Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-08-05
Centennial Celebration OF the First
Permanent Settlement on the
PcMObscOt River.

Centennial Celebration Of the First
Permanent Settlement on the
PcnobscOt River.
Last Thursday was the Tooth anniversary
of the first permanent settlement of Penob.
scot River. The occasion was duly celebra-
ted at Fort Point, in the present town Of
Stockton. The interest manifested in the
event was worthy of its importance AT
early dawn all the roads leading to the Point
were lined for miles with carriages from
Frankfort, Monroe, Prospect, Swanyille
Searsport, Belfast and neighboring towns.
When we arrived on the ground, little af.
| ter eleven o'clock, there was an immense
throng already present, which was soon az
largely increased by the arrival Of steamers
and vessels in tow from Bangor. The mil.
itary were very well represented. From
Bangor there was the pride of the city, the
Light Infantry, 1t. Wiggin, acting Captain,
accompanied by the Bangor Cornct Band.
This company numbered full forty guns
From Belfast there was the Artillery, Cap
tain Cunninham, and from Castine there was
the Castinc Light Infantry, Captain Dever-
aux. All the Companies made grand APP
pearance.
As soon as the landing was effected, pro-
cession was formed under the direction of
Gen. 5. 5. Heagan, the Belfast Artillery,
headed by the Citizens Cornet Rand, taking
the lead. The procession moved to the
Grove, where a stand had been erected for
the delivery of the grafton and speeches -
Rev. Joshua Hall, of Frankfort, was an
nounccd as President of the day He opened
the exercise with an animated and fervent
prayer. Father Hall is now nnety-one
years old. long list of Vice-president was
read. The grafton was delivered by Rev.
stephen Thurston, ofSearsport. 1t was an
able address, and repete with highly inter-
csting historical information. We forbear
giving any synopsis oft, as We understand
that it will probably appear in print after u
second reading before the Maine Historical
Society. After the Grafton the crowd ad-
journed to dinner. At half past 3 potion
of it re-assembled to listen to the following
sentiments and responses.
l. The First Centennial Celebration of
the Civil and Military Occupancy of the
Penohscot Nalley-Let i. be celebrated with
a zeal and devotion worthy an event around
which clusters 50 much of individual s,cri-
flee, OF noble purpose and Of grand result
This sentiment was responded to by Hon +.
5. ii. Blake, OF this city.
.. The noble band that first planted the
germ OF civilization on Fort Point and its
surroundings-Whi We fondlv cherish the
remembrance of what they did, may we,
with 4 like devotion, strive - initiate them
in what they were.
Responded to by DR.. Simon.en, of Sears
port.
;. The Men Of other times with us so-day
tod s chosen conductors by which the viz
tues OF the past are made t. elcc.rify aud
purify the present, may their lamps contin-
ne 10 burn until the bride and bridegroom
come and the ceremony be complete.
4 Brisldiertcncral Watio-Thc hero
pioneer, whese memory and ashes are with
US.
\. W. johnson, ESQ. of Belfast, made a
response to the above.
). The Military Of the present OCCASION
First representatives of a noble ancestry en-
gagged in q noble cause. while we trust that
"A defence of their own and country's rights
may never summons them to battle, still, if
summoned, VIC are confident no scars will be
found upon the back
Responded to by Gen. Webster. Ct Rel
fast.
Z. The Penotscot yalley-May the en-
terprise of its citizens for the settlement of
its lands, the extension Of its railways, and
the cnlarg rment Of her commerce, 20 COM
mend itself to our State and to the men of
ability everywhere, a. to secure such results
clearly attainable when its elements are
fully developed,
Responded to by Hon. Adams Treat Of
Frank urt Mills
!. The Historical Society of Maine
While we feel deep sense of the gratitude
for their efforts and success in unwilling the
past history OF our noble State, we are still
desrous that under the liberal patronage Of
the State they @ forward with renewd zeal
to still nober results.
\ letter from Hon Joseph williamson, of
Belfast, by A. W. johnson, Esq, in re-
sponse
At FIVE O'Clock the multitude began to
disperse, all delighted with the DAYS enter
tainment and specializing on their being
present at the next Centennial Celebration in
1859.