Connecticut western news., 1871-09-15
RAILROAD CELEBRATION.

Glorious old Norfolk! Perched, as it were, on the summit of the universe, re- ioices in the consummation of the most important enterprise in the history of its existence. This present week has witnessed an event which they have long wished to see, and have worked with will for many long years to accomplish, pouring out in the meantime, plentifully of their treasure. The entrance of the railroad locomotive on Tuesday was the occasion of grand jubi- lee by the citizens. The Connecticut Wes- tern, has climded tue sides of the mountains on either side, and to day the locomotive is no longer stranger in thatromantic and venerable town. It was predetermined by the inhabitants, to set aside day for gen eral rejoicing, when the rails were laid through their village, and Tuesday last was fixed upon for that celebration. As t has been our good fortune to witness all the railroad jubilees thus fsr on this road, we thought that to not attend this, would ex- hibit derelict of duty on our part which we were loath to allow, and although it cost us time in almost the busiest part of the week, which we could lilly spare. Tuesday forenoon found us climbing the sandy roads on the hills to Norfolk. At quarter past one o'clock in the afternoon, a procession being formed in front of the Norfolk House, headed by cavalcade of neatly equipped horsemcn, and the Lake vile Brass Band, proceeded to the park, amid the firing of cannon, ringing of church bells and the prolonged whistle of the To- comotive. Or their arrival, the speakers and members of the press were invited to the stand, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Eldridge. J. K. Shepard, Esq, as chairman of the committee of arrange ments, then came forward and said, Eel low Citizens; Ladies and Gentlemen" ''This day is 8 great event for this good old town; such as Very few ever expecte d to-witness. Over five years ago, by the assistance of few individuals, an engineer was employed who, on one of the coldest days in February, 1866 rode over these mountains and through these valleys to as- certain if railroad could be constructed. After an examination. it was found to be feasible route. On the following May, Mr. J. G. Cooper, as engineer, with con- petent assistants and with the volentery aid of many of the citizens of this and adioin- ing towns, made preliminary survey, aLd in June following, the first charter of a Rli nd hxyf fbn elo to extend from Collinsville to some point on the Housatonic road. On the 9th day of January, 1870, the first ground was broken in this town Since that time up to the present, the enterprise has been pushed forward as fast as possible, amid many difficulties and discouragements, but thanks to an overruling Providence, the hurculesn task has been accomplished, and to day We are called upon to celebrate the arrival of the first locomotive in our town, amid the shouts of the people, ringing of bells, booming of cannon and whistle of the locomotive. I bid you all welcome on this joyous occasion. Let it be time of rejoicing, and trust no one of our people will ever regret the efforts they have made to secure this great enterprise. To our friends from sister cities and towns now present, bid you most cordial welcome. 'sAnd would especially welcome the repre- sentatives of the Press, who have SO kindly volunteered to be with us to day, and also the president and other officers of this cor poration, one and all would we return our thanks for their united efforts in behalf of the stockholders of this road. May this be happy day and one long to be remem- bered by all.'
 On the conclusion of Mir. Shepards re- marks, all were invited to partake of the bountiful repast prepared by the ladies of Norfolk. This occasion for general con- versation gave US opportunity to get &C., quainted with our brothers of the quill and scissors, present. The Hartford Courant was represented by MT. c. H. Clark. The Springfield Republican by MT. Robt. Fitch. and the Winsted Hera1d by editor Vaill These gentlemen we were happy 10 meet and the result only strengthened the good
 
 region, which we from the first have enter tained. After the refreshments, the meet ing was called to order by the chairman, who introduced the Rev. Dr. Eldridge, who in his remarks paid high compl;- ment to the Hon. Wm. H. Barnum, as tue man to drive through to successful con- pletion such gigantic enterprise as the building of railroad over the mountains of Norfolk. He said that when the pro- ject was talked about few years ago, and it was announced that MT. Barnum was to manage affairs, it was quite natural for him, as he did do, to apply in his mind, the test resorted to by Napoleon when a man was recommended to him for any im- portant office. Napoleon's first question was, 'what has he done?' Mir. Eldridge thought, a glance at the immense business created by MT. Barnum in this county, was sufficient reply to the question, and immediately was it decided in his min that if Mir. B. had taken hold of the mat ter, the road would be built. He hoped the road would never sink to the level of roads, governed by a party or clique, but would be used honorably for the benefit of all. Among the benefits to the citi zens of Norfolk, this road would teach them when they wished to take the cars, that four o'clock meant four o'clock or half past one mae0nt half past one, not two o'clock or any other time, and thus would they learn to be more punctual. B. T. Butler, Esq, was next introduced. Mir. Butler is director of the Conn. Western road, and was one of the prime movers Tn the enterprise. He gave concise history of bo rool and cold ip oorl;oSf