Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1860-07-18
COMMUNICATION.
For THE DEMOCRAT AND SENTINEL

Nv
Mr. EDIroR-Dear Sir-As local news ii
always perused with much interest by the
people of the different parts of country OIL
community, wherein a newspaper is published.
and as your paper is read by large number
of citizens. both in this and other counties,
| propose dropping you few lines by way
of friendly correspondence.-Well, as the
glorious fourth is past, aud as every body en-
joyed themselves on that day according to
their own liking, and as celebrations was the
order of the day throughout this land of Lib
erty; perhaps short description of how ''ye
good people of ye" rural village of Chest
Springs and vicinity celebrated the day.
would not prove uninteresting to your many
readers: Some time ago the Chest Spring
brate the S4th anniversary of our National
Independence. in Patriotic and becoming
manner and selected Mr. Nutters grove as
morning did not promise to be fine; but tow
ards noon it became more pleasant.
By previous arrangement the several schools
repaired to Mr.. Nutters large aud commmo-
dious Hall, about 10 o'clock, aud after friend
ly greetings by all. the choirs sang several
pieces appropriate to the occasion. The Or
der of the day was then proclaimed by the
Rev. NJ. 2. Doyle, of the NJ. E. Church.
when all present formed into ranks, the diff
ferent schools under the immediate care of
their respective superintendents and teachers.
At the head of each class beautiful banners
WAS borne. The procession was headed by
NJ d. Wagner 8ko unfurled the stars and
stars aud stripes to the breeze.
The procession moved in good order from
the hall to the place selected for the celebra-
tiop of the day. which was well laid out and
arranged for the occasion. The speakers
stand was a complete bower, covered with
evergreens, and beautifully decorated With
wreaths, boquets, flags. &c, &C., displaying
at one vieY the patriotism and good taste of
the ladies connected with the Sunday School
celebration at this place. Seats were arran-
ged in front of speakers stand, sufficient to
seat between two and three hundred persons;
back of which, under some beautiful sugars,
stood the table, sufficiently large to accommo-
date FROM ninety to one hundred persons. a
few PAGES from the table a swing was erec-
ted and which was much enjoyed by those
present.
The celebration of the day in the grove
was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr..
Hill of the Methodist Church, after which
several pstriotic odes was sung Mr.. J. J.
Will was then called to read the Declaration
of Independence; who responded to the call
in very appropriate and logical speech, dis
criptive of the important document which
he was sboutto read, and which was doubtless
intended and calculated to impress upon the
minds OF his hearers. the lasting debt of graf
ituie. which we as nation owe to the sign
ers OF the Declaration of Independence; as
we'll as to inspire soul thrilling love for the
l. II e.,
speech had the desired effect each word as
they fell from the speakers lips, appeared to
send thrill through the hearts of all present
and TO arouse within each heart the patriotic
spirit of our forefathers.
The Rev. Mr. Hill was then called upon
who arose aud responded to the call
in an eloquent and patriotic Sunday
School Grafton, free from sectarian prejudices,
and which was we'll calculated to impress
upon the minds of all those present, and es-
pecislly the young, deep interest in, and
holy zeal for the welfare and preservation of
our country.
The Chest Springs Sunday School class was
then examined by the Superintendent of the
school. The class acquitted themselves with
much credit to themselves, as well as their
teachers.
Dinner was then announced by those hav-
ing charge of it. The different classes we're
then conducted to the table by their teachers,
along circutuous path prepared for the oc-
casion, followed in good order By all present
to the table, which groaned under the weight
of the good things prepared and gratuously
given, (by the patriotic and liberal hearted
people of Ashland and Chest SpriDgs.) for
the occasion, to which all die ample justice.
While the guests at the different tables were
being helped to the good things before them,
those for which there was not room at the
table, enjoyed themselves by swinging and
other amusements, until their turns came,
after all had RECALLED and enjoyed themselves
In the best manner possible. the cloth was
then removed from the table, and j. j. Will
was loudly called upon for a patriotic spe ech,
who arose and responded to the call III one
of the most eloquent and impressive speeches
we ever listened to- He described In the
most vivid manner the grievances heaped
upon the Colonies, by the hand of British
oppression, and which finally excited them to
shake off the yoke of Tyranny, and to become
one of the freest, happiest and bravest nation
in the world. The manner in which be de-
scribed the various scenes connected wltn the
early history of cur country; Its rise and pro-
gress, the union and Its preservation, Its des-
tiny and blessings to man, and the prophecy
made by John Adams on the 9th OF July,
I776, and its fulflment by the celebration of
the day. throughout the length and breadth
of the land; was touchingly beautiful. As
Mr. Will was about retiring from the stand,
he was greeted with a shower of boquts,
thrown upon him by the ladies, to which he
replied in a a short but most pleasing and
gallant speech After which Miss Addie
Beck, Miss Annie Cryder. and Miss Sarah
Kratzer, in behalf of the Ashland School,
presented the Rev Mr.. Hill. with an orange
stand aud very large aud beautiful cake as
testimonial of regard. to which he re-