any which can boast of the presence of three such cities. The whole population of Hawaii is less than that of New Haven county. Our population in 1900 was about 270,000; greater than that of New London, Windham, Litchfield, Middlesex and Tolland put together: greater also than either of seven states of the American Union, (Delaware, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah or Wyoming) and of three of these put together; greater — to look farther off — than four of the states of the German Em- pire put together. To-day our peo- ple probably number 3 00,000. And what is it that has brought these great masses of people to- gether on so small a territory? It is their intelligence — the intelligence first that shows itselr in the work shop, and second that shows itself in the school and university. Connecticut was once an agricul- tural state. It was here that Wash- ington looked for the supplies that CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 303 fed his army in Massachusetts and in New York. She cannot now feed her own peo- ple. At least she does not. She knows better. She lets the far west feed them, because her people can do something better with their hands and brains. The people of Connecticut can take a spot of earth like this, rough hills, far from the sea, with no streams to furnish any considerable power, and by their inventive faculty, their quick eye and ready hand, their wise economy, their watch of markets and creation of markets, turn it into a city, whose products go into every continent. I have heard of a Connecticut man who was traveling in Europe and went to the great fair in Northern Russia. He found a bit of silverware so curiously and beau- tifully finished that it took his fancy. He bought it, and on his return was showing it to a friend as a proof of Russian taste and skill, when he was told that it was made in Meriden, and shown the mark that proved it. Connecticut factories flourish, not because they are near the coal fields; not because they are near the mines, fields or forests whence comes their raw material; but because labor is nowhere more intelligent, and capital nowhere more loyal to the place where it was accumulated. I was talking recently to a large manufacturer, of the future of Con- necticut. It is of little consequence, he said, to a manufacturer whether he has water power or coal supply. He must be near intelligent labor. Intelligent labor is hard to move. It has its roots in local patriotism. Local patriotism! Here is, after all, the main secret of Meriden's pros- perity. These great factories are here because their owners or their fathers have made their money here and wish to keep it here; because their best workmen have been born and bred here, and feel identified with the city of their home. Days like this keep such feelings warm. Sentiment is the king that rules the action of mankind, and no- where else has it a better foundation of every day, practical intelligence and sound common sense. The American Historical associa- tion and the New Haven Colony His- torical society join with all sincerity their congratulations with yours to meet the Silver city as she enters on her second century. Its close will find her far greater in population. Let us ask no more than that it will find her as great in the public spirit and wise forecast of the leaders in her civil life; in the intelligent, sober, industrious, enlightened men and women who constitute the mass of her inhabitants. The best henl,Mg3 of Connecticut, here and everywii'^re, as it is lianded down from gener- ation to generation, is the character of her people. BY GEORGE MUNSON CURTIS. One of the most important papers of all the interesting documents that were prepared for the centennial was the address which George M. Curtis gave at the historical exercises in the First Congregational church Saturday after- noon. It was rich in valuable his- torical information that had been gleaned by careful research, and this information will become more valu- able as time goes by. The address is given in full, as follows: Although we are gathered here to- day to celebrate the centennial of the incorporation of Meriden as a town, and to pay homage to those hard- working men and women who, by their labors and genius changed fhe tiny hamlet of an hundred years ago into the busy, bustling city of to-day, we must not forget that in 1806 Meri- den had had a past of quite respectable antiquity, and was no puny infant, barely able to go alone. It was a very quiet and very hum- ble past, for those hard-headed. God- fearing men who cleared the forests and first broke the virgin soil under the plough were but farmers of that good old yeoman stock which came to this country, not for gain, but seeking to live a plain, honest life, content to get a fair return from the land, and die in peace with God and man; and yet. perhaps they were as happy in their day and generation as their more ambitious descendants who now walk the stage of life. Picture a stretch of forest, swamp and tangled brush, bounded east and west by great basaltic cliffs, or mountains, lifting their rugged summits in paral- lel ranges; a territory where the wild- 304 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. r-at snarls, and the panther prowls and lies in wait for the browsing deer, where the wolf barks and howls, and the industrious beaver blocks the streams with his ingenious dams, while now and then the Indian comes to hunt and trap, with never a thought of pale-faced intruder to say him nay! Such was the Meriden of 1661,' for both by credible tradition and written record, all this land was reserved as the happy hunting ground of the red man. Through the valley, between the lof- ty hills, ran a slender thread from north to south, called by courtesy a road, which the Indian had used from time immemorial as a trail from the Tunxis valley, or the more distant Po- dunk. in his journeyings to the wa- ters of the sound. This path, now broadened, straight- ened, and beaten by the tide of mod- ern life, we call Colony street. Over it the early colonist was wont to travel, with scarcely a break to the lonesomeness of the way, from Hart- ford to New Haven, until in 1662 Jonathan Gilbert of Hartford, built an inn on a farm granted him the year before, in the northern part of this wild and savage woodland. No doubt those who were compelled to use the Indian trail beheld, with a sigh of satisfaction, this place of en- tertainment, or "ordinary for relieving of travellers according to their needs," as the records quaintly call it. for the way was long, and the dangers many, as we learn by letters of those far-off days, and Jonathan Gilbert was a man of influence and substance, whose fame as tavern keeper was established on no fragile basis by the inn he main- tained in Hartford. This farm seems, almost immediately, to have acquired the name of Meriden, or Merideen, and on it he placed in charge as tenant. Edward Higbee, a wandering, restless man, but evidently one who knew al- ready the art of tavern keeping. The situation must have been a weird and lonesome one in those days, surrounded as it was on all sides by the trackless forest, while in the east loomed the great, age torn, sombre front of Mt. Lamentation, over the rocky flanks of which some thirty years before. Leonard Chester had wandered for three days and nights, in the vain attempt to find the trail to- Pyquag. which he had lost. Wonder- ful tales were told of the terrible beasts that he had seen and heard while wandering in these forests, but the only fear that haunted the dwel- lers on the lonesome farm was that of Indians, for it was but an outpost on the frontiers of the .scattered settle- ments, and it was doubtless in the early days of King Philip's war, when one knew not how soon the hurricane that was raging in Massachusetts might sweep into this colony, that the old stone house, or fort, was built close beside the inn, with portholes whence one inside could shoot with deadly aim, and a door so filled with spikes that a bullet could not be driven through, while behind was a subter- ranean chamber, called a powder magazine, the remains of which could still be seen till seventy years ago. The inn grew to be a famous place and many an interesting tale must have been told around its hospitable hearth, of witches and goblins, and hair-breadth escapes from the savage red man. Nothing now is left but a name and a few facts gleaned from musty records; and those old days have gone, leaving scarcely a memory, and so utterly are they forgotten that the few facts we can save from obliv- ion, merely sketch, like a wisp of mist,, events we would fain see more clear- ly. Succeeding owners added renown, both to farm and inn. After Gilbert came his son-in-law, Captain Andrew Belcher, of Boston, called the most op- pulent merchant of New England, in his time, and headstrong in his strife for gain, who dared defy even the se- lectmen of Boston, and had been ac- cused of trading with a "pyrate for elephants' teeth." He spent money on and dignified the farm, and called it "my manor of Meriden;" but al- though the estate had his care and at- tention, a man of his widely extended business ventures can never have call- ed it home. Succeeding him came his son Jon- athan, a man of pomp and show, and yet picturesque in his vanity and lord- ly pride, who was for a time royal governor of Massachusetts, and later of New Jersey. He may have spent some time on the manor in his early CENTENNIAL OF MERIDRN. 305 days, for it is certain that his linowl- edge of men and affairs in this colo- ny was large; and on the sides of the mountains around the farm are to be seen signs of prospecting for metal, which later he thought he had found in paying quantities in Wallingford and Granby, and where he poured out large sums of the pounds, shillings, and pence that the harder headed Captain Andrew had heaped together. Governor Belcher, during his own- ership, spent much money on the farm, and evidently tried to make it an attractive manor. The pond which now spreads over seventy-five acres of the northern half of its meadows, due to the dam built by a Hartford Ice company some twenty years ago, had a predecessor, for the governor, during the days of his pride in the es- tate, erected a bank of earth seventy yards north of the present one, and the remains of the old dam, shaded by stately oaks and hickories, are very easily traced to-day. In 1742, the western half of the farm, which contained the inn, was sold to John Yale and Jedediah Nor- ton, and the eastern part was deeded to another set of men at the same time; and yet the farm is frequently called by the name of "Belcher" to this day. There are many who believe the name of Meriden, first borne only by this farm, was given because the inn was the scene of so many jovial mer- rymakings of belated travelers and those compelled to spend the night that it acquired the name of "Merry den," hence "Meriden." Those who have persuaded themselves that such was the origin of the name seem un- able to appreciate the absurdity of the theory, when told that it occurs as "Merideen" in an official document within two years after the inn was es- tablished, in days when the sternness of character of the early Puritan had not been lost, and the code of laws then in force declared that "no person licensed for Common Interteinment shall suffer any to be drunken or drink excessively viz. above halfe a pinte of wyne for one person at one time, * * * * or after nine of the clock at night." However, like the brook, the story will go on forever, and of late years it has become the fashion to transfer the place of origin of the name from the farm at the ex- treme north end of the town, estab- lished in 1662, to the Hough or Central tavern, set up in 1792 in the center of the parish. Ii>6tead of believing that the origin was due to bar room carousing, those who love the town should be ready to credit the evident fact that, like near- ly all the names of towns and vil- lages in early New England, Meri- den is an old English place name, which occurs in several localities in the mother country of the colonists, and the speaker loves to believe that the early meaning of the word was pleasant valley, a definition vouched for by one of the most eminent of the students of early English. In 1670, came the founding and set- tling of Wallingford, a purely New Haven movement, and doubtless for that reason limited on the north by a line which the colony of Connecticut had drawn in 1660 as the southern extent of her territory, when the sis- ter government of New Haven had tried to extend her domains to corre- spond with what she deemed her just rights under a purchase made in 1645, of that Indian sachem who bore the euphonious name of "Montowese." Let one in fancy extend Liberty street east and west across the town- ship of Meriden, and this boundary line is then defined. North of it, un- til 1728, was in Hartford county. Wallingford, not satisfied by this forced limitation, saw no remedy ex- cept to bide the opportunity, which time finally brought around. And now that the laying out of the village of W^allingford on that historic old street which crowns the gentle slope east of the Quinnipiac river plain was an accomplished fact, these land- hungry Englishmen, at first attracted by those fertile tracts which after- wards became the parish of New Cheshire, began also to explore north- ward, among those hills and vales which nature has made so fair of feat- ure, if possibly not so rich of soil; but 20 3o6 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. perhaps the fertility was abounding when these men first made their ad- vent, for they soon began, with ap- parent eagerness, to take their allot- ments of land in what is now the southeastern part of Merideu, which they dubbed "Dog's Misery," because of a swamp tangled with bog brier and brush in the central part, where game found refuge in times of stress. In the light of our modern ideas, it was a shame to foul so lovely a land- scape with so ugly a name; but, not stopping to discuss questions of sen- timent, some of these men chose here their farms, while others were climb- ing the hills to the west, and locat- ing grants on the southern slants and sunset side of "Meeting House" hill, and laying out farms on the slopes running down to where Pilgrims' Harbor brook wound its way through banks covered with brush and reeds and waving flags in its crooked course to the Quinnipiac river. Others were staking their claims on the hills down which Gypsy lane now runs, and in Milking Yard, or Rice's Farms, as it was later called, a coun- try of which the dominating center is Walnut Grove cemetery, rolling in gentle slopes that open here and there with glimpses of further hills and dales. Others still, were venturing northward, towards the forbidden col- ony land, and choosing grants as closely to it as they dared, while some were climbing the uplands west- ward into the country shadowed by the frowning Hanging Hills. Thirty years from the founding of Wallingford saw much of this land to the north cleared of forests and divided into farms, and a few houses built; and by 1725 a sprinkling of dwellings erected by the second gen- eration of the founders of the town, was scattered over the countrv which is now the southern half of Meriden. and the names of such families as Hall, Yale, Ives, Andrews, Rlc3, Cur- tis, Atwater, Whiting, Hough, Cowles, and Prindle had become at- tached to the soil in localities where with few exceptions, they have ever since remained. While this had been going on, great tracts in the land north of Lib- erty street, which had been denied to Wallingford and called country land because it belonged to the col- ony and not to a town, had been granted to magistrates of the ?-OveiTi- nient as a reward or pension for faithful service; but as the yeara went by, death, always busy, had caused these tracts to split into farms of smaller size, and men from other towns had drifted in to cast their lot in what was called Pilgrims' Harbor, the very center of this town to-day. John Merriam, with four stalwart sons, had come from Lynn, and built a house in what is now the junction of West Main and Colony streets, and his farm, which stretch(^d from Harbor brook, nearly a mile to the west, contained what is now the very heart of the commercial part of Mer- iden. Further up the road, where stands to-day the dwelling of E. .J. Doolir.tle, Captain Josiah Robinson, from Glou- cester, had built his house, that later became the great tavern of the par- ish, and his farm extended east nearly to Hobart street; and on it to-day are great shops and factories, of which the captain, in wildest flights of fancy, can Jiever have caught a glimpse. West of this was another great farm belonging to a second inan ii'om Gloucester, Bartholomew Fos- ter, whose lan^, extending west near- ly to Cat Hole pass, contained a liomestead standing on Colony street, just south of where Is'ensington ave- nue starts on its winding course through the beautiful glen, and lead- ing thence to New Britain. North of thi^ Robert and Jon- athan Collins, from Middletown, were clearing the lind and subduing Die forests of what for many years was called "the woo'is," while other i-racts of lesser note completed the distance to the great 'Ssicher, or Mer- iien farm in the n.>rtli. East of those described, were the farms belonging to Timothy Jerome, from England. Aaron L'nian, from Durham, and John Vay and James Scovill, from Middletown, lying along the roads wc now term Liberty and Wall streets. It seems to have been the fate of those in this vicinity, v ho bought CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 307 land of the simple savage, that no sooner would one title be acquired than a second guileless Indian would present himself with his title to be extinguished, warranted to be the only genuine article, and of a much superior quality to that pur- chased of the first red skin. In this way, much of the land about Meriden was bought several different times. The consideration given was never very great; neither was the value of it to the savage any greater, for all he really sold was his right to fish and hunt over a ter- ritory in which no Indian village or settlement appears to have ever been located. By a shrewd act of diplomacy, AValiingford had, in 1684, bought the latest Indian right to all the land be- tween her northern boundary and the Belcher farm, and this appears to have been the final snuffing out of all aboriginal title in the soil, and for that reason, perhaps, the only gen- uine article after all. These various men from other towns who have been mentioned as owning farms in this so called "coun- try" land, before they were allowed to settle on their farms in undisturb- ed possession, were compelled to pay toll to Wallingford by purchasing al- so of her under the Indian title ac- quired in 1684. In 172 3, a quarrel arose between the town and men of Middletown and Wethersfield and the matter being brought to the attention of ihe col- onial court, that body tardily recog- nized Wallingford's rignts, and henceforth all this disputed territory, or "country" land, was added to her domain; but it was not until 1728 that, regardless of the plaintive wail of the Belcher tenant at the dme, Meriden farm was added, and pj'ac- tically all of the land nov/ included in this town was set apart as a dis- tinct society, and christened under the name of Meriden Parish. And now comes the time which must always be considered one of the most interesting periods in the his- tory of this town, when on the west- ern slope of what had previously been called Deer Hill these farmers built, in 1727, a primitive little meet- ing house, and with evident thought - fulness they placed it near a cluster of stately oaks, which, when sum- mer's sun is high, cast a grateful shade around a bountiful and never failing spring, which gushes forth in- to a brook that dances and sings merrily in its course through the meadows to the south, while on the hill above they consecrated an acre for the burial of the dead; a lovely and a fitting place, for in the east, over the summit of another hill, rise the sombre crags of the Beset range while in the foreground to the south, roll the beautiful meadows, pastures and woodland of the old Yale farm, and in the distance point the spires of Wallingford, the town where so many of those who lie buried here, were born. It should be holy ground for those of Meriden birth, and I know of no place of burial where with more peculiar fitness one may quote those pathetic lines: "Each in his narrow cell forever laid, The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." No one has been placed here for his final rest since 1771. Once the cen- ter of the parish, time has played strange pranks, for now it is far from the haunts of men, and no one comes here, except the curious and those drawn by the desire to muse and be alone. As we wander through tne old grave- yard and pause to read the uncouth rhyme, under the rudely carved death's head on the frail memorial of one of these early pioneers, we are bidden "Behold and see as you pass by. As you are now so once was I As I am now so must you be, Prepare for death and follow me." It requires no more than these lines to let fancy trick us into believing that once more the walls of the humble lit- tle church are standing as of yore; that the narrow lane before us has swollen to its ancient width of a ten-rod high- way, and over it, from east and west, are coming the phantoms of men and women clothed in the garb of long ago, seated in saddle and pillion and borne by patient nags, as in the days when Parson Hall, coming from his home near at hand, welcomed them with stately salutation and led this company of grave, God fearing country folk into the little meeting-house, there to reverently stand while he led in i 308 CENTENNIAL OF AIERIDEN. prayer, and patiently to sit wliile he poured forth his spiritual meditations of the week before. Rev. Theophilus Hall, a scion of that sturdy stock which has eiven a num- ber of distinguished men to the coun- try, was engaged as pastor by this lit- tle flock, numbering just fifty-one church members, in 1728, and immed- iately began to minister to their needs. Slight of stature, as tradition tells us, he was strong mentally, and held his people with a vigorous hand. He was a man of fearless independence, and when the great theological controversy until it became too small to accommo- date the large families that these farmers were rearing, and then, in the face of great opposition, Mr. Hall in- duced the members of his church to build a new one, nearly on the site of the present Center church. The ar- gument advanced by the opponents of the plan was that the place was too far to the north, and too near to moun- tainous and waste land; but the strong man carried the day, and at the same time decided where the future village of Meriden was to lie, although it was many long years before there was even OM-ICE OF C. W. CAIIILL. arose in Wallingford, in 1758, which was really a battle between Congrega- tionalism and Presbyterianism in this colony, Parson Hall, in the face of much criticism from members of his flock, dared to side with Dr. Dana and invite him to his pulpit. The latter, in his century sermon preached in 1770, said of him: "A man of strong intellectual pow- ers, much esteemed as a preacher, and a zealous advocate for civil and relig- ious liberty." For twenty-five years, the little meeting house continued to be used, the beginning of one, so wedded were these farmers to their profession of tillers of the soil. Parson Hall died in 1767, and enough of his gravestone is left to tell us that "He discharged the duties of his function with distinguished fidelity and accomplished Christian life, the uni- form disciples of Jesus Christ." His successor, Rev. John Hubbard, of New Haven, although he had graduat- ed at Yale in 1744 and was licensed to preach in 1746, had gone into business in his native town and had no settled parish until he came to Meriden, in CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 309 1767. A suspicion got abroad that his creed was not orthodox, and when he was named as the choice of the major- ity of the church members, precisely the same sort of a struggle as that which had hardly begun to cool in Wallingford, broke out in Meriden; af- ter a number of conferences, which set- tled nothing, the dissatisfied element, just as had happened in the older par- ish, withdrew, and formed a separate society which lasted several years. But nevertheless, John Hubbard stayed, and by his estimable character, win- ning manners, and forceful preaching the regicides, Whalley and Goffe, had found refuge in 1661 among the rushes and reeds that once covered the banks of the brook where it is crossed by Colony street in the center of Meriden. The place then bore the name of Pil- grims' Harbor. Mr. Stiles distinctly states in his diary that he could find no tradition of that sort here, and yet in his "History of Three of the Judges," published in 1794, we read: "There is a tradition of their making a lodgment at Pilgrims' Harbor, so called from them, being twenty miles from New Haven, at a place called HOUSE BUILT BY REV. JOHN HUBBARD ABOUT 1/70: IT STOOD UNTIL 1866 WHERE THE HOME OF EDWARD MILLER IS LOCATED, NO. 360 BROAD ST. IT WAS THEN MOVED TO 229 BROAD ST., WHERE IT IS STILL LOCATED. British fleet." A full account of the boat and its achievements was published in the New York Commercial Advertiser, November 15th, 1821, when many witnesses were ^till living to verify it and the same account was repub- lished with illustrations in the New York Herald of September 5th, 1897. The grandfather clock, constructed throughout by hand labor, was neces- sarily expensive, and, early in the century, cheap mantel clocks with wooden wheels were made in Water- bury, first by Lemuel Harrison, the reputed inventor, and the business had assumed large proportoions in 1820 to 1830, when Ira Twiss & Bros.* built their factory in Meriden. The clocks were distributed by ped- dlers, all over the country, and ev- eiybody that could afford it, bought one, but having used it, never bought another. The contraction and ex- pansion of the wood responding to atmospheric changes caused confus- ion and chaos in the works, and the peddlers became shy of going over the route twice. The novelty, while it lasted was profitable to the manu- facturers, but/ that was another of the industries that died in inf,ancy. In the year 1835 or about that time, Chauncey Jerome of Bristol de- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 327 vised machinery with dies for stamp- ing out cloclc wheels from brass plates of suitable thickness, and com- menced the manufacture of brass wheel clocks. Numerous other man- ufacturers in Bristol, Terryville, Plymouth and Waterbury followed his lead and thus the great clock in- dustry has continued, until now, when a million time pieces are said to be turned out in a month by a single establishment in Connecticut. Bradley & Hubbard were enga.iicd in this manufacture in Meriricn about the middle of the last century, the cases being made of original iron work. The genius of this enterpris- ing firm was adapted to a more ;aii- bitious achievement tban that of Eiarking the pace of Old Father Time, and they abandoned it for one which has been always ahead of other peo- ple's time, and another of Meriden industries perished in infancy. JOHN BULL, PEDDLER OF YANKEE CLOCKS. Before leaving the subject of clock making, I may be pardoned for al- luding to a remarkable incident with- in my perusal of knowledge, by which the British government, owing to ob- tuseness in recognizing the potency of Yankee inventive skill, uncon- sciously became the active promotor of a vast trade in Yankee clocks throughout the whole United Empire. Chauncey Jerome, stimulated by nis great success in the manufacture of the needy invented time-pieces, ex- ported to Liverpool in the oarly forties a large invoice of the goods, on which he fixed a valuation of one guinea each, a price which afforded a satisfactory profit. The custom house officers at Liv- erpool seized the cargo, because of undervaluation, believing Uiat the clocks could not be produced at the in- voice price. In conformity with Eng- lish laws, they paid the amount of invoice, and the government ac- quired possession of the goods. Mr. Jerome, pleased with this easy .lud unexpected sale, sent another and much larger cargo, with the same valuation, and by the same process made another immense salt to a cash customer. Confident that he coujd endure that kind of pun'shmcnt as long as John Bull cared to inflict it, he sent a third cargo with a simJJar result. The British government then waked up to the fa?t ihat th^y had encountered a commercial problem which required them t.o finQ a mar- ket for a new and, at (i"st, u isalable class of merchandise, md vhen I vis- ited England in 1846 (crossing in the one only steamer that plying between New York and Europe) I found in the cities of Liverpool, Mancnes^ar, Bir- mingham and London small booths and stores erected by the govei7im'3nt in various sections of tho.se cities, with conspicuous signs, advertising "American Clocks" for sale, and thus with the greatest assiduity, the Brit- ish government, with its ill-imitable facilities was drumming up custom- ers for Yankee goods. A comfortable fortune for the enterprising i»Ir. Jerome was the result. The Ivory Comb factory of Julius Pratt & Co., (successor to Howard Pratt & Co.) at the time we ai-e now considering, was the most advanced of any in Meriden, in labor saving ma- chinery. The cutting, or more prop- erly sawing of the fine teeth Sf. the comb was a very delicate process, producing teeth varying in thickness from one-thirtieth to one-eightieth of an inch. The saws were circular, about three inches in diameter and thin as paper, and were imported from France. The other parts of the ma- chinery were made by mechanics in the factory. The machine was auto- matic, requiring only that the blank or plate of ivory, already formed in comb shape, should be fixed in posi- tion, and then, by touching a spring the machine would produce a complete comb and stop when its work was done. There was not one failure in a thousand times of operation and one girl could easily manage five machines simultaneously. There were about twenty processes between the crude tusk of ivory and the finished products, all of them per- formed by the aid of machines, most of which were invented by mechanics em- ployed in the factory. The tusks of ivory were from five to eight feet long weighing an average of sixty to eighty pounds each, and were imported from Zanzibar which was the center of all the ivory traffic of Eastern and Central Africa and controlled absolutely by the sultan of Zanzibar. Miniature portraits on ivory were in vogue at the time, for Daguerre had ;28 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. not then captured the elusive rays of the sun and forced them into the ser- vice of making pictures. A miniature painter in New York, named Hite, was desirous of painting family groups on a large scale and offered a liberal sum for ivory sheets a foot square or more, the sheets in ordinary use being re- stricted to four or five inches, the di- ameter of the tusk inside the enamel. Benjamin Stedman, the head machinist of the establishment, assisted by Fen- ner Bush invented a machine for saw- ing thin sheets of ivory around the block, by the same process which, inc-e that time, has been adopted for sawing wood veneers. By the appli- cation of water for softening the ivory, this machine produced sheets four- teen inches wide and of any desired length. A specimen was sent to ''he World's fair in LfOndon in 1851, four- teen inches wide and fifty-two feet long and was accorded the most con- spicuous position, hanging from the dome* of the Crystal Palace. I may be permitted to mention also that in the Smithsonian Institution at Waja- ington, among the government relics, may be seen a solid ivory cane witii heavy gold mountings which was pre- sented to John Quincy Adams by Ju- lius Pratt & Co., in testimony of his brave fight ' in Congress for the right of free speech. The goods produced by Julius Pratt & Co., more perfect and cheaper than the hand-made pro- ducts of European manufacture, found their way to all countries where com- merce had gained a foothold. Tne ivory comb factory of Walter Webb & Co.. first at Crow Hollow and after- ward at Hanover, was, in a sense, aux- iliary to that of Julius Pratt & Co., tlie partners in the former being partners in the latter also, and the purchases and sales were made on joint account. In 1848 the factory of Julius Pratt & Co. was destroyed by fire, and in or- der to supply the trade, the Hanover works were operated continuously night and day for more than a year at a profit amounting to 100 per cent, m the capital. The reconstructed fac- tory at Prattsville was quite superior in style and convenience to that at Hanover and Mr. Pratt in a bantering way called Mr. Webb's attention to +he contrast, to which Mr. Webb replied, "it is not the best looking fiddle that plays the best tune." The verification of the remark appeared in the respec- tive dividends. These two companies and another in Deep River became consolidated in 1803, and constituted one of the first, so-called, "trusts" in the country. The business of the new company became extensive and profitable, including a large establishment in Deep River, which, by the introduction of machin- ery, superseded the old method of hand-work in the making of piano and organ keys and secured the pat- ronage and trade of nearly all the piano and organ makers in the coun- try. In the course of time the new in- vention of cheaper materials, hard rubber and celluloid and the increas- ing scarcity of ivory, caused a collapse of the manufacture of ivory goods, and thus another of the infant indus- tries of Meriden disappeared. HIGH CHARACTER AND INTELLIGENCE. In passing it may be interesting to notice the difference in personality of the operatives employed at that per- iod and those of the present time. In all the mills and factories of the former period the operatives were al- most without exception native born, of respectable families, and had re- ceived a good common school educa- tion. In the city of Lowell, Mass., a monthly magazine of good literary merit was edited and conducted ex- clusively by the operatives of the cot- ton mills, and many of them of both sexes went forth into the arena of social and public life and became in- fluential members of society. Sev- eral of the girls employed in the Prattsville comb factory gratified their ambition for the higher education at Mount Holyoke seminary, and as many as eight of them became the wives of gospel ministers. One of the feminine graduates of the Plattsville factory is the author of the interesting and well written book, the perusal of which has doubtless afford- ed much pleasure to the citizens of Meriden. Of the men who went into a larger life, I will mention one es- pecially noticeable. The dullest boy in the factory, who was generally ridiculed for his stupidity, happened, at the age of fourteen, to stray into the library of Fenner Bush and re- ceived a new inspiration and desire CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 329 for mental Improvement. He was encouraged by the benevolent and genial owner of the books and spent such time as was available in reading. This was followed by a desire for a better education, and having saved his earnings he went to a school of the higher order, and by work and teaching at intervals was graduated and studied law. He became the most eminent lawyer at the New York bar in criminal law practice and sub- sequently the special counsel and at- torney of Commodore Vanderbilt with a compensation which brought to him large wealth and social position. He formed a matrimonial connection with one of the time honored families of "Western New York. His name was Henry L. Clinton. PATERNAL RELATION OF EMPLOYER. The relation of Julius Pratt to his employes was eminently paternal. He felt responsible for the good be- havior of every one of them and the rigid rules he required them to ob- serve were enforced with an iron hand. No applicant for employment was accepted until a thorough inves- tigation of his or her antecedents and character had been made. In their boarding houses their po- sition was that of members of a well- regulated family, and at 10 o'clock each night the outside doors were locked and they retired to rest. The office of the factory was shut off from the working room by a glass partition, through which Mr. Pratt's observant eye could take cognizance of the fidel- ity and behavior of the employed. His severe method of go^' Col., a brother of Miss Anna Macy, was the guest of H. A. Curtiss. Mrs. S. E. Parshlev, of Middletown; Mrs. Chas. R. Fow'ler, of Westfield. Mass.; Mrs. J. A. Gaylord, of Hadley, Mass. ; and Miss Mary Miller, of South Hadley, Mass., spent the week with Mrs. I. O. Ives. Miss Sarah Saunders- of New Haven, visited Mr. and Mrs. M. Strauss, of Lewis avenue. Miss Hattie Lockrow, of Lynn, Mass., spent the week with her mother, Mrs. M. J. Lockrow, Hanover street. Mrs. Charles Hickox. of Hartford, spent the week with friends on Gold street. Arthur L. Bradle}', a former resident of this city, was the guest of friends ^londay, taking a part in the parade. Mrs. Charles Beyerle, of Brooklyn. N. Y., visited her father, Fred Monck- meyer, on Crown street. Miss Margaret Schafmeister, of Ossining, N. Y., a former Kensington avenue resident, was the guest of ^ler- iden friends. s66 CExXTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Doolittle, of New Haven, were greatly pleased with the parade. Charles Collins looked and played well in Hatch's band. Mr. Collins is a former Meridenite and learned his trade in Rogers' shop. Mrs. Charles Fyfe came down from Toronto, Ont., to take in the sights. John S. Lewis, a former resident, came up from the shore to play with the Military band. All the local mu- sicians managed to shake hands with the trombonist. Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Kellogg and children, of Pittsfield, Mass., were in town over the Centennial. Mr. Kellogg is connected with the John Hancock Life Lisurance Co. as assistant super- intendent in that place. Mrs. E. Heuer of Houston, Texas, was in town for the Centennial. Mr. and Mrs. O. Maitland Skidgell, of Hartford, with their son, Thornton, spent the week with friends. Mrs. Joseph Loy, of Ilion, N. Y., spent her vacation with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Lawrence, of 103 View street. T. J. Ware, of Vineland. N. J., en- joyed the Centennial with R. B. Ware and family of Murray street. Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Ross and son Robert, of Torrington- Conn., were the guests of Mrs. F. P. Hayes and son of New Hanover avenue. Mr. Ross is a veteran of the civil war and a former resident of South Meriden. Dr. F. B. Otis and his mother, Mrs. M. E. Otis, of Brooklyn, N. Y., Mrs. F M. Sanford and Miss Kate Sanford, of Torrington. were guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Morse- of Linsley avenue (luring the Centennial. Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Bedell and Mrs. Mary Russell, of New Haven, were guests of Mrs. M. J. CuHen, of Twiss street. John E. Somers and family, of Brook- lyn, N. Y., reached Meriden on Wednes- day, and enjoyed the remainder of the Centennial. Mr. Somers looks little older than when he was a member of the ATeriden police force quite a num- ber of years ago, or later, when he became one of the founders of the suc- cessful firm of Little, Somers & Hyatt. Mr. and Mrs. .Albert Hems, of Wal- lingford, visited with Mrs. Hem's pa- rents, 198 Pratt street, during Centen- nial week. Captain George Hyland, of Indian Neck, arrived Wednesday to spend a couple of days. Miss Albina Osborn, of Danbury, vis- ited Mr. and Mrs. Richards. Mrs. Van Wort, of Boston, visited her daughter, Mrs. W. J. Hyland. Mary and Adolph Flohr- of New York City, were guests of Mrs. Mary Faeth. Mrs. Elizabeth Corbett and Mrs. J. E. Corbett, of Hartford, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Costigan. Conrad Miller, of Washington, D. C, formerly of Meriden, was home for the week. Mrs. E. de la Chevratiere and son, Antonio of Ste. Anna de la Perade, Canada, visited her sister- at No. 9 Park street, Mrs. D. Frazier and her son, E. de la Chevratiere. Miss Mae Mulvey, of New Haven, visited her cousin, Mrs. John McWee- ney, of Yale street. Major S. M. Gladwin, of Hartford, Captain Franklin Dart of Noroton, Al- bert Walker of Norwich and Norman L. Hope of Hartford were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Wakefield dur- ing the G. A. R. encampment. Mr. and Mrs. Ballon and sons, Clar- ence and Harr\'. were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Carpenter, of Cat- lin street. Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Parker had as their guests Mr. and Mrs. R. B. An- drews, of Lee, Mass. Mrs. R. J. Vance and family of New Britain were guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Parker of Kensington Heights. Miss Alice McCarthy, of Hartford- spent the week with Meriden relatives. Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards, of Springfield. Mass., former Meriden residents, stayed the week with their relatives in this city. Thomas Maxwell, of Farmington, formerly of this city, spent Centennial week in this city. Mr. and Mrs. John Maloney, of New York city, visited Meriden relatives. Edward H. Smith, of Thompson- viile, was the guest of Meriden friends. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Allen, of York, Pa., were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henrv Warren. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 367 Air. and Mrs. S. Hugo and Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Lutz, of New Haven, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Bauer, of Colony street. The Misses McAllister, of Danbury, were the guests of the Misses Martin, of Goodwill avenue. Frank Collins, of the Wauregan ho- tel. Norwich, formerly of the Meriden house, was a visitor. Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Hurley, of Wor- cester, Mass., were guests of Miss E. G. Hurley. Mrs. George A. Kennedy, of Buffalo, X. Y., formerly Miss Katherine A. Gragan, was a visitor here. Richard Scharmer, of Winsted, was home with his parents. Thomas Lacroix, a former Meriden T)oy, spent a few days with relatives. Mr Lacroix is practicing medicine with Dr. A. P. Larcin, of Atlantic City, N. J. Mrs. August Adler, August, Carl and Rose, of Brooklyn, N. Y., were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Rule, of 32 Lima street. Mr. and Mrs. Levi B. Curtis, of Wey- mouth, Mass., were guests of Attorney and Mrs. George A. Fay. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lane, of Mys- tic, were the guests of Ives W. Hart. Mrs. S. M. Paddock was in town for the week. ]\Iiss Katherine A. Greene, of Flor- ence. Mass., visited her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Butler. Miss Susie Dalton, of Bridgeport, was the guest of Miss Anna Walsh, of Sherman avenue. Samuel F. Hayes, of Portland, Me., who formerly was employed here, re- turned to his home after spending a very enjoyable week with his Meriden relatives. The Misses Sarah and Margaret Kane, of New York, were the guests of Meriden friends. Mrs. Mary Norcott Mix, of New Haven, aged eighty-three, who was a much interested Centennial visitor, saw .-■11 the parades from a window in Dr. Hall's office. Mrs. H. J. Burgess and little daugh- ter, Gladys, of Philadelphia. Pa., spent the week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Donahue, of Center street. Mrs. Burgess formerly lived in this citv and was a popular member of L. A., A. O. H., Division 15. Miss Margaret Coyne, of Pittsfield, Mass., formerly of this city, visited friends in town. Mrs. John Foley, of Middletown, vis- ited her cousin, Mrs. Wm. Corrigan, of Arch street. Mr. and Mrs. Willliam Wilcox, of Norwalk, visited Mr. and Mrs. J. Kel- ler, of Center street. William J. Larkins, of Bridgeport, a former well-known Meriden young man, visited his father, Lawrence Lar- kins. of South Broad street. Eugene W. Gilmartin. of Spoft'ert. N. H., spent the week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gilmartin of Wind- sor avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ziegler, of East Hampton, Mass., visited their daugh- ter, Mrs. H. C. Kline. Mrs. Fred Kilbourne of Springfield, visited her father, Benjamin Page. Mrs Sarah Vaughan Horton of Prov- idence spent the week here. Mrs. Oliver Rice entertained a party of guests at her home on Goe avenue. Among them were iMrs. Betsy Rice Judd. of New York, and Mrs. Sarah Rice Parsons, of Washington, who were born here and were glad to see old friends. Mrs. Louis Krahl. of 212 Curtis street, entertained her uncle and aunt. Mr. and Mrs. George Woodford, of Leicester. England, for the week. Mr. Woodford is a manufacturer. Mrs. Delia E. Yale, of New Hart- ford. Conn., spent Centennial week with her niece. Mrs. P. D. Morin of War- ren street. Dr. and Mrs. E .S. Beckley. of Rock- ford. 111., visited their sisters. Mrs. J. C. Booth and Mrs. Fred Haaga. Dr. and Mrs. Beckley left here twenty years ago. Mrs. L. Grautrau and two children of Stamford visited Mr. and Mrs. Al- fred J. Gautrau, of 221 Center street. Mrs. Florence Chase Haight, former- ly of this city, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Albion C. Bumpus. Edward J. Gaffey. a well known mem- ber of the Young Men's T. A. B. so- ciety, who is now employed in Bridge- port, spent the week at his home in this citv. 368 CENTENNIAL OF MEKIUEN. Col. and Mrs. Watson J. Miller of Shelton spent a few days here with relatives. Mr. and Mrs. William IMcKenzie visited with Benjamin Kennard. Casper Bull of Philadelphia visited relatives. James Redfield, of Hamilton, Cana- da, visited Mrs. Emma Redfield. Mrs. Willliam Potter, of Guilford, spent the week with her sister, Mrs. Fred Huntington. Sirneon P. Jonas, for some time past a resident of New Haven, was among the Meriden visitors, and he had a spe- cial interest in the firemen's division of Monday's big parade as he was for a good many years a member of the E. J. Doolittle Truck company. ]\Irs. James Mulvaney and daughter, Aliss Jennie, of Fitchburg, Mass.. Mr. and l\Irs. Thomas Walker of Brooklyn, George Lawlor of New Britain, Mr. and Mrs. William Lawlor of Hartford, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Kammer, all for- mer residents and relatives of Mrs. Wil- liam Kenney and Charles A. Berry, were the guests of the last named for the week. 'Mr. Walker was formerlv a contractor jn this city. It is thirty years ago since some of them have vis- ited Meriden. They were royally en- tertained. Besides taking in the Centen- nial celebrities they visited Hubbard park and other places of interest. Mus- icales were held at the home of Mrs. Kenney and_Mr. Berry. Mr. and Mrs. John Toothill of Stamford were also guests of Mrs. William Kenney. Miss Charlotte ]\IcCarthy had as their guest, Mrs. Franklin Ives and daugh- ter. Miss Mabelle, of Southington. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Eddy, of Weth- ersfield, formerly of Meriden. were guests of Mr .and INTrs. Frank Rice of Grove street. Mrs. Livingston Campbell of New Haven, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W. Frances of Cherry street. Walton and Earl Studwell of Stam- ford arrived Monday on their motorcy- cles and were entertained during their stay by Mr. and Mrs. W. Spencer of Wood street. From here they went tn Boston on their wheels, but returned to participate in the doings of the week. _Mrs. Walter Reynolds of Providence visited her sister, Mrs. A. B. Clark, of Reservoir avenue. George W. Hall, of Forestville, vis- ited his daughter, Mrs. W. A. Hill, of South Colony street. Miss Faith Gerard of Rutherford, New Jersey, visited her uncle, Joseph Gerard of Sylvan avenue. Julius Newell of Rockville was the guest of W. H. H. George, of Stone street, for a few days. Mr. Newell was in the Eleventh Connecticut regiment with Mr. George and marched with the old vetterans Tuesday. Miss Hazel Spencer of Ware, Mass., spent Centennial week with friends in this city. Miss Spencer is a native of Meriden. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Dupleisses of Waterbnry, formerly residents of Mer- iden, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Spencer of Hanover street. Mrs. Warren A. Ferris of Stamford was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. William Spencer of 54 Wood street. Postmaster William H. Kelsey and wife of Clinton, were guests of his brother. Letter Carier Charles S. Kel- sey. Miss Mae Cain, of New York city, visited Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan, of Arch street. Thomas Kelleher, of Seymour, was a Meriden guest. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Alvord, of Mor- ris, Conn., were guests of Miss Lillie McLoughlin, of South avenue. Mr. and Mrs. James Catlin and daughter. Miss Mae Catlin. of Hart- ford, were guests of friends in this city. Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Curtin and daughter, of New York city, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Doyle and daughter of New- Britain, Joseph McGann and friends, Dinny and ]\Ir. Donnelly, of Orange, N. J., visited Mrs. Catherine McGann. of Maple street. Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Hill, of Bridge- port, former Meriden residents, spent the week with Mr. Hill's parents on Hobart street. Thomas P. Casey, of New York, who formerly conducted a tailoring shop on East Main street, came home. The Misses Mae, Ida Susie. Alice and John Dalton. of Bridgeport, for- merly of this city, were guests of their cousin, Miss Julia Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. John Reynolds, of Bridgeport, visited Mr. Reynolds' sis- C E X T I-: X X I . \ L O F .M Iv R I n I-: X . 3^'9 ter, Mrs. Eliza ]\IcLoughlin, of South avenue. _ Mr. Reynolds was a member of the famous Stow baseball team that made Meriden famous in the seventies. Arthur Ball, of Boston, spent the week with his aunt, INIrs. P. H. Russell of Colony street. Peter Montrie, of New London, for- merly ot Meriden, was the guest of his local friends. Mr. and Mrs. Norman C. Smith, of Newark, N. J., formerly of this city, were here. Rudolph Born, of Forestville, a for- mer Meriden Turner society leader, was here for the turnfest and the cel- ebration. Mrs. Charles M. Greene, of Canan- daigua, N. Y., and Mr. and Mrs. I. R. Curtis, of Newark, N. J., were guests of Mr and Mrs. John Hull, of 334 Broad street. Misses Martha Welch, Mae Kennery, Katherine Morrison, of Springfield; Gertrude Parker, of Holyoke ; Mary Welch and Margaret Garrity. of South- ington, were the guests of Miss Kittie Ryan, of Hobart street. John Maney, of Orchard, Me., was with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maney, of Center street. Roland L. Dryhurst, brother of Post- master Henry Dryhurst, was here with his daughter, Margery, for the big home week. Mr. Dryhurst is now the assist- ant superintendent of the Rockford Sil- ver Plate company's factory at Rock- ford, 111., and it is seventeen years since his previous visit to Meriden. He was of course, greatly interested in Meri- den's Centennial. John F. Murden, who has been with Matthews & Willard, of Waterbury, since leaving the Bradley & Hubbard concern, was a Meriden visitor who re- newed old acquaintances. by house on Parker place. When quite young his father, Isaac W. Curtis, re- moved to the corner of High and Main streets in the house now occupied by James R. Sloane, and a few years later to a farm at the corner of Broad street and Gale avenue, where he lived until he was fourteen years of age, and then removed to Newark, N. J., where he is nov/ located. In that place he learned the jeweler's trade and followed that business for twenty years. In 1873 he started in the manufacture of an oil for polishing and brightening furniture, pianos and floors and has built up a business which now extends to all parts of the United States. Mr. Curtis was married in Newark at _ the age of twenty-nine. Three children were born to them, but only one survives. Miss Clara I. Curtis, a teacher in the schools of Newark. At the age of sixty Mr. Curtis began the study of hygiene and claims that from that practice of what he has learned his health has improved so that to- day he is healthier than ever before in his life. ISAAC R. CURTIS. One of the visitors to Meriden dur- ing the centennial was Isaac R. Curtis, of Newark, N. J., who was born in Meriden, Sept. 30, 1838, in the old Hig- JOSEPH P. BEACH. A centennial visitor who was as in- terested as any one in the growth of Meriden, was Joseph P. Beach, of Cheshire. Mr. Beach is a son of Moses Y. Beach, who was the founder of the New York Sun and who built a fine residence in Wallingford, the building now being used as a hotel — the well- known Marlborough house. Mr. Beach used to fish in Harbor Brook and remembers the town when it was a very small one. His recollec- tions of the Millerite movement, when a good many Meriden people bought white robes and went out on the "last day" and waited to ascend to heaven, are very interesting. Mr. Beach came into The Journal of- fice to learn where he could obtain tickets for the "First Town Meeting." He expressed himself as greatly im- pressed by the big celebration. Mr. Beach is the author of a history of Cheshire. 24 370 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. Press Comments, Letters of Regret, Etc. HOLDS HER AGE WELL. [Hartford Post] To Miss Meriden : You really don't look it. GREAT WEEK FOR SILVER CITY. [Rockville Leader.] All roads will lead to Meriden this week. It will be a great week for the Silver City. GOOD WISHES. [Waterbury American.] Everybody wishes Meriden the best of weather and the most complete suc- cess in its celebration.. Meriden is a town that stands for the things which have given Connecticut its pre-eminence, industry, thrift and enterprise. FRISKY AS A COLT. [New Haven Register.] Meriden, one hundred years old. is as frisky as a colt and is celebrating its anniversary with every kind of joy- ful instrumentality. The soberer and more sedate city of New Haven begs to assure its neighbor of its unmitigated good will and affection. PLANS WELL CARRIED OUT. [New London Telegraph.] Meriden's Centennial has been ob- served in a way that reflects great credit on the citizens of that enteprris- ing place who made the arrangements. The city deserves to be highly com- mended for the finished manner in which its plans were carried out. CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE. [Bridgeport Standard.] Meriden is celebrating her Centennial anniversary as a town this week and is having a great time, with a continuous performance, lightning changes and all the concomitants of the "greatest show — of the kind — on earth." If her people survive the week without feeling two hundred years old at the end they will be fortunate, but this sort of a celebra- tion does not come every year. Three cheers for Meriden ! GOOD PRESS COMMITTEE. [Naugatuck News.] If any one in Connecticut is not aware of the fact that the city of Mer- iden is having a Centennial celebration this week it is not the fault of the cen- tennial press committee. They have ad- vertised the celebration far and near and have advertised it well, and for the able manner in which they have per- formed their work they are deserving of credit and a vote of thanks by the people of Meriden. ONE OF THE RESULTS. [Meriden Record.] The centennial is demonstrating one fact which some people had lost sight of — that Meriden was the scene of many historical incidents of as much inter- est as other places which have been more talked of. An occasional reference such as the allusion by George M. Curtis in his ad- dress, at the presentation exercises, to Major Shaylor, gives a personal touch to the narrative which is at once in- spiring and interesting. The little burying ground on "Meet- ing House Hill" takes on new signifi- cance when the history of some of those who are buried there is known. Such homeopathic doses of history are good for children. They lead them "by easy stages" to a time and place where they will be inspired to make investigations for themselves. The loan exibit, too, has proved quite a revelation to many. It really CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 371 is an "open book" and the articles tell stories so charming and interesting that one is easily carried away to another epoch where manners and customs were radically different and which have had a bearing on succeeding generations. MERIDEN'S SUCCESS. [New London Day.] The citizens of Meriden are to be congratulated upon the success of the city's Centennial celebration. Blessed with find weather they have improved every shining hour. There has been something doing every day this week. Satisfied visitors have filled the town to overflowing. To carry out success- fully a celebration of such magnitude requires much planning, great enthus- iasm and plenty of hard work, and the grand result accomplished is ample evi- dence that the citizens of Meriden, both high and low, have unitedly put their hearts, heads and hands into the task. FINE LABOR PARADE. [Meriden Journal, June 13.] Another successful Centennial parade, that of the labor organizations to-day. The men presented a fine appearance and the decorated floats and vehicles were most attractive features. Of course but a very small part of the large membership of the labor unions of Meriden was represented by those in line, but it was an excellent representa- tion and impressed all spectators most favorably. Tt is well and good to praise our cap- tains of industry for what they have done for the town, but the men under them, the rank and file, the men but for whom the "captains" could have ac- complished nothing — these toilers are entitled to their full share of credit, aye and material reward. Probably many thought of this as the parade passed by ; at any rate there was an abundance of applause and other signs of appre- ciation that all must have noticed. La- bor showed up well on its special holi- day, doing its share to make a success of the celebration, and, being blessed with such splendid weather, we have no doubt will have an afternoon and even- ing of thorough enjoyment at its picnic festivities. We certainly hope so. COMPLIMENTS FOR MERIDEN. [Norwich Bulletin.] The present week the state sees Mer- iden making the most of a centennial anniversary and the opportunities inci- dental thereto ; and those who are ad- miringly looking on have to admit that Meriden is doing herself proud ! But while the anniversary habit is al- ways commendable, it is the every-day good municipal habit which contributes most to the advancement of any city. To be doing extraordinary things — to make a city attractive once in a while, is all right — but to keep a city clean, healthy, busy and attractive every day is the real praiseworthy accomplish- ment. Meriden has a habit of being attrac- tive all the time. In their civic pride the people keep the welfare of the city close to their hearts — they speak of home with that feeling of love and en- dearment which means so much. Mer- iden is their hobby as well as their hope. Meriden's good name is their good name — Meriden and her people are one and inseparable. That is the municipal spirit which should pervade every live community. It is above the carping of political or religious differences — it is the universal plane upon which civic harmony sits and presides for the common good. All the people are in it and it is all for all and all in all. It means power and it means progress and it means prosperit}^ The municipality so blessed is the envy of those who have not yet attained the municipal habit which is best and greatest — every man for the city and the city for ever}^ member of the muni- cipal family. EXPRESSION OF ADMIRATION. [Watcrbury Republican.] The city of Meriden is experiencing an even greater success with its Cen- tennial than was anticipated. Probably the Meridenites themselves were pre- pared for the advent of the great crowds, as they knew that they had pro- vided attractions that would draw the multitudes. But the rest of the state for the most part didn't realize what a really big event the Silver City had pre- pared to make of the one hundredth an- niversarv of its birth . 37^ Cl'NTENNIAr. Ol' MI;KI1)KN. Meriden, however, has really outdone herself, and her sister cities are glad to acknowledge her achievement and express their admiration in no uncertain terms. In truth it is no small thing that has been done by the citizens of the enterprising community to the east of us. None in the state, it is safe to say, could have crowded into a week a series of more interesting events or arranged a programme of more general attrac- tiveness. The event justifies the judg- ment of the promoters, and the crowds and their evident enjoyment of the va- rious features attest the popularity of the whole celebration . The men of Meriden who have made the city what it is are deserving of con- gratulations. After all this celebra- tion is merely the outcome of the com- munity's enterprise in other directions, which has fostered its growth against natural handicaps that would have dis- heartened a less hardy and determined people. Meriden's hundred years of achievement are worth celebrating and the celebration, those who have visited the city during this notable week in its history are happy to testify, is worthy the achievement which it commemo- rates. CELEBRATION UNDER WAY. [Meriden Journal, June ii.] All goes well with Meriden's Centen- nial and Old Home week celebration. The events of Saturday evening, of yes- terday and of to-day up to this writing came off according to programme and met every expectation fully. Every- thing seems to be in splendid running order and there is no reason why it should not so continue throughout the week. It does not seem possible, after about ten days of unsettled weather, that we should have more of it, but even if there is a day or two more of rain it will not interfere with the general success of the celebration. Everybody is in the best of spirits, prepared for a week of the liveliest enjoyment, and sure to find it unless we are mightily mistaken. There may be clouds in the sky as there were this morning but there are none on the faces or spirits of those concerned with this great home jubilee. To the thousands of visitors we wish again to-day to repeat the welcome ex- tended to them by The Journal on Sat- urday. It rests with them entirely how much profit and pleasure they may de- rive during their stay here. The peo- ple of Meriden are more than pleased to greet and entertain them, and do most sincerely hope they may have no cause to regret their coming. Espe- cially glad are we to welcome back to the old home the many former residents of the town. We know they will re- joice to see how Meriden has pro- gressed, and will enter fully and heart- ily into the spirit of the week's festivi- ties. And when they go away again, if go they must, we know they must, we know they .will feel greater pride than ever in Meriden, and more vigorously than ever proclaim its many beauties and virtues. To-day for the first time we get some sort of an idea of the holiday appear- ance presented by the town. It is high- ly encouraging to note how widely and generously the citizens have entered in- to the spirit of the celebration. Never were finer or more liberal decorations for a place of this size. From the high- est to the lowest everybody is interested if not enthused. All seem happy if not actually so, and if there is any unfavor- able criticism it is buried in the depths of long, straggling whiskers and can- not be heard. And above all who are overjoyed, and who are being showered, as they well deserve to be, with con- gratulations, are the faithful, hard- working committeemen who have done so much to bring about the success which has crowned their long months of arduous, voluntary labor. PROUD OF MERIDEN. [Shore Line Times.] Meriden has done and is yet doing herself proud this week in the proper celebration of the looth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. The town is magnificently decorated from the center to its utmost limits, scarce- ly a business building, manufacturing plant or residence, no matter how im- portant or how humble, that does not exhibit some spirit of loyalty and pride by elaborate decoration or the display of a bit of color of patriotic design. Rich and poor, high and low, employer and employe have worked side by side to place on the pages of history records of a work well and nobl}^ accomplished. CENTEXNIAI. OF MEKIDKX. 373 The decorations viewed by dajdight are probably the most elaborate ever seen in the state and are certainly very beautiful. While the decorations and parades, the music and the speechmaking have all been on a grand scale, the most glorious feature of it all was the home- coming of hundreds of outlanders, na- tives who had wandered from their own firesides into new country and after a lapse of many years returned to the scenes of their childhood to live over again for a brief period the happy days when life had no sorrows for them and all was the cloudless sunshine of care- free youth; he could once more wan- der over his verdure-clad hills, the meadows and the valleys, and point with happy reminiscence to the spot where in the days of long ago some event, trivial in itself as viewed through maturer eyes, had transpired but which returned with glistening vividness down the vista of the years. * * * And thus we could continue to reminise to the end of the chapter as doubtless thousands of others can and have done during the week as they have returned to Meriden and visited old familiar spots. It was one of the glorious fea- tures of "Old Home week" and appre- ciated only by those who have wandered from the homestead of their youth. ]\Ieriden should be proud of her achievements. We are proud of Meri- den. NEARING THE END. [Meriden Journal, June 15.] No showers to-day, up to this noon at least, in spite of yesterday's weath- er prediction. Perhaps our Centennial good hick will remain with us to the end. But at any rate the heavy work is all done and these remaining two days of an ever memorable week will be given over to more quiet enjoyment. After all we have been through we are about ready to take things easier and rest a little. And it will afford the home-comers an opportunity to get around more freely and look up old friends. It's truly surprising how large a number of former residents embraced this opportunity to revisit the old town. They were to be met on every hand and it was refreshing to see how much pleasure they seemed to be having. If all our visitors enjoyed themselves as much as these did, the fame of Meriden for hospitality and as a fine place to visit will be spread all over the land. For that matter, it is already throughout New England and the east as far as the newspapers can reach. The cele- bration has been very liberally report- ed, so that its glory is well known to most newspaper readers. If newspaper advertising pays, and we all know it does, Meriden will be handsomely re- paid for all it has invested in this cel- ebration in the way of money, labor and time. Any way it is viewed, it has been a grand success and highly credi- table in all its results to all connected with it. MERIDEN'S CIVIC SPIRIT. [Waterbury Republican.] All Connecticut takes an interest in the ceremonies that will this week mark the one hundredth anniversary of the town of Meriden, and pretty much all Connecticut will lend a hand, in one way or another, to the splendid celebration of the event. To the fame which this inventive and productive lit- tle commonwealth enjoys in the utter- most parts of the earth, the Silver City has contributed her part, and her sis- ter cities accord her full homage and bear toward her the family pride. That pride will be increased — has al- ready been increased immeasurably — by the splendid scale upon which she has planned to observe the interesting event at hand. It has never been equalled in the state and it has set a new stand- ard that will be hard for other towns to meet, however large, populous or wealthy they may be. A solid week of jubilation, with events so numerous and well distributed that no one day is better than another, make up a pro- gramme almost confusing to those who can afford the time for only a part of it and want to see and hear the best. Time was when ]\Ieriden and Water- bury were rivals in many ways but this city drew away with respect to concrete wealth and numbers, and we have been prone of late years to look somewhat patronizingly upon her from our posi- tion in the van. But let us admit with proper humility that she has now far •■•ntdonc us .-n civic spirit — th.-. thiig 374 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. most of all to be proud of ; and let us confess that we failed dismally a couple of years ago to arouse sufficient interest here to observe, in any way, an event similar to that now marked so handsomely by Meriden. In her week of jubilee Meriden has the hearty congratulations of the Brass City and the hope that her celebration will add to her silver luster. The Meriden folks have an old and confirmed habit of "stickin' together like fun" ; please to notice the results. ALL ROADS LEAD TO MERIDEN. [Norwich Bulletin.] All roads in the state of Connecti- cut lead to Meriden this week and to that city all eyes will be turned. This is Meriden's centennial week and the exercises began in the churches Sunday with religious commemorative services and the week will be a week of festiv- ities and pleasure. The programme is so arranged that the veterans of the state, the firemen and the militia — in fact, so that every- body in the state who has the inclina- tion, the leisure and the cash may go to Meriden and find enjoyment. 'Meriden is expecting 50,000 visitors this week, and it will not be surpris- ing if she has twice that number before the week ends. It is highly creditable to Meriden that she has taken time to plan and perfect her centennial celebration and there is no doubt that every day will be a good day, and that the whole will throw credit upon all who have been instru- rnental in making the programme attrac- tive or its carrying out a success. We agree with the Hartford Courant it is a pity that the farmer who sowed, plowed and reaped — serving God and the state in their generation — where the great factories now stand, could not have been amazed and thrilled by a vision of the times to come. To-day Meriden's name is known on all the con- tirients and in the islands of the seas. The things made in Meriden's factories go to the ends of the earth. The busy, in- genious, prosperous manufacturing town has been a credit to Connecticut these years past; a lesson and example also. The orator at the State street meeting (reported in the "Bigelow Papers"; said to his fellow whigs : "Only look at the Democrats, see wut they've done Jest simply by stickin' together like fun." MERIDEN'S GLORY WEEK. [Meriden Journal, June 12.] Another glorious day for Meriden's great celebration-made-to-order weather it might be called for the Grand Army parade and the other outdoor events. It was just suited, too, to the thousands of visitors who wandered through the streets and without discomfort saw all that was to be seen. No doubt the lov- ers of horse racing will flock to the trotting park in large numbers this af- ternoon to witness the speed contests to take place there. The unusual cool- ness of the weather is adding greatly to the pleasure of everybody who is tak- ing part in the exercises. Of the progress and success of the celebration only the most favorable re- ports are heard. No complaints come from visitors and our home people are well satisfied with the way affairs are moving. The various programmes are all being carried out as carefully ar- ranged, and the outlook is most satis- factory. All day and far into the night there is something doing to interest and entertain the visitors and add to the general enjoyment. Everybody seems to be having a good time and thus one most desirable end of the celebration has been attained. Its other benefits to this community are bound to be felt in due time if not just now, and they will be found to be invaluable. AUSPICIOUS OPENING. [New Haven Palladium.] Meriden auspiciously began the cele- bration of centennial week yesterday. Though Sunday was regarded as the first day, the large crowds and more general attractions made Monday the first day, in fact. It is to be hoped that the good weather will continue, +hat the crowds will grow greater and that the Silver City may reap every possible benefit from the week's festivities. Mer- iden has every reason to be proud of its history and may she add to that pride on her looth anniversary. The committees having the different pro- grammes of the celebration in hand are CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN, 375 all representative men who know their business and are doing everything pos- sible for the econifort of the visitors. With a realization of the great crowds that will attend the celebration a novel step has been taken in the establishing of a "Comfort House"' for the care of women and children. Trained nurses and maids will be in attendance there to look after the comfort of tired wom- en and children so that none such need fear to come without feeling that they will be carefully cared for. For the care of the general public a committee on "Public Safety" has been appointed who will watch every possi- ble avenue of accident or crookedness. While Meriden's centennial will be big. beautiful and enthusiastic, it will be clean and orderly in every respect. GOOD WISHES FOR MERIDEN. [Trumbull in New York Herald.] The town of Meriden is one of the most enterprising and progressive towns in the whole state. When it was orig- inally set off from the town of Wal- lingford, in order that those who lived in the Meriden parish might come the more surely into what was called their "ordinary rights, privileges and immun- ities," its people laid the foundations of the larger life that has come to it. At first numbered among the small towns of the state, it finally yielded to the industrial impulse and fashioned its future along those lines. To-day it is one of the stoutest cities in the state, and is known wherever human needs have made themselves known. Its men have taken a high place in the councils of the state and have been influential in shaping its destiny along higher lines. That it will begin its second century with every assurance of greater pros- perity is the prayer of the state. NEVER MIND THE RAIN. [Meriden Journal, June 14.] "Showers, J^riday." Let 'em come. They can't dampen Meriden enthusiasm, nor work great injury to the celebra- tion here. The big parades and out- door events have about all taken place, with weather seemingly made to order for them. Four such glorious days as we have had were enough to ensure the success of any affair of this nature. We can stand a little rain now. Only we should have liked fair weather to- morrow, Wallingford day, so as to make the visit of the friends from the mother town the more enjoyable. And there's that red-hot baseball game booked for Saturday afternoon. But that's two days off yet. However, we are sure a little bad weather won't prevent a great gather- ing here to-morrow of Wallingford people, although for that matter they have been largely in evidence all the week. But Friday is their day, and in their honor special exercises have been arranged. Meriden is proud of the fact that she sprang from such a fine old mother, and she hopes the blood rela- tionship will never be forgotten or that there will be any lessening of the warm feeling of affection that now exists. So let the borough be well represented here to-morrow, rain or shine, and let it be our duty to be even more hospi- table than ever. And may every one have a day of enjoyment, the memory of which will long be treasured. We cannot refrain from reprinting here an extract from a special report of the Meriden celebration which appeared in this morning's New York Sun, aa follows : "All doubt as to whether a staid New England town could keep up the pace for an entire week of carnival seems to have vanished. The populace and outsiders crowd the streets day and night and join in the rejoicings with the abandon of New Orleans at the Mardi Gras. There is something do- ing every minute and no one seems to be weary. The city has been eighteen months preparing for the Centennial and the doubting Thomases have all disap- peared. _ Some held out until to-day, but to-night they were shouting with the optimists." All true, every word of it. And we may add that the present outlook is that the celebration will not cost the town one penny ; thaat the town appro- priation made to pay expenses will not be touched. Indeed with two days more of decent weather we shouldn't be sur- prised if the Finance committee would be able to report at the clsoe a bal- ance on hand — to be applied of course to another Home Week jollification. Isn't that a splendid record? 76 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. THE MEN OF MERIDEN. [Hartford Times.] Celebrating the centennial of its in- corporation, the town of Meriden is experiencing a succession of crowded hours this week. Recalling its cheer- ful yesterdays and facing its confident to-morrows, the community is mak- ing the most of to-day. By the end of the week the people of Meriden will be tired out. It's a strenuous seven days for them, a con- tinuous performances of events that col- lectively make up a seductive pro- gramme. But a town that has lived a hundred years and has kept forging ahead all the time doesn't mind a touch of healthy fatigue now and then. It Avill sleep all the better for it. Nature didn't do much for Meriden ■except to distribute some attractive scenery through the outlying districts. The city has no great geographical ad- vantage other than being only eight- een miles from Hartford. It has no navigable stream ; it is provided with no great water power; it is rather -cooped up. And yet, starting out small, it has grown big. It has kept pegging away. It has made the most and the best of its opportunities. It has put hustle above hilarity, industry above inertia, the persevering life above the prodigal life. It has husbanded and ex- panded its resources instead of wasting them. The secret of Meriden's achievements and steady advancement has been Mer- iden's men. The personal equation has been the dominating influence. Other towns have set out with a great many more natural advantages than Meriden, but lacking the great captains of in- dustry who have made Meriden fa- mous, they have lagged behind while Meriden lias been jogging ahead. The whole state takes a kindly interest in watching Meriden show what it feels like to be a century young. MERIDEN'S looTH BIRTHDAY. [Meriden Journal June g, 1906.] Birthday anniversaries between the ages of four and thirteen are exciting events. After that they grow more fre- quent, seemingly, and their advent is hailed in a calmer spirit, until, indeed, they altogether cease to become wel- come. When we have attained to the respectable age of 100, however- we are no longer troubled by that modesty that earlier caused us to dodge the census man's questions, and we glory in our hoary crown of years. Seldom with more propriety to any town might the word "birthday" and other personifying terms be applied than to Meriden, for in the observance of her Centennial we are not to celebrate the discovery of rich beds of mineral wealth, or the development of great natural resources. Her only product of importance was her men. The men, in turn, produced her wealth, set her wheels turning, made her famous the world over as the seat of industries that bring the town to-day in touch with every corner of the civilized world. The Centennial next week will have fulfilled a great mission if it does noth- ing more than awaken an interest in the men whose energy, whose intelli- gence and whose integrity made Meri- den what she is to-day. This awakened interest will bring with it loyalty. No town may thrive unless her citizens are loyal ; no town has more reason to ex- pect loyalty from her people than has Meriden. Too much money expended in mere adornment is money thrown awaj'. There is no room in the minds of these people for sentiment. They keep their books too nicely balanced. But loyalty, grat- itude — aye ! even sentimentalitj^ — are greater and better than that spirit that asks of every effort, of every call for aid- ''What do I get out of it?" Throw out the streamers, unroll the flags ; you need not fear that your credit column will be overcrowded. Meriden has done more for you than you are likely to do for her, however willing you ma}^ be to strike a balance. In certain quarters there has been manifest a tendency to decry the Cen- tennial. There are always snarlers. The feeling of "smartness" that urges a man to speak evil of his town is not un- common. There are plenty who delight in befouling their own nest. On the whole, however, the people's response has been hearty and whole-souled, and the faultfinders and prophets of evil find themselves in that select circle known as "the minority." The success of the Centennial was assured weeks ago, but every day that has brought us nearer to the great occasion has made success the more certain, until now it looks as if nothing of human origin can pre- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 377 A'ent the next week from being the greatest in the history of the town. And we think it will long hold the state record. We believe that the desire awakened in the minds of Meriden pepole to know more about their town and the men that made it will result in still greater progress. "The fathers" were men worthy of emulation ; their characters were such as to repaj^ the student to- day. Some of them will live again, next Saturda}^ and will aid in recalling from the past Meriden's great day, the day when, asssembled in the first town meeting in their history, they ratified the action of the General Assembty in making a town of Meriden parish. If some of the spirit that animated the men of 1806 shall be caught by the men of 1906, we need not fear for the future. THE MERIDEN HABIT. [Hartford Courant.] Meriden is a hundred years old ; Mer- iden feels grown up, responsible, ,as good as anybody, ''some pumpkins" ; this week Meriden is celebrating. A handsome picture the town makes in its glad clothes ; even strangers whirled through on the railroad trains admire, and ask questions. May the weather conditions this week be to Meriden's heart's desire; and all the other con- ditions, too. What a pity it seems that the hon- est old farmers, who sowed, ploughed and reaped — serving God and the state in their generation — where the great factories now stand, could not have been amazed and thrilled by 'a vision ■of the times to come. To-day Meri- den's name is known on all the conti- nents and in the islands of the seas. The things made in Meriden's factories go to the ends of the earth. The busy, ingenious, prosperous manufacturing town has been a credit to Connecticut these years past ; a lesson and example also. The orator at the State-street meeting (reported in the "Bigelow Pa- piers") said to his fellow Whigs: "On'y look at the Demmercrats, see wut they've done Jest simply by stickin' together like fun." The Meriden folks have an old and confirmed habit of "stickin' together 'like fun ;" please to notice the results. We hope all Hartford people who can will look in at Meriden's birthday party this week, and enter heartily into the spirit of it. It's a family affair. The older town and the younger are not only near neighbors — they are close re- lations. Nothing that concerns Meri- den's welfare and happiness can ever be alien to Hartford. CENTENNIAL LESSON. [Meriden Record, June 11, 1906.] It will be a long time till the next Centennial, so long that comparatively few of us will see it. Therefore, let us make the most of this one. And that doesn't mean getting the most out of it for ourselves in pleasure or profit. Meriden is celebrating this week not only events, but men, the strong men who laid and builded upon the foundations of the town's growth and progress. They and their work are now being brought strongly to our at- tention. Many of us, however familiar we may be with the results of these men's endeavor, have known comparatively little of the men, their characters- their industry, their energy and devotion in adding to the sum total of human achievements. In many respects we have fallen away from their ideals. In whole- hearted public spirit, in mutual helpful- ness, in that devotion to the public weal which scouts personal prejudice or pref- erence, and, so many times, personal ag- grandizement, we are not what the fathers were. And it isn't necessary to go back beyond the memory of many now living for an illustration to point the moral. In the comparatively recent days of Horace C. Wilcox. Isaac C. Lewis, Wil- liam W. Lyman, George R. Curtis, Lem- uel J. Curtis, when the public need cried for anything necessary to the popular w^elfare, it didn't take nearly so long to supply that need as it does now. Mr. Wilcox would summon all of the men who have been named about him, and would say: "Gentlemen, Meriden needs so and so. Now, if you will stand half the expense I will stand the other half," and — well, Meriden got what it wanted without any fuss or feathers. We need such men as these to-day, or we need that the men we have should strive unselfishly to be more like these brave, strong, great-hearted men who 378 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. have gone before and, without whose efforts. Meriden to-day would have little to celebrate. So, we say, let us make the most of this centennial event, the most of the opportunity it gives us to learn what sort of men the fathers were, the secret of their success, and to inject into our daily lives as much as possible of the spirit that animated them. Few of us shall see the next cen- tennial, but all of us can learn from this one so to live that those who cel- ebrate one hundred years from now will have reason as gratefully to re- member us as we do not only the founders, but the builders of Meriden. PRAISES CHIEF BOWEN. [Meriden Journal, June i6, 1906.] From the bench in the Police court Judge Fay this morning praised Chief of Police Bowen and his men for the discipline and order they have main- tained during this week of immense crowds. His honor has been in a good position to judge of this fact for in addition to presiding at all the sessions of the Police court, he has seen the throngs in the busiest part of the city from his office in the Palace block. The judge marvelled at the good na- ture of the thousands of Centennial cel- ebrants and considered it surprising that there has not been more serious cases. He looked at the court records this morning and found that there has been only two more court cases this week than last and none was of a start- ling nature. Of course, this number does not include the many professional crooks who were gathered in by detec- tives and bundled out of town. It is whispered that the judge bought dinners yesterday for the two officers- Grady and McCarthy, who have labored so hard and faithfully around Meriden house corner all week. Inspector John Boyle, of the Spring- field, Mass., police force department, a detective who has traveled from coast to coast of the United States, speaks in the highest terms of Chief Bowen. And the other out-of-town policemen say the same. He thinks that the chief and his men have controlled the situation in great style and that Meriden people cannot give too much credit to the head of their police department. "One thing that I like about Chief Bowen is that he doesn't know it all, like the heads of niany departments I have met, and he is always willing to listen and learn." Inspector Boyle said. He considers it remarkable that there have not been more criminal cases and says it is due in a great measure to the system of running the crooks out of town the mo- ment they are spotted. It's like singe- ing a rat and letting him go to tell his fellows of it. OLD HOME WEEK. [Meriden Journal, June 9, 1906.] The Old Home week feature of Mer- iden's Centennial celebration was an af- ter thought. And a right good one it has proved to be. That there will be more like it is a certainty; let us hope it will prove an annual custom. It will bring back to the old home next week people from many sections who eagerly accepted the invitation to revisit former scenes and meet old friends and neigh- bors upon this festive occasion. They will find "little old Meriden" as lively, enterprising and hospitable as ever, and the)' will take pride in proclaiming their relationship to it and their affection for it. Their home-coming will increase their loyalty to Meriden and its insti- tutions and their rejoicings will have a stimulating effect upon the rest of us. They will bring gladness with them and they will take away with them to wherever they may go reports that can- not fail to be of the great future ben- efit to this community. Their sound- ing praises of beautiful, hustling ^leri- den will be heard far and wide. It was indeed a good idea to com- bine an Old Home week with our Cen- tennial celebration. It is sure to prove profitable as pleasurable. We'll enjoy it and the "homers" will enjoy it, and the memory of the good time we've had together this June will remain for -a long while to come. So we say, let us do so some more. Why not an an- nual Old Home week? It has been tried elsewhere in New England, always with most beneficial results. It'll be good for all of us, and it won't involve any great sacrifice of time or money. Meanwhile, a greeting from the heart to those who are coming back to the old homC' and may they find so much enjoyment and satisfaction that they'll want to stay a month instead of a week — perhaps for good, convinced that Meriden is reallv home. CEXTKXNIAL OF MliKJDKX, 379 DID GOOD WORK. [Meriden Journal, June i8, 1906.] The town and city ofBcials got back to work at their respective offices this morning after a badl}^ broken up week, and all were ready for business. Superintendent Burke received many compliments for the efficient work his street department men did during the Centennial. Superintendent Burke and his band of street cleaners were on hand ever}- morning at 4 o'clock and by 7 the streets in the center of the city were cleaned in good shape, though bad- ly littered w'ith papers and confetti from the frolic of the night before. Strangers as well as Meriden people remarked upon the cleanliness of the streets, and their good condition was one of the things that made the cele- bration enjoj'able. It was certainly good work and well deserved the com- pliments bestowed on the department. The street department men will finish the work on Perkins street that w^as stopped by the Centennial and will then tackle the big job on Cook avenue. CLOSE OF THE CELEBRATION. [Meriden Journal, June 16.] Not a word of complaint; the rain held off splendidly. Five days of such unusually fine weather comes pretty near being the limit. Of course it would have been still better had this last day of our great celebration been blessed with clear skies, but we're sat- isfied. If we didn't need the rain others did. There's been so much success all along that one day of partial failure does not make us feel despondent. It is forgotten in the general rejoicing over what has been accomplished and enjoyed. Seemingly about all that remains now is to remove the beautiful decorations. Too bad, a prominent citizen remarked last evening, as he proudly viewed them, that they cannot be kept up right along. That would not be possible, of course, but the thought occurs that we can keep up right along the same spirit of civic pride which has been so much in evidence this wee'ic, and that will mean a great deal for Meriden. Not only keep it up, but manifest it more fre- quently. As we all know there is plen- ty of it here, but it is not on exhibition often enough. No need to wait for a Centennial or Old Home week cele- bration to show it, but let it be on tap every year, every week, every day, all the time. A great good has been accomplished this week aside from all entertainment and enjoyment features. The celebra- tion has been of incalculable benefit to the community in more respects than we have time now to enumerate. Not all in dollars and cents, either, which is the first view of so many. For this benefit we must be deeply thankful. And to those who brought it all about, to the men who have labored so hard and faithfully not only this week, but dur- ing the months of preparation, we should not hesitate to award a full measure of credit, even though they neither ask nor expect it. It was a big undertaking, and required a vast amount of labor. That we had the men capable of it and willing to do it proves the existence of that civic spirit of which we have heard so much of late. May it increase with the vears. DETECTIVES HERE. Owen Daly is one of the most de- ceptive men in the police business. No one, especially a crook, would take him for a detective. He is slight in build but many a man has found there is no superfluous flesh on his bones. He was a railroad man, and a good one before he became a member of the New Ha- ven police force and his rise in the de- partment has been rapid and well de- served. He has the reputation of be- ing one of the keenest men in the state. That is one reason why he has been detailed to this city during the Cen- tennial week. Detective James Ward is Daly's part- ner and many a good job they have pulled off in their line. He has not been many years on the New- Haven po- lice force and like his side partner his rise has been rapid and he always gets his men. Detective Sergeant Reid)^ of the Cen- tral office in New York, probably knows more crooks than any other man in this or any other country. He is feared by all of them and when he starts off after a man he gets him. It is only a short time ago that he returned from a long trip to Mexico and South America af- ter a crook and caught his man and brought him back to New York. He 38o CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. early in his police life developed the detective instinct and while he was pounding the pavements he distin- guished himself by work and won the attention of his superior officers. He then rapidly forged to the head until he now holds the title of detective ser- geant on one of the best police forces in the world. While he has been in Meriden he has hustled many crooks out of the city. Inspector John Boyle of the Spring- field force has more the appearance of a well to do merchant in town after a line of goods than he does a detective. Tall and well made no one would take him for a detective and that is where he fools them. He has the reputation of being the best detective in the New England states. He knows the crooks but they do not know him and that has been manifest this week when some grafter was taken b\- the arm and quiet- ly told to get out of town on the first train. They always went. CENTENNIAL SPIRIT WILL BE KEPT UP. [Meriden Journal, June i8, 1906.] The great success of the Meriden centennial is certain to result in a de- mand for some sort of a celebration every year. The past week has done Meriden more good in giving it the reputation of being an up-to-date city than anything in its history and there will not be much difficulty in getting the right kind of people interested in plans to keep that reputation alive. One plan already proposed is to or- ganized a Meriden Fair and Old Home Week society, with the idea of hav- ing a fair and old home celebration for three or four days every year on the plan of the Danbury or Berlin fair. There is no question of the success of such an undertaking on the general lines of the Centennial. It is quite cer- tain that the success of the Centennial will warrant the building of a better trolley line through Kensington and Lewis avenues so that thousands of peo- ple could be landed at the park, with the greatest ease. With that kind of transportation facilities and good, live management, Meriden could have a fair that would bring thousands of dollars into the city and keep Meriden to the front as it now is. It is probable that as soon as the people get rested after their very stren- uous week the matter will be taken up and the plans formulated. The park owners, Messrs. Suzio and Butler, would undoubtedly take an active inter- est in such an afifair, for it would be profitable. ERIGHTEX THE CITY. Another proposition to keep up the Centennial spirit is to have the city lighted better, by arranging to have elec- tric banners, something on the line of the three big ones that were used dur- ing the past week, lighted every night so as to give the city a cheerful and lively appearance. It is proposed to ask the board of apportionment and taxation for a spe- cial appropriation for that purpose. If a suitable contract can be made with the electric light company it would be a great scheme and would without doubt meet the approval of every pro- gressive citizen in the city. CENTENNIAL SOCIETY. Still another centennial suggestion is that those actively identified with the big celebration, form the Centennial So- ciety club or association, for the pur- pose of giving, at stated intervals, some sort of an aflfair, the nature to be de- termined later, to keep up an interest in the Meriden matters and to hold the city where it belongs ; also to give those who have done the hard centen- nial work during the last year a chance to get together and enjoy themselves, for they didn't have much opportunity to do so during the past week. Oth- ers desiring to join the society could be taken in and a strong organization formed. CLOSING UP OF AFFAIRS. Executive Agent King of the Centen- nial committee was busy to-day closing up the affairs of the big Centennial cel- ebration. Mr. King said that by to- morrow morning all the seats would be out of the Town hall, and the hall would be in shape to be turned over to the contractors. According to the agreement with the Lines company, Chairman George M. Curtis of the Cen- tennial committee held possession of the hall from June 7 to 19 inclusive, and at the expiration of that time the building reverts to the contractors. Mr. King said it was a matter of congratulation tliat during the occu- pancy of the hall nothing occurred that CENTENNIAL OF MEKIDEN. 381 in any way damaged it in the slightest degree. During the entire Centennial week the care of the hall was a mat- ter of anxiety to Centennial officials, especially in view of the fact of the hard luck which Meriden has met with in the matter of destruction of all the halls, and one of the rules that w-as rigidly enforced during the entire week, was in the matter of smoking, which was strictly prohibited. COMMITTEE THANKFUL. Mr. King stated that in behalf of the committee, he desired to express cordial appreciation of the kindness of St. Andrew's church, St. Rose's church and St. Paul's church, and other churches and individuals in loaning the seats that were used in the hall during the week. At one time, it looked as if it would be impossible to provide sufficient seats for the hall, but like other difficulties, that was overcome. The thanks of the committee are also due to Chief Bowen for the prompt and efficient manner in which he co- operated with the committee in every possible way to preserve order during the entire week. Chief Lucas of the Fire department acted on every suggestion made to him that would in any way protect the city from loss by fire, and during the week very kindly detailed firemen to guard the auditorium whenever it was in use. ALL HELPED OUT. H. T. King said that during the whole six weeks that he was engaged on Centennial matters, he was assisted in every possible way by the citizens and all others, whenever a request was made of them, and frequently without any request being made. He further stated that no one who was not in close touch with the afifairs, could real- ize the immense amount of hard work performed by the members of the Cen- tennial committee, and the members of the sub-committees who for about two years have cheerfully given a large amount of their time and services in the effort to make Meriden's big cel- ebration the brilliant success that it was. He said that from his own per- sonal knowledge, he knew they met with many obstacles, and at times, were considerably discouraged, and the fact that they persisted in the face of these things, showed they had the true Meriden spirit within them, and had the courage born of a determination to make the affair a success. While it woulld be impossible to mention by name each member of the several committees, the entire credit of Meriden's great celebration was due to them, and he took off his hat to them every time. Mr. King stated that while in a measure the vast amount of hard work that George M. Curtis did, was real- ized and appreciated, yet in the years to come, it would be appreciated still more, and the thought and time that Mr. Curtis gave to this affair during some two years, would certainly cause him to occupy a still higher place in the estimation of the people of Meriden. To the newspapers of Meriden, the thanks of the committee are due for the great interest they have manifested in the celebration, and the willingness at all times extended to all the com- mittees to print any and all matters that would in any way proomte and help in the success of the Centennial. LETTERS OF REGRET, ETC. (Copy.) 87 Wilson street, Brooklyn. N. Y., June 9, 1906. Mr. H. Wales Lines, chairman invita- tion committee, Meriden, Conn. Dear Sir : — I am in receipt of your in- vitation to the Centennial celebration of your city and I assure you that if my health will permit nothing would keep me from accepting the same, although for the past twenty-five years I have been a resident of an adjoining state. I have never forgotten the state in which I was born and spent the first half of my life, and I always have a home-like feeling whenever crossing the state, and it seems to me as though I could tell the moment the line is crossed, either on its northern or southern boundary. 382 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. The associations centering about the last few years before I left Connecticut have always been remembered with much pleasure, the few who stood nobly together and in a feeble way assisted in carrying out your plan of putting one of Connecticut's honest men in the na- tional council never have had cause to regret the hours spent in the accomp- lishment of that object. The writer's acquaintance with Orville H. Piatt he- fore and after he entered upon his du- ties at the capitol were such that I can- not help feling that when his seat be- came vacant a loss was felt not only by the country at large,, but by everyone whose hand he had ever taken, and the state which he represented, as well as his own city, might well feel proud, rind it seems to the writer as if the fact that his face will not be seen, his hand shaken, or his voice heard, will be about the only thing that will be missed at your gathering during old home week. Trusting that every condition may be favorable to a successful carrying out of the entire celebration as outlined, if so that your city will long remember its anniversary of 1906 as one which was indeed an old home week. Thanking you for the invitation and again regret- ting my inability to attend. I am. Yours very truly. John A. Coe. (Copy.) Meriden, Conn., June 12, 1906. Editor Record : I ought not to object perhaps to be- ing called out of my name when the name is "Goodman," but really when in reading your paper, as I did ihis morning, and for that matter as I al- ways do when in Meriden, I discovered that in your list of people entertained at the Meriden House on Monday there was a Mr. S. W. Goodman and wife from Waterbury, and I felt quite sure it should have read for myself and wife, I felt like getting back at your scribe perhaps, for my writing so outrageously bad as to make it guess work on the part of whoever undertakes to read it. But let alone this introduc- tion. Is it not possible that an old Mer- idenite, who cast his lot before the war with your predecessors, and only left the Silver City in the late sixties may be able to furnish you with a little copy which in this time of especial reminis- cence will be readable. I came here in 1856. One of my first pleasant expe- riences was to find my old playmate- schoolmate, Orville H. Piatt, located here as a lawyer. It was the renewal of a friendship which lasted through until death removed one of the noblest men I have ever known. What of Mer- iden as it was fifty years ago com- pared with what it now is? Much of what is now closelly built up city prop- erty was open lots. The tract known as New City was covered with a growth of scrub oaks, white birches and other indigenous forest trees. Now there is hardly a vacant lot to be seen. Driving into West Meriden from the west there were in those days two or three old fashioned houses, jjut for the most part lots were vacant. All that part of Mer- iden between West Main street and the Cathole, Kensington road, was open farm land. At about where now stands the Meriden and Waterbury depot was a sawmill pond on which I remember seeing the Rev. W. H. H. Murray and his wife skate. On State street where now stands the Meriden Britannia shop was a skating pond on which I myself remember skating, while I remember State street as the place where horses were trotted. The town hall was the place where all lectures and public meetings, political gatherings of both parties, and in war time the rallies by which the ranks of the Union army were kept filled found open doors. Here in the Meriden town hall Abra- ham Lincoln delivered an address which did much toward adding members to the Republican party, newly formed, and to strengthen the belief of those who had espoused that cause that they were right. After the meeting I was one of a favored entertainment committee by whom the prospective president was es- corted to the old hotel on the hill and what with stories, recitations, and the jovial interchange of pleasantries which Lincoln enjoyed as much as any one of the party, I remember to have passed a most enjoyable evening. Who were there? I wish I knew who of them all are living beside myself. Piatt, W. W. Lee, Captain Harvey, gone, and so to- day I wander up and down the streets on which I once knew nearly every one and realize that I am among strangers. But what has all this to do with the Meriden centennial? Who said it would CliNTKNNIAL OF MERIDEX. 383 1)6 a fizzle? My wife and myself were here last night and passed a unanimous vote that so far as decorations went and general appearances to outsiders it was bound to be a grand success. To- ^y J ^IRS. ROXANNA G. B.\LDWIN. member of the First Baptist church in Meriden, and has always resided here. MRS. LUTHER BOARDMAN. One of the oldest visitors to the Centennial and a former resident of Meriden is Mrs. Luther Boardman, of East Haddam, who is ninety-one CENTEX \]AL OF .MEKIDEN. ^'Ji years of age. Mrs. Boardman was born in Meriden, March 20, 1815, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Frary, her mother's maiden name being Ann Taylor, of Middle Haddam. Mrs. Boardman made Mer- iden her home untji she was able to work, when she settled in East Had- dam. Besides Mrs. Boardman there were three other children, one boy and two girls, and a^s she has always :\1R.S. LL'TMER BOARDMAN. called Meriden her home, she decided to spend the whole of Centennial week in this city and was registered at the Winthrop hotel. Mrs. Boardman, despite her age, is very spry and has always enjoyed the best of health. Mrs. Burton L. Lawton, of Lincoln street, is a grand-daughter of Mr. Boardman. MRS. CATHERINE BURKE. Mrs. Catherine Burke, who lives at 302 1-2 East Main street, is one of the oldest representatives of the Irish race living in the city. She was born in Ireland 76 years ago, and came to the United States in 1848. Her husband was James Burke, who died here in 1878. Mrs. Burke was married on the same day in the old Catholic church at the corner of Broad and Olive streets, with Mrs. Mary Flynn. Mr. Flynn was her brother, and the two weddings took place at the same time. The Rev. Hugh O'Reilley of- ficiated at the marriage service. Mrs. Burke has three children living. They are the Rev. Mother Berchmaus of the Convent in Middletown, and Edward A. and John P. Burke of Meriden. She is a member of St. Rose's church. Her husband was a native of Ireland. The sister-in-law of Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Flynn, is also a recognized representative of the Irish people of Meriden, and is thoroughly MRS. CATHERINE BURKE. esteemed by them. The children of Mrs. Flynn living here are John and James Flynn and Mrs. Peter Taylor. MRS. MYRA E. CLARK. Mrs. Myra E. Clark, who lives with her daughters, Mrs. John Rule, 104 Cooke avenue, is among the oldest feminine residents of Meriden, having 394 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. lived here for over fifty-five years. Mrs. Clark, who is well known by the older people of Meriden, was born in Mystic, March 13, 1837, and is 69 years of age. In 1851 she came to Meriden to visit her sister, Mrs. Daniel Connell, and she liked the town so well that she decided to stay here, and secured a position at the Pomeroy shop in East Meriden. MRS. MYRA E. CLARK. Mrs. Clark, whose maiden name was Myra Guyant, was married in Meri- den in 18.50. Nine children were born to the couple, six of whom are still living. Mr. Clark died twenty- four years ago. Mrs. Clark has al- ways enjoyed the best of health. She is a life member of the W. C. T. U. and the Political Equality club, and also a member of St. Paul's church. MRS. SOPHIA HALL COE. Mrs. Sophia Hall Coe, widow of Judge Levi E. Coe, was born in Middle- field. April 6, 1829, and is in her sev- enty-eighth year. She was the daugh- ter of Harley Hall and has a Revolu- tionary lineage. Two of her ancestors on her mother's side, Sylvanus Cone, of East Haddam, and Ensign Gideon Ackley, were both in the war for In- dependence. Mrs. Coe was the first regent of the D. A. R. in Meriden, holding the office for two years. She is the honorary regent of Susan Car- rington Clarke chapter at the present time. Her marriage to Judge Coe took place at the home of her father in Middlefleld, November 27. 1851, and was a society event in Middlefleld cir- cles. Mr. and Mrs. Coe became resi- dents of Meriden in 1853, and through a period of flfty years were active in the social and literary life of the city. Judge Coe was prominent in politics and a citizen of high civic ideals. His MRS. SOPHIA H.\LL COK. death occurred November 2, 1903. Mrs. Coe is domiciled at the Meriden House, her old home on Colony street, having been given up. She has no family, her only two children having died in tender years. She is a woman of at- tractive social traits and has long adorned Meriden society. She has superior literary instincts and has written a work of genealogical inter- CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 395 •est under the title, "Hall Memoranda." It was published in 1902 and is a model of research, tracing the ances- try of the Hall and Cone families. MRS. PAULINE M. HULL. Mrs. Pauline M. Hull, widow of Se- lah A. Hull, a Meriden stock broker, was born in Simsbury, April 13, 1837. MRS. PAULINE M. HULL. Her husband, who was a brother of John R. Hull and Hobart C. Hull, died in February, 1904. Mrs. Hull is iden- tified with the Universalist church in Meriden and is a member of its Ladles' society. The only doughter, Louise M., is the wife of George W. Fairchild, son of Vice President Fairchild, of the H. Wales Lines company. Mr. Fair- child was engaged in the stock broker- age business with Selah A. Hull and has continued it since the latter's death. Mrs. Hull has two brothers, George M. Phelps, of Hartford, and John Phelps, of Simsbury. would believe that Mrs. Pelton had quaffed copiously of its rejuvenating waters. Picture to yourself an old lady, looking scarce seventy years, almost six feet tall, straight as a strip- ling, with eyes bright as a school girl's and manner as alert, and you will find it hard to believe she is ninety-three years old. The subject of this sketch was born In Middle- town, Conn., October 9, 1812. To be born in the year of tne second war with England is a distinction In itself, and there is no danger that she will forget her birth year, a not uncom- mon happening with people who have lived so long, especially women. Her father was Samuel Cotton and her CAROLINE A. PELTON. If there were such a thing as the fountain of perpetual youth, one -MRS. CAROLINE A. PELTOX. mother Annie Powers. The life of a child in those days was uneventful and happy, spent in assisting the pa- rents with the many farm duties, and Mrs. Pelton's girlhood was no excep- tion. She was married when nineteen years old to the George Pelton who was a captain of a scnooner sailing 396 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. between Middletown and New York on the Connecticut river. It is a charm against ennui to hear Mrs. Pel- ton tell of the quaint way of travel- ing in those days; how rne captain would wait for a good wind to help him on the journey to iNew York. Of course, on a calm day the schooner would not leave port, anu when by the help of Aeolus the Doat was start- ed it took four days to reacn Its des- tination. It would take columns of space to repeat the amusing anecdotes told by Mrs. Pelton aoout her many experiences on the river boats. Mr. Pelton was drowned at Hell Gate while on duty. A treasure owned by Mrs. Pelton is some old spoons, hammered and designee oy her fa- ther, who was a silversmith and jew- eler. In those days, the jeweler made all his own spoons, and these are of very quaint workmanship. Mrs. Pelton had eight children, three of whom are living, Mrs. W. W. Wheeler, of 33 Randolph avenue, where the aged lady lives; Mrs. Frank Wheeler and Airred Pelton, of Cold Springs, N. Y. Her oiaest great- grandchild is Margaret Robinson, of this city, sixteen years old. Mrs. Pelton has been a regular at- tendant at the Episcopal church until within a few years ago, when it was deemed advisable that she should not exert herself so much, and now she does not leave the house at all. When asked if she had seen the Cen- tennial decorations and displays, Mrs. Pelton said she had not but she would certainly try to get down town some time during the week. "You know, I am slightly deaf," she said, "and I do not hear as mucn about it as I should otherwise, but from what I understand it is going to be a fine thing." MRS. GRACE B. PARKER. Mrs. Grace B. Parker, widow of Rev. John Parker, of the Methodist Episco- pal church, was born in Meriden, De- cember 16, 1830. She was the daugh- ter of Orrin Belden and her birthplace was within a stone's throw of her pres- ent home, 229 East Main street. She was married to Mr. Parker in this res- idence .January 22, 1868. Rev. Mr. Parker, who died June 21, 1892, was deeply interested in Meriden. He started the First Methodist church here in 1843. He was raised in Harmony lodge, F. & A. M., of New Britain, De- cember 11, 1838, and became a charter member and first worshipful master of Meridian lodge, of Meriden. He was also a member of St. Elmo command- ery, Knights Templar. He was active in the interests of Odd Fellowship in this city. He was born in Cheshire, August 30, 1805. His father, Stephen Parker, was in the Revolutionary army. After his discharge he walked home from New York to Cheshire Street in the dead of winter. Mrs. Parker is a member of the First Methodist church in Meriden. Her only brother, James E. Belden, of Mer- iden, died a number of years ago. She has one sister living, Mrs. Mary Higley widow of Erastus Higley, of Meriden. Her home occupies one of the most noticeable sites on East Main street. MRS. LOUISA C. HULL. Mrs. Louisa C. Hull, widow of John C. Hull, was born in Meriden, Jan- uary 13, 1830. She was the daughter of Ezra Rutty, of the old-time firm of Goodrich & Rutty, well-known tin manufacturers in South Meriden in their day. At the age of thirteen Mrs. Hull united with the First Bap- tist church, with which her father was prominently identified, being the treasurer of the Sunaay school un- til the time of his death in March, 1887. Mrs. Hull was married in Sep- tember, 1861. Her husband, who was in the grocery trade with Norman Hall, under the firm name of Hull & Hall, died in 1862. There is one son. John K. Hull, who has been a travel- ing salesman for Parker Brothers for years. Mrs. Hull has one grandchild, Harold Hull. After the death of her husband, she returned ro the home of her father, living with him during the remainder of his life. Mr. Rutty, the father of Mrs. Hun, bought the parsonage that had been used by two pastors of the First Baptist church, the Rev. Messrs. Miller and C. E. Cordo, and by the pastor of the Cen- ter Congregational church, the Rev. Joseph J. Woolley, and spent his last CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 397 years there. It was during this peri- od that the name of Goodrich & Rut- ty was changed to Rutty & Ives. Mr. Rutty was one of the first Odd Fellows in Meriden, and was secretary and treasurer of Pacific lodge for years. Since his death Mrs. Hull has occupied the home, which he left, 335 Curtis street. She is connected with the Baptist societies in the city. She is the sister of Mrs. William B. Ives, whose husband is the owner of the Meriden house property. MRS. JULIETTE Y. CURTIS. Mrs. Juliette Y. Curtis is the widow of Asahel H. Curtis, who was treasur- er of the Meriden Savings bank at the time of his death, July 23, 1877. Mr. Curtis had been postmaster and city treasurer. His death occurred sud- denly in the bank of which he had been the treasurer eleven years. Mrs. Curtis was born in Wallingford, Feb- ruary 19, 1822 and was the daughter of Charles Yale. She was married to Mr. Curtis in Meriden sixty-five years ago. Rev. Dr. Everest, rector of St. An- drew's church, officiating at the mar- riage services. Mrs. Curtis is a communicant of St. Andrew's. She is of Revolutionary stock and a well known representative of the Yale fam- ily, founders of Yalesville. Charles B. Yale, G. Selden Yale and George H. Yale, of Wallingford are nephews of Mrs. Curtis. Her husband's family was prominent in Meriden affairs and Curtis street was named in honor of them. Mrs. Curtis is in her eighty- fifth year. MRS. HANNAH BOWE. Mrs. Hannah Bowe is a life long resident of Meriden. Born in Mid- dletown, March 23, 1833, she came to this city in her childhood and has lived here since. She is the widow of Austin Bowe, the pioneer carriage manufacturer of the Silver city and still retains an interest in the business now carried on by her sons, Wallace F. Bowc and H. W. Bowe. Mrs. Bowe is a wonderfully well preserved old lady and possesses a fund of stories concerning Meriden in the thirties. Her brother-in-law, Henry Bowe, was at one time pro- prietor of the old Meriden tavern, and her consequent intimate connect- ions with the people who came and went from the old hostlery gave her an experience rich in anecdote. Her home was for many years in the Carpenter homestead on East Main street, and later she lived in the Wilcox place on Broad street, old landmarks of the city. Mrs. Bowe is extremely active for a person of Her years. She frequent- ly walks from her son's home on Reservoir avenue to the center and back. She was very much interested in Meriden's Centennial and took in every event of the great week she could. 398 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. TREASURER'S REPORT. Dr. Received from Subscriptions $1,030.00 Received from Town of Meriden 1,500.00 Received from Official Programmes 2,077.00 Received from Pure Food Exhibit 786.64 Received from Miscellaneous 53442 Received from George H. Yeamans, Auditor: Religious Committee $ 24.00 Licenses and Privileges , 1,830.57 Colonial Ball 1,440.00 f^iblicity and Souvenirs 447.50 Badges and Invitations 222.75 Commission on Century of Meriden 1,091.89 Alusic and Public Entertainment 632.71 First Town Meeting 308.86 Y. M. C. A. Sports 104.03 (General Athletic Sports (Baseball) 268.35 Eadies' Reception and Entertainment 97-48 Loan Exhibit ' 280.67— $6,748.81 $12,676.87 Or. Paid for Music $1,286.08 Paid for Decorations 1,915.1 1 Paid for Entertainment 2,650.00 Paid for Town Hall 921-97 Paid for Advertising 934.48 Paid for Invitations 840.35 Paid for Printing 1,840.71 Paid for Programmes 685.00 Paid for Fireworks 150.00 Paid for Miscellaneous 1,106.19 Cash on hand 346-38 $12,676.87 Respectfully submitted, Floyd Curtis, Treasurer. Meriden, Conn., December i, 1906. CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. 399 TABLE OF CONTENTS, Authorized by Town Meeting General Committees Origin of Centennial Snb-Conimittees . Programme for Week Commemoration Poem Centennial Greeting (poem) Financing Celebration Opening of Old Home Week Sunday Observances, June lO INIonday, June ii. Opening Day Tuesday, June 12, G. A. R. Day Wednesday, June 13, Labor Day Thursday, June 14, Military Da\ Friday, June 15, Wallingford Day Saturday, June 16, Incorporation Da Centennial Comfort Houses . Loan Exhibit .... Old Home W'eek Visitors Press Comments. Letters of Regrets, etc Some Old Centennial Residents Treasurer's Report Page. 3 4-11 12-14 15-33 34-35 46-49 50-52 54-57 58 59-87 88-98 99-160 161-188 189-215 216-284 285-352 353. 354 355-363 364-369 370-388 389-397 398 400 CENTENNIAL OF MERIDEN. CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY. H 65 78 -^ ^. ^*\- ,...o< O 'o . i * ^0- ^°-^^. ^^ ^ -O j-iv*^ ."J^!' ^^ r.O' *•'-'* 'O '^^ A^ /^y^ r . -i q. -^ '■^^^•<* J^ o_ v^ ,.-.:.-. c^^ -1^ o ' • O, v^^ f^. W, 0^ -b" .^ » ^"-^^^ .0^ »r,*°' -Jy^ <'. ?^° ^°-V. ■i«i' •^-°" ,^^^ .^.^^^^^-^ -0" "o V .^^ ,v . ,Orev ->• ^t, .-^^ »>^ -^^ ,Hq. v-M^B '^3 V^'^^ ^ MANCHESTER. E V- ....•■■ INDIANA LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I Mil' 'I 11111 I II III III !|ll III II III 014 111 942 4