The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-22
The Great Cherry Festival at Randall. Island

The annual cherry festival at Randall's Island
came off yesterday, under the superintendent of
the Aims House Commissioner, Moses G. Leon
ard ESD
AS is usual such occasions, at about ten
o'clock, five stages provided for the members of
the Common Council, and their families, lett the
City Hall for the great feast besides which, hun
dreds went by the railroad and private convey
ances. Arriving at the island, a most beautiful
scene presented itself. The small cottage near the
place of landing was completely hidden from view
by large cherry trees, laden with delicious fruit
and the whole place presented scene rarely to be
met with. The new buildings, recently erected
for the orphan children, stand upon the corner OF
the hill, about the centre OF the island, and are
really, In the beauty of their construction, worthy
OF imitation for any similar purpose. They are
wei! ventilated and kept in the most perfect order,
while every and attention is paid to the proper
education of the children
The company continued to arrive until about one
O'Clock, during which time the gentlemen were
buslly engaged IN gathering cherries for the three
hundred ladies who graced the occasion with
their presence, and they were of choice stamp.
The most literary well as beautiful ladies of the
city, were there, and seemed happy in contributing
to the pleasures OF the day.
At one o'clock, Mr.. Leonard proposed to visit
the buildings where The children were located and
the whsle party started, first going TO the building
OF the building, which Is used as chapel, were
about three hundred children, every one OF whom
presented neat and tidy appearance.
Mr.. Leonard called upon Alderman Frank lin 10
speak to the children. which he did. He spoke of
the institution, and Of the glorious yesults arsin
from IT, There were men In the city of New York
who had risen to high stations In life who owed all
they were to the care and proper management of
their education while at the farms and there was
no doubt but many who then heard his voice. might
rise to eminent stations IN society, by proper OBJ
servance OF the Instruction impaired to them
by those who had the care of their education
and morals. He sincerely hoped they would fol-
low the good example set them. and not only pre-
pare themselves for the business concerns of fife,
but as Christians, that they might mUke holy
men and women, and be ornaments ID the church
that they might in the eternal day, be prepared to
meet the God OF Heaven, and be permitted TO ioin
the host of the redeemed, at his right hand. -
scene very impressive and during the de-
very of the remarks, the children paid the most
earnest attention, and seemed fully to comprehend
the full meaning of all the speaker said.
The company then proceeded TO the second
story, part OF which was partoned off as sleep
ing apartments the remainder is a large room,
also a school ROOM The commissioner announced
| that--as the company mostly were strangers, and
might suppose the children had been previously
drilled, II the questions were propounded by the
teachers-he would ask them such questions as sur-
gested themselves 10 his mind, and the accuracy of
their answers would show the care taken to instil
INTO their young minds, such instruction as would
questions on astronomy, geography, and the recent
histories OF the United States and OF Europe all of
which were answered with promptness and the
greatest accuracy and when asked where thew
obtained knowledge OF the recent events of Eu-
rope aud of this country, replied that they had read
the newspapers The exhibition was highly graft
flying to every one present. After the examination
was concluded, they sang several national songs,
among which were "IIail Columbia" and a song
dedicated TO General Taylor. entitled "Rough and
Ready" Leaving this building, they proceeded
to the nursery, where were about two hundred IN
fants, many OF whom are foundlings, their age
ranging from three months TO three years, and
though so young, those who were old enough 10
walk were perfectly quiet and subservcnt to the
Will of those who have the charge of that depart
ment. There are, comparatively, very few girls
among the children. Having inspected all the build
| ngs, the next move towards the grove, where
most sumptuous repast was prepared. The la
dies, OF course, came IN first and the sight was
most beautiful not less than three hundred
and fifty, and pretty creatures they were
too, all seated, and discussing the good things
of life. There was plenty OF something con
slderably stronger than water on the table but
that remained untouched, until after the la
dies had finished. The gentlemen present did not
wait for the table 10 be cleared; but that no more
time than possible should be consumed, took the
bow IN hand and went 10 work. All the while
seated beneath the branches of n spreading oak
were two darkic vlolinists, discussing musics
sweetest strains.
The dinner being over, the next thing TO
be attended to, was the clam bake without which,
the festival would lose one OF its most interesting
features. And away the whole party started for
the shore, where the clans were baking. II was
really amusing to man, who seemed to
have more care for the ladies' than for himscl,,
catch up loaf of bread under his arm, and move
off, while both hands were filled with bottles of
l.x.lt. 4 ~