Litchfield enquirer., 1876-07-13

penuence was read Dy ErOI. MaEK Dal1eyS of Yale College, and Historical address suited to the occasion, delivered by Rev. Dr. Bacon. Befere the close of these services at the church, Prof. Fisher made Q balloon ascension from the Green, go- ing off in fine style in northerly direc- tion, but getting into higher current of air. the course was changed to an caster ly one, and he landed safely in Higganum, although his balloon suffered some dam age in the decent, he returned to the city to-day. ..-...
 But one of the pleasantest features of the days festivities was the concert on the Green, participated in by 2S00 of the chil- dren from the public schools. under the direction of Prof. B. Jepson. Seats for their accommodation had been erected on the lower side of the green. The chil- 'dren were dressed in red, white, and blue uniforms. The center of the stage was occupied by the pupils of the High School, some of the young ladies of which represented the different States of the Union, presided over by the Goddess of Liberty. They were escorted to the Green by company of the boys of the High School dressed in Continental uni form. The "Teutonia Maemeer Chor, a German Singing Society also participated in the concert. The entertainment con- sisted of patriotic songs, the solos being sung by the children of one school with unison chorus by all the schools. When it is considered that this was the first time they had sung together, the wonder ful harmony produced was surprising, and spoke loudly in praise of the teaching re- ceived from Prof. Jepson, by the children of our public schools. Nine schools were represented. Upon singing "Yankee Doodle" the baton was taken by the little son of Prof. Jepson. who successfully led the solo and chorus. At it's conclusion Mayor Lewis held the little fellow up on the music stand to be seen by the vast as- semblage, This act was. received with enthusiastic cheers by the children. The concert closed with Old Hundred Praise God from whom all Blessings fow," by all the schools and the assembled people.
 Tn the evening an immense assemblage gathered on and about the Green to wit ness the display of fireworks which had been announced. Although some portions of this pyrotechnic show was very beauti- ful, as whole, it was hardly up to the standard of what had been announced, and should have been produced. Clos ing about 10 o'clock, within two hours thereafter the city had resumed it's won't ed stiffness, and the first centennial Fourth of July was numbered among the things of the past. No serious accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the day, and, al- though the heat was rather oppressive. every one seemed to enjoy themselves in a manner becoming the occasion.
 Fifty years ago, at the semi-centennial celebration, dinner was given at the Tontine, at which four hundred gentle men sat down. Of this number 1t is not known that more than seven persons are still living, one of the seven being Charles Adams, Esq, formerly editor of the En- quirer. How many of the great assem- blaze who participated in the festivities of yesterday will be present at the third semi-centennial celebration is known only te Him who holds in His hand the desti- nies not only of individuals but of na- of them, may they at that time look upon a united, and happy and prosperous peo- pie, fully enjoying the benefits of that government:for which the patriots of 1776 pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor," J.