Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-07-07
The Celebration.

The Celebration.
The morning of the Sd was cool and pleasant
and the rain which had fallen the day before
had laid the dust. At sunrise the report of the
cannon awakened the sleepers. On the cas-
side of the public square stood the large tent be
longing to the Disciple Church, under which
were arranged tae tables for the public dinner
and above ioatr.i the stars and stripes. Econ
The flag staff in fruit of the court house waved
ano,i,yg flag, AMI others coull Ice sea- in differ.
cut parts of the town. Tents for the revolving
swings. and booths for the sale OF refreshments
dotted the square. People began to pour int
tewn quite early in the morning. and by ten
o'clock. a larger number were here, than We
have ever seen on any occasion, save one Of the
political conventions of 1870
At about ten o'clock the procession was
formed, and moved through the principal streets
The Fire Companies made a beautiful appear
auee, the members being dressed in becoming
uniforms, the engines and hose carriages, beau
tifuIly decorated with eyergreens and flowers.
The seats in front of the speakers stand were
almost exclusively filled with ladies, and as
large a concourse of men stood around, as could
possibly get within hearing of the speakers
voice.
Upon the stand, behind the speaker, were
seated the Old Soldiers, and by their side were
the clergy.
The exercises opened with a prayer by Rev.
Chas. Boardman, which was Just such a prayer
as Mr.. Boardman alone can make, and precise
ly appropriate to the time and place
Of the Grafton by Hon. R. ?. Ranney, it is
only necessary to say. as in the case of MIR.
Boardman, that it was just such, as was to be
expected from him, aad was listened to, through
out, with breathless attention, by the large au-
dienee. We cannot. if We were to attempt it,
give even an idea of his succint abstract of the
history of the early settlement of the country, his
delineation of the causes which led to the revo
luton, the character of its principal actors; or
follow him, as he traced the progress of the
country through successive periods to the pres
ent time.
After the close of the Grafton, as many as
could find seats, adjourned to the tables, which
mine host, VIM. Williams had spread with ev-
cry substantial and delicacy which the market
affords, cooked and arranged in excellent style.
The tables were soon filed, and large num-
bers. stood around, waiting, patiently, (perhaps)
After blessing was asked by Rev. W. C. Clark,
the f%easting commenced, and ample Justice done
to the edibles. When this was concluded, to
the satisfaction of all, the regular toasts were
read, and-handsomely responded to, after which
followed several volunteer toasts and responses.
Among those present from abroad, was Gen.
S. D. Harris. formerly of this place, now editor
of the Ohio Cultivator, at Celumbus) whose re
spouse to the toast, "The State of Ohio" was
capital, and brought down the house.
The music by the Brass Band was %interspersed
through the performances of the day, and al
ways welcome.
The old fashioned fife and drum awakened
recolleetions of the old time training days.
The arrangements made by the Committee,
were thorough and complete, while the Mar
shall and his Assistants by their prompt and eff
f%eciive action, performed their part effectively
and without confusion.
Al about 3 O'Clock, P. NJ, it commenced
raining heavily, accompanied with a heavy
wind. The large tent, (under which, quite a
number of people Of all sexes and ages had gath
ered) was torn from its fastening to the centre
pole, at the peak, and quietly settled down up
on the people below, ensna-ing them like Ii
geons in a net. Soon, Ladies with dilapadated
bonnets and damaged wardrobes, and men with
crushed hats and soiled coats, began to crawl
out and scatter through the rain, in all direc-
tons, for the nearest shelter. No other damage
was lone save breaking a few of the dishes, on
the table.
The rain continued until evening, and every
available place of shelter was crowded to over
flowing, most of the visiters being determined %
stay in town and see the fire works. SOM per-
ambutated the streets, or patronized the revelv-
ing swings in spite of the rain. White dresses
with dark borders, and white stockings deeply
clouded, were visible in all directions.
At shutdown the rain ceased, and the exhi-
bition of Fire Works commenced as soon as it
had became sufficiently dark. These gave uni
versal satisfaction for an hour. Nearly all the
different kinds had blazed, when the exhibition
was brought to a close by the rain.
There were Balls at Empire Hall, and at the
Glskill House, where flying feet bid defiance to
fatigue and rain, until the stroke of twelve rang
out from the town clock, when the music ceased,
the lights were out, and the Celebration over.